Sea temperature in Vietnam
Live water temperatures and swimming conditions across 14 beaches on the Vietnam coast.
Best time to swim in Vietnam
The sea in Vietnam peaks in May, when the water averages around 29°C.
The main swimming season runs from January – December, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 12 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
The coldest month is typically January at around 26°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Vietnam sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Vietnam shows an annual mean sea temperature of 28°C, ranging from 26°C in winter to 29°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 3°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.
Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Vietnam, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.
Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.
Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.
Vietnam sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Vietnam?
May is the warmest month in Vietnam, when the sea averages about 29°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Vietnam?
The coldest month in Vietnam is typically January, when the water averages around 26°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Vietnam without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Vietnam runs from January – December — about 12 months a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit in Vietnam?
Vietnam stays warm year-round, so most swimmers never need a wetsuit — a rash guard is usually enough for sun and wildlife protection.
What is the average sea temperature in Vietnam?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Vietnam is about 28°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Vietnam?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Vietnam, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Vietnam sea temperature by month
Average sea temperatures around Vietnam for every month of the year, based on long-term Open-Meteo marine climatology.
| Month | Average sea | Swimming comfort |
|---|---|---|
| January | 26.0°C | Warm swimming |
| February | 26.0°C | Warm swimming |
| March | 27.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| April | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| May ⭐ | 29.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| June | 29.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| July | 29.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| August | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| September | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| October | 28.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| November | 27.0°C | Very warm, bath-like |
| December | 26.0°C | Warm swimming |
Monthly figures are modelled climatology averages, not live readings. How accurate is our data?
Warmest beaches in Vietnam right now
| Beach | Region | Sea | Swim score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bai Sao | Kien Giang | 29.7°C | Excellent |
| Sao Beach Phu Quoc | Kien Giang | 29.6°C | Excellent |
| Bai Khem Beach | Kien Giang | 29.4°C | Excellent |
| Ong Lang Beach | Kien Giang | 29.3°C | Excellent |
| Phu Quoc Long Beach | Kien Giang | 28.8°C | Excellent |
| Quy Nhon Beach | Binh Dinh | 28.5°C | Excellent |
| Vung Tau Back Beach | Ba Ria | 28.2°C | Excellent |
| Cua Dai Beach | Quang Nam | 28.2°C | Excellent |
| Mui Ne Beach | Binh Thuan | 28.2°C | Excellent |
| Doc Let Beach | Khanh Hoa | 28.2°C | Excellent |
| An Bang Beach | Quang Nam | 27.6°C | Excellent |
| Nha Trang Beach | Khanh Hoa | 27.5°C | Excellent |
| Non Nuoc Beach | Da Nang | 27.4°C | Excellent |
| My Khe Beach | South Central Coast | 27.3°C | Excellent |
Sea temperature in Vietnam — FAQ
How warm is the sea in Vietnam in September?
The sea off Vietnam averages about 28.0°C in September, based on long-term monthly averages for this coast.
When is the best time to swim in Vietnam?
Vietnam is warmest in May (around 29.0°C) and coldest in January (around 26.0°C). There are typically 12 months a year when the water sits above 22°C.
What is the average yearly sea temperature in Vietnam?
Across all twelve months, the sea in Vietnam averages about 27.6°C.
Do you need a wetsuit to swim in Vietnam?
In peak season (around May, ~29.0°C) most swimmers are comfortable without a wetsuit. Outside summer, when the water drops toward 26.0°C, a 3/2mm to 5/4mm wetsuit is recommended.
Which beach in Vietnam has the warmest sea right now?
Bai Khem Beach typically has the warmest sea in September, while Vung Tau Back Beach is the coolest of the featured beaches. Live readings for every beach are listed on this page.