Vietnam has a humid monsoon climate so typhoons originating from the Pacific Ocean often occur. Typhoons in Vietnam are mainly formed in the East Sea (40%) and the east of Luzon (Philippines) in the Pacific (60%). The annual typhoon season in Vietnam usually lasts from May to December. It starts with typhoons originating from the East Sea, affecting directly coastal provinces and land areas. Typhoons are most concentrated in August, September, and October of the year. According to statistics, on average, Vietnam experiences about 10 typhoons and 2-3 tropical depressions every year.
I - The impact of typhoons on Vietnam tourism
Typhoons are a common natural disaster in Vietnam, causing heavy damage to people and the economy, including tourism and especially marine tourism. In particular, the impact of typhoons on each region is as follows:
Typhoon season in Vietnam - Source: Internet
1 - Northern Vietnam
The clear differentiation of seasons in Northern Vietnam turns tourism activities, especially marine tourism into seasonal ones. The typhoon season in the North usually occurs from June to September. Typhoons affect mainly the islands and coastal provinces from Quang Ninh to Ninh Binh. Especially, it also has a direct effect on tourism activities related to the seas and islands such as cruise ship tours, scuba diving tours, bathing and kayaking, etc., at typical tourist destinations such as Ha Long Bay, Co To Island, Cat Ba island, Quan Lan Island, Bach Long Vi Island, Hon Dau Island. Inland areas such as Hanoi and Ninh Binh, typhoons and typhoon circulation cause rain, leading to a restriction on travel and sightseeing.
2 - Central - the place most severely affected by typhoons in Vietnam
This region is the key center of typhoons in Vietnam, as well as home to the best beaches of Vietnam. The top recommended beach cities for taking a beach vacation in Vietnam: Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hue, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet, etc. The region usually experiences the most typhoons which occur in September, October, and November. The typhoons are accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds, easily causing flooding in low-lying areas, sand whirlpools, rough seas, etc., which directly affects tourism activities during this season. From May to July is the peak of domestic tourism (due to coinciding with school holidays as well as the beginning of the typhoon season - storms rarely appear and rain is not much). Due to such characteristics, the Central region only attracts tourists from December to April. Also located in the Central region, the Central Highlands is the only area not affected by typhoons. However, from the beginning of May to the end of November, the area is affected by the rainy season, not suitable for travel and exploration.
3 - Southern Vietnam
Possessing more favorable weather than the above-mentioned regions, the Southern region of Vietnam can develop tourism all year round. Typhoons hitting the South directly are quite rare, however, the typhoon season in Northern and Central Vietnam is also the rainy season in the south, so the period from May to October is not the best time for travel and experience.
II - Tips for tourists getting typhoons in Vietnam
Vietnam typhoon season - Source: Osman Rana
1 - Vietnam typhoon-free season
In general, typhoons in Vietnam usually start from June to October mainly. Early typhoons sometimes occur from May and late ones occur in November and December, however, early or late season typhoons are not as strong as typhoons in the middle season, so the best travel time in Vietnam is around November to April next year.
Tourists should choose the time of the typhoon-free season to experience the trip to the fullest, discover many beautiful scenes, and participate in the most diverse travel activities as possible.
2 - Vietnam storm warning
For tourists deciding to come to Vietnam during the typhoon season, visitors should see the weather forecast arranged and planned appropriately to visit destinations away from the sea such as Sapa, Southwestern, and Highlands...to minimize the impact of typhoons. However, this journey will be in danger of landslides (due to the road moving many steep passes), so you should check the Vietnam typhoon forecast and follow the warning through the weather forecast information.
>>> See more: Interesting things to know about all seasons in Vietnam
Hopefully, with our information, visitors will have an interesting trip, avoid the negative effects of the Vietnam typhoon season and understand more about the climate and nature of our country. Wish you a great experience in Vietnam.
— Quan Nguyen
