Things continue to improve in the north with clearer skies, less rainfall and a break to the high humidity of recent months. In the centre it’s the opposite story with high rainfall and the chance of stormy weather. Whilst the rain tumbles in the centre, the south starts to see a change for the good with less rainfall and a promise of the returning summer. Good conditions for adventure activities also return in the mountains of the north and in the Central Highlands.
Unfollow the herd - travel in Vietnam during October and enjoy fewer crowds, better availability, and help to spread the economic benefits of tourism.
October sees the end of the wet season in the north, and as the month moves on the temperature drops, as does the rainfall, especially in the second half of the month as the cooler, dry winter approaches (avg temp: 26°C). In the far north, the weather in the mountainous regions of Sapa and Ha Giang is dry and clear, promising some of the best trekking conditions of the year. Early October is a particularly picturesque time of year to visit Mu Cang Chai, as the region's endless rice fields turn a golden colour, ready to harvest.
The rainfall in the centre of the country is close to its peak and heavy storms can occur. Hoi Ai in particular is prone to flooding in October. The temperatures in Hoi An and Hue differ slightly with Hoi An and Danang being the hotter end of the Hai Van Pass (avg temp: 24- 27°C). Further to the south the beaches of Nha Trang will be seeing plenty of rain with nearly half the city's annual rainfall falling in October and November. The heavy rains in Dalat and the Central Highlands start to break, especially towards the end of the month when good conditions for outdoor activity return. However, weeks of heavy rainfall could mean that some of the Phong Nha caves are inaccessible and not possible to visit.
October is the month for change in the south with rainfall on the decline especially towards the end of the month as the region moves towards its dry, hot summer months (avg temp: 27 °C). The southern beaches of Phan Thiet & Mui Ne, and the islands of Phu Quoc & Con Dao are starting to recover from the winter months and the sun starts to shine once again, especially towards the end of the month. Around the island of Con Dao, Green Turtle hatchlings continue to emerge from their nesting grounds under the sand and make their first steps to the sea.