September is another transitional month in Vietnam when the weather keeps changing in each part of the country.  If the South is steady in the hot weather with rainy conditions and dene humidity, the Central regions get the increase on wet weather, especially towards the end of month when rain is expected to become more frequent. In contrary, there is less rainfall in the North. For the mountainous areas, the conditions are improving which allows trekking as a possible option again. The plenty of sunny days also give more opportunity on choice of Vietnam’s incredible cities and natural landscapes. Keep reading this article for more information to prepare accordingly for the best holiday to Vietnam in this month.

Climate by Region in September

Northern Vietnam

Popular destinations: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Cat Ba, Sapa, Ha Giang, Mu Cang Chai, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, etc.

September sees the end of summer season for its Northern part although you can still expect plenty of hot weather and rain with the temperature of 28^oC on average. When the month comes to the latter end, the temperature starts to drop a little and the rainfall becomes less frequent. The weather in the far North starts to improve for possible trekking options, and the crops are coming near to their harvest season which offer great chance for photographers.

Central Vietnam

Popular destinations: Hoian, Danang, Hue, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Dalat, etc.

The Central region is ready for a change in September when the rainfall is on increase. Temperatures drop a little at average 28^oC and stormy weather is a possibility, especially towards the end of the month. Although the region still enjoys some sunny days, beach lovers can have no guarantees of sunshine. Trekking and adventure activities in Dalat and Central Highlands are still unadvisable due to very wet conditions while some of Phong Nha caves are off limits due to flooding.

Southern Vietnam

Popular destinations: Ho Chi Minh City, Phan Thiet & Mui Ne, Mekong Delta, Long Hai & Ho Tram, Con Dao & Phu Quoc, etc.

There are not too much change on the weather of South Vietnam in September in comparison to August although the rainfall is decreasing as the month progresses. The region remains wet with the rainfall could be over 200mm, however, you still expect dry spells and sunny days with the average temperature at 28^oC because Ho Chi Minh City can boast up to 11 hours each day with the sun.

Travel Guide for September.

Blackboard Tree Flowers (or “milk flower” – hoa sua) flourish in September and October so it’s the signal of autumn in Vietnam, especially as an indispensable part in Hanoi’s autumn. The white clusters of flowers look like the tiny white lanterns hidden behind the greenish foliage while its sweet scent intensively spread into small alleys and streets of the capital. If your visit falls into September 2, you will witness the massive celebrations that mark Vietnam on National Independence Day.

Late September can be good time to get viable option for trekking in the mountains of Sapa, Mau Son, and Mu Cang Chai, as sunny days become the norm. Besides, this is a picturesque time of year to visit Mu Cang Chai as the region’s endless rice fields turn a golden color, ready to harvest.

Visiting Ninh Binh which resembles Ha Long Bay, but on land. There are many famous and fascinating sites in the area that worthy your visit here, including the Gothic Phat Diem Cathedral; Bai Dinh pagoda; or explore the rice paddies and cave-riddled mountains of Trang An and Tam Coc by rowing boat.Northern Central Vietnam including Hue, Hoian generally get more rains than Nha Trang and south Central Vietnam, which sees more dry, sunny days. If wet conditions cannot put you off visiting, this region is absolutely worthy on your travel list in September.

Floating water season from September to November gives the Southwest of Vietnam many chances to contemplate the beautiful sceneries. It will be great for rowing a boat and enjoy the beautiful lotus field in Thap Muoi which is located away from Ho Chi Minh around 130 kilometers in the South; or admire the beauty of Tra Su Cajuput Forest (An Giang) which is also a must-visited destination during this time.

This is also a good month to explore the Mekong Delta because the waterfront and water-borne life is at its most active and locally grown fruits, such as dragon fruit and mango, are at their prime.

When traveling to Vietnam in September, some thin and breathable clothes like short shirt, thin skirts and shorts as well as sunscreen will work. You can also bring a long dress or long sleeve T shirt in case of the temperature drops at night. Raingear is necessary to prepare for this month to avoid any wetness.
Dress code for cultural or spiritual places are still required at formal ones to express your respects.

As September is still off season, you can enjoy exploring without the crowds, and tourist prices are generally at their lowest.

September Events.

National Independence Day Celebration (nationwide).

This is one of the most significant holidays in Vietnam, marking the day of 2 September 1945 when the revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam’s independence from France at Ba Dinh Square. When the holiday comes, every Vietnamese citizen both living in or outside Vietnam are celebrating this day with flags, cheerful festivities and fireworks at night. Remember to head out into the streets to join the locals in an exuberant celebration of Vietnamese patriotism and pride.

Keo Pagoda Festival (Thai Binh)

Nestled on Duy Nhat Commune, Vu Thu District, Thai Binh Province, Keo Pagoda is one of the most unique and spectacular structures of Vietnam which is recognized as a Special National Monument. The Keo Pagoda festival is held twice per year in the spring on the fourth day of the first lunar month, and in the autumn from the 13^th to the 15^th day of the ninth lunar month, to commemorate Ly Quoc Su-Priest Khong Lo. Autumn festival (September-October according to solar calendar) will include palanquin procession, incense offerings, swimming race and traditional dances.

Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival (Hai Phong)

This festival has been long conducted within the region since the 18th century and annually operated on the 9th day of the 8th month in lunar calendar (August-September, varying by year).
Not only associating with Water Goddess worshiping and sacrificing customs, the festival also expresses the bravery and chivalry of people in the coastal city of Hai Phong.

Kate Festival (Ninh Thuan)

Kate Festival is held in Ninh Thuan Province in 9^th month of lunar calendar (September – October, varying by the year). This is also called Mbang Kate which is the most unique festival of the Cham people to commemorate the merits of gods and also national heroes such as Po Klong Garai, Po Rome, … This is the place to show the characteristics of culture, activities, customs, beliefs, techniques, arts, and customs through sacrifices, costumes, musical instruments, hymns as well as praising farming, crops, flourishing, traditional products and trades …On this occasion, the local people can relax, meet and wish one another fortune in the future.