Ha Giang is one of the most attractive destinations in the North of Vietnam.  This destination appeals to tourists with magnificent natural beauty and a distinctive traditional cultural identity. So, what is the ideal time to visit Ha Giang? Let’s find the answer with Handspan Travel Indochina!

Through this article, you will learn these pieces of information below. 

General information about Ha Giang’s weather climate

Ha Giang is a mountainous province located in the northernmost region of Vietnam. Therefore, this destination has the typical weather climate of the North with four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Ha Giang is colder than other midlands and plains in the North, especially in winter. 

Ha Giang in spring

The weather and climate in Ha Giang vary depending on each area: Dong Van - Meo Vac, Quan Ba - Bac Vi Xuyen, and Yen Minh. Compared to Dong Van - Meo Vac and Quan Ba areas, with an annual average temperature of 12 to 18 Celsius degree, Yen Minh has a milder climate with a higher average temperature. 

Now, let’s see Ha Giang through each season and find your own time to visit this stunning destination!

Visiting Ha Giang in January, February, and March

January to March is an ideal time to visit Ha Giang due to the mild weather climate and lush and green landscape. During this time, the scenery is stunning with colorful wildflowers, peach blossoms, and plum blossoms. The temperature is pleasant, ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. This condition makes it perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, and exploring the local markets. Do not miss visiting Dong Van Karst Plateau, Lung Cu Flag Tower, trekking, or driving along the Ma Pi Leng Pass. 

Plum and peach blossoms in Ha Giang

Besides, visiting Ha Giang this time, you will have a chance to join featured festivals of the local people. Here are some exciting festivals you may not want to miss.

Tay people’s Long Tong festival

Tay people’s Long Tong festival is held annually from the 6th to the 15th of January on the lunar calendar to wish for a prosperous, full, warm, and happy new year. This festival gathers the typical cultural features of ethnic minority people, like Tay, Nung, Dao, San Chi, etc. Joining Long Tong festival, you will have a chance to watch unique musical performances, then songs and coi songs of local boys and girls. Besides, you can participate in many folk games such as tug of war, push sticks, throwing, etc. 

Long Tong Festival

Tay people’s Gau Tao Festival

Gau Tao festival is also a typical festival of the Tay people in Ha Giang. It is held in three days around the 1st to the 15th of January on the lunar calendar At the festival, you will find exciting traditional games like horse racing, crossbow shooting, flute dancing, flute playing, birds fighting, cock fighting, etc. 

Gau Tao Festival

Visiting Ha Giang from April to June

The period from April to June is also a great time to visit Ha Giang due to the flavor weather climate. At this time, the average temperature of Ha Giang is around 20 Celcius degree. It's really a great time to see the local way of life, enjoy the delicious local food, and experience the natural beauty of the region.

If you visit Ha Giang on the 27th of March in the Lunar calendar, you will have a chance to join the Khau Vai Love Market Festival. At the festival, you will catch up with local people wearing traditional clothes, dancing, singing, buying goods, etc. 

Khau Vai Love Market Festival

Ha Giang comes to the pouring water season in May and June, when the terraced rice fields look like a giant mirror. Walking around the villages, you will catch up with local farmers busy preparing for the new crop. 

Ha Giang in pouring water season 

Traveling to Ha Giang at this time, besides admiring the gorgeous scenery, you should not miss joining outdoor activities and immersing yourself in the cool waterfalls of Ha Giang. 

Ha Giang from July to October

Autumn, which lasts from July to October, is the best time to visit Ha Giang. The weather is dry and cool, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it pleasant to explore this stunning destination. This is also the time when the rice terraces turn golden, and the scenery is breathtakingly beautiful. 

Terraced rice fields in Ha Giang

Ha Giang in harvesting season

Due to heavy rain, exploring Ha Giang in July and Autumn may be pretty challenging. The roads can be slippery and dangerous, and the views can be obscured by fog and rain. However, if you don't mind the rain and want to experience the unique beauty of Ha Giang during this time, you'll find the landscape incredibly glistening. Just be sure to pack rain gear and prepare for possible road closures or delays. Here are some things you may want to do in Ha Giang in the autumn.

• Exploring the Dong Van Karst Plateau
• Taking a motorbike tour or hiking to the Ma Pi Leng Pass
• Visiting the local markets
• Trekking and hiking around the Lung Cu Flag Tower, the Thon Tha Valley, and the Nam Dam Village
• Experiencing the local cuisine

Ha Giang in October, November, and December 

Ha Giang in winter, from October to December, can be pretty cold with temperatures dropping as low as 0 degrees Celsius, especially at higher elevations. However, the scenery during this time can be stunning, especially if you're lucky enough to see the snow-covered peaks. The terraced rice fields are empty, but the views are still beautiful, with a serene and quiet atmosphere. 

If you want to admire the blooming buckwheat flower, this is a great time to visit Ha Giang. Lung Cu Flagpole, Lung Cam - Sung La cultural village, Ma Pi Leng Pass, and Quan Ba are some ideal places to have the best view of bucket flowers. The Buckwheat Flower Festival, which usually takes place in October or November in Dong Van District, is an ideal occasion to admire the beautiful pink and white flowers.

Buckwheat flower in the Dong Van Karst Plateau

Besides, you will have a chance to experience the colorful cultural space of ethnic groups. During the festival, you can join the cultural festival of ethnic groups in the Quan Ba district, Lo Lo ethnic cultural festival in the Meo Vac district, a local food contest, traditional ethnic musical instruments crafting, etc. Overall, visiting Ha Giang during winter can be a unique and memorable experience. Just be sure to pack warm clothing and be prepared for possible road closures or delays due to weather conditions. 

In conclusion, no matter what time to visit Ha Giang, you can still enjoy this destination’s beauty. If you want to have more information, please do not hesitate to contact us. Otherwise, you can read our article: Ha Giang travel guide - Things you should know before you travel to Ha Giang. Besides, let’s refer to our tour packages below for a complete experience in Ha Giang. 

 

Terraced Beauty: Exploring Hoang Su Phi and Sapa

Epic Expedition Ha Giang to Ba Be