Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Ho Chi Minh City
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season means you can actually plan outdoor activities without constantly checking the weather forecast. Rain is rare enough in February that you'll likely go days without seeing a cloud, which makes this ideal for exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels or taking day trips to the Mekong Delta without mud turning everything into a slog.
- Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) typically falls in late January or early February, and the city transforms completely. You'll see peach blossom trees lining every street, night markets selling traditional decorations, and locals dressed in ao dai. The energy is genuinely special, though you need to plan around the actual holiday dates when many businesses close for 3-5 days.
- Tourist crowds are surprisingly manageable compared to December-January. Western holiday travelers have gone home, and the post-Tet period sees mostly regional Asian tourists who tend to visit different sites than Western guidebooks recommend. You'll still wait in line at the War Remnants Museum, but we're talking 15 minutes instead of 45.
- The heat is intense but not unbearable like March-May. Temperatures around 32°C (90°F) with 70% humidity means you can walk around District 1 in the late afternoon without feeling like you're melting. Locals are out and about, cafes have their sidewalk seating full, and the city feels alive rather than everyone hiding indoors from oppressive heat.
Considerations
- Tet holiday timing completely disrupts normal travel patterns. If Tet falls in early February 2026 (which it does - February 17th specifically), expect many family-run restaurants, tailors, and smaller shops to close from February 15-20. Street food vendors disappear, and even some hotels have limited staff. You need to either plan around this or embrace it as a cultural experience, but don't expect business as usual.
- Accommodation prices spike around Tet by 30-50% compared to March rates, and booking windows are tight. Vietnamese diaspora return home for family reunions, domestic tourists travel, and hotels fill up fast. If you're visiting February 10-25, book at least 8 weeks ahead or you'll pay premium rates for mediocre options in less convenient districts.
- The UV index of 10 is legitimately aggressive. This isn't European summer sun where you can get away with SPF 30 reapplied once. You'll burn in 15 minutes without protection, and the combination of heat and humidity means sunscreen sweats off faster than you'd expect. Budget extra for good sun protection and plan indoor activities during 11am-3pm peak sun hours.
Best Activities in February
Mekong Delta Day Tours
February is actually the best month for the delta because water levels are perfect - high enough that boats navigate easily through narrow canals, but not so high that floating markets get disrupted. The dry weather means you can walk through fruit orchards and visit brick kilns without mud everywhere. Early morning departures around 7am get you to Cai Be or Cai Rang floating markets when they're most active, and you'll be back in the city by 3pm before afternoon heat peaks. The countryside is lush from recent rainy season but paths are dry.
Cu Chi Tunnels Exploration
Visiting underground tunnels in 32°C (90°F) heat might sound miserable, but February is ideal because the tunnels stay naturally cool around 25°C (77°F), making them a welcome escape from surface heat. The dry season means tunnel sections are accessible without flooding, and the surrounding jungle isn't muddy. Go early - 8am arrivals mean you explore before tour bus crowds arrive around 10am and before midday heat makes the above-ground portions uncomfortable. The historical site is fascinating, but the physical experience of crawling through narrow passages is genuinely challenging regardless of fitness level.
Saigon Street Food Tours by Motorbike
February evenings are perfect for motorbike food tours because the weather cools to around 26°C (79°F) after sunset, and the dry conditions mean you're not dodging rain or dealing with wet streets. The post-Tet period (late February) is especially good because vendors are back in full force and locals are out eating. You'll hit 6-8 stops over 3-4 hours, trying everything from banh xeo to bun bo Hue, and the motorbike format lets you cover neighborhoods like District 4 and Binh Thanh that are too spread out to walk efficiently.
Saigon River Sunset Cruises
The dry season means clear skies for sunset viewing, and February sunsets around 6pm align perfectly with dinner cruise schedules. The river is calm, and you'll see the city skyline light up as you cruise past the old port area and under modern bridges. It's touristy, obviously, but it's also genuinely pleasant in February weather - the breeze on the water makes the humidity manageable, and you're avoiding the hottest part of the day. Some cruises include traditional Vietnamese music performances that are actually well-done rather than cheesy.
War Remnants Museum and Historical Walking Tours
February's dry weather is ideal for walking tours through District 1's historical sites, and the museum's indoor exhibits provide air-conditioned breaks from outdoor heat. The museum itself is emotionally heavy but essential for understanding Vietnam's recent history. Combining it with walks to the Reunification Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral (currently under renovation through 2027, but exterior viewing is still worthwhile), and Central Post Office gives context to the city's French colonial and war history. Morning visits before 11am mean smaller crowds and manageable heat.
Ben Thanh Market and Local Market Exploration
Markets are year-round, but February mornings around 7-9am are perfect because it's cool enough to navigate crowded indoor spaces without overheating, and vendors are fully stocked. Ben Thanh is the tourist hub (expect aggressive selling), but nearby Binh Tay Market in Cholon (District 5) and Tan Dinh Market in District 1 show more authentic local commerce. You'll see produce, textiles, and street food vendors, and the dry season means less mud and easier walking. Markets close or have reduced hours during Tet week, so avoid February 15-20.
February Events & Festivals
Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese Lunar New Year)
February 17, 2026 is Tet, and the celebration actually spans about 10 days (February 12-22 for practical purposes). The city decorates with peach blossoms, kumquat trees, and red lanterns everywhere. Nguyen Hue Flower Street in District 1 becomes a massive flower market and photo spot from February 12-17. The actual holiday days (February 16-18) see most businesses closed, streets eerily quiet, and families gathering privately. The days leading up to Tet are chaotic with shopping and preparation, while post-Tet (February 19-22) sees locals visiting temples and pagodas for good fortune. It's culturally fascinating but logistically challenging for tourists.
Calligraphy Street Markets
In the week before Tet (February 10-16), traditional calligraphers set up along certain streets in District 1 and District 5, writing custom wishes and blessings in beautiful Vietnamese script. It's not a formal organized event but rather a cultural tradition that happens spontaneously. You'll find them near temples and in the Old Quarter areas. Locals commission calligraphy for their homes, and it's a genuinely beautiful tradition to witness. Bring small bills if you want a custom piece - typically 50,000-100,000 VND (2-4 USD).