Vietnam in February: Perfect Weather and Must-Visit Spots

Is it worth visiting Vietnam during Tet 2026?

Yes, absolutely, but only if you are prepared. Tet (Lunar New Year) is not just a holiday; it is the soul of Vietnam.

Unlike the "Asian decorations" you might see elsewhere, Tet in Vietnam 2026 (Year of the Horse) is defined by the sea of kumquat trees and peach blossoms strapped to the back of motorbikes weaving through traffic. It is the scent of burning incense in the temples and the taste of Banh Chung (sticky rice cake).

Important Dates for 2026: The festival officially peaks on February 17, 2026 (Tet Day).

• The Atmosphere: From Feb 10 to Feb 16, the streets are chaotic and vibrant (bustling markets). On Feb 17, major cities like Hanoi fall into a sacred silence, a rare and beautiful sight.

The Weather Vietnam in February: "Nồm" vs. Sunshine

Vietnam in February is a tale of two climates. You can freeze in a misty morning in Hanoi and be sunbathing by the pool in Saigon the very next day. Here is the honest breakdown:

1. Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa)

Welcome to the "Nồm" Season. This is a unique weather phenomenon where humidity spikes above 90 percent, causing floors to "sweat" (become slippery) and laundry to never dry.

• Temperature: Cool to cold. Expect 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). In mountainous Sapa, it can drop to 5°C (41°F).

Do not expect blue skies. The sky is often overcast with drizzle. However, this creates a "cinematic and moody" atmosphere. Halong Bay and Ninh Binh look incredibly mystical in the fog, resembling scenes from Kong: Skull Island. However, luck may be on your side during the Lunar New Year. We often experience surprising breaks of warm sunshine during Tet, marking the beautiful arrival of true spring.

• ⚠️ Expert Tip: Pack a lightweight waterproof windbreaker and closed-toe shoes with good grip. Canvas sneakers will get soggy.

2. Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An)

This is the transition zone. The weather is pleasant and cool, averaging 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).

• Note for beach lovers: It is generally too cold for swimming in Da Nang or Hoi An due to strong winds and cool water temperatures. Enjoy the beaches for walking, not sunbathing.

3. Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc)

Complete opposite of the north. It is the peak of the dry season. Expect glorious sunshine, blue skies, and zero rain.

• Temperature: Hot. Averages 27°C to 32°C (81°F to 90°F).
• Health Warning (Thermal Shock): If you fly directly from Hanoi (15°C) to Phu Quoc (30°C), the sudden temperature change can cause fatigue. Layer your clothing so you can strip down as soon as you land.

Where to Go in February 2026

For Sun Seekers

Phu Quoc Island (The Emerald Isle)

If you demand absolute weather perfection, Phu Quoc is the undisputed winner of February. According to our climate data, the island averages a pleasant 27.5°C with sunny and rainless skies, creating the ideal conditions for diving or hiking through the national park. Beyond the turquoise water and white sands, this "Emerald Isle" offers a unique culinary adventure. Do not miss a visit to the traditional fish sauce factories to smell the pungent "perfume" of Vietnam.

A major bonus for international travelers is the specific visa free policy (for up to 30 days), making it the most hassle free tropical escape in the country. However, perfection draws crowds, so secure your beachfront resort immediately as this is peak season.

Mui Ne (The Mini Sahara)

For those who prefer adrenaline over lazy lounging, Mui Ne offers a dramatic change of scenery just a four hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City. This town is famous for its "Mini Sahara", the giant red and white sand dunes where the landscape feels more like Africa than Southeast Asia. February is the prime time for thrill seekers, as the winds pick up to a consistent 12 to 30 knots, turning the sea into a world class paradise for kitesurfing.

If you prefer terra firma, kick off your shoes and walk through Fairy Creek (Suối Tiên), a "mini Grand Canyon" with vibrant ochre orange limestone formations that glow beautifully in the afternoon sun.

For Culture Vultures (Yêu văn hóa & Lễ hội)

Hanoi

In February 2026, forget the static descriptions in old guidebooks. Hanoi transforms into a city of dramatic contrasts depending on when you arrive. 

• If you visit Pre-Tet (Before Feb 17), you must dive into the "organized chaos" of Hang Ma Street, now exploding with red lanterns, and the fleeting Hang Luoc Flower Market, a unique spot that vanishes on New Year's Eve. 

Here, you will witness the iconic, heart-stopping sight of locals balancing giant Kumquat trees and Peach Blossoms on the back of their motorbikes.

• But come February 17th (Tet Day), the roar of traffic is replaced by a rare, sacred silence. 

This is the golden hour for culture lovers. Follow the scent of heavy incense to Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake to pray for luck, or step into the Temple of Literature to witness the Festival of Calligraphy (Xin Chữ), where scholars keep the ancient ink-wash tradition alive. And don't fear the famous Hanoi Drizzle (mưa phùn); while damp, it adds a cinematic, misty glow to the city’s red lanterns that you cannot find at any other time of year.

☁️ About weather: Expect the famous Hanoi drizzle. It might be damp (humidity >85%), but it makes the red lanterns glow beautifully in the mist.

Hoi An

While the Instagram crowd chases yellow walls, the true soul of Hoi An in February lies in its spiritual atmosphere. Skip the bottleneck at the Japanese Bridge and step inside the Fujian Assembly Hall instead. During Tet holiday (Vietnamese lunar newyear), hundreds of giant spiral incense coils hang from the ceiling, creating a smoky, ethereal cathedral of light that is a photographer's dream.

If your dates align, you are in for a spectacle.

• On February 1st (Full Moon), the town cuts its electricity for the Legendary Lantern Night, lit only by candles and the moon. 
• From February 17th onwards, the Hoai River transforms into a galaxy of floating flower lanterns.

🎭 Must-see Art Shows: Consider Hoi An Memories (visual spectacle), Teh Dar Show (Bamboo Circus), or the Water Puppetry for a rainy evening.

In addition, do not plan a day trip to An Bang Beach in February. The water is very cold and windy. Stay in the old town and cycle in Tra Que Vegetable Village instead.

For Nature & Photography

Moc Chau & Ha Giang

If you are chasing the "Pinterest-perfect" image of Vietnam, we have some hard news: Skip Sapa in February. While famous for its golden rice terraces, Sapa during this month falls into the "fallow season," meaning the majestic fields are currently barren, muddy, and brown. More importantly, the valley is often swallowed by dense fog (with a 70 percent chance of zero visibility), meaning you might travel six hours only to stare at a wall of white mist instead of the "Roof of Indochina".

Instead, point your compass toward Moc Chau, the vast plateau that offers the month's most spectacular sight, the white plum blossom (Hoa Mận) season. Unlike the trapped fog of Sapa’s narrow valleys, Moc Chau’s open topography often allows the midday sun to break through, illuminating endless valleys of white petals against a blue sky, a masterpiece for any photographer.

For those seeking drama over romance, Ha Giang is the ultimate alternative. While also misty, the fog here clings to the jagged peaks of the Dong Van Karst Plateau, creating a "moody and mysterious" atmosphere that feels like an adventure into the unknown. 

Beyond the scenery, these two regions offer a raw cultural immersion far deeper than commercialized tourism, you will trade souvenir shops for authentic encounters with the Thai and Hmong people in Moc Chau, or the ancient Red Dao and Lo Lo tribes in the rugged mountains of Ha Giang.

Halong Bay

Forget the glossy postcards of saturated blue skies. In February 2026, Halong Bay transforms into a living ink-wash painting (tranh thủy mặc). The bay is often draped in a thick blanket of mist where thousands of limestone karsts fade in and out of view, creating a moody, mysterious atmosphere identical to the movie set of Kong: Skull Island (which was filmed right here). It is eerie, silent, and incredibly photogenic for those who appreciate "moody" cinematography over standard sunny snapshots.

Because the air is crisp and damp (expect temperatures around 15°C - 18°C), you won't be sunbathing on the deck. Instead, the secret to mastering Halong in February is choosing the right vessel. We strongly recommend booking luxury cruises with heated Jacuzzis or stellar onboard Spas (like Stellar of the Seas or Elite of the Seas). Drifting through the foggy labyrinth while soaking in a warm tub is a world-class experience that summer tourists never get to feel. Even kayaking in the mist becomes surprisingly magical, as the water is calm and the silence is absolute.

To experience a successful cruise, check out this article: 11 Best Halong Bay Cruises

• Ninh Binh (The Terrestrial Halong Bay)

While nicknamed "The Terrestrial Halong Bay", Ninh Binh in February offers a flavor far removed from the sunny postcards. Much like its coastal sister, the karst peaks here trap the winter mist, creating a surreal, ancient atmosphere perfect for fans of the movie Kong: Skull Island. Do not expect golden harvest fields; February is the "Mirror Season", where the fields are flooded with water, reflecting the grey sky and limestone mountains like a giant looking glass.

However, a crucial warning for travelers: Avoid the Trang An Complex and Bai Dinh Pagoda during the Tet holiday (Feb 16 to 25). These become major pilgrimage sites for locals, resulting in overwhelming crowds. For the peaceful, "disconnect from the world" vibe you crave, head to Van Long Nature Reserve or take an early morning boat in Tam Coc instead. Also, if you plan to conquer the 500 steps of Mua Cave (Hang Múa), tread carefully, the stone steps can be slippery in the February drizzle.

For Couples (Valentine's Day - Feb 14)

Since Valentine’s Day 2026 falls just days before the Lunar New Year, smart couples view this as the perfect excuse to escape the festive chaos. For a true "Tet Detox," look no further than Ninh Van Bay in Nha Trang. Accessible only by speedboat, this secluded peninsula feels like a private island sanctuary far removed from the firecrackers and crowds. Imagine waking up in a Hilltop Reserve Villa at Six Senses or a Jungle Rock Villa at An Lam Retreats, where your only soundtrack is the waves of the East Sea and your private plunge pool is carved directly into the natural rock formations. It is raw nature refined with absolute luxury.

If you prefer an urban romance, Ho Chi Minh City offers a surprisingly magical evening atmosphere in February. As the humidity drops and the river breeze picks up, skip the crowded rooftop bars and board a boutique dinner cruise on the Saigon River (such as the Bonsai Legacy or Saigon Princess). Watching the illuminated skyline drift by while enjoying a fine dining meal offers a rhythmic, intimate side of the bustling metropolis that few tourists get to see, the perfect way to celebrate love before the city shuts down for the holidays.

💡The 3-region tourist map will help you to have an overview of the most attractive tourist destinations in Vietnam. See details here: Vietnam Tourist Map and Geography

6. Practical advice 

• Anticipate the Tet period by reserving your transport and accommodation in advance, as demand is very high.
• During this holiday, many places will be closed. Plan your activities carefully to take advantage of those that will remain open.
• Make sure you have enough cash before Tet, as banks are closed and ATMs are not stocked.
• Plan your trip around 10 days before the Lunar New Year to enjoy the festive entertainment and typical markets. Visit Vietnam before Tet for the full experience, without worrying about service closures .

7. Suggested Vietnam Itineraries for February

Traveling to Vietnam in February is ideal, as the weather is favorable for exploring the entire country. About 2 weeks is the perfect time to enjoy the best of the destination.

14-Day Itinerary for Beach Lovers in February

• Day 1: Hanoi - Arrival
• Day 2: Hanoi - City Tour
• Day 3: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Hanoi
• Day 4: Hanoi - Halong Bay
• Day 5: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Flight to Danang - Hoi An
• Day 6: Free day in Hoi An
• Day 7: Hoi An - Hue
• Day 8: Visit Hue - flight to Ho Chi Minh City
• Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City Tour - Cu Chi Tunnels
• Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Can Tho
• Day 11: Can Tho - Phu Quoc
• Days 12 + 13: Phu Quoc Island - free day
• Day 14: Phu Quoc - Ho Chi Minh City - departure

▶️💥More details: 2-Week Getaway in Vietnam from Halong to Phu Quoc Island

15-Day Itinerary to Explore the Northern Mountains of Vietnam

• Day 1: Hanoi - Arrival
• Day 2: Hanoi - Free day - Night train to Lao Cai (1 night by train)
• Day 3: Lao Cai - Sapa
• Day 4: Sapa - Fansipan - Hanoi
• Day 5: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Hanoi
• Day 6: Hanoi - Halong Bay
• Day 7: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue
• Day 8: Hue - Free Day
• Day 9: Hue - Hoi An
• Days 10 + 11: Hoi An
• Day 12: Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City
• Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta
• Day 14: Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City
• Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City - departure

▶️💥Check our circuit: Cheap trip to Vietnam in 15 days from north to south 💥

8. FAQs about Vietnam in February

• Can I visit the beaches in Vietnam in February?

Yes, in February, some beaches in southern Vietnam are hot and dry, just perfect to enjoy the sun and sea. Recommended:

• Phu Quoc: It is perfect for a swim or to simply relax on its white sandy beaches with temperatures of 27.5°C, sunny weather, and no rain. February falls within the dry period in Phu Quoc, which ranges from November to April.
• Nha Trang: Temperatures range between 20°C and 32°C, with a beautiful bay and various water activities. February is also part of the dry season in Nha Trang, which extends from January to September.

• Is it safe to travel to Vietnam in February?

Completely safe! Vietnam is a quiet country with friendly people, no political instability, and much less dangerous than other destinations. It is perfect for all types of trips: alone, with family, with friends, or on honeymoon.

We suggest exercising a little caution, just like in any other country, namely staying alert against possible cases of robbery on the streets. Contact us to plan your trip in February!

Conclusion

We hope that all the information in this article will be useful to you in planning your trip to Vietnam in February 2025! If you would like to simplify your preparations, do not hesitate to contact us to organize a tailor-made tour according to your wishes.