Best Time To Visit Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Wondering what’s the best time to go to Phu Quoc island? Look no further – this guide will give you all the info you need to plan your trip at the perfect time.

Phu Quoc Island is one of the top beach destinations in Vietnam, some even say it’s the best one of all. Located 45 kilometers off the coast of the Ha Tien province, Phu Quoc is a pristine island that comes with white sand beaches and palm trees… your dream tropical paradise.

But, there’s a but, the weather in Phu Quoc changes throughout the year. For the best experience, you need to know when is the best time to visit Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam, to make the most of it.

Let’s see how’s the weather in Phu Quoc, Vietnam, and when is the best time to travel to Phu Quoc island.

Best Time To Visit Phu Quoc: November to March

The ideal time to visit Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam is anywhere from the months of November to March. This is the dry season on the island so you will be able to maximize the tropical attractions available. When you visit Phu Quoc during the dry season, you can expect an average daily temperature of 25 to 28 degrees Celsius.

There are so many things to do in Phu Quoc Island during the dry season. A few examples? Swimming, snorkeling, beach hopping, island hopping, and sunbathing… and we are only talking about beach-related activities. Speaking of beaches, there are quite a few notable beaches in Phu Quoc but among the can’t-miss ones are Ong Lang Beach and Long Beach. Also, don’t miss the Phu Quoc cable car ride to Hon Thom! Not a beach bum? Visit Phu Quoc National Park and Suoi Tranh Waterfall. Here youu can enjoy trekking, bird watching, camping, or picnicking in the jungle.

Aside from these natural sights and activities, there are also cultural attractions to enjoy in Phu Quoc in January and February. In particular, the Lunar New Year (Tet) is celebrated during this time of the year – at the end of January or early February. This is a nice opportunity to witness the festive culture in Vietnam and to partake in the celebration.

READ ALSO: 15 Best Things To Do in Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

The dry season from November to March also marks the high season for tourism in Phu Quoc Island. Make sure to book your hotel in advance so you can get the accommodation you want. You can also expect prices (flight and accommodation) to be higher given the level of demand during this time of year, and the great Phu Quoc weather in December that attracts visitors for their Christmas holidays.

Phu Quoc in April to June: The Hot Season

The months of April to June are known as the shoulder season for tourism in Phu Quoc Island. This is also the (very) hot season on the island, which is why it’s avoided by most travelers. The days are extremely hot and there is little rain during this time of year. The temperature in Phu Quoc at this time of the year averages 26 to 32 degrees Celsius.

It doesn’t sound too high, but the humidity level can reach up to 85%, which makes you feel like you are in a sauna. If you’re someone who suffers the heat, be aware that it might be very unpleasant.

However, Phu Quoc island weather is unpredictable. We visited in May and yes, it was very warm but bearable, but we also experienced a few days of rain which wasn’t supposed to happen in this season. Go figure!

The one upside to the decline in tourist population on the island, though, is that you can expect lower prices on hotel accommodations. Most hotels are half empty and will offer competitive prices. For budget travelers, this is a good deal to exploit, especially since Phu Quoc is not as a budget destination as other places in Vietnam and Southeast Asia and it might be difficult to visit in the high season if you’re on a budget.

If you choose to visit Phu Quoc during the hot season, make sure you are prepared for the weather. Be on the lookout for dehydration and sunburn, which are especially common during the months of April to May when the temperature is at its peak. Always bring with you a bottle of water and a hat.

June: The Busiest Month in Phu Quoc

If you plan on visiting Phu Quoc Island for relaxation, it’s best to avoid the month of June… unless your idea of relaxation is laying on a beach with a million other people.

June is one of the worst month to visit Phu Quoc due to the influx of visitors, especially domestic tourists. During this month, the beaches are overcrowded and the hotels and restaurants are fully booked. Skip the hassle and the noise of the crowd by planning your visit some other time.

July to September: Phu Quoc Rainy Season

The rainy season in Phu Quoc starts in the month of July and ends in September. A lot of hotels and resorts are closed during this time of the year because it’s also the low season for tourism in Phu Quoc. Most of the hotels and resorts use this time to renovate or maintain their property. For those few who choose to stay open, hotels will often offer up to 40% discount on bookings to make up for the high vacancy rate.

But let me explain what the rainy season means exactly. During the rainy season in Vietnam it rains quite a lot, more than year round in other destinations. However, it won’t necessarily rain all day everyday. Many times the rain will come as a tropical downpour in the afternoon/night that will last an hour or so, and the rest of the day it might not rain ever. If you’re unlucky though, it can also mean non-stop rain – day in, day out. The heavy rain can make it seem impossible to do anything other than stay indoors. It’s impossible to predict in advance, so know what’s the risk if you book during this time.

Towards the end of the Phu Quoc rainy season (August onwards), the rain starts to slow down, but it still might be not the best time to plan a visit if all you want to do is spending time the beach and doing water activities.

However, if you are someone who doesn’t mind the wet weather, you might particularly enjoy Phu Quoc during the wet season. This is a good time to skip the beach and head to the mountains. The refreshing smell of the rain water washing off the jungle is something that outdoor enthusiasts will love. Phu Quoc weather in July to September makes it the perfect time to strap on your hiking boots and visit a nearby national park and trek up the trails to see hidden waterfalls, follow streams, and enjoy the beauty of the lakes during the rainy season. Make sure to check out the weather forecast for Phu Quoc though before adventuring in the wilderness.

Phu Quoc temperature averages 24 degrees Celsius during the rainy season, so it’s pretty pleasurable.

October: The Best Value!

The month of October is one of the best months to visit Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam if you are looking to snag the best deals. Known as the calm before the storm, this is considered by many as one of the most desirable times of the year to visit – the rain has already passed and the tourists have not flocked yet. Visitors who come to Phu Quoc during this time of year are able to experience the beaches while they are almost empty.

When it comes to prices, this is also one of the best times to enjoy great value, if not THE best. The tourism facilities are just starting to open their doors again. To attract tourists to stay, these hotels and resorts often offer discounts and you can easily find the best deal! Due to the quiet and relaxing atmosphere at this time of the year, October is also a recommended time for romantic getaways or honeymoons.

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