Hue in July

March through May brings perfect weather – sunny days, cool nights, minimal rain. The royal tombs look spectacular with spring flowers blooming in the gardens. September and October offer the same comfortable temperatures after the summer heat breaks. Avoid June through August when temperatures hit 35°C and humidity makes walking miserable. The rainy season runs October through February, but don't let that scare you. Rain usually comes in afternoon bursts, then clears for golden sunsets over the Citadel walls. December and January get surprisingly cold – pack a jacket for morning temple visits. Festival season peaks during Tet (Vietnamese New Year) in late January or February, but expect crowds and higher prices. The Hue Festival happens every two years in April, bringing traditional music and dragon dances to the Imperial Palace.