Hcmc in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Hcmc

32°C (90°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

15mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Driest month of the year with only 15mm (0.6 inches) rainfall - perfect for outdoor exploration and motorbike tours through the city
Lunar New Year (Tết) celebrations throughout February create incredible street food scenes and cultural experiences unavailable other months
Cooler mornings at 23°C (73°F) make early temple visits and the city trips comfortable before afternoon heat peaks
Tourism crowds are lighter post-Tết as locals travel domestically, meaning shorter lines at guide to Reunification Palace and this destination

Considerations

Accommodation prices surge 40-60% during Tết week (February 10-17, 2025) with many family-run restaurants closing for 3-5 days
Air quality deteriorates from firecracker celebrations and increased motorbike traffic, with AQI often reaching 150+ in the city
Afternoon temperatures hit 32°C (90°F) with 70% humidity, making midday walking tours through this destination uncomfortable

Best Activities in February

Mekong Delta Day Tours

February's dry weather makes canal navigation reliable and comfortable. Water levels are stable for boat tours, and fruit orchards are at peak harvest. Morning temperatures of 23°C (73°F) are perfect for cycling through villages. Avoid the scorching heat of April-May when temperatures exceed 35°C (95°F).

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators. Tours typically cost ฿1,200-1,800 including transport and lunch. Look for operators with insured boats and English-speaking guides. Departure times 7:30-8:00am are crucial for beating afternoon heat.

Cu Chi Tunnels and War History Tours

Cool February mornings make the underground tunnel experience bearable - summer heat of 38°C (100°F) makes tunnels stifling. February's low rainfall means tunnel access is guaranteed (monsoon season often closes sections). Combine with shooting range activities that are more comfortable in moderate temperatures.

Booking Tip: Morning tours (8:00am departure) are essential - afternoon heat makes tunnel crawling miserable. Half-day tours cost ฿800-1,200. Book through operators offering air-conditioned transport. See current options in booking section below.

Street Food and Night Market Tours

Tết season brings special festival foods unavailable year-round: bánh chưng, mut (candied fruits), and temporary night markets. Evening temperatures drop to comfortable 25°C (77°F) perfect for 3-4 hour food walks. Dry weather means outdoor stalls operate fully.

Booking Tip: Book food tours starting after 6:00pm when temperatures cool. Expect ฿600-1,000 for guided tours including 6-8 tastings. During Tết week, verify tours operate as some vendors close. Licensed food tour operators ensure safe vendor selection.

Motorbike City Tours

February's minimal rainfall (only 3 rainy days) makes motorbike touring reliable. Tết decorations transform the cityscape with red lanterns and flower markets creating unique photo opportunities. Morning tours avoid peak traffic and afternoon heat building to 32°C (90°F).

Booking Tip: Book morning tours (8:00-11:00am) for cooler temperatures and better traffic conditions. Tours cost ฿800-1,500 for 3-4 hours. Ensure operators provide helmets and have proper insurance. Avoid Tết holiday week when traffic increases dramatically.

Cao Dai Temple and Tay Ninh Day Trips

February's clear skies provide excellent visibility for the 90km (56 miles) journey to Tay Ninh. Dry roads make the trip safer than monsoon months. The temple's noon prayer ceremony is comfortable to observe in February's moderate temperatures versus sweltering summer heat.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost ฿1,400-2,000 including lunch and temple entry. Book tours timing arrival for 11:30am prayer ceremony. Ensure air-conditioned transport for the 2-hour journey each way. See current tour options in booking section below.

Saigon River Sunset Cruises

February sunsets occur around 6:00pm with clear skies providing spectacular photography conditions. Comfortable 25°C (77°F) evening temperatures make deck seating pleasant. Dry season means consistent cruise schedules without monsoon cancellations that plague July-September.

Booking Tip: Evening cruises (5:30-7:30pm) cost ฿400-800 for basic tours, ฿1,200-2,000 for dinner cruises. Book operators with covered seating options despite good weather. Riverside pickup points in the city are easily accessible.

February Events & Festivals

February 10-17, 2025

Tết Nguyên Đán (Lunar New Year)

Vietnam's most important celebration transforms HCMC with flower markets, lion dances, and elaborate decorations. Nguyen the city Flower Street becomes a massive outdoor festival. Family restaurants may close but street celebrations intensify. Fireworks at midnight on New Year's Eve.

Late January through February 15, 2025

Tết Flower Markets

Enormous temporary flower markets pop up citywide selling mai (yellow apricot blossoms) and peach blossoms. Photographers love the colorful displays and traditional scenes. Markets operate 24 hours during peak days with incredible street food vendors.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight cotton shirts - synthetic fabrics trap heat in 70% humidity and 32°C (90°F) afternoon temperatures

Light rain jacket or poncho - while February is dry, brief afternoon showers still occur 3 days monthly

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 with intense tropical sun reflecting off concrete and water

Comfortable walking shoes with breathable fabric - expect 8-12km (5-7.5 miles) daily walking on hot pavement

Portable fan or cooling towel - essential for outdoor markets and temple visits during 32°C (90°F) peak heat

Mosquito repellent with DEET - evening outdoor dining and river areas still have mosquitos despite dry weather

Light sweater for air conditioning - restaurants and shopping malls keep temperatures at 18-20°C (64-68°F)

Cash in small denominations - street food vendors and motorbike taxis rarely accept cards or large bills

Dust mask for motorbike rides - February air quality deteriorates from increased traffic and construction dust

Waterproof phone case - protect devices from humidity and occasional splashes during boat tours

Insider Knowledge

Wake up at 6:00am during Tết week to experience the city's rare quiet moments before celebration chaos begins - perfect for photography at empty landmarks

Local families feast at home during Tết, so international restaurants in the city stay open while Vietnamese eateries close - book reservations early

February motorbike taxi prices increase 20-30% during Tết week, but grab rides remain fixed - download the app before arrival

Tet bonuses mean service quality improves in late February as staff receive extra pay - spa treatments and tours offer better service post-holiday

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodation only for Tết dates without realizing prices stay elevated through February 20th when families travel home

Planning intensive walking tours during 11:00am-3:00pm when temperatures peak at 32°C (90°F) and humidity makes it feel like 37°C (99°F)

Assuming all restaurants operate normally during Tết - many family-run pho shops and local favorites close for 5-7 days without notice