Danang (Da Nang), the world’s 7th trending destination, is definitely one of the most appealing destinations in Vietnam. As the largest city in Central Vietnam and also the worth-visiting and living city in Vietnam, Danang’s climate is heavily monsoon-influenced, with two distinct seasons: wet and dry. Read on to find out when the best time to visit Danang city is and its nearby famous attractions.
Geography and Weather in Danang
Danang is the fifth largest city in Vietnam by population. It is located on the coast of the East Sea, near the place where the Han River meets the sea. Its climate is a tropical monsoon climate with influences from towering mountains, the East sea and Han river. There are two distinct seasons within the year: a typhoon and wet season from September to December, and a dry season from January to August.
Boasting little changes in temperature throughout the year, Danang is, however, subject to a lot of natural disasters, due to its special location. Occasionally, tsunamis and typhoons may cause damage to the city, hence tourists are strongly advised to stay informed before and during their stays.
Monthly Weather Conditions in Danang
Let’s take a look at the table of weather conditions in Danang in each and every month of the year to find out which is best for your visit:
Danang Weather by Month
| Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | What to wear |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20 | 25 | Short sleeves, light jacket |
| February | 20 | 26 | Short sleeves, light jacket |
| March | 22 | 29 | Short sleeves, light jacket |
| April | 24 | 31 | Shorts, tank tops, light jacket |
| May | 26 | 33 | Shorts, tank tops, light jacket |
| June | 27 | 36 | Shorts, tank tops, light jacket |
| July | 26 | 33 | Shorts, tank tops, light jacket |
| August | 26 | 35 | Shorts, tank tops, light jacket |
| September | 25 | 34 | Shorts, tank tops, raincoat |
| October | 24 | 30 | Shorts, tank tops, raincoat |
| November | 23 | 27 | Shorts, tank tops, raincoat |
| December | 20 | 24 | Short sleeves, light jacket |
As mentioned before, there are two distinct seasons in Danang: wet season and dry season. There is another way to categorise seasons, in terms of tourist volumes: peak season, shoulder season and off season.
Dry Season in Danang
The dry season starts from January and ends in August. The dry season is divided into 4 phases, with slightly changes in weather conditions among them.
The first phase starts in January and is named the dry-cold phase. It will be dry and cold, with lows reaching 20°C and the average temperature is 21°C. February is the second phase, dry-cool. The temperature will gradually increase, with gentle breeze from the ocean and a drop in precipitation. The weather is perfect during these two months, neither too cold nor too hot. Outdoor activities are kings under this weather; you can enjoy sunbathing and trekking without worrying about rainfalls.
The third phase, dry-warm, begins in March and ends in May. The temperature peaks during these months, with highs hitting 33°C. That is early summer in Danang (though it’s basically summer all year round). Average precipitation stays really low in March and April, the driest months in the year, before slowly picking up in May. The burning sun is starting to get in the way of your city strolling or trekking.
The last phase, dry-hot, occurs from June to August. They are the hottest months of the year, with the temperatures peaking at 35-36°C, even 40°C. You will start to feel the typical heat of Central Vietnam, with very long sunshine hours. Make sure you protect yourself from direct sunlight by wearing a hat, sunglasses, sunscreens and stay hydrated. Shorts, short sleeves and tank tops are your friends, but also equip yourself with a light jacket for long travels on sleeper buses.
Wet Season in Danang
The wet season takes place from September to December and is divided into three phases. The first phase, stormy-warm, is in September, when most typhoons sweep in from the sea. Average precipitation shoots up to doubling the figure of August (from 117mm in August to 312mm in September). You will be experiencing a lot of stormy and rainy days in this month.
The second phase lasts from October to November, the stormy-cool phase. The temperature drops to 24-25°C on average, marking an autumn weather in this city. Average precipitation skyrockets to 650mm in October and 432mm in November, making these two the wettest months of the year.
The last phase, rainy-cool, wraps up the year in December. The temperature will drop to an average of 22°C, marking the early winter in Danang. It will be much more pleasant, with less precipitation and cool winter breezes.
During the wet season, most beach activities will be prohibited, so don’t come in these months if you wish to have a good swim. However, other indoor activities in Danang are attractive too, if you don’t mind traveling site to site in the rain. Jackets and raincoats are recommended for traveling in this season.
When is the Best Time to Visit Danang?
January to May is considered the best time to visit Danang.
These four months belong to the dry season, when the rainfall is not a concern and the average temperature is around 22-28°C. December is not a bad choice either, as it’s the end of the wet season and the precipitation is not heavy. From June to August it will be too hot, and from September to November it will be too humid.
Seasons in Terms of Tourism Volume in Danang
Danang in Peak Season (June to August)
It is summertime in Danang, which means a huge number of local families will be going on their annual summer vacation. A lot of festivals will take place during the peak season, including the famous annual fireworks show. Peak season it is, all the accommodations and facilities will be overpriced and overcrowded. If you’re traveling on budget, these are the months to avoid.
Danang in Shoulder Season (February to May)
Danang welcomes substantially fewer tourists in this period, making it a perfect time for foreign visitors to flock here. The weather is pleasant and dry, and you’ll find the tropical sun less annoying than in summertime. The Lunar New Year often takes place during this period.
Danang in Off Season (October to January)
There must be a reason why this time of the year is called the off season. Very few travelers pay a visit to this beautiful city, as there will be a lot of downpours and storms. In December and January the weather will be improved, making it a decent choice for those seeking a budget-friendly trip.
What to Pack for a Day in Danang?
Coming to Danang in the dry season (January to August), you will certainly be sunbathing, swimming, trekking, strolling and even motorcycling. If that’s the case, remember to pack yourself a large bottle of water, apply appropriate sunscreen, wear protective clothing to avoid direct sunlight, and bring a light jacket. You wouldn’t want to surrender to the burning tropical sun of Central Vietnam.
If you’re coming in the wet season (September to December), a raincoat is a nice-to-have, as you’ll easily find street side local stalls selling them. A light jacket will also come in handy, as it can get chilly in December. A mix of short sleeves and long sleeves should be packed too, as the weather might change during the day.
Conclusion
Every season is beautiful in its own way. Although Danang is a good place to stop by anytime of the year, it’s still better to plan ahead and make the most of your trip.
