North Vietnam (Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Dien Bien, Hoa Binh, Lai Chau, Son La, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Bac Can, Lang Son. Tuyen Quang, Thai Nguyen, Phu Tho, Bac Giang, Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, Ha Nam, Ha Noi, Hai Duong, Hai Phong, Hung Yen, Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh, Thai Binh, Vinh Phuc)
Vietnam weather in January is the dry month of Hanoi in particular and the north in general. The temperature is not too low and not too high with 14 degree Celsius (63°F). The highest temperature in the north is 19 °C ( 66°F) with an average sunshine hour is 5 hours per day. One third of the month will be rainy and rainfall will be around 10 mm. The night usually has fog.
Central Vietnam (Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri Hue, Da Nang, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, Phu Yen. Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong and Lam Dong)
January, when the weather in the central does not bring the heat of summer, nor really cold as the cold of the North with average temperature is 23°). In the central of Vietnam, it’s cool with drizzling rain. People often make joke that the rain this month is a specialty of provinces in the central because it does not rain with the wind, or too cold as the north.
South Vietnam (Binh Phuoc, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Tay Ninh, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City, Long An, Dong Thap, Tien Giang, An Giang. Ben Tre, Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, Hau Giang, Kien Giang. Soc Trang, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau and Can Tho City)
A good news for you is that January is one of the best month of a year with blue sky, fresh atmosphere with an average temperature is 26 °C. The weather is not too hot which is suitable to set foot in in this month.
Where to go in January?
January is the month of Lunar New Year and winter in the north and dry season in the south. If you want to travel this time, you should go to the following locations:
Ha Giang : January in Ha Giang, plum blossom flowers are very gorgeous, along with the low temperature background (sometimes below 0°C) so maybe you can enjoy watching snow fall while looking at flowers.
Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh: Beaches in Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh are the quietest and clearest in January to September of the year. At this time, the atmosphere is also cool, not too hot nor too cold, you’ll be amazed by seafood there.
Da Lat: In January, cherry blossoms from Da Lat to Cau Dat plantation. The fresh air of the mountain town makes visitors here feel more comfortable.
Vung Tau: Not as ancient as Hoi An, nor as quiet as Da Lat, Vung Tau is a harmonious, natural, charming beauty. In January, coming to Vung Tau you will feel calm, pleasant with spacious roads. Under the blue sea, on the mountain tops, small mountains, the same pure pagodas. Vung Tau is not only peaceful but also many famous places such as Thang Lam, Thuy Le Tomb, Jesu statue.
Da Nang : January is probably the right time for travelers to set foot in. Arriving in Da Nang at this time is a smart choice because the air is cool and the service price is cheaper than going in the summer months.
Halong Bay: This spot has created tremendous attentions for years. It’s well-known for the most stunning and exciting destination in Vietnam. This World Heritage Site has many outstanding and natural caves, islets, activities that would be a great chance for travelers who love exploring. If you want to visit Vietnam in January, Halong Bay shouldn’t be skipped in your list.
Hoi An: Another destination you should take consideration when travelling in January is the old town of Hoi An.
This ancient town has many unique architecture with the light from lanterns in the Thu Bon river, amazing food, friendly people… All of them make Hoi An as a must see place when visiting Vietnam, especially in January.
Explore more: Biking places around Hanoi
