Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Ho Chi Minh City

High Temp

Low Temp

Rainfall

% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect dry season weather with minimal rainfall - only 3 rainy days and 10mm (0.4 inches) total precipitation makes outdoor exploration ideal
Tet holiday celebrations bring incredible street food, flower markets, and cultural experiences unavailable any other time of year
Comfortable humidity at 70% compared to wet season's 85%+ - walking tours and motorbike rides are pleasant rather than exhausting
Post-holiday shoulder season pricing kicks in after February 15th, offering 20-30% savings on accommodations while weather remains excellent

Considerations

Tet holiday (February 10-17, 2025) closes many restaurants, shops, and attractions for 3-7 days - requires careful planning around closures
Peak tourist season crowds at major attractions like Cu Chi Tunnels and Reunification Palace - expect 30-45 minute wait times
Accommodation prices spike 40-60% during Tet week (February 8-18) with minimum 3-night stays required at most hotels

Best Activities in February

Mekong Delta Floating Market Tours

February's dry conditions make Mekong Delta access roads passable and boat rides comfortable. Water levels are optimal for navigating smaller canals to authentic markets like Cai Rang. Morning temperatures of 23-26°C (73-79°F) are perfect for 6am departures to catch markets at peak activity. Avoid the wet season mud and enjoy clear photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Book full-day tours 7-10 days ahead, typically costing 1,200,000-1,800,000 VND ($48-72). Look for operators including authentic home lunch, not tourist restaurants. Tours run 6am-6pm. See current options in booking section below.

Street Food Walking Tours

February's dry weather means outdoor food stalls operate full menus without rain disruptions. Tet preparations bring special holiday foods like banh chung and mut (candied fruits) unavailable other months. Evening temperatures of 26-28°C (79-82°F) make 3-4 hour walking tours comfortable. Peak dining hours (6-9pm) align perfectly with cooler temperatures.

Booking Tip: Book evening tours starting 5:30-6pm, typically 800,000-1,200,000 VND ($32-48) per person. Avoid tours during Tet week (Feb 10-17) when many vendors close. Look for guides covering Districts 1, 3, and 10. See current tours in booking section below.

Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Tours

February's dry season means tunnel access is optimal - no flooding or mud issues that plague wet months. Comfortable 23°C (73°F) morning temperatures make crawling through tunnels bearable before midday heat. Clear weather ensures shooting range and outdoor demonstrations run without cancellations.

Booking Tip: Book half-day tours departing 8am or 1pm, typically 600,000-900,000 VND ($24-36). Choose Ben Dinh tunnels over Ben Duoc for less crowded experience. Tours include 1.5-hour transport each way. See current options in booking section below.

Saigon River Sunset Cruises

February's clear skies provide stunning sunset views without rain interruptions. Lower humidity makes evening river breezes refreshing rather than sticky. Dry season means all outdoor deck areas accessible. Sunset timing (6:15-6:45pm) aligns perfectly with comfortable 27°C (81°F) evening temperatures.

Booking Tip: Book dinner cruises 5-7 days ahead, typically 1,500,000-2,500,000 VND ($60-100) including buffet. Avoid floating restaurants - choose actual cruising boats. 2-3 hour duration with hotel pickup. See current cruises in booking section below.

Motorbike Food Tours

February's minimal rainfall (only 3 days) means motorbike tours rarely face weather cancellations. Comfortable evening temperatures and lower humidity make 3-4 hour rides enjoyable rather than sweaty ordeals. Dry roads provide safer riding conditions for passengers unfamiliar with Vietnam traffic.

Booking Tip: Book evening tours 4-8pm, typically 1,000,000-1,600,000 VND ($40-64) per person. Choose tours with backup car option for nervous riders. Avoid tours during Tet week when traffic patterns change dramatically. See current tours in booking section below.

War Remnants Museum and Independence Palace Combined Tours

February's pleasant weather makes walking between nearby historical sites comfortable. Air-conditioned museum provides relief during midday heat peaks of 32°C (90°F). Dry conditions mean outdoor exhibits and palace gardens fully accessible. Clear skies provide excellent lighting for photography of historical displays.

Booking Tip: Book morning tours 9am-1pm to avoid afternoon heat, typically 400,000-600,000 VND ($16-24) for guided tours. Entry fees separate: 40,000 VND museum, 65,000 VND palace. Tours cover 2km (1.2 miles) walking. See current options in booking section below.

February Events & Festivals

February 10-17, 2025

Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese New Year)

The most important Vietnamese celebration brings flower markets on Nguyen Hue Street, special Tet foods, dragon dances, and family gatherings. Streets transform with decorations, but many businesses close February 10-17. Experience traditional foods, temple visits, and cultural performances impossible to see other times.

February 5-20, 2025

Nguyen Hue Flower Festival

Elaborate flower displays and light shows transform the main pedestrian street during Tet celebrations. Massive crowds but spectacular photo opportunities with traditional and modern floral arrangements. Free event with cultural performances and food stalls.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester in 70% humidity as it traps sweat and becomes uncomfortable after 2-3 hours walking

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and reflects off concrete sidewalks, causing burns within 15 minutes without protection

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - 3 rainy days bring brief but heavy downpours lasting 20-30 minutes

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - marble temple floors and wet motorbike seats become slippery during short showers

Breathable pants or long skirts - required for temple visits and protect legs from motorbike exhaust and UV exposure

Portable phone charger - high temperatures drain batteries 30% faster, critical for maps and translation apps

Insect repellent with DEET - evening food tours and river areas still have mosquitoes despite dry season

Light cardigan for air conditioning - restaurants and museums keep indoor temperatures at 18-20°C (64-68°F)

Quick-dry towel - humidity means regular towels take 6+ hours to dry in hotel rooms

Cash in small denominations - street food vendors and local transport rarely accept cards or large bills over 200,000 VND

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations before January 15th for Tet period - many hotels implement 3-night minimum stays and prices double from February 8-18

Eat at local com tam (broken rice) stalls between 11am-2pm when office workers crowd them - this indicates authentic food and fair pricing

Use Grab motorbikes instead of taxis during rush hours (7-9am, 5-7pm) - save 60% on transport time and 40% on cost in February traffic

Visit temples early morning (6-8am) or late afternoon (4-6pm) to avoid crowds and harsh midday sun reflecting off marble surfaces