Da Nang Weather: A Month By Month Guide for Travellers

Much like the rest of its Southeast Asian neighbours, the coastline of Central Vietnam has two general seasons – wet season and dry season. Residents of Da Nang and its surrounding regions either expect sporadic and heavy rainfall, or clear skies and blistering rays, depending on the month. While this may sound a bit daunting as you plan your ideal trip, there are perks and downfalls to both seasons.

That’s not to say it isn’t sunny during wet season or doesn’t rain during the dry season.  But in the larger scope of things, their names hold true. There are months of consistently cloudy skies and occasional flooding, and months of high temperatures and less precipitation. The seasons tend to follow a fairly strict schedule, transitioning from one to the other in a matter of weeks. 

In this article, Hidden lays out a month-by-month schedule of Da Nang’s weather and climate to help you plan your ideal vacation.

Da Nang Weather and Climate

With vastly different topography ranging from Northern to Central to Southern Vietnam, the weather is a bit tricky to navigate. As your itinerary likely includes hitting the culturally significant destinations in Central Vietnam, the temperamental climate is something to keep in mind. In general, there are higher levels of rainfall and lower temperatures from October to January in the Central hub of Da Nang. From February to September, rainfall decreases and your stay will likely be filled with more sunshine. With less chance that you need to carry around an extra rain poncho wherever you go.

Within these two seasons there still remain some mild fluctuations.  Such as more sun-hours from May to July and the highest precipitation and chance of flooding in October and November. So, don’t worry about the weather ruining your time in any season, you still find glimpses of sunlight in rainy season and occasional showers in the dry season. But let us help guide you through what each season brings in general, weather-wise.

Flooding in Da Nang – A Da Nang Weather Problem

With Da Nang’s rainy months come their seasonal city-wide flash-floods. Although some years flooding isn’t as prevalent, it is still something to keep in mind. Streets filled shin-high with rain water make city navigation a bit more tricky, limiting walkable destinations and causing motorbike traffic to be wary of speed. Now, you probably didn’t put rain boots on your holiday packing list, so this is something to be mindful of if you’re looking to travel here during the months of October to January. We suggest checking up on the weather forecasts prior to your trip to help prepare for (or avoid) this occurrence.

If your trip does in fact coincide with one of Da Nang’s heavy rains, you’ll be happy to know that the bustling city remains in operation. Those who inhabit the city are well-versed in handling a little extra rain. So, while some street-vendors may have to close-up shop and wait for levels to decrease, most shops know how to prepare for the precipitation and remain open despite the dreary weather. Many businesses often stack their chairs, create water barriers and remove valuables from the water’s path. If the floods do become very severe, shops are often up and running in a matter of days, so this shouldn’t affect your plans too drastically.

During Central Vietnam’s wet season, flooding is often unavoidable, although the city is working to eliminate this as an issue. After a serious flood in 2018, when December rainfall brought some of its highest precipitation at 635 mm in 24 hours, the city is working on infrastructure to help mediate these water levels. City plans for updated drainage systems are projected to be complete by the end of 2019.

Month by Month Weather in Da Nang

In the following sections, Hidden gives you a general overlay of what to expect from Da Nang weather, expected crowds and popular events for each month. All information is based on data collected by the Weather Atlas. This helpful guide assists you in being better prepared for your upcoming trip to Da Nang. So you won’t get too thrown off by any unexpected high temperatures or excess rainfall.

January 

• High: 24.8°C (76.6°F)
• Low: 18.5°C (65.3°F) 
• Rain Days: 13.7

By January, the rainy season is coming to a close, and temperatures begin to slowly rise. There are still chances you’ll catch the occasional drizzle, but flooding and other heavy rainfall is less likely than in December. If you’re looking to catch some rays on the beach, you may want to wait a couple more months for the skies to become a bit less cloudy.

Toward the end of the month, expect crowds to be growing, especially due to the Vietnamese Lunar New Year- Tet. Travel costs are higher and fluctuate greatly and businesses may be on special holiday schedules. Read all about how this holiday works in our dedicated Guide to Tet

February

• High: 26.1°C (79°F)
• Low: 19.8°C (68°F)
• Rain Days: 6.9

February is the start of the regions dry season. While the season of rainfall has come to a close, temperatures remain fairly moderate and more enjoyable than those of the peak dry season. February is when clouds start to really burn off, but you won’t be drenched in sweat one second after stepping out the door. Like January, keep in mind the Tet- Lunar New Year celebrations, accounting for travel prices and irregular business hours.

Tet dates for 2019 to 2021

2019: February 4th to 9th.

2020: January 24th to 29th.

2021: February 12th to 17th.

March

• High: 28.7°C (83.7°F)
• Low: 21.5°C (70.7°F) 
• Rain Days: 4.8

Travelling to Da Nang in March is thought to be a prime-time travel schedule. Monsoon season is a thing of the past (for now) and the days are filled with sunshine and clear skies. With stable and consistent good weather gracing the city, tourist crowds in Da Nang begin to rise. Be sure to plan ahead if you’re looking to travel this month, as accommodation is likely beginning to fill up. You don’t want to have to settle when it comes to your holiday hotel or resort lodging.

April

• High: 31°C (87.8°F)
• Low: 23.3°C (73.9°F)
• Rain Days: 5.6

Much like March, April brings those beautiful rays, without that looming chance of rain. As temperatures begin to increase, tourism levels rise and beaches begin to fill up. Again, make sure to look at these dates ahead of time to get the best accommodation options all secured for your trip.

On the last day of April, Da Nang’s International Fireworks Festival hosts their opening celebration. You won’t want to miss out on the start of this nine-week eight-country competition of extravagant firework shows and bustling crowds.

May

• High: 33.4°C (92.1°F)
• Low: 24.9°C (76.8°F)
• Rain Days: 8.9

May is when the city of Da Nang begins to feel the heat of the dry season, slowly creeping up to peak temperatures. With high temperatures and the wrath of the beating sun showing its force, the sea temperatures also begin to rise. You can escape the rays and cool down a bit in the clear ocean water. Tourism during May generally also tends to decline, as it is a little difficult to be outside during the peak heat of the afternoon. This fall in crowds means demand for accommodation and travel is lower, and you won’t have to spend as much as in the peak tourist months.

June

• High: 33.9°C (90°F)
• Low: 25.5°C (77.9°F)
• Rain Days: 8

If you’re planning on visiting Da Nang during these peak dry season months, prepare yourself for high temperatures. June, July and August are the hottest months of the year. Vietnamese people generally tend to stay indoors during the peak heat of the day, doing most of their outdoor activities either in the morning or closer to sunset. If you’re planning your holiday for this time of year, you’ll likely adopt the same schedule, or spend a large portion of your day in or near a body of water.

While tourist levels may be lower than peak season, the majority of the International Fireworks Festival is held during June. On the last day of the month, the final round of the competition is held and closing ceremonies commence. This is a must-see if you’re around Da Nang during this time, as it is quite the spectacular event. Get your “ooh’s and ah’s” ready for a night to remember.

July

• High: 34.3°C (93.7°F)
• Low: 25.3°C (77.5°F)
• Rain Days: 8.6

July is another hot month in Da Nang, with excess sunshine and scorching temperatures. Aside from the high temperatures, July does seem to bring in higher tourism levels than in previous months. But you still have another month until peak crowds, July being the second most popular time to visit. So you can still escape the congestion before peak season presents itself.

August

• High: 33.9°C (93°F)
• Low: 25.5°C (77.9°F)
• Rain Days: 11.4

This month, again filled with peak temperatures and dry days, is known for bringing the highest levels of international and domestic tourists to Da Nang. Get ready for bustling crowds and humid days if planning a visit this month. And don’t forget to book accommodation early, as these large numbers of tourists are also looking to secure their holiday resort options.

On the 15th day of the 7th month, Vietnam partakes in what they call the Wandering Souls Day (Vu Lan Festival). This day, usually falling some time in or around August, is when families prepare vegetarian feasts and set a place at the table for their family members who have passed on. Vietnamese families offer their good thoughts and recognition of their fallen loved ones, the smell of sweltering Joss paper fills the streets. This is a spiritual day where graves and temples are frequented with families paying respects and sending love to their departed and beloved relatives.

Wandering Souls Day Dates

2019: August 15.

2020: September 2.

2021: August 22.

September

• High: 31.5°C (88.7°F)
• Low: 24.1°C (75.4°F)
• Rain Days: 15.4

September is the beginning of the seasonal weather change, as chances of rainfall increase and sunshine hours are on the decline. Da Nang becomes less frequented by international and domestic tourists as high season starts coming to a close. Despite the weather making its gradual flip toward precipitation, lower temperatures and cloudy skies, the city is still filled with excitement and activity.

The end of September marks the start of the Mid-Autumn Festival (or Tet Trung Thu), ushering in blessings of good luck for the new year. Melodies of drums and symbols chime in with the usual motorbike horns and bustling traffic and bring an authentic sound to the city. Children, teenagers and businesses alike join in with arranged dances and percussion performances to bring good fortune in the coming year in this ancient tradition.

September also hosts Vietnam’s Independence Day, on the second day of September. While some shops and dining options may close for the day, the general functionality of the city remains intact. This public holiday won’t have too large of an influence on your holiday plans, as the city greatly depends on tourist traffic.

Mid Autumn Festival Dates

2019 – September 13.

2020 – October 10.

2021 – September 21

October

• High: 29.6°C (85.3°F)
• Low: 23.2°C (73.8°F)
• Rain Days: 21.2

October is another transitional and inconsistent period of weather in Da Nang. You’ll likely catch both sunshine and raindrops (and potential flooding) during your stay, even if you’re only around for a week. Monsoon season is getting into full swing, so packing some rain gear is highly advised. But, don’t forget to throw in a bathing suit for those possible beach days when the skies clear and the sun shows its face again.

As the wet season clouds shift over the city, tourist levels drop, along with accommodation and travel prices. With more moderate autumn crowds, Da Nang becomes a bit quieter.  However, it is still not without the beeping and weaving of traffic as Vietnamese residents fill the streets. Still, remember that during these wet months, flooding is a possibility.So prepare yourself for any and all weather conditions.

November

• High: 27°C (80.6°F)
• Low: 21.6°C (70.9°F)
• Rain Days: 20.9

November weather conditions don’t vary too far from those in October or December, with high chances of rain, winter winds settling in and chances of floods. While the number of rainy days is gradually decreasing, you’ll still want to keep in mind the quickly shifting weather when planning outdoor day trips. A light rainproof option is good to have on hand during the months of monsoon season.  Evening motorbike trips or strolls around town can bring a bit of a chill. You don’t want to be caught off guard by unexpected precipitation while checking out the sites or walking around the city. 

December

• High: 24.9°C (76.8°F)
• Low: 19.3°C (66.7°F)
• Rain Days: 18.6

With the year ending, so does the bulk of Da Nang’s gloomier season. Levels of tourism remain moderate relative to the peak summer months, while rainy days become fewer and far between. Walking or riding around the city in the evening may be brisk and require a light layer, but the less packed streets leave you with some room to breathe. Commonly frequented tourist destinations, accommodation options and the city’s numerous eateries are less crowded.  This gives you ample time to explore or relax and read your book, without the distractions of larger mobs of people looking for a sunny holiday getaway.

Around Christmas time, however, hotels and restaurants are decorated in the holiday spirit, providing that taste of home for those looking for that holiday atmosphere. The week surrounding Christmas does bring a bit more traveller traffic, but nothing compared to popular months like July and August. Weather can be grey, but December is still a beautiful time to visit this booming city.

Hidden’s Thoughts

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the perfect time to visit Da Nang. We’ve aimed to narrow these down so you can find a time to visit that suits you or at least assists in setting some expectations for your upcoming trip. Just remember the key factors below when visiting. And Da Nang’s weather can serve a few performances so consider these facts if you’re looking for an escape.

Hottest months: May and June

Coolest months: January and December

Rain (with possible flooding): October – December

Cheapest months: May & June, September – November

Events to Consider:

• Tet: January/February (check dates beforehand)
• Da Nang International Fireworks Festival: April to June
• Wandering Souls: August/September
• Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu): September/October
• Independence Day: September 2nd

 

Weather average source: https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/vietnam/da-nang-climate