Vietnam in September is a blend of autumn and monsoon. During this time, it is neither too hot nor too cold. It is one of the peak times to visit North Vietnam and the Central Highlands for hiking and other recreational activities. As it comes under the off-season, there are fewer crowds, and you can enjoy affordable bookings. Let us know more about the weather in Vietnam.
Weather in Vietnam in September
September marks an end to the scorching heat and welcomes autumn in Vietnam. In September, this South-Eastern Peninsula is moderately affected by the Southeast Monsoon, leading to wet weather in Central Vietnam and slightly lesser downpours in South Vietnam and North Vietnam, making highlands worth visiting. The average temperature of Vietnam remains around 24°C this autumn month, and the average humidity level is 94%.
Northern Mountain Region - Sapa, Ha Giang, Bac Ha, Mu Cang Chai, Haiphong
September is monsoon month in the northern mountain region; hence, trekking is open once again in SaPa. September is a peak month to visit SaPa and areas around Mu Cang Chai. This is the month when golden rice crops sway under light showers of rain and are ready for harvesting. Sun appears equally, and the weather is not bad.
North Vietnam - Hanoi, Halong Bay, Cuc Phuong, Mai Chau & Ninh Binh
By September, North Vietnam is at the end of the summer monsoon phase with an average temperature of 28°C. Outdoors have plenty of hot weather, which tends to decrease by the end of the month. Hanoi and Halong Bay are great to explore under the soothing weather.
Central Vietnam - Hoi An, Danang, Hue, Dalat, Quy Nhon & Nha Trang
After good sunshine beach time in August, Central Vietnam is set to experience a weather change in September. Hoi An, Hue, and Nha Trang have 28°C average temperatures with moderate amounts of rainfall. Stormy weather is possible towards the end of September. Dalat and Central Highlands are very wet, making trekking and other outdoor activities inadvisable, while Pha Nha Ke Bang may get floods. Central Vietnam is prone to typhoons in autumn.
South Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh City, The Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc and Con Dao, Phan Thiet & Mui Ne, Ho Tram & Long Hai
During September, rains affect South Vietnam less than in previous monsoon months, with an average temperature of 28°C. Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta are affected by daily afternoon showers, but you can expect plenty of daylight hours for outdoor activities. September is also the month of Green Turtle's first hatchlings on Con Dao island.
Events and Festivals in Vietnam in September
1. Vietnam National Day
Vietnam celebrates one of the most significant holidays - Vietnam National Day on September 2. Back in 1945, Vietnam’s revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh, declared Vietnam’s independence on this day. National Day in Vietnam holds multiple contests, cultural events, boat races on Hoan Kiem Lake, and extravagant fireworks at Ba Dinh Square. Natives decorate with the national flag on the top of houses and buildings and in the streets; red and yellow colors sway with pride along with beautiful flower beds. A big parade, the charm of the day, is held at Ba Dinh Square in front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which is then followed by a fireworks display.
2. Wandering Soul Day or Trang Nguyen
One of the major festivals of Vietnam is Wandering Soul Day, or Trang Nguyen, which is celebrated on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month. This cultural festival, which is also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival and Cold Food Festival (Tet Han Thuc), holds national importance. Just like in many mythologies, Vietnam Mythology says that this is the day when the gate of hell is set to open, and spirits wander on the land. The Vietnamese consider this day a negative time for new beginnings; they avoid marriages, major contracts, and new projects. But prioritize forgiveness and charity.
The spectacular night view on the 14th night of every month in Hoi An, Vietnam, is worth experiencing as the city celebrates the festival of lights. Lighting lanterns are considered to be a good luck and fortune charm in Vietnam. Hoi An Lantern festival is considered to be an incredible moment to follow the rituals of worshipping deceased relatives. The festival not only brings closeness and happiness but is a wise method to save electricity.
4. Tet Trung Thu (Mid-Autumn Festival)
Tet Trung Thu is the mid-autumn festival celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month every year. This festival is mainly for children to engage in various cultural dances and arts and is also known as the festival of harvesting crops. The history of celebrating the festival is related to Emperor Duong Minh Hoang’s visit to the moon via Dien Phap Thien’s magic. The Emperor enjoyed the heavenly atmosphere and performances by the fairies on the moon. After he came back to Earth, he decided to celebrate the 15th day of the 8th lunar month under the moon and decorate houses and streets with lanterns.
5. Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival
Do Son District in Haiphong celebrates one of the unique festivals of Vietnam, ‘Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival’ on the 9th day of the 8th lunar month while its preparations start from the 5th or 6th lunar month. This festival is associated with the Water Goddess and Tutelary God-worshipping, sacrificial ceremony towards Diem Tuoc God, Buffalo Sacrificing, and showcasing bravery.
6. Lam Kinh FestivalVietnamese celebrate the Lam Kinh Festival on the 22nd day of the 8th lunar month in Tho Xuan District. Lam Kinh has many mausoleums and tombs, out of which King Le Loi’s Temple holds utter importance. People follow incense offering rites and other rituals to pay homage to the national heroes in King Le Temple. The tourists can be a part of traditional folk games and dances, Ly Lien singing, and enjoy the performance of bronze drums. There are several homemade products to buy, like bee’s honey, aloeswood, cinnamon, and mushrooms.
Places to Visit in Vietnam in September
Why visit in September? What are the things to take care of?
- September almost marks an end to beach time and reopens the opportunity for hiking and other recreational activities in North Vietnam, especially in Hanoi, Sapa, and Mu Cang Chai. The latter half of the month is suitable for Halong Bay as well. Overall, it is a picturesque month in rural areas of Vietnam.
- In Hanoi, the ‘milk flower’ blossoms and brims the streets with its unique scent. Tourists can plan to visit Hanoi on the National Day of Vietnam to witness beautiful flower beds decorated on the streets along with colorful signboards.
- On a public holiday, natives hit the coastal cities, leaving Hanoi and Saigon in a peaceful environment. This is the golden time to explore the culture and history of Vietnam closely.
- Although September attracts foreign tourists to North Vietnam and some parts of South Vietnam, Central Vietnam isn’t very crowded, so you can expect low airfares and low prices of hotels and accommodations.
Where to Go?
Vietnam offers bonnie coastlines, historical architectural sites, exotic adventure activities, air-conditioned modern museums, flowering fields, mouth-watering foods, and lively markets. Where one major place is known for its art, another is an attraction point for its nightlife, all-in-all Vietnam wisely preserves its culture. September is a good-to-go time to North Vietnam highlands, while later September is suitable for South Vietnam, especially the Mekong Delta. Below is the list of the cities and places from North Vietnam to South Vietnam to visit in September.
1. SaPa
Located in the Northwest Mountain region of Vietnam, this beautiful town SaPa has various small villages. SaPa is warm, with an average temperature of 21°C; autumn winds make the surroundings more beautiful in September. Travelers must visit the ‘SaPa Museum’ and ‘Cat Cat Village’ (one of the oldest villages of Sapa) to learn the history of people here and the ‘Cloud Yard’ to complement the beauty of clouds. SaPa gives an opportunity to hike Vietnam’s Highest Peak ‘Mt. Fansipan’s viewpoint is called Heaven's Gate.
- Other major attractions include Fairy Cave, Silver Waterfalls, Tram Ton Pass, Muong Hoa Valley, and Muong Khuong Bird Market.
2. Mai Chau
Mai Chau is a northwestern mountainous district in Hoa Binh Province. Although there isn’t much to explore here yet, the peaceful and colorful environment of Mai Chau (home of Thai ethnic groups) is worth visiting in autumn. Pu Luong Nature Reserve is good for hiking, and if you want to enjoy snow, go to Deo Thung Khe. Stilt houses are noteworthy architectural features of the Mai Chau district.
- Other major attractions include Go Lao Waterfall, Chieu Cave, and Thung Ke Pass Flagpole.
3. Mu Cang Chai
Mu Cang Chai is a northwest mountainous rural district in Vietnam that creates jaw-dropping scenery in September. You will see golden rice crops swaying proudly, ready to harvest. This is the best time to know the lifestyle of Mong Ethnic farmers. Khau Pha Pass, called ‘Sky’s Horn’ develops magnificent scenery. There are other small villages in the city to visit to adore the beauty of paddy farming and to experience their local culture by the homestay. Visit to Mu Cang Chai is incomplete without visiting two of its breathtaking waterfalls - Mo and Phu Nu waterfalls. Mu Cang Chai has its own market, too.
- Other major attractions include Ba Nha Bridge, Mam Xoi Hill, and Kim Noi Village.
4. Ninh Binh
Located in North Vietnam, Ninh Binh Province is famous for its Karst Landscape in Tam Coc. August is one of the best seasons to visit Ninh Binh because it is the harvest season. A boat can be hired to see the limestone cliffs in Tam Coc. A two-hour excursion takes you through three natural caves - Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. A journey of about five hundred steps to the ancient temple on a hilltop - Hang Mua, will lead to a panoramic view from Tam Coc.
- Other major attractions include Hoa Lu, Trang An, Phat Diem Cathedral, and Ken Gha.
5. Cuc Phuong National Park, Ninh Binh Province
In late September, biodiversity was great in Cuc Phuong National Park, located in Ninh Binh Province. You can trek through a grass jungle and observe ancient trees and a rich variety of flora and fauna. Vietnam’s oldest national park includes the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, where Monkeys, Langurs, and Gibbons were rescued and kept, and the Turtle Conservation Centre. There is a Cave of Prehistoric Man where centuries-old skeletons and tools are preserved. Families must not miss a trip to the national park. Do not forget to apply mosquito repellent and wear good hiking shoes.
6. Hanoi
Hanoi is the only capital of a country which isn't its largest city. The capital of Vietnam - Hanoi, is a place for every traveler. September is a peak month to explore Hanoi and to witness the blooming of ‘Milk Flower’ or Alstonia scholars. I definitely taste ‘Com’ - a green-colored rice flake that originates from Vong Village.
- Other major attractions include Hanoi Train Street, Cau Giay Park, Dong Xuan Market, Rose Park, Smiley Ville, Lotte Observation Deck, Long Bien Bridge, Ba Vi National Park, and Perfume Pagoda.
7. Halong Bay
Halong Bay, located in North Vietnam, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so there’s much to explore and spend a soothing September here. The weather starts to cool down, but the average temperature remains around 30 degrees, so it isn’t a great time to rejuvenate and get tanned on beaches and islands. Nevertheless, travelers can go for a cruise, swimming, or cooking classes. It is a good month for kayaking and snorkeling. There are caves to explore and floating villages to visit. Halong City (divided into East HaLong - Hon Gai and West HaLong - Bai Chay) in the North part of Halong Bay has an artificial beach, 'Bai Chay Beach,’ and a Bai Chai Market to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, gifts or souvenirs.
- Other major attractions include HaLong Queen Cable Car, Sun World Halong Complex, Stacking Rocks, Tuan Chau Island, and Cannon Fort.
8. Cat Ba Island, Halong Bay
Cat Ba Island is one of the most amazing and highly visited Islands connected to HaLong Bay. September is one of the less crowded months in Cat Ba Island and the best to visit if you love monsoon; the average temperature is around 31˚C. Although there are frequent and short-lasting rains in September, cancellation of voyages is rare. Also, in September, tourists can enjoy the splendid scenery at low prices.
- Other major attractions include Dinh Lagu Lam, Cat Ba Archipelago, and Monkey Island.
9. Nha Trang
Nha Trang is located in Central Vietnam and is great to visit in September to enjoy various water sports at Monkey Island, and Hon Tre Island and have relaxing hours at Thap Ba Hot Spring. You can spend a couple of hours at Hon Ba Mountain and worship in the aesthetically pleasing Long Son Pagoda (White Buddha Pagoda) and Ponagar Tower. There is Tri Nguyen Aquarium Vinpearl Waterpark for kids to enjoy. Roam at night in Nha Trang Night Market to buy food or clothes; you can get gifts, souvenirs, and embroidered items from street shops.
- Other major attractions include Vinpearl Cable Car, YangBa Waterfall, and Ba Ho Waterfall Cliff Jumping.
10. Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc Island lies in Southwest Vietnam, apart from the mainland. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is the largest island in Vietnam, with its own international airport. By mid-September, the summer season replaces monsoon, giving out bright sunshine and perfect weather for beaches. Phu Quoc is one of the best places to visit in September.
- Other major attractions include Ham Ninh Fishing Village, Vinpearl Safari, Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park, Trúc Lam Ho Quoc Zen Monastery, and Phu Quoc National Park.
11. Phan Thiet - Mui Ne
To the south of Vietnam lies a coastal port area, ‘Phan Thiet,’ which is, again, one of the best places to visit in September. It is divided between the city center and the famous Mui Ne Beach and has plenty of accommodations. Right from tropical forests to mesmerizing beaches to ancient architecture, Phan Thiet has some or other engaging parts for every traveler.
Mui Ne Beach has clean and rock-free water, which makes it suitable for swimming, jet skiing, banana riding, surfing, and kayaking. There are some outlets that sell local handicrafts, jewelry, and beachwear. Try the seafood here, which is served with Vietnam’s famous fish sauce.
- Other major attractions include Mui Ne Fishing Village, Cham Tower, Ta Chi Pagoda, and Ganh Beach.