Knowing what to expect weather-wise can make all the difference in planning a comfortable and memorable trip to this stunning region of Vietnam. Ninh Binh, with its dramatic karst landscapes, serene rivers, and vibrant rice fields, offers beauty year-round, but each season brings its own unique charm and considerations.
A quick overview Ninh Binh’s climate
Ninh Binh, located in the Red River Delta of Northern Vietnam, experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. This means you’ll see noticeable changes in temperature, rainfall, and humidity throughout the year.
Spring (February – April)
Spring in Ninh Binh brings delightful weather, typically ranging from a comfortable 18°C to 25°C. You’ll enjoy mostly sunny and dry days, with perhaps just a touch of occasional rain. It’s truly a wonderful time to explore and soak in the breathtaking beauty of the region’s scenery
Summer (May – July)
Summer in Ninh Binh brings warmth and humidity, with temperatures typically between 26°C and 36°C. You’ll enjoy long, sunny days perfect for exploring, though be prepared for occasional afternoon thunderstorms which can cool things down. The humidity can feel intense, so please stay well-hydrated and wear light, airy clothing – cotton is ideal. Most importantly, the Vietnamese summer sun is very strong; a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are absolute must-haves to comfortably enjoy our beautiful landscapes.
Autumn (August – October)
Autumn in Ninh Binh truly is a golden time. The weather becomes noticeably drier and pleasantly warm, with average temperatures settling comfortably between 24°C and 33°C. You’ll enjoy days filled with beautiful sunshine and clearer skies, as those summer thunderstorms become much less frequent. This makes it an exceptionally comfortable period for exploring all the stunning sights Ninh Binh has to offer, without the intense heat and humidity of the peak summer months.
Winter (November – January)
Winter in Ninh Binh brings a refreshingly crisp and cooler atmosphere, with average temperatures usually settling between a mild 15°C and 23°C. The days are indeed shorter, and you might experience more overcast skies compared to other seasons, along with some occasional light rain or drizzle. Evenings and early mornings, in particular, can feel quite chilly, so packing layers, including a warm jacket or sweater, is definitely recommended. This way, you’ll be perfectly comfortable to enjoy the crisp air and the serene, often misty beauty that winter lends to our stunning landscapes.
READ MORE: Vietnam’s Weather: A comprehensive guide for planning your perfect trip
Ninh Binh weather by month
January in Ninh Binh: Cool and dry beginnings
- Average temperature: 15-20°C (59-68°F). Can dip lower, especially at night.
- Rainfall: Low. One of the driest months.
- Humidity: Moderate.
- What to expect: Cool, crisp air, often overcast but generally dry. Perfect for comfortable sightseeing, cycling, and boat trips without the intense heat. This is peak dry season.
- Scenery: Rice fields are often fallow or just starting to be prepared for the next crop. The karsts look majestic against clear or misty skies.
- What to wear: Layers are key! Warm jacket, sweaters, long trousers. Indian travellers from cooler northern Indian states might find it pleasant, while those from warmer southern regions will find it quite cool.
- Festivals: Near Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), which sometimes falls in late January.
February in Ninh Binh: Lingering coolness, Spring on the horizon
- Average temperature: 16-22°C (61-72°F). Gradually warming up.
- Rainfall: Still low, but may see slightly more drizzle than January.
- Humidity: Moderate, can feel a bit damp with drizzle.
- What to expect: Similar to January, cool and mostly dry. Good for all outdoor activities. Occasional light spring rain or mist (crachin).
- Scenery: Early signs of spring, some flowers blooming. Rice fields are being planted.
- What to wear: Warm layers, light waterproof jacket for drizzle.
- Festivals: Tet often falls in February, bringing a festive atmosphere but also potential for some services to be closed or crowded. Bai Dinh Pagoda festival usually starts after Tet.
March in Ninh Binh: Spring awakening, Pleasant temperatures
- Average temperature: 18-25°C (64-77°F). Getting noticeably warmer and more pleasant.
- Rainfall: Low, with occasional light spring showers.
- Humidity: Rising slightly.
- What to expect: One of the best months weather-wise. Comfortable temperatures for exploring, clear skies are more common.
- Scenery: Rice fields are starting to turn green. Flowers are in bloom.
- What to wear: Light jacket or sweater for evenings, comfortable daytime clothing.
READ MORE: How to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
April in Ninh Binh: Warm spring days, Approaching summer
- Average temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F). Feels warm, pleasant.
- Rainfall: Increasing slightly, but still manageable showers.
- Humidity: Rising, feeling more humid.
- What to expect: Warm, sunny days. Great for boat trips and outdoor activities before the peak summer heat.
- Scenery: Ninh Binh rice fields are often a vibrant, lush green, especially towards the end of the month in areas like Tam Coc. This is a beautiful time for photography.
- What to wear: Light summer clothing, sun hat, sunscreen. A light rain jacket is advisable.
May in Ninh Binh: Summer arrives, Golden rice harvest
- Average temperature: 25-32°C (77-90°F). Hot and humid.
- Rainfall: Increases significantly; this is the start of the rainy season. Expect more frequent, sometimes heavy, showers, often in the afternoon.
- Humidity: High.
- What to expect: Hot and humid conditions. Mornings are often best for activities.
- Scenery: Crucial Month! This is often the first golden rice harvest season in Tam Coc (usually late May to early June). The Ninh Binh rice fields turn a stunning golden yellow – a photographer’s dream! The landscape is incredibly vibrant.
- What to wear: Light, breathable summer clothes, sun hat, sunscreen, umbrella or poncho.
June in Ninh Binh: Peak summer heat and humidity
- Average temperature: 27-35°C (81-95°F). Can feel very hot.
- Rainfall: High; one of the wettest months. Expect regular, often heavy, afternoon downpours.
- Humidity: Very high.
- What to expect: Hot, humid, and rainy. Plan activities for early morning or late afternoon. Boat trips can still be enjoyable, and the rain can bring a dramatic beauty to the landscape.
- Scenery: If the first rice harvest happened in May, fields might be fallow or being prepared. Otherwise, still very green and lush. Lotus flowers bloom in some ponds around this time.
- What to wear: Very light, quick-drying clothes. Poncho/umbrella is essential. Stay hydrated!
July in Ninh Binh: Continued summer rains
- Average temperature: 27-34°C (81-93°F). Still hot and humid.
- Rainfall: High. Frequent showers.
- Humidity: Very high.
- What to expect: Similar to June – hot, humid, and wet. Be prepared for rain.
- Scenery: Very green and lush due to the rain. Rivers might be higher.
- What to wear: Lightest possible clothing, rain gear.
READ MORE: Where to stay in Ninh Binh?
August in Ninh Binh: Still hot, Rainy season continues
- Average temperature: 26-33°C (79-91°F). Temperatures start to slightly moderate by month-end.
- Rainfall: Remains high, though may start to decrease towards the end of the month.
- Humidity: High.
- What to expect: Still firmly in the rainy season. Hot and humid.
- Scenery: Lush and green.
- What to wear: Light clothing, 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 start to decrease.
- Rainfall: Decreases significantly compared to peak rainy season, but still expect some showers.
- Humidity: Gradually decreasing.
- What to expect: Weather becomes more comfortable. A good transition month.
- Scenery: Another Crucial Month! This is often the second rice season, with fields turning vibrant green (early Sept) or golden yellow for harvest (late Sept to early Oct). A beautiful time for the Ninh Binh rice fields.
- What to wear: Light clothing, sun protection. A light rain jacket or umbrella is still useful.
October in Ninh Binh: Pleasant autumn, Ideal for travel
- Average temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F). Very comfortable.
- Rainfall: Much lower; the rainy season is largely over.
- Humidity: Moderate and comfortable.
- What to expect: One of the best months to visit! Pleasant temperatures, mostly sunny skies, low humidity. Perfect for all activities.
- Scenery: If the second rice harvest is happening, the golden fields are spectacular. Otherwise, the landscape is still beautiful and green.
- What to wear: Comfortable daytime clothing, a light sweater or jacket for evenings.
November in Ninh Binh: Cool and comfortable
- Average temperature: 19-25°C (66-77°F). Cool and pleasant.
- Rainfall: Low; very dry.
- Humidity: Low and comfortable.
- What to expect: Excellent weather for travelling. Clear skies, cool, and dry.
- Scenery: Post-harvest, fields might be fallow, but the karst landscapes are stunning in the clear air.
- What to wear: Light jacket, sweaters for cooler evenings and mornings.
December in Ninh Binh: Cool winter days, Festive feel
- Average temperature: 16-22°C (61-72°F). Similar to January, can be quite cool.
- Rainfall: Very low; one of the driest months.
- Humidity: Low.
- What to expect: Cool, dry, and often sunny, though can be overcast. Great for sightseeing without the crowds of peak season.
- Scenery: Crisp, clear views of the landscape.
- What to wear: Warm clothing – jackets, sweaters, long trousers.
- Festivals: Christmas decorations might appear in some tourist areas.
Which Ninh Binh weather by month is “best” for Indian travellers?
This truly depends on your preferences!
- For pleasant temperatures and dry weather (Similar to North Indian winter/spring): October to April is generally considered the prime time and March, April, October, November are often highlighted as “perfect” with comfortable warmth and sunshine.
- For witnessing the Golden Rice Fields: Late May to Early June (first harvest) – expect heat and humidity and Late September to Early October (second harvest) – weather is usually much more pleasant.
- To avoid crowds (and potentially get better deals): Shoulder seasons like early May or late October and winter months like December, January, February (though it will be cool).
- If You Don’t Mind Heat & Rain (Similar to Indian Monsoon, but perhaps less intense overall): June to August. You can still enjoy Ninh Binh, but be prepared and flexible with your plans. The landscape is incredibly lush and green.
READ MORE: Best time to visit Ninh Binh
Conclusion
No matter which Ninh Binh weather by month you choose for your visit, this region’s charm will shine through. By understanding the typical conditions, you can pack appropriately and tailor your activities for the most enjoyable experience. Whether you’re gliding through golden rice fields under the May sun or cycling past majestic karsts on a cool November morning, Ninh Binh is ready to enchant you.