The Central Highlands have two distinct seasons: the dry season from November to April and the rainy season from May to October. Each season has its own beauty, depending on whether you want to trek, see the waterfalls or join a festival.
November – December: wild sunflowers and coffee
This is the most beautiful time of the year. The sky is clear and the air is cool, and wild sunflowers turn the hillsides of Gia Lai and Đắk Nông yellow. In Đắk Lắk, farmers are harvesting coffee, and you can follow them up to the fields to pick the ripe cherries.
January – March: festivals and blossoms
After Tết comes the festival season in the villages: the new rice celebration and the water-source ceremony. In February – March the coffee blossoms turn the hills white, and Măng Đen and Đà Lạt have cherry blossoms.
April – May: sunshine, fewer visitors
At the end of the dry season it is hotter and the waterfalls carry less water. On the other hand, prices are good, the forest trails are dry and Tà Đùng Lake is at its clearest.
June – October: the waterfalls at their best
The rainy season usually brings afternoon showers. The Đray Sáp, Dray Nur and Pa Sỹ waterfalls are full and majestic. Some trekking routes are changed to keep everyone safe.
H’Brông’s advice: if you can only go once, choose late October to mid-December.