Vietnam in October experiences both autumn and monsoon. Neither too hot nor too cold, the weather is fine for every traveller.
It is one of the peak times to visit
North Vietnam and Central Highlands for hiking and other recreational activities.
Although
Central Vietnam and some parts of
South Vietnam are affected by monsoon and typhoons yet many alluring destinations in the North promise pleasant weather, especially the rural areas of
Vietnam.
Stay till the end of the article to know about the breathtaking attractions and beauty of
Vietnam in October.
- Weather in Vietnam in October
- Events and Festivals in Vietnam in October
1. Weather in Vietnam in October
October marks an end to the monsoon and welcomes autumn in Vietnam.
In October this South-Eastern Peninsula is moderately affected by Southeast Monsoon leading to wet weather in Central Vietnam and less amount of rainfall in South Vietnam.
North Vietnam gets clear skies making highlands worth visiting. The average temperature of Vietnam remains around 25°C this autumn month and average humidity level is 90%.
Northern Mountain Region
October is the end of the wet month in the northern mountain region hence trekking is open once again in SaPa and Ha Giang.
October marks a peak month to visit SaPa and areas around Mu Cang Chai.
This is the month when golden rice crops sway under light showers of rain and are ready to be harvested.
Occasional drizzling occur but Sun appears equally hence the weather is not bad.
The average temperature remains around 26°C. By the end of the month, the temperature starts to drop.
Northern Vietnam
By October, North Vietnam is at the end of the monsoon phase with an average temperature of 25°C.
Outdoors have plenty of warmth which tends to decrease by the end of the month.
All the major cities in North Vietnam are good-to-go in the fall season. Hanoi and Halong Bay are great to explore under the soothing weather.
Central Vietnam
Central Vietnam experiences northeast monsoon in October at its peak.
Central Vietnam has 24-27°C average temperatures with large amounts of rainfalls. Along with stormy weather, prolonged rains may cause floods in the coastal region.
Dalat and Central Highlands become less affected by month’s end making outdoor sights possible while Hoi An, Phong Nha may get floods. Central Vietnam is prone to typhoons in autumn.
Southern Vietnam
During October, rains affect South Vietnam less than the monsoon months, with an average temperature of 27°C.
Southern beach resorts dazzle under the warm sun, visiting Phan Thiet & Mui Ne, and the islands of Phu Quoc & Con Dao will be fruitful.
The end of the month is a good time to visit the Mekong Delta after a long wait of six months.
October is also the month of Green Turtle's first hatchlings on Con Dao island.
2. Events and Festivals in Vietnam in October
1. Tet Trung Thu (Mid-Autumn Festival)
Tet Trung Thu is the mid-autumn festival celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month every year.
This festival is mainly for children to engage in various cultural dances and arts, and is also known as the festival of harvesting crops. The history of celebrating the festival is related to Emperor Duong Minh Hoang’s visit to the moon via Dien Phap Thien’s magic.
The Emperor enjoyed the heavenly atmosphere and performances by the fairies on the moon.
After he came back on Earth, he decided to celebrate the 15th day of the 8th lunar month under the moon and decorate houses and streets with lanterns.
Star-shaped and Carp-shaped lanterns, Vietnamese mooncakes, traditional dances, mini-contests for children, and their cackles adorn the atmosphere of Vietnam.
The major activities of the festival include worshipping the God of Earth (farmers and their families thank God for a successful harvest), funny-mask making, glittering star-shaped lantern making and processions, traditional dragon and lion dances, family gathering and making offerings to their ancestors, enjoying mooncakes together.
Travelers can visit Hoi An to have a spectacular view of the streets and around the Japanese Covered Bridge on full moon night to enjoy the lantern lighting.
2. Cham Kate Festival
Cham Kate Festival is an important festival of the Cham ethnic group which is held in Ninh Thuan Province from the 30th day of the 6th month to the 2nd day of the 7th month according to the Cham calendar (around the end of September and the beginning of October).
The festival comprises commemorative rites, remembrance of national heroes, offerings to deities, cultural art performances, processions, and prayers for health, happiness, and abundant crops.
The festival takes place in Po Inu Nagar Temple in Ninh Phuoc District. Visitors can witness the festive aura here by attending the second day of the Kate Festival.
Traditional art performances include Apsara dance, Ginang, and Paranung drum-beat, Saranai triumph while there are numerous competitions like weaving contest, carrying water jar on one’s head, football, singing.
3. Hoi An Lantern Festival
Spectacular night view on the 14th night of every month in Hoi An, Vietnam is worth experiencing as the city celebrates the festival of lights.
Lighting lanterns are considered to be good luck and fortune charm in Vietnam.
Hoi An lantern festival is considered to be an incredible moment to follow the rituals of worshipping deceased relatives.
The festival brings closeness and happiness and is a wise method to save electricity.
Visitors and locals gather at An Hoi Bridge and on the banks of Hoai River as the sunset begins, to enjoy the luring food of Vietnam.
The view is the best at the ancient town area of Hoi An where natives light paper lanterns around 9 pm and hang on streets, bars, shops.
Families give each other presents like flowers, foods, and fake money in the belief of future prosperity.
The streets are sparkled with musicians, instrumentalists, poetry readings, and mini craft classes for kids too.
Traffic is prohibited in the area allowing hassle-free movement. Not to worry if you are vegetarian as there are numerous vegetarian foods and mouth-watering snacks to grab.