Ho Chi Minh City Weather January: Festivals & Local Travel Tips

January is the perfect month to explore southern Vietnam with Vietpower Travel, your trusted local tour expert. The Ho Chi Minh City weather January offers warm sunshine, clear skies, and low humidity, ideal for sightseeing, food tours, and cultural festivals. With expert insights from Vietpower’s licensed guides, travelers can enjoy authentic experiences and smooth journeys across the city’s iconic landmarks and nearby destinations.

1. What Is the Weather Like in Ho Chi Minh City in January?

2. Top Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City in January

In Ho Chi Minh city, there are many places to visit in January

Explore Iconic Landmarks

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon (Nhà Thờ Đức Bà Sài Gòn)

• Address: 1 Công Xã Paris Street, District 1
•  Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed for renovation but still open for photos outside)

Built in the late 19th century by French architects, the Notre Dame Cathedral stands as one of the city’s most iconic symbols. In January, the clear blue sky and soft morning sunlight make it the perfect time to take photos of its red-brick façade and twin bell towers.

Discover more posts on the same topic to better understand Vietnam’s seasons and choose the ideal time for your journey:

• Ho Chi Minh City Weather in February: Climate Overview & Top Experiences
• Ho Chi Minh Weather March – Is It Good to Visit?

Independence Palace (Dinh Độc Lập)

• Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM daily
• Entrance fee: ~40,000 VND / person

This historic site was once the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam. Visitors can explore the preserved meeting rooms, secret tunnels, and even the rooftop helipad. January’s cool temperatures (around 30°C) make walking through the palace gardens especially pleasant.

Saigon Central Post Office (Bưu điện Trung tâm Sài Gòn)

• Address: 2 Công Xã Paris Street, District 1 (next to the Cathedral)
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily

Designed by Gustave Eiffel, this 19th-century masterpiece features European-style arches, vintage maps, and intricate details. Inside, you can buy postcards, stamps, and souvenirs to send home. The low humidity of January helps preserve the interior’s charm and comfort 

Visit Bustling Markets

Ben Thanh Market

•  Address: Lê Lợi Street, District 1
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM

The city’s most famous market offers everything from street food to souvenirs. Try local specialties such as pho, banh xeo, and che, or shop for Vietnamese handicrafts. In January, temperatures are mild and the market is lively with Tet decorations and festive goods.

Binh Tay Market (Chợ Bình Tây – Chinatown)

• Address: 57A Tháp Mười Street, Ward 2, District 6
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Located in Cholon (the Chinese quarter), this market is filled with lanterns, traditional foods, and gifts for the Lunar New Year. It’s a great place to witness pre-Tet shopping culture and taste Chinese-Vietnamese cuisine. January’s dry weather allows you to explore the open-air areas comfortably.

Ho Thi Ky Flower Market

• Address: Ho Thi Ky Street, Ward 1, District 10
• Opening hours: 24 hours, busiest from 5:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Known as the “Little Dalat” of Saigon, this market bursts with color before Tet. Thousands of flowers arrive daily from the Central Highlands. Go early in the morning for the coolest temperature and best light for photography.

Discover Cultural Spaces

War Remnants Museum

• Address: 28 Võ Văn Tần Street, District 3
• Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Entrance fee: ~40,000 VND / person

This museum offers a moving look at the Vietnam War through photos, military equipment, and survivor stories. The air-conditioned galleries make it comfortable to visit even at noon, while the bright January sunlight enhances outdoor exhibits such as aircraft and tanks.

Fine Arts Museum (Bảo Tàng Mỹ Thuật TP.HCM)

• Address: 97A Phó Đức Chính Street, District 1
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Entrance fee: ~30,000 VND / person

Located inside a colonial mansion, this museum showcases Vietnamese painting, sculpture, and folk art. January’s low humidity helps preserve the artworks, and the soft sunlight streaming through the stained-glass windows makes the visit even more enchanting.

Enjoy Day Trips & Outdoor Adventures

Cu Chi Tunnels

• Distance: ~70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City
• Best time to visit: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (avoid late afternoon traffic)

This historical site reveals Vietnam’s underground wartime network. In January, the dry soil and cooler air make crawling through the tunnels much easier and safer. Vietpower Travel offers guided tours with local experts for an in-depth experience.

Can Gio Mangrove Forest (Rừng ngập mặn Cần Giờ)

• Distance: ~40 km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City
•  Best time to visit: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

A UNESCO-protected biosphere, home to monkeys, saltwater crocodiles, and mangrove trees. Gentle winds (10–15 km/h) and clear visibility in January create the perfect setting for a relaxing river cruise or birdwatching tour. Book through Vietpower Travel for a smooth day trip with transfers and lunch included.

3. January Festivals & Local Events

Nguyen Hue Flower Street Festival

• Location: Nguyen Hue Boulevard, District 1
•  Duration: Usually 5–7 days before Lunar New Year (late January or early February)
• Best time: 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM

This festival transforms the city’s main walking street into a floral paradise. Thousands of flowers are arranged into artistic displays symbolizing happiness and prosperity. Mornings are the best time to visit — moderate UV levels and fewer crowds ensure a comfortable stroll and great photos.

Calligraphy Street (Phố Ông Đồ)

• Location: Nguyen Du Street, near Tao Dan Park, District 1
• Duration: About 2 weeks before Lunar New Year
• Best time: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Here, local calligraphers sit under yellow apricot trees, writing lucky wishes on red paper. It’s a peaceful cultural activity where visitors can learn about Vietnamese customs and even take home a personalized souvenir for luck in the new year.

Tao Dan Spring Festival

• Location: Tao Dan Park, Truong Dinh Street, District 1
• Duration: Late January – Early February

Best time: Morning, 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM

This annual event features flower displays, bonsai gardens, art exhibitions, and local food stalls. With mild winds and about 65% humidity, the park is comfortable for walking, photography, and enjoying the joyful atmosphere.

You can find more posts related to this topic in the category below, featuring detailed guides on Vietnam’s climate and seasonal travel tips:

• Ho Chi Minh City Monthly Weather: Temperatures and Travel Tips
• Best Time To Visit Ho Chi Minh City For Sightseeing & Activities
• Ho Chi Minh Rainy Season Travel Guide for First-Timers

4. Packing & Travel Tips for January

What to Pack

Because January is part of the dry season, the weather is consistently warm during the day but can feel slightly cooler at night. Choosing the right clothes and accessories will help you stay comfortable throughout your trip.

• Light and breathable clothing: Pack cotton or linen outfits such as T-shirts, dresses, and light trousers. These materials help your skin breathe in the warm daytime temperatures (around 30–32°C).
• Hat, sunscreen, and water bottle: The UV index in January can reach 7–9 around midday, so protect your skin with sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat. Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated while walking or joining outdoor tours.
• Light jacket or shawl: Evenings can be slightly cool (as low as 20°C on some nights). A thin jacket or scarf will keep you comfortable, especially when dining outdoors or traveling by motorbike.
• Comfortable shoes: Bring lightweight sneakers or sandals suitable for walking tours, local markets, and cultural attractions. Streets in District 1 are pedestrian-friendly, but long sightseeing days require good footwear.
• Sunglasses and a small umbrella: Sunglasses protect your eyes from bright sunlight, while a compact umbrella is useful for rare drizzles or extra shade during mid-afternoon hours.

Planning Your Itinerary

Smart scheduling allows you to experience the city at its best, especially during the dry, sunny conditions of January.

• Check sunrise and sunset times: In January, sunrise occurs around 6:11 AM, and sunset around 5:56 PM. Plan your tours or photography sessions during these hours for the most flattering light and comfortable temperatures.
• Avoid midday heat (11 AM – 2 PM): This period has the strongest UV exposure. Instead, take a lunch break or relax in shaded cafés or air-conditioned museums such as the War Remnants Museum or the Fine Arts Museum.
• Start sightseeing after 8 AM: Early mornings may have a little mist near the river, so beginning your city walk or market visit after 8:00 AM ensures clearer visibility and brighter photos.
• Stay flexible for Tet celebrations: If your trip falls near the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, keep in mind that certain attractions may close early. Vietpower Travel provides real-time updates and helps adjust your itinerary for the best experience during festival periods.
• Consider day trips: With pleasant weather and gentle breezes (average wind speed 10–15 km/h), January is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh Vietnam for day excursions to the Cu Chi Tunnels or Mekong Delta. These outdoor destinations are more enjoyable under clear skies and low humidity.

5. Conclusion

With its mild climate, colorful Tet celebrations, and endless outdoor activities, Ho Chi Minh City in January truly stands out as one of the best travel months of the year. Plan your trip with Vietpower Travel to experience local culture, perfect weather, and seamless service from Vietnam’s leading tour operator. Explore more seasonal insights and plan your journey through our complete guide to Vietnam Weather.