Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh: Weather, Scenery & Tips by Season

Holding the Vietnamese flag on the top of the Dragon Mountain - Tam Coc - Ninh Binh 

Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh: Introduction

Choosing the best time to visit Ninh Binh is very important if you want to enjoy the beauty of this place in the right way. The province has four clear seasons, and the Ninh Binh weather can change a lot from month to month. Some people love the cool air in winter, while others prefer the warm sunshine in spring. If you plan your trip well, you can see the golden rice fields, lotus ponds, or peaceful rivers without too much rain or crowds.

You will be surprised because Ninh Binh's scenery changes by season

This article is a simple Ninh Binh travel season guide to help you answer the question: When is the best time to visit Ninh Binh? We will explain the climate, the highlights of each season, and the perfect months to go. You will also learn when to visit Tam Coc rice fields in summer, when to enjoy a boat trip in Trang An, or what to do in Ninh Binh on rainy days.

No matter which season you choose, let’s check the Ninh Binh weather by month, scenery, and travel advice now. 

Ninh Binh Weather & Climate Overview

Ninh Binh weather follows a tropical monsoon climate with a wet and dry season.

Ninh Binh is chilly in the early morning

• Dry season (November–April): Cool, less rain, comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
• Rainy season (May–October): Hot, humid, with sudden showers or storms, but also the most colourful scenery with rice and lotus.

Average temperatures:

• Winter (Dec–Feb): 10–17°C, sometimes foggy and chilly.
• Spring (Feb–Apr): 20–25°C, mild and fresh, sometimes with light drizzle. Landscapes are gree,n and many cultural festivals take place.
• Summer (Jun–Aug): 32–38°C, humid, but fields turn golden.
• Autumn (Sep–Nov): 24–28°C, cool and dry, clear skies with low humidity. The best season for outdoor activities and photography.

Ninh Binh Seasons: What to Expect

Bai Dinh Pagoda is perfect for a rainy day or lively in the festival season. 

Spring (February – April)

• Mild temperatures, green landscapes, some drizzle.
• Peak of Vietnam festival season: Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival, Trang An Festival, and Truong Yen Festival.
• Crowded with domestic tourists during Tet holiday in Vietnam.

Experience Ninh Binh Unique Festivals: A Traveler Guide

Tam Coc wears golden clothes in the summer 

Summer (May – July)

• Hot and humid, but this is Ninh Binh golden season.
• Tam Coc rice fields season: fields turn from green to gold.
• Lotus ponds in Ninh Binh bloom in June, perfect for photography.

Tam Coc Ninh Binh During the Rice Harvest: One day Schedule & Things to know before visiting

Lotus Season in Ninh Binh: When & Where to Admire

Tam Coc starts the flower season in September

Autumn (September – November)

• Best weather with clear skies and low humidity.
• Scenic landscapes, ideal for biking or boat trips.
• Quiet yet beautiful period, often considered the Tam Coc waterlily season. 

Tam Coc in Autumn (Sep–Nov): Waterlily Season & Must-See Highlights

Bich Dong Pagoda in Tam Coc - A sacred place to visit

Winter (December – January)

• Cool, sometimes foggy, fewer tourists.
• Peaceful atmosphere in places like Hoa Lu Ancient Capital in winter.
• Good for those who prefer quiet travel experiences.

Ninh Binh Vietnam In Winter: Weather, Top Places, and Must-Try Activities

Tam Coc or Trang An: Which Season is Best?

Don't miss a chance to see Tam Coc in its rice season

Best time to visit Tam Coc

• May to June: The most beautiful time when Tam Coc rice fields are golden. June also brings lotus flowers, making the boat trip magical.
• September to November: Waterlily season

Trang An from the high -  Where culture meets nature

Best season to visit Trang An

• September to November: Clear weather, great visibility for karsts and caves.
• Spring is also nice, but expect bigger crowds during the Trang An Festival.

All About Boat Tour in Ninh Binh: Tam Coc vs Trang An Boat Tour?

Things to Do in Ninh Binh by Season

A boat tour is a must-try activity in Ninh Binh

• Spring: Join cultural festivals, explore temples and pagodas.
• Summer: Boat ride in Tam Coc or Trang An, photography at lotus ponds.
• Autumn: Cycling around the countryside, hiking Mua Cave in Ninh Binh. Boat tour Tam Coc to capture waterlily photos. 
• Winter: Visit historical sites like Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, and enjoy peaceful landscapes.

What to Do in Ninh Binh If It Rains

Bai Dinh Pagoda or Hoa Lu Ancient Capital are a favourite choice for a rainy day.

Rain is common in summer and autumn. Instead of waiting in your hotel, try these activities:

• Explore indoor sites: Bai Dinh Pagoda or traditional villages.
• Visit handicraft workshops and try making souvenirs.
• Enjoy Vietnamese food in local restaurants.
• Take a short boat ride (light rain can add a misty charm to the scenery).

Rainy Day Activities in Ninh Binh: What to do in Ninh Binh when it rains?

Travel Tips for Ninh Binh

Thung Nham Bird Valley in Ninh Binh 

• Check the Ninh Binh weather forecast before your trip.
• Bring light clothes in summer, and warm jackets in winter.
• Avoid weekends and holidays if you don’t like crowds.
• Book accommodation early during Tet or Christmas.
• For photography, morning boat trips are best to avoid strong sunlight and crowds.

Check our best-selling tour to Ninh Binh: 

Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi

So, when is the best time to visit Ninh Binh? The answer depends on what you love most. For golden rice and lotus, come in May–June. For festivals and culture, spring (Feb–Apr) is ideal. For clear skies and comfort, autumn (Sep–Nov) is perfect. And if you like peace and quiet, try winter (Dec–Jan). No matter when you go, Ninh Binh will surprise you with its unique beauty and rich culture.

Read more:

Ninh Binh Weather Guide: What to Expect Each Month

Ninh Binh Photography Tips: Creating Stunning Images at Famous Sites