Weather in Vietnam in March

March climate overview

Daytime highs across Vietnam in March run from 24.9°C (Hanoi) to 34.0°C (Ho Chi Minh City). In Ho Chi Minh City about 100% of March days reach 25°C. Nights average 22.9°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Hanoi fall to 14°C or below.

Rainfall in March

Expect around 9 rainy days (1 mm or more) in March, with Ho Chi Minh City the driest (5 days) and Phu Quoc the wettest (14 days). The wettest March at Ho Chi Minh City between 1991 and 2020 was 2001 with 99 mm; the driest was 1998 with 0 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 29.2°C around Vietnam in March. That is comfortable for swimming.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 4.8 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 11.9 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

March against the rest of the year in Vietnam

March is the 7th warmest month of the twelve in Vietnam. It is 1.7°C warmer than February and 1.5°C warmer in April. The hottest month here is May (31°C) and the coolest January (26°C).

Which part of Vietnam in March?

• Most sunshine: Ho Chi Minh City, 6.1 h a day.
• Driest: Ho Chi Minh City, about 5 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Phu Quoc, 29°C.
• Hottest: Ho Chi Minh City, 34°C by day - intense for sightseeing.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Hanoi, 25°C.

What to pack for Vietnam in March

Based on the averages: summer clothes for the day; a rain jacket - roughly 9 wet days; swimwear - the sea is 29°C.

Similar weather elsewhere in March

Within 1.5°C of Vietnam's March daytime average: Kuala Lumpur (31°C), Zanzibar (30°C, sea 29°C), Galle (30°C, sea 29°C), Phuket (30°C, sea 30°C), Rio de Janeiro (30°C, sea 26°C). See the full ranking for March.

Hanoi: the choice for milder days

Hanoi is the best fit among these destinations if you want warmth without the strongest heat. Average daytime temperatures of 25°C make it easier to spend time outdoors than in Ho Chi Minh City, though you should still allow for breaks when you feel warm. Nights average 18°C, so a light layer is useful for evenings rather than packing only hot-weather clothes. With 10 rainy days, March is not a reliably dry option here. Bring a compact umbrella or light waterproof and keep outdoor plans flexible. Choose Hanoi for the cooler conditions, not for a promise of clear skies.

Ho Chi Minh City: fewer rainy days, more heat

Ho Chi Minh City suits travellers who prioritise fewer interruptions from rain and are comfortable with hot weather. It has 5 rainy days, fewer than Hanoi or Phu Quoc, but daytime temperatures average 34°C. That is the main trade-off: plan demanding outdoor time away from midday, wear loose, breathable clothing and leave room for shaded or indoor breaks. Nights average 24°C, so evenings remain warm rather than offering much of a cool-down. This is the strongest choice here for avoiding frequent rainy days, but not for avoiding heat. Pack for warmth throughout the day and keep drinking water handy.

Phu Quoc: warm water, but plan around rain

Phu Quoc is a good match if warm-water swimming matters more to you than reliably dry weather. Both the daytime air and sea average 29°C, while nights stay warm at 26°C. Light clothing makes sense, with little need to dress for cool evenings. The catch is rain: 14 rainy days make it the wettest of these destinations by frequency. That does not tell you how long rain will last, so avoid assuming either constant downpours or only brief showers. Keep swimming and outdoor plans flexible, and choose Phu Quoc for the warmth rather than an expectation of uninterrupted sunshine.