When is the best time of year for Birding in Vietnam?

Birds can be seen all year round, but there are certain times of year that are more productive for birders see a greater number of birds more easily, getting better views to enjoy every species. The best time to go birding in Vietnam is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. You also can go birding to Vietnam in November or May. This is when you catch the seasons in transition, and the national parks are quieter.

Vietnam Climate:

Vietnam has a tropical climate which is dominated by the monsoon season; But its varied terrain means the temperature and seasons will vary across the different regions.

Vietnam has three distinct regional weather patterns:

Northern Vietnam: winter (November to April) is cool and dry and summer (May to October) is hot, humid, and rainy (July to September has the highest rainfall). The far north of Vietnam is mountainous and its high altitudes can sometimes experience freezing temperatures. In

Central Vietnam is hot and dry in the summer (January to August) and cool and rainy in winter, with monsoon-level rains in October and November.

Southern Vietnam has constant warm temperatures. Here the seasons are simple: rainy (May to November) and dry (November to May).

• Vietnamese Rainy Season: May to October
• Vietnamese Dry Season: November to April

Month-by-month guide for Birding in Vietnam

December – February

December and February are the best period to see both migration and resident birds in Vietnam. Migration going on and resident species start to become more active. Very enjoyable time in the country because it’s cool, while a lot of birds can still be seen (Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Pittas,…); But some resident species still do not respond to calls.

March – April

March and April are the best time in Vietnam to see most resident species. If you don’t care much about migratory birds this is a great time to see most endemic and specialities of Vietnam (Pittas, Pheasants, Laughingthrushes, Babblers,..). Migration has gradually ended, most migratory species have left Vietnam. We have less chance to see Spoon-billed Sandpiper and some species of Thrushes, Flycatchers,…at this time.

May – June

All birding places and best birds are up in the mountains.

Northern Vietnam, you can go birding to Sapa, Mu Cang Chai and Phia Oac-Phia Den National Park. That’s where lots of mist might be encountered. Those lucky enough with the weather might still see some good birds though.

Southern Vietnam, that’s where rains might be encountered as the rainy season has started, with heavy showers usually lasting only a couple of hours at most. Basically, the dry mornings still gives us the opportunity to see endemic species and specialties in Da Lat Plateau and Deo Nui San ( Di Linh). The Blue-winged Pitta is only easy in Cat Tien National Park in this time of year.

July – November

From July –  November, there can be a lot of rain and flooding is usually at its worst. This period is not good to go Birding in Vietnam. You can start to do your Vietnam Birding Trips from mid-November when it rains less and more resident birds begin to be more active. This is a great time for migratory birds, when it’s easy to spot Spoon-billed Sandpiper and other shorebirds.