As Tet 2026 approaches, the national weather forecast suggests that Vietnam will experience mild weather overall, with the north facing moderate cold and light rain, while the central and southern regions remain relatively dry.

According to Dr. Hoang Phuc Lam, Deputy Director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, from February 7 to 9 (the 20th to 22nd days of the lunar calendar), a moderate-to-strong northeast monsoon is expected to affect northern Vietnam.

“This cold air mass will bring widespread rain and cold weather to the north. In the midlands and mountainous areas, temperatures may drop to near-severe cold levels. The lowest temperatures will range from 12–15°C, with daytime highs around 15–18°C,” Lam said.

Central and southern Vietnam: Wet in parts, mostly sunny overall

Between February 7 and 10, scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast from Ha Tinh to Da Nang, and in eastern areas from Quang Ngai to Gia Lai. Some areas may experience moderate to heavy rainfall.

In contrast, regions from Khanh Hoa through eastern Lam Dong, the Central Highlands, and southern Vietnam are expected to see little to no rain and mostly sunny conditions. No heatwaves are expected during this period.

Pre-Tet: Light rain and weak cold spell

From February 10 to 13 (the 23rd to 26th of the lunar calendar), a weak cold front is forecast to push southeastward. This system will lead to overcast skies and light rain in northern provinces, especially in coastal and delta areas.

Fog and light mist will be common in the early mornings. In the north, nighttime lows will range from 13–16°C. By midday, northeastern provinces will see light sunshine with highs from 19–22°C, while northwestern areas may reach 23–26°C.

In central provinces from Thanh Hoa to Hue, light rain is expected at night and in the mornings. Temperatures will range from 16–19°C at night and 23–26°C during the day. In the south-central coast, lows will be around 19–22°C, with highs of 26–29°C.

Southern and highland regions: Mild, some out-of-season rain

For the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam, the days before Tet will be cool in the mornings and clear by afternoon. Fog and light mist may occur early in the day, with no heatwave conditions anticipated.

Nighttime temperatures will dip to 14–17°C in the Central Highlands and 22–25°C in the south. Daytime highs will range from 25–28°C in the highlands and 30–33°C in the southern plains.

However, from February 10 to 11, some areas in the southern Central Highlands and southern Vietnam may see scattered out-of-season showers.

Tet holiday itself: Stable weather, no cold front detected

Significantly, Lam confirmed that from February 14 to 20 (the 27th of the lunar month through the 4th day of Tet), there are no signs of any new cold air masses entering the country.

From February 14 to 18, the north is expected to remain cloudy in the mornings with light rain or drizzle and fog. Nighttime and early mornings will be cold, but midday will bring light sunshine and milder conditions.

Central regions will see occasional light rain, while the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam may experience isolated showers  -  but no heatwaves or major weather events are expected during the main Tet celebration period.

Bao Anh