Hue is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam, especially for history buffs. In this guide, we will be looking at the best time to visit Hue, months to avoid, and the weather per month.
Hue was the ancient capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. The last royal dynasty of Vietnamese history, the Nguyen Dynasty, lived in this imperial city for nearly 2 centuries. Located on the bank of Huong River, Hue is best known for its historic citadel, royal tombs, ancient pagodas, and delicious dishes.
Hue has hot and humid weather all year round, with two seasons: the dry and rainy season. It is influenced by hot Southwest wind from Laos, making it hotter than other cities in Central Vietnam like Da Nang and Hoi An in summer.
Dry season is typically from March to August, with hot and sunny weather most days. The hottest months are July and August. Temperatures can sometimes reach 40°C. This season has little rain but occasional brief showers.
The rainy season is from September to February. Average temperature is from 17°C to 36°C. October and November are the wettest months of the year with frequent heavy rains and storms, which may cause flooding. The rains reduce noticeably in January and February.
When is the best time to visit Hue?
The best time to visit Hue City, in my opinion, is from January to August. Basically, I recommend avoiding October and November, as they are the rainiest months of the year with occasional flooding.
February to April are the most recommended months for sightseeing and outdoor activities. There is drizzle rain but the temperature is comfortable (20°C to 24°C). You can explore the citadel, royal tombs, pagodas, take day trips to Hai Van pass, Lang Co Beach, and Bach Ma National park.
If you are visiting Hue in the rainy season, it is best to explore the city’s major attractions, enjoy hot salted coffee, or take a guided food tour instead of going to the beach or hiking.
Hue in January
January is a part of the rainy season and is the coldest month of the year. Average temperature is from 19°C to 23°C. There is also occasional drizzle. January is a great time to go to Hue for sightseeing and enjoy the greener scenery.
You can check out the Imperial Citadel, royal tombs, Thien Mu pagoda, and Dong Ba market. You can also experience the colorful decorations of the city when locals prepare the Tet Holiday (Lunar New year).
January is also a good month for less tourist crowds and budget-friendly accommodations. Just be mindful that the drizzle often lasts very long. Be sure to bring warm clothes and an umbrella.
Hue in February
February is one of the great months to go to Hue with comfortable weather and little rain. It is warmer than January with average temperature from 19°C to 25°C. It is not as cold as North Vietnam and not hot like the South. The weather is still chilly, especially at night, so bring your jackets and long pants.
You can take a stroll along Huong River, walk across Truong Tien Bridge to visit the old Citadel and Dong Ba market. You can explore popular royal tombs such as Minh Mang tomb, Khai Dinh tomb, and Tu Duc tomb. You can enjoy the nightlife on the streets and try local food like Banh Hue and Bun Bo Hue.
February is usually the time when locals celebrate Tet Holiday, so you can experience local culture and join in several festivals that are hosted in the Imperial Citadel and pagodas.
Hue in March
March is one of the best months to explore Hue. It is the beginning of the dry season, so you can enjoy sightseeing and outdoor activities with more pleasant weather compared to previous months.
Average temperature in Hue in March is from 21°C to 28°C. It is not too hot compared to the peak summer months in June and July. There are still approximately 12 days of rain a month, so be sure to bring umbrellas or raincoast with you.
Hue in April
April is one of the best months to visit Hue. This is a part of the dry season with more hot and sunny days. Average temperature is from 23°C to 30°C. This is a better month to take photos compared to previous months.
Hue in May
May is a great time for both sightseeing, beach activities, and mountain hiking. I visited Hue at the end of May, it was very hot, sunny, and humid, but also great for exploring the city. A trip to Bach Ma National Park is a must during this time for cooler weather and a nice hike.
If you are visiting Hue in May, I recommend bringing a hat, sun cream, and breathable clothing. Maybe consider exploring attractions from early morning to avoid the heat.
Hue in June
June is one of the hottest months of the year. It has a lot of sunshine, high temperatures, and little rain. I think it is a good month for beaches and exploring cultural attractions.
You can check out nearby beaches like Lang Co Beach and Thuan An Beach, and Lap An Lagoon. Bach Ma National Park is a great place for hiking and swimming.
Hue in July
Similar to June, July is a very hot month in Hue with high temperature and humidity. Average temperature is from 25°C to 34°C, sometimes reaching 38°C. This is still a good month for beach activities and sightseeing as rainfall is low.
You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing on the beach, as well as exploring historical attractions from early morning to avoid the heat. Be sure to wear a hat and apply suncream often.
Hue in August
August is one of the good months to explore Hue, the transitioning month between the dry and rainy season. It has quite similar weather compared to July, but with more rainfall. Hue is relatively crowded in August since it’s
August is the high season for domestic travel, so it can be a bit crowded and the accommodations can be expensive. If you travel during this month, be sure to book hotels and flight tickets well in advance.
Hue in September
September is the start of the monsoon season with more frequent rains compared to previous months. Average temperature is from 25°C to 31°C.
This is, in my opinion, a good time for those who want less tourist crowds, budget-friendly hotels, and don’t mind the rain. Carry an umbrella and raincoat with you when going out.
There is still a possibility of a tropical storm, so keep an eye on the weather forecast if you visit Hue during this rainy season.
Hue in October
October, in my opinion, is not a very good month to explore Hue. This is because this is the rainiest month of the year, with frequent heavy rains, occasional storms, and a high chance of flooding.
Hue in November
It is recommended to avoid visiting Hue during peak rainy months, which includes November and October. These months have high rainfall, occasional storms and possibility of flooding.
Hue in December
December has mild temperature (19°C – 23°C) and less rain compared to previous months. It is still in the rainy season and not a good time for many outdoor activities. It can be a bit cold in the evening, so pack your clothes accordingly.
See more:
- Where to stay in Hue
- 12 Best Things to Do & See in Hue
- How many days in Hue is enough?
- 10 Best Family Hotels in Hue
- How to Spend One Day in Hue Itinerary
In general, the best months to visit Hue are from January to August when the city does not experience heavy rains, storms, or floods. January to April has cold/cool weather with drizzle, while May to August can be very hot and humid with little rain.
It is best to avoid Hue in the rainy season, especially October and November, which are the peak rainy months.