Ninh Binh Weather by Month: The Ultimate 2025/2026 Planner

Ninh Binh has four distinct seasons, with average temperatures ranging from a cool 15°C in winter to a hot 35°C in summer. The best months to visit are March–April and October–November, when the weather is dry, mild, and perfect for boat rides through Tam Coc’s rice fields. This guide breaks down the Ninh Binh weather by month with exact temperatures, rainfall, and which activities are best, ensuring you plan a comfortable and memorable trip.

Ninh Binh Weather At a Glance: Quick Answers

• Best Months Overall: March, April, October, and November offer the most balanced conditions with minimal rain and comfortable temperatures.
• Golden Rice Harvest: Late May to early June (hot and humid) and late September to early October (pleasant weather).
• Hottest Months: June and July, with daytime highs consistently reaching 35°C and humidity exceeding 85%.
• Wettest Month: August is the peak of the rainy season, receiving over 350 mm of rainfall.
• Coolest & Driest Month: January, with average temperatures around 16°C and the lowest precipitation.

Ninh Binh Weather Data by Month (Averages)

A Quick Overview of Ninh Binh’s Climate

Ninh Binh is located in the Red River Delta of Northern Vietnam and has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. This climate classification means you will experience significant shifts in temperature, rainfall, and humidity throughout the year, directly impacting the best activities and scenery.

Spring (February – April): The Prime Season

Spring delivers exceptional weather, with temperatures escalating from a mild 18°C to a warm 25°C. Days are predominantly sunny and dry, making it a prime season for exploring the region’s dramatic karst landscapes and lush scenery with minimal disruption.

Summer (May – July): Heat, Rain, and Vibrant Life

Summer announces its arrival with heat and humidity. Temperatures range from 26°C to 36°C, and humidity levels regularly exceed 85%, making outdoor activities sweaty. Afternoon thunderstorms are common and provide temporary relief from the intense sun. A hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are non-negotiable for exploring comfortably.

Autumn (August – October): The Golden Season

Autumn marks a transition to drier, more comfortable conditions. Average temperatures fall within a pleasant 24°C to 33°C range. As the monsoon recedes, you get clearer skies and consistent sunshine, creating perfect conditions for exploring the UNESCO-listed Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex without the oppressive summer heat.

Winter (November – January): Cool, Crisp, and Clear

Winter in Ninh Binh is refreshingly cool and dry, with average temperatures between 15°C and 23°C. The days are shorter and skies can be overcast, but significant rain is rare. Evening and early morning temperatures can drop to 13°C, so packing warm layers, including a jacket, is essential for enjoying the crisp air and misty morning views.

Ninh Binh Weather by Month: A Detailed Breakdown

January in Ninh Binh: Cool and Dry Beginnings

• Average temperature: 15-20°C (59-68°F). Night lows regularly reach 13-14°C.
• Rainfall: Low (approx. 18 mm). This is the driest month.
• Humidity: 75%.
• What to expect: Cool, crisp air and generally dry conditions. It is perfect for comfortable sightseeing, cycling, and hiking without heat exhaustion.
• Scenery: Rice fields are fallow. The limestone karsts are majestic against clear or misty skies.
• What to wear: Layers are essential. A warm jacket, sweaters, and long trousers are required.
• Festivals: The period near Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) may fall in late January.

February in Ninh Binh: Lingering Coolness, Spring on the Horizon

• Average temperature: 16-22°C (61-72°F). A gradual warming trend begins.
• Rainfall: Low (approx. 25 mm), with a chance of light drizzle or mist (crachin).
• Humidity: 78%.
• What to expect: Cool and mostly dry conditions continue, suitable for all outdoor activities.
• Scenery: Early signs of spring emerge as rice fields are planted.
• What to wear: Warm layers and a light waterproof jacket for drizzle.
• Festivals: Tet often occurs in February. The Bai Dinh Pagoda fesstival typically starts after Tet.

March in Ninh Binh: Spring Awakening, Perfect Temperatures

• Average temperature: 18-25°C (64-77°F). Warm and consistently pleasant.
• Rainfall: Low (approx. 45 mm), with infrequent light spring showers.
• Humidity: 80%.
• What to expect: This is one of the best months for Ninh Binh weather by month. Comfortable temperatures and clear skies are standard.
• Scenery: Rice fields are a vibrant, lush green.
• What to wear: Light jacket for evenings, comfortable t-shirts and trousers for daytime.

April in Ninh Binh: Warm Spring Days, Approaching Summer

• Average temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F). The climate is warm and pleasant.
• Rainfall: Increases to approx. 90 mm, with manageable showers.
• Humidity: 82%.
• What to expect: Warm, sunny days ideal for boat trips and outdoor exploration before the peak summer heat sets in.
• Scenery: The rice fields in areas like Tam Coc Vietnam are a brilliant, lush green, offering stunning photo opportunities.
• What to wear: Light summer clothing, sun hat, and sunscreen. A light rain jacket is a practical addition.

May in Ninh Binh: Summer Arrives, Golden Rice Harvest

• Average temperature: 25-32°C (77-90°F). Conditions are hot and humid.
• Rainfall: Increases significantly to approx. 180 mm as the rainy season begins.
• Humidity: 85%.
• What to expect: Hot and steamy conditions. Schedule activities for the early morning to avoid the midday heat.
• Scenery: Crucial Month! This is the first golden rice harvest season (late May to early June). The Ninh Binh Rice Fields turn a stunning golden yellow.
• What to wear: Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Pack a sun hat, sunscreen, and a poncho.

June in Ninh Binh: Peak Summer Heat and Humidity

• Average temperature: 27-35°C (81-95°F). This is one of the hottest months.
• Rainfall: High (approx. 240 mm), with regular, heavy afternoon downpours.
• Humidity: Very high, often reaching 88%.
• What to expect: Intensely hot and humid. Plan for early morning or late afternoon activities. The rain brings a dramatic beauty to the landscape.
• Scenery: Fields are either fallow post-harvest or being planted for the next crop. Lotus flowers are in full bloom in the ponds.
• What to wear: Very light, quick-drying clothes. A poncho or umbrella is essential. Stay hydrated.

July in Ninh Binh: Continued Summer Rains

• Average temperature: 27-34°C (81-93°F). Still very hot and humid.
• Rainfall: High (approx. 320 mm). According to Vietnam’s National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, this is peak monsoon season.
• Humidity: Peaks at 90%.
• What to expect: Similar to June – hot, humid, and wet. Be prepared for daily rain.
• Scenery: Extremely green and lush due to the rainfall. The rivers are full and flowing.
• What to wear: The lightest possible clothing and reliable rain gear.

August in Ninh Binh: Still Hot, Rainy Season Continues

• Average temperature: 26-33°C (79-91°F). Temperatures begin to moderate slightly by month-end.
• Rainfall: The wettest month, with rainfall peaking at over 350 mm.
• Humidity: High, around 90%.
• What to expect: Still firmly in the rainy season. A boat trip through the caves of the Trang An Boat Tour is especially dramatic with misty, rain-swept karst scenery.
• Scenery: Intensely lush and green.
• What to wear: Light clothing and reliable rain protection.

September in Ninh Binh: Autumn Approaches, Second Rice Season

• Average temperature: 24-31°C (75-88°F). More pleasant as heat and humidity decrease.
• Rainfall: Decreases significantly to approx. 200 mm.
• Humidity: Drops to a more comfortable 85%.
• What to expect: The weather becomes much more comfortable, making it a great transition month.
• Scenery: Another Crucial Month! This is the second rice season. Fields turn from vibrant green to golden yellow for the harvest (late Sept to early Oct), offering another chance to see the iconic Ninh Binh Rice Fields.
• What to wear: Light clothing and sun protection. A light rain jacket is still useful.

October in Ninh Binh: Pleasant Autumn, Ideal for Travel

• Average temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F). Extremely comfortable.
• Rainfall: Much lower (approx. 70 mm) as the rainy season ends.
• Humidity: Moderate and comfortable, around 80%.
• What to expect: One of the best months to visit. Pleasant temperatures, sunny skies, and low humidity make it perfect for all activities.
• Scenery: If the second rice harvest is underway, the golden fields are spectacular.
• What to wear: Comfortable daytime clothing, with a light sweater for the evenings.

November in Ninh Binh: Cool and Comfortable

• Average temperature: 19-25°C (66-77°F). Cool and pleasant.
• Rainfall: Low (approx. 35 mm). This is a very dry month.
• Humidity: Low and comfortable, around 75%.
• What to expect: Excellent travel weather. Clear skies, cool temperatures, and dry conditions are ideal for hiking up the 500 steps at Mua Cave Ninh Binh for panoramic views.
• Scenery: Post-harvest fields, but the karst landscapes are stunning in the clear air.
• What to wear: A light jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings and mornings.

December in Ninh Binh: Cool Winter Days, Festive Feel

• Average temperature: 16-22°C (61-72°F). Similar to January, it is reliably cool.
• Rainfall: Very low (approx. 20 mm).
• Humidity: Low (72%).
• What to expect: Cool, dry, and often sunny. This is a great time for sightseeing with fewer crowds than the spring peak season.
• Scenery: Crisp, clear views of the landscape.
• What to wear: Warm clothing is necessary—jackets, sweaters, and long trousers.
• Festivals: Christmas decorations appear in tourist-focused hotels and restaurants.

Understanding the Golden Rice Harvest Seasons

Ninh Binh is famous for its two golden rice seasons, which create a photographer’s paradise. Understanding the timing is key to witnessing this spectacle.

• First Harvest (Late May – Early June): This harvest occurs during the hot and humid summer. While the scenery is breathtaking, you must be prepared for high temperatures and the start of the rainy season.
• Second Harvest (Late September – Early October): This harvest aligns with the much more pleasant, drier autumn weather. This window is widely considered the absolute best time to see the golden fields and enjoy comfortable touring conditions.

How Ninh Binh’s Weather Compares with Hanoi, Halong, and Sapa

As part of the Red River Delta climate zone, Ninh Binh’s weather is similar to Hanoi and Halong Bay but differs significantly from mountainous Sapa.

• Hanoi: Weather is nearly identical to Ninh Binh, making them easy to combine on an itinerary. Hanoi can feel slightly warmer due to the urban heat island effect.
• Halong Bay: Also very similar, though being coastal, Halong can be breezier and more prone to fog and drizzle during the winter months (Jan-Feb).
• Sapa: Located in the high mountains, Sapa is always significantly cooler. In winter (Dec-Feb), Sapa’s temperatures can drop to freezing, while Ninh Binh remains a mild 15-20°C. In summer, Sapa is a cool escape from Ninh Binh’s heat.

Which Ninh Binh Weather by Month is “Best” for Indian Travellers?

This depends on your climate preferences and priorities:

• For Pleasant Temperatures (Similar to North Indian Winter/Spring): October to April is the prime time. The months of March, April, October, and November are perfect, offering comfortable warmth and abundant sunshine.
• For Witnessing the Golden Rice Fields: Late September to Early October is the single best period, combining the golden harvest with pleasant 24-31°C temperatures and dry skies. Late May to early June is an alternative, but be prepared for 32°C+ heat and high humidity.
• To Avoid Crowds & Get Better Deals: The shoulder seasons (early May, late October) and the cool winter months (December, January) are ideal.
• If You Don’t Mind Heat & Rain (Similar to Indian Monsoon): June to August. The landscape is incredibly lush, but high heat, humidity, and daily downpours are guaranteed.

Conclusion

No matter which Ninh Binh weather by month you choose, the region’s charm is undeniable. By understanding these distinct seasonal patterns, you can pack appropriately and schedule your activities to maximize enjoyment. Whether gliding through golden rice fields in September or cycling past majestic karsts on a crisp November morning, Ninh Binh is ready to deliver an unforgettable experience.

Note: Weather data is based on 10-year averages; actual conditions may vary year to year. Last updated for the 2025-2026 season.

Further Reading:

1. Where to Stay in Ninh Binh: Hotels, Homestays & Resorts
2. Shopping in Ninh Binh: What to Expect Each Season