Vietnam in September: Weather and Event Guide
What weather to expect in September, what to do, what's on in Vietnam in September?
Da Nang beach, Vietnam in September
Weather Overview
In Vietnam, September signals a transition of seasons. In the Northern part, autumn starts to come, and rainfall starts to dwindle. In the Center and the South, the rain gets in its peak season with a high chance of storm or typhoon. However, it is still a good time to visit Vietnam and for good reasons.
September is also the time when student summer holiday ends, and families return to their everyday life, which means popular destinations will see fewer people. Whether you are a nature lover, a city hunter, a relaxation-bound traveler, visiting Vietnam in September will open countless options for you.
Temperature and humidity
The miserable typhoons and downpours in the previous month at least do some good by cooling off the heat for September. Hanoi’s temperature is down to 24-31°C low/high, but the humidity remains high at 80%. Northern mountain shares similar humidity but lower average at 17-27°C.
Meanwhile, with the southwest monsoon from the Eastern sea, the amount of rain in the Central region is enormous. This may affect your trip to the central beaches, so watch the forecast carefully.
Like August, September is still the rainy season in Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta, with a comfortable and consistent temperature of under 30°C but with 25 rain days. The good news is that the rain does not persist, and the next thing you know the sun is out and bright again, before you even take out your umbrella.
| Regions | Temperature (C) | Humidity | Rainfalls | Rain Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North | 32° / 25° | 79.4% | 109mm | 5 days |
| Central | 32° / 24° | 82.7% | 307mm | 10 days |
| South | 32° / 23° | 81.6% | 79.8mm | 6 days |
Events in September
Vietnam Independence Day, September 02
Vietnam Independence Day
September 2nd is the most important event for Vietnam as a nation. On this day in 1945, President Ho Chi Minh had read the Declaration of Independence in Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, marking the country's freedom from colonialism. Since then, every year, across the country, and especially in Ba Dinh square of Hanoi, there are big parades and special events to celebrate this national day.
Mid-autumn Festival
The actual day of the mid-autumn festival, also called Full Moon Festival, is August 15th of the lunar calendar. However, Vietnamese people always prepare for the festival more than a week in advance. Families will buy mooncakes, persimmons and other treats. On the night of the festivals, major cities' streets will be filled with children carrying lanterns, cellophane toys, or wearing a mini lion head to route for the actual lion dance performance. The most crowded area in Hanoi is around Hang Ma street in the Old Quarter. For Ho Chi Minh city, the major venue for celebration is Nguyen Hue walking street and Cho Lon area.
Buffalo fight festival - Do Son, Hai Phong
On August 9th of the lunar month (in the middle of September of the Gregorian calendar), Do Son, Hai Phong will host a buffalo fight festival. The two buffaloes will fight each other till one is down, and the last one standing becomes the race winner. The festival has remained for the last 1000 years, making it the representative of Do Son people.
What to expect
- The Northern part, especially the Northwest, will start to witness the changing color of autumn
- The Central provinces can experience heavy rain and storms in late September. Make sure to watch the weather forecast or prepare an alternative plan before depart
- Beaches and resorts will see fewer people as the family holiday period has ended
- During Vietnam Independence Day and Mid-autumn Festival, major cities like Hanoi, Danang, Ho Chi Minh or historical sites will be more crowded than usual. If the holiday is extended into a long weekend, the city becomes deserted once again as dwellers take side trips or return to their countryside for family visits.
Best destinations to visit in September
In September, each region of Vietnam shows itself in a different light. The North welcomes you with cool autumn breeze, the Central will have torrential rain at times but retains its tranquility, and the South is idyllic with fresh air. Depending on your travel preferences, you can choose the best places to visit.
An Giang, Vietnam in September
Enjoy the poetic early autumn in Hanoi
Hanoi in September is the iconic presentation of Northern autumn. The weather is just perfect, neither too cold nor too hot. You will easily find autumn color in Hoan Kiem lake, with rows of trees shining on the water surface and the locals leisurely walking around. The capital in September is gilded with light sun and yellow leaves. You can stroll under those golden roofs on Phan Dinh Phung, Tran Phu, Hoang Dieu street or around the West Lake area.
Explore the unspoiled Northwest Mountains
The Northwest of Vietnam is the most beautiful, with postcard landscapes of endlessly yellow terraced fields. You can plan a trekking tour at Hoang Su Phi's golden mountain, Pu Luong reserves, Mu Cang Chai valley, conquer the Khau Pha pass, or visit the ancient and remote town in Dong Van.
Feel the tranquility of Danang
Traveling to Da Nang in September, you can experience the quietness of an otherwise bustling beach city. At this time, Da Nang has started to enter the rain season, but you just have to encounter some small drizzles, the possibility of rain also falls at about 20%.
Because of the scanty numbers of visitors, especially domestic tourists, you can have the chance to enjoy a calm and tranquil Danang that not many get to see. No long queue for a cable car to reach Ba Na hill, a quiet Son Tra peninsula and a romantic walk along My Khe beach - you will see the best of Danang in September.
Enjoy the peaceful river delta of An Giang
You may consider a visit to the Mekong Delta region, such as An Giang province. It is the chance to mingle with the peaceful nature, explore the simple life, and enjoy river specialties. September is right at the peak of the water rising season, making it perfect for those who want to take part in activities such as spreading fishing nets, visiting the floating markets, or sampling tropical fruits fresh from the orchards.
There are many places to visit in An Giang, but the most recommended are Nuoc Troi Lake in An Phu district, Ta Pa hill in Tri Ton district, and Tra Su tea tree forest in Tinh Bien district. The poetic and charming scenery of the green palmyra palms or the yellow of ripe rice fields shall make you feel overwhelmed. The feeling of floating on the small boat between 850ha of enormous tea trees, underneath is the green water-fern covered all the river surface, breathing in the fresh air will bring visitors unforgettable experiences.
