Ho Chi Minh City Weather in February

February: hot, mostly dry days

February feels warm from morning and can turn seriously hot by afternoon. The forecast reaches 36°C, though evenings are more comfortable. Rain is scarce, so you're unlikely to lose much sightseeing time to showers.

Visit the War Remnants Museum or Reunification Palace during the hottest part of the day. Save a walk around District 1, or a trip to the Saigon River, for later. Cu Chi Tunnels are possible, but the exposed paths can feel punishing in the heat. February is drier than January, but March gets hotter still.

Tết changes the city

Vietnamese New Year, called Tết, often falls in February, though the date changes each year. Flower displays and decorations brighten the streets, especially around Nguyen Hue Walking Street. You may also see locals visiting pagodas and family altars.

The holiday brings a major travel rush. Some family-run restaurants and shops close, while popular sights and transport can be busy before and after Tết. Prices for flights and hotels often rise around the holiday, so check your dates against the Tết calendar before choosing a stay.

Crowds and local tips

Outside Tết, February is a popular month for visitors escaping colder weather. Expect more people and higher hotel prices than in the quieter, wetter months. December and January are generally the best months for weather, so February isn't the calmest choice.

If you hate crowds, avoid travelling during the main Tết break. Travelling with kids? Use the air-conditioned Saigon Centre near Nguyen Hue for a cool midday pause.

For a local Tết detail, visit the flower market at Ho Thi Ky in District 10. Go in the evening to see the stalls at their busiest, and keep some cash handy for small purchases.