In Nha Trang this season, make time for an island day

January Cool and mostly dry. The northeast monsoon still pushes whitecaps onto Tran Phu beach on some days, so check the beach flags before you go in.

February A dry month that usually includes Tet, so the city is lively and full. In one six-day stretch in mid-February, lifeguards helped 20 swimmers caught in rip currents, so it is best to swim only in buoyed areas with lifeguards on duty, and to follow the beach flags.

March If we could choose only one month to visit, it would be March: the least rain of the year, warm sun that is not yet harsh, clear water and rooms still at pre-summer prices.

April Still dry, with middays getting hotter. The Po Nagar temple festival usually falls in the third lunar month, around this time, and it is the liveliest time of year at the towers.

May The sun is strong now, and the sand on the central beach gets hot underfoot from about 11am. A beach walk before 9, a mud bath at midday and another visit after 4 make for an easy rhythm. Swim only within buoyed areas while lifeguards are on duty, and follow the flags.

June Plenty of sunshine and deep blue water. School holidays begin, and sea-view rooms on Tran Phu tend to go early, so booking a few weeks ahead gives you more choice.

July Peak summer and the busiest time in town. Rain tends to come in short showers that clear quickly. Fire jellyfish sometimes appear in the bay mid-year; if your skin starts to sting, head back to shore and let a lifeguard know.

August Still summer, with afternoon showers more common. Some years fire jellyfish turn up around Hon Mun and Hon Bac this month, so on an island trip, ask your guide where it is safe to swim.

September Rain becomes more frequent and room prices start to ease. September and October are also the season for watching clouds roll over Hon En (Hòn Én) mountain. Check the mountain forecast and road conditions before heading up; rough seas do not mean conditions inland are suitable.

October Rainy days are frequent, and island tours may be canceled when boats are not cleared to sail. If you book ahead, choose clear rescheduling and refund terms. A plan built around mud baths, museums and food will feel more relaxed.

November Usually the wettest month of the year. Keep your island day flexible and follow storm bulletins from the national forecasting center. In return, the streets are quieter and rooms are easier on the budget.

December December is less rainy than November, but the end of the month is not reliably drier. Many Russian visitors come to escape the winter, now also on direct flights from Moscow, and a number of downtown restaurants have Russian menus.