Vietnam in May: where it’s hot and dry, and where the rainy season starts
In May the rainy season starts in southern Vietnam: about 19 rainy days on Phu Quoc, about 13 in Mui Ne and about 21 in Da Lat. The centre — Nha Trang and Da Nang — stays driest, with about 9 days of short showers and a calm sea, but it's hot, 32–33 °C by day.
In May the rainy season starts in southern Vietnam: about 19 rainy days on Phu Quoc, about 13 in Mui Ne and about 21 in Da Lat. The centre — Nha Trang and Da Nang — stays driest, with about 9 days of short showers and a calm sea, but it's hot, 32–33 °C by day. The sea is 27–31 °C almost everywhere. Hanoi and Ha Long reach 30–32 °C with about 12–15 rainy days. According to GOV.UK, Vietnam's tropical storm season runs from May to November.
What is the weather like in Vietnam in May?
| Where | Day / night | Rain | Rainy days | Sea |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mui Ne (Phan Thiet station) | 32.6 / 25.7 °C | 144 mm | 13 | 29 °C |
| Phu Quoc | 31.6 / 25.8 °C | 281 mm | 19 | 30–31 °C |
| Nha Trang | 32.3 / 25.5 °C | 82 mm | 9 | 29 °C |
| Da Lat | 24.7 / 16.2 °C | 212 mm | 21 | — |
| Da Nang and Hoi An | 33.3 / 25.2 °C | 81 mm | 9 | 27–28 °C |
| Hanoi | 31.9 / 24.8 °C | 185 mm | 15 | — |
| Ha Long (Bai Chay) | 30.1 / 24.6 °C | about 180 mm | 12 | — |
"Day" is the average daily high and "night" the average nightly low (QCVN 02:2022/BXD). Sea temperature is from climate references; not given for Da Lat, Hanoi or Ha Long. Ho Chi Minh City isn't covered by these averages.
Where to go in Vietnam in May?
For the beach in May — the centre: Nha Trang and Da Nang have a calm sea, and Nha Trang its diving season, with less rain than the south. Phu Quoc is in its rainy season by May, with the southwest wind on the west coast. More — Nha Trang in May and when to go to Vietnam.
FAQ
Where is it dry in Vietnam in May? The central coast — Nha Trang and Da Nang — is driest.
Can you swim in Vietnam in May? Yes, the sea in the south and centre is 27–31 °C. Swim near lifeguards and stay out under a red flag.
What holidays are in May? 1 May is a day off. All dates — holidays in Vietnam.
Sources and checks
Weather — long-term averages from the Phan Thiet, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Da Lat, Da Nang, Hanoi and Bai Chay stations (QCVN 02:2022/BXD, tables A.3, A.4, A.25, A.28); Ha Long rainfall is rounded because the standard's annual total for Bai Chay doesn't match its monthly figures. Sea temperature — World Sea Temperatures, weather2travel and Climates to Travel, checked 12 November 2026. Storm season — GOV.UK. Holidays — Article 112 of the Labour Code (LuatVietnam). Sea seasons by city — our month-by-month guides (sources there). Advice is ours.