Nha Trang in May: heat, 28–29 °C water, calm sea and diving
May in Nha Trang opens the hot half of the year: highs around 32 °C, about nine short showers a month (not the rainy season), water at 28–29 °C, a calm sea and diving season. Surfing ends. What to pack and where to go.
May in Nha Trang opens the hot half of the year. Average highs are around 32 °C, nights 25–26 °C, with plenty of sun. By the averages there are about nine rainy days — nearly twice April's — but these are short showers, not the rainy season, which in Nha Trang runs from September to December. The sea is calm, the water is 28–29 °C and the diving season is in full swing, with the clearest water usually April to June. Surfing ends in May — in summer there are almost no waves near town. 1 May is a national holiday.
What's on in May?
| Activity | In May | More |
|---|---|---|
| Diving, snorkelling | in season; clearest water usually April–June | diving |
| Monkey Island and Orchid Island | boats from Long Phú pier; islands open 7:30–16:30 | Nha Trang islands |
| Boat trips, fishing | calm-sea season (February–August) | boat trips |
| Surfing | schools run until May, then almost no waves | surfing |
| Yang Bay Park, Ba Ho waterfalls | go in the morning, it's hot by midday | Yang Bay |
| Mud baths | a good option for a hot day | mud baths |
What is the weather like in Nha Trang in May?
Hot and mostly dry. By the Nha Trang weather station averages, May has an average high of 32 °C, nights around 25–26 °C, about 82 mm of rain over roughly nine rainy days, and about 260 hours of sunshine. All averages are in the weather block above. By the averages the hottest months are May to August.
Does it rain in Nha Trang in May?
Sometimes, but it isn't the rainy season. The averages show about nine days with rain and 82 mm for the month — compare November, with about 18 days and 382 mm. Nha Trang's rainy and stormy season is September to December, not May.
How warm is the sea in Nha Trang in May?
28–29 °C — three climate references agree, and it stays that warm until October. All months and resorts are in sea temperature in Vietnam.
Is May good for the sea and diving?
Yes. May is the middle of the calm-sea season (February–August): boat trips, fishing and island boats run regularly. The diving season runs February to August, with the clearest water usually April to June. Windy days still happen, so ask the agency or dive centre what happens if a trip is cancelled. More in boat trips and diving.
Early or late May — any difference?
In early May you can still catch the last weeks of surfing, and 1 May is a national holiday (a Saturday in 2027): book accommodation and tickets early. Late May is hotter, but the sea stays calm and the water is about 29 °C.
Where to go for a day trip in May?
The Monkey and Orchid islands — boats leave Long Phú pier half an hour north of town, and the islands are open 7:30–16:30. Into the hills: Yang Bay Park (about an hour west) and the Ba Ho waterfalls (about 40 minutes north). After the late-2025 floods only the walking trail at Ba Ho was open, so check before you go. Set off in the morning — it's hot by noon. Everything is in what to see in Nha Trang.
What to pack for Nha Trang in May?
High-factor sunscreen, a hat, light long-sleeved clothes for boats and excursions, and water. A light raincoat or umbrella for a short shower. Shoes for the rocks at the waterfalls and a dry bag for your phone on the islands.
Can you swim in Nha Trang in May?
Yes. The water is 28–29 °C and the sea is calm. Swim in the morning or late afternoon — the midday sun is harsh. On windy days watch the flags and listen to the lifeguards. How to get out of a rip current — Nha Trang beaches.
Is May a good time to visit Nha Trang?
Yes, if you want a warm sea, the islands and diving and you cope well with heat. If heat is hard for you, choose February to April: drier and milder. The month before — Nha Trang in April; the month after — Nha Trang in June; all months — when to go to Nha Trang.
FAQ
Is May a good time for Nha Trang? Yes, for the sea, islands and diving. It's hotter than February–April.
Does it rain in Nha Trang in May? Short showers: about nine rainy days and 82 mm a month by the averages. The rainy season is September to December.
How warm is the water in May? 28–29 °C.
Is Nha Trang hot in May? Average highs are about 32 °C, nights 25–26 °C. May opens the hottest months (May–August).
Is there diving in May? Yes, the season runs February to August; the clearest water is usually April to June.
Is it surf season? The last weeks: schools run until May, and in summer there are almost no waves near town.
April or May in Nha Trang? April is drier (about five rainy days) and a little cooler; May has warmer water. More in Nha Trang in April.
Sources and checks
Weather, rain and sunshine — Nha Trang weather station averages (QCVN 02:2022/BXD) in the weather block. Sea temperature — World Sea Temperatures, weather2travel and Climates to Travel, checked 12 November 2026. The 1 May holiday — Article 112 of the Labour Code (LuatVietnam). Calm-sea and diving seasons — our boat-trip and diving guides; surf season — school pages in our surfing guide (sources in each). The islands, Ba Ho and Yang Bay — our "How to get there" pages, checked 18 October 2026. Packing and planning tips are ours.