Nha Trang in October: the monsoon begins — the sea, the beach and boat trips
October in Nha Trang is when the monsoon starts: plenty of rain, growing swell, boat trips and dives start getting cancelled, and swimming is banned in storms. On the other hand, surf season opens. What to plan in October and where to go in the rain.
October in Nha Trang is when the monsoon begins. The rainy season starts in September, and from October wind and swell join the rain: boat trips, fishing and dives start getting cancelled, and in storms lifeguards ban swimming at the city beach. There are still sunny days in October, and surf season begins. Plan October with slack: the sea on the first clear days, the city and dry-land places for the rest.
What is on in October and what is not?
| Activity | In October | More |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming at the city beach | on calm days; banned in storms | Nha Trang beaches |
| Boat trips, islands by yacht | cancellations start, monsoon from October | boat trips |
| Diving | off season: swell and murky water | diving |
| Sea fishing | trips often cancelled | fishing |
| Surfing | in season: schools run September to May | surfing |
| Mud baths, the city | open in the rain | what to see |
| Ba Ho Waterfalls, Yang Bay Park | risky or closed in rain | Ba Ho, Yang Bay |
| Bai Dai Beach | big waves September to December | Bai Dai |
Can I swim in Nha Trang in October?
On calm days, yes, near the lifeguards. But swimming is banned in storms: on 24 October 2025, as Storm No. 12 reached the coast, the bay’s rescue service banned entering the sea along the Trần Phú — Phạm Văn Đồng seafront, where waves are big and currents strong; shortly before, two people had been swept away and were rescued in time. Watch the flags and signs and listen to the lifeguards. How to get out of a current is in Nha Trang beaches.
Are boat trips cancelled in October?
Cancellations start. The monsoon in Nha Trang runs from October to December: wind and swell, and agencies cancel boat trips, fishing and dives. If you are coming in October and want the islands, book with a free change of date, ask in advance what happens if it is cancelled, and go on the first clear days. The calm sea is February to August.
Is October surf season?
Yes. Nha Trang surf schools run from September to May; in summer there are hardly any waves near the city. In October the season is just starting. Ask the school what happens if there are no waves on the day — or too many: a new date, theory or a refund. Schools are in surfing in Nha Trang.
Where can I go in the rain in October?
Long Son Pagoda, the hilltop cathedral, Dam Market, the Oceanography Museum and the mud baths all work in the rain. A route through the centre is in what to see in Nha Trang. In the rain, Grab or Xanh SM beats a motorbike (taxis in Nha Trang). Skip the Ba Ho waterfalls in the rainy season: the streams rise without warning. Yang Bay Park closes some areas in heavy rain.
What should I pack for Nha Trang in October?
A light raincoat or umbrella, shoes you don’t mind getting wet, a waterproof phone pouch, and sunscreen for the clear days. Long-term temperature and rainfall averages are in the weather block above and on the weather page. What comes next: Nha Trang in November and Nha Trang in December.
Frequently asked questions
Is October a good time to visit Nha Trang? If the sea, islands and diving come first, pick February–August: the monsoon starts in October. For surfing, the city and a quiet break without the summer heat, October works — just leave spare days.
Can I swim in October? On calm days and near the lifeguards. In storms, swimming along the seafront is banned.
Do boat tours run in October? Yes, but cancellations start with the monsoon. Ask about rescheduling and refunds before paying.
Is there diving in October? Centres are open, but it is off season: swell and murky water. The season is February to August.
Is it surf season? Yes, schools run September to May.
What to do when it rains? The pagodas, cathedral, Dam Market, Oceanography Museum and mud baths all work in the rain.
Sources and checks
The Storm No. 12 swimming ban — Báo Khánh Hòa, 24.10.2025 (link below). Monsoon and cancelled sea trips — our boat trip, diving and fishing guides. Surf season — from the schools’ pages in our surfing guide. Ba Ho, Yang Bay and Bai Dai — “How to get there” pages, checked on 18 October 2026. Weather averages — Nha Trang weather station (QCVN 02:2022/BXD). Packing and planning tips are ours. Updated 21.10.2026.