Vietnam Weather in March

Country: Vietnam

March is spring in Northern Vietnam, the dry season with pleasant temperatures in the Central Coast, the dry season with pleasant temperatures in the Central Highlands, and the dry season with warm temperatures Southern Vietnam.

March is one of the best time to visit Vietnam for the weather, as there is least amount of rainfall, pleasant temperatures most of the country.

Monsoon in Vietnam in March and the impacts on the weather patterns

Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate and the weather patterns are much driven by or affected by the predominant winds or monsoons. There are three monsoons which affect Vietnam in March: The Northeasterly Wind, the Southeasterly Wind and the Southwesterly Wind.

Northern Vietnam, especially the low land areas, is to be under the impact of both the Northeasterly Wind and the Southeasterly Wind. The former causes cool temperatures with mostly dry weather and sometimes moist weather; the latter causes moist air and pleasant temperatures.

Northern Vietnam may undergo some days with moist air and light drizzles in March which is due to weaker and more damp Northeasterly Wind meetings with other winds (Easterly, Southeasterly Winds…). The temperatures in the North are more likely pleasant for all month but the too high moisture makes it feel not comfortable sometimes.

The Central Coast of Vietnam is to come under the impact of the Southwesterly Wind which is often known as the Westerly Wind. This is the wind that causes the foehn effect and the result is dry weather and warm temperatures. Since the wind is still weak in the Central Coast in March and the region mostly enjoys dry weather, sunny days and pleasant temperatures.

The Central Highlands and Southern Vietnam is to come under the impact of the Southwesterly Wind. The wind causes strong sun and hot temperatures in Southern Vietnam: this is among the hottest times in this region. The Central Highlands, which are on high altitudes, have sunny and dry weather and pleasant temperatures.

The sea in all over Vietnam and the offshore islands are often to come under impact by the Northeasterly Wind in March : windy, dry weather, pleasant temperatures, rough sea. The Northeasterly Wind starts getting weaker from the middle of the month which results in calmer sea coming towards the end of the month.

What to expect from your holidays in Vietnam in March

Taking the general weather conditions in Vietnam into consideration, for those travelers planning trips to Vietnam or those who are on holidays in Vietnam in March, then there may be some notes as follows:

- March is a good time to travel to the far-northern mountains of Vietnam when it is mostly dry and the temperatures are more likely pleasant all month. The high mountains in Northern Vietnam are to be filled with rhododendron blossoms. Those who embark on trekking or hiking tours in the high mountains are to marvel at beautiful clouds and flowers.

- The Red River Delta is also a good place to travel to in March. Ninh Binh is among the top choices for countryside landscape all the month.

- Those who embark on luxury cruises on Halong Bay may sometimes experience foggy weather in March which is the result of weak winds and high humidity. This pattern appears mostly when the Northeasterly Wind weakens and the direction of wind changes to blow inland more from the sea bringing more moisture in the air. When the Northeasterly Wind gets stronger, or blows more through the continent (making the air dry), or when the Southeasterly Wind becomes strong and the air temperatures become higher, then the air will be cleared of fog.

- March is not a great time for bird tours in Vietnam as migratory bird species have left Vietnam for the return journeys. Still native bird species are active in March. The best sites for birding in Vietnam in March include : Cuc Phuong National Park, Xuan Thuy National Park, Cat Tien National Park, Da Lat, Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park, Deo Nui San (Di Linh Plateau, Lam Dong Province).

- March is a good time for beach holidays in the South of the Central Coast and in Southern Vietnm like those in Quy Nhon, Tuy Hoa, Nha Trang, Cam Ranh, Phan Rang-Thap Cham, Mui Ne (Phan Thiet), Vung Tau. Expect lovely sunshine and pleasant temperatures in these places.

- March is a good time for adventure tours and sightseeing tours in the Central Highlands where you can mostly sunshine and pleasant temperatures.

- Con Dao Islands, Phu Quoc Island are to have either sunny or cloudy days with strong winds and rough sea. The sea gets calmer coming toward the end of the month.

Weather Patterns and Temperatures in Different Regions of Vietnam in March

1/ Northern Vietnam

- Northeast (Lang Son, Cao Bang, Bac Kan...): mild sunshine, clouds, some possible rain, 14-27oC;

- Northwest (Hoa Binh, Yen Bai, Lao Cai, Son La, Dien Bien, Lai Chau...): sun, clouds, 14-27oC in Hoa Binh, Yen Bai, Lao Cai, and 17-31oC in Son La, Dien Bien and Lai Chau;

- Lowlands (Hanoi, Ninh Binh,...): sun, clouds, some days with high moisture, 19-31oC;