What’s the best time of year for motorbike touring in Vietnam?

In Northern Vietnam: The best time to ride a motorbike in the North is from September to May. September marks the beginning of autumn, and May is when spring turns into early summer — this entire stretch is considered the dry season, offering ideal conditions for long-distance motorcycle adventures without much interruption from rain.

September and early October are especially stunning, as the rice terraces in the northern mountains turn golden just before harvest — a dream for bikers and photographers alike. November and December can be a bit chilly, but even the coldest days rarely drop below 10°C, and the average stays comfortably between 18°C–25°C — perfect for riding.

January to April are cool and pleasant months, while May gets warmer but is still a great time to hit the road.

From June to August, it’s summer in the North — expect hot and humid weather with more frequent rains. Temperatures can reach 30–34°C, sometimes even higher. This period might be challenging for older or less heat-tolerant riders, but if you’re okay with some heat and spontaneous downpours, Vietnam is still yours to explore.

In Central and Southern Vietnam: Central Vietnam’s weather is somewhat similar to the North, but summers tend to be hotter. Meanwhile, Southern Vietnam has a longer rainy season, from May to October, but no real winter. In fact, the South enjoys sunshine almost year-round.

Even with all that sunshine, the humidity here is lower than in the North, making the heat feel more manageable. The best time to ride in Southern Vietnam is from November to May, when the weather is at its most comfortable.