Phu Quoc Island is one of the top beach destinations in Vietnam, some even say it’s the best one of all. Located 28 miles (45 km) off the coast of the Ha Tien province, Phu Quoc is a pristine island that comes with white sand beaches and palm trees… Your dream tropical paradise!
But, there’s a but, the weather in Phu Quoc changes throughout the year. For the best experience, you need to know when is the best time to visit Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam, to make the most of it.
Let’s see how’s the weather in Phu Quoc in the different seasons, so you can plan your trip there in the best possible time, making the most of sunny beach days and warm temperatures (unless you’re a fan of rain on the beach – you can also plan for that!) You’ll find all the information you need below, so read on.
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Best Time To Visit Phu Quoc: November to March
The ideal time to visit Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam is anywhere from the months of November to March. This is the dry season on the island so you will be able to maximize the tropical attractions available.
When you visit Phu Quoc during the dry season, you can expect an average daily temperature of 77 to 82 F (25 to 28 Celsius).
The Northeast Monsoon affects the island during this season, bringing in heavy winds, but this won’t likely impact your holiday. The west coast in particular is known to boast quiet, calm seas at this time of year.
There are so many things to do in Phu Quoc Island during the dry season. A few examples? Swimming, snorkeling, beach hopping, island hopping, and sunbathing… and we are only talking about beach-related activities.
Speaking of beaches, there are quite a few notable beaches in Phu Quoc but among the can’t-miss ones are Ong Lang Beach and Long Beach.
Also, don’t miss the Phu Quoc cable car ride to Hon Thom! Not a beach bum? Visit Phu Quoc National Park and Suoi Tranh Waterfall. Here you can enjoy trekking, bird watching, camping, or picnicking in the jungle.
Aside from these natural sights and activities, there are also cultural attractions to enjoy in Phu Quoc in January and February. In particular, the Lunar New Year (Tet) is celebrated during this time of the year – at the end of January or early February. This is a nice opportunity to witness the festive culture in Vietnam and to partake in the celebration.
The dry season from November to March also marks the high season for tourism in Phu Quoc Island. Make sure to book your hotel in advance so you can get the accommodation you want.
You can also expect prices (flight and accommodation) to be higher given the level of demand during this time of year.
Phu Quoc in April to June: The Hot Season
The months of April to June are known as the shoulder season for tourism in Phu Quoc. This is also the (very) hot season on the island, which is why it’s avoided by most travelers, even though April is sometimes considered the last month of the high tourist season.
The days are extremely hot and there is little rain during this time of year. The temperature in Phu Quoc averages 78.8 – 89.9 F (26 to 32 degrees Celsius).
It doesn’t sound too high, but the humidity level can reach up to 85%, which makes you feel like you are in a sauna. If you’re someone who suffers the heat, be aware that it might be very unpleasant.
However, Phu Quoc island weather is unpredictable. We visited in May and yes, it was very warm (though bearable), but we also experienced a few days of rain which wasn’t supposed to happen in this season. Go figure!
The one upside to the decline in tourist population on the island, though, is that you can expect lower prices on hotel accommodations. Most hotels are half empty and will offer competitive prices.
For budget travelers, this is a good deal to exploit, especially since Phu Quoc is not as a budget destination as other places in Vietnam and Southeast Asia and it might be difficult to visit in the high season if you’re on a budget.
If you choose to visit Phu Quoc during the hot season, make sure you are prepared for the weather. Be on the lookout for dehydration and sunburn, which are especially common during the months of April to May when the temperature is at its peak. Always bring with you a bottle of water and a hat.
June: Beginning of the Rainy Season
June might be the first month of the rainy season, but the downpours aren’t as heavy as in the following months, so you could still have a great time on the island for much more affordable prices.
In exchange, you’ll get fewer sunny days and occasional rain showers, but remember that Phu Quoc has a somewhat tropical climate, and the rain could be sporadic while temperatures remain high (around 75 F – 24 C).
The vegetation will be lusher and greener, and you won’t have to mingle with large crowds, although June is the beginning of the school holidays in Vietnam, so there’s an influx of domestic tourism in the country – and that includes Phu Quoc.
Late May to September: Rainy Season
The rainy season in Phu Quoc starts in late May, although it usually consists of occasional rain showers in the beginning, and the season is in full wing from July to September.
A lot of hotels and resorts are closed during this time of the year because it’s also the low season for tourism in Phu Quoc. Most of the hotels and resorts use this time to renovate or maintain their property.
For those few who choose to stay open, hotels will often offer up to 40% discount on bookings to make up for the high vacancy rate.
But Phu Quoc has a tropical monsoon climate, which means it can rain a lot, but it won’t necessarily rain all day everyday. Many times the rain will come as a tropical downpour in the afternoon/night that will last an hour or so, and the rest of the day it might not rain at all.
It can, however, rain alllll they time, and the heavy rain will make it nearly impossible to do anything other than stay indoors. It’s very hard to predict in advance, so know what’s the risk if you book during this time.
While it won’t be beach weather, you can still make the most of your resort’s amenities, visit the island’s temples and pepper farms, and shop at the bustling Dương Đông Night Market.
Towards the end of the Phu Quoc rainy season (August onward), the rain starts to slow down, but it still might be not the best time to plan a visit if all you want to do is spending time the beach and doing water activities.
However, if you are someone who doesn’t mind the wet weather, you might particularly enjoy Phu Quoc during the wet season. This is a good time to skip the beach and head to the mountains. The refreshing smell of the rain water washing off the jungle is something that outdoor enthusiasts will love.
If you’re visiting during the rainy season, make sure to book your resort on the east side of the island, as the west side is the most affected by strong winds and currents.
Phu Quoc temperature averages 24 degrees Celsius during the rainy season, so even if you get wet, you won’t be cold!
October: The Best Value!
The month of October is one of the best months to visit Phu Quoc Island if you are looking to snag the best deals.
Known as the calm before the storm, this is considered by many as one of the most desirable times of the year to visit – the rain has already passed and the tourists have not flocked yet,
October is the beginning of the dry season, when the crowds are only starting to arrive, so you’ll be able to experience almost-empty beaches with spectacular weather.
When it comes to prices, this is also one of the best times to enjoy great value, as tourism facilities are just starting to re-open their doors.
To attract tourists to stay, hotels and resorts often offer discounts and you can easily find amazing deals! Due to the quiet and relaxing atmosphere at this time of the year, October is also a recommended time for romantic getaways or honeymoons.
