Nha Trang in January: the rains are over — waterfalls, islands and surfing
January in Nha Trang is the first month after the rainy season: the monsoon is over, the Ba Ho waterfalls, Yang Bay and Bai Dai are back on, and surfing is still in season. The sea and diving, day trips and what to pack.
January in Nha Trang is the first month after the rainy season. The monsoon ends in December, so in January you can plan trips out of town again: the Ba Ho waterfalls, Yang Bay Park, Bai Dai Beach, the islands. Surfing is still in season — schools run until May. The calmest sea and the diving season start a little later, in February, so book January boat trips with a free change of date.
What is on in January?
| Activity | In January | More |
|---|---|---|
| Surfing | in season: schools run September to May | surfing |
| Ba Ho Waterfalls | rainy season over, but check what is open after the 2025 floods | Ba Ho |
| Yang Bay Park | a day trip, about an hour from the city | Yang Bay |
| Bai Dai Beach | the rainy-season waves (September–December) are over | Bai Dai |
| Monkey and Orchid Islands | boats from Long Phú pier, 7:30–16:30 | Monkey Island |
| Boat trips, fishing | monsoon over, calmest sea from February | boat trips |
| Diving | season runs February to August | diving |
| Mud baths, the city | as always | what to see |
Is the rainy season over in January?
Yes. Nha Trang’s rainy season runs from September to December, and January belongs to the dry half of the year. The long-term January rainfall at the Nha Trang weather station is in the weather block above. If you arrived for the winter in December, January is the time for the trips you put off during the rains.
Can I go out to sea in January?
Yes, with a caveat. The monsoon, with its swell and cancelled trips, lasts from October to December, and the calmest sea in Nha Trang is from February to August. January is the changeover: boat trips and fishing are on sale, but for the first weeks book with a free change of date and ask what happens if it is cancelled. For diving, wait for February — the clearest water is usually in April–June.
Where can I go for a day from Nha Trang in January?
Monkey Island and Orchid Island — boats leave from Long Phú pier, half an hour north, and both islands are open 7:30–16:30. In the hills: Yang Bay Park (about an hour west) and the Ba Ho waterfalls (40 minutes north) — the rocks there are slippery even after the rains, and it is best to leave Ba Ho by 14:00–15:00. After the floods of late 2025 only the walking trail at Ba Ho was open, so check before you go. Bai Dai Beach is on the airport road, about half an hour by taxi. All the places and how to get there are in what to see in Nha Trang.
Is January surf season?
Yes. Nha Trang surf schools run from September to May; in summer there are hardly any waves near the city. January is still good for first lessons. Ask the school beforehand what happens if there are no waves on the day: a new date, theory or a refund. Schools are listed in surfing in Nha Trang.
What should I pack for Nha Trang in January?
A light top for the evening, sunscreen, shoes for the rocks at the waterfalls, and a waterproof phone pouch for the islands. You will need a raincoat less often than in November and December. Long-term temperatures by month are on the weather page. For the months before, see Nha Trang in November and Nha Trang in December.
Frequently asked questions
Is January a good time to visit Nha Trang? Yes, for the city, day trips and surfing without the rainy season. For diving and the calmest sea, February to August is better.
Does it rain in January? The rainy season (September–December) is over. The long-term January rainfall is in the weather block above.
Can I visit the islands in January? Yes: boats to Monkey and Orchid Islands leave from Long Phú pier, and the islands are open 7:30–16:30.
Is there diving in January? Centres are open, but the diving season is February to August.
Is it surf season? Yes, schools run September to May.
Can I go to the Ba Ho waterfalls in January? The rainy season is over, but after the 2025 floods check what is open before you go, and leave by 14:00–15:00.
Sources and checks
Rainy season — Nha Trang weather station averages (QCVN 02:2022/BXD) on the weather page. Monsoon, calm sea and diving season — our guides to boat trips, diving and fishing (sources in each). Surf season — from the schools’ pages in our surfing guide. The islands, Ba Ho, Yang Bay and Bai Dai — from our “How to get there” pages, checked on 18 October 2026 (Long Phú, VinWonders, Mia.vn, World of Waterfalls). Packing and planning tips are ours. Updated 21.10.2026.