Le Cong
Weather in each region of Vietnam has definite differences. In the north of Vietnam, the weather is often hot and humid with high rainfall from May to October, cool and dry in November to April.
In the mountainous area of far north, it’s particularly cold in December and January. In the central of Vietnam, temperatures is quite high and can hit over 30°C’s between January and August.
Southern of Vietnam has only 2 separated seasons : dry and wet. It’s generally dry and hot from November to April, and warm and wet between May & October, with the highest rainfall in June, July & August.
Weather overview
Although sometimes the weather is unpredictable, even you are a person enjoying wet or dry season and try to visit Vietnam on that time, you still may experience both sunshine and rain in varying quantities with 2000 miles coastline and three different system
The diversity of weather in Vietnam also expresses from each region due to country’s length. At the same time, maybe in the mountainous area in the north of Vietnam, there is snow, whereas, the south has sunshine and temperature is over 32 °C
Therefore, if you choose one of these destinations for you trip, you should research the weather forecast in advance or the following information will help you unravel the complexities
Mountainous Far North
Sapa, Ha Giang, Bac Ha, Mu Cang Chai
Region of the north- west of Vietnam including Mu Cang Chai has 2 seasons : dry lasting from October to late March and the rainy season from April to September.
It can get very cold and frosty in December and January, especially at night.
Dry season is the best time for travelling in the north – east ( Ha Giang )from October to April, although weather there is often very cold in December and January, our recommendation is to avoid travelling in May to September because it is the rainy season.
Trekking and adventure:
You can experience the best trekking conditions in Sapa and Mu Cang Chai between September and November and from March to May. The difference of daytime and nighttime temperature is fairly high, moreover, the winter can be rather chilly and summer is rather wet
North Vietnam
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Cuc Phuong, Mai Chau & Ninh Binh
Hanoi and North Vietnam has a obvious winter and summer season. Winter( dry season) lasts from October to January and the average temperature ranges from 15 to 22C, the the lowest degree often occurs in December and January
Summer lasts from May to October when it is hot and humid and the area has the highest rainfall. The wettest months of the year often happen in July to September. During these months extreme weather could prevent boaters on HaLong Bay even though such weather is very rare.
Central Vietnam
Hoi An, Danang, Hue, Dalat, Quy Nhon & Nha Trang
The center of Vietnam, especially Hoi An, Hue and Da Nang have hot and dry weather from mid January to late August with temperature ranging approximately 30’s °C. In the winter months, rainfall often occurred ( October and November), which causes many kinds of typhoons
In the early of the year, Hue is often cooler than Hoi An, moreover, because of special geography ( sitting on opposite sides of a small mountain range), the weather has a little difference from two greatly on any given day) .
It takes 6 hours to drive from Hoi An to this city, Quy Nhon is a city being similar with Hoi An about weather, although the dry season lasts a bit longer because of its proximity to the southern system.
At the far south of Central Vietnam, Nha Trang has some beneficial temperature features such as longer season, high temperature and little rain. In addition,the rainy season runs from October to early December with the amount being a half the annual rainfall in October and November.
Dalat, in the central highlands, this area is called ‘ the are of harmony climate” is wet from June to October. From November to May it is far drier although cold in December & January.
Da lat is also an ideal destination for tourists to enjoy 4 seasons of Vietnam at same time.
South Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, The Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc & Con Dao, Phan Thiet & Mui Ne, Ho Tram & Long Hai
The climate of the south is divided into 2 separated seasons : dry and wet. The dry season starts in November and ends in April/early May . In February to May, it’s slightly hotter and more humid. The wet season lasts from May until early November with the months from June, July & August receiving the moderate amount of rainfall. Although in the wet season, rainfall is fairly heavy but short lasting, often occurring in the mid-afternoon.
The average temperatures in the south range between 25 – 35°C year round.
In the far south,Con Dao and Phu Quoc islands are great destination for you to enjoy the sunny days
The events and characteristics of each month in a year.
January
January is often one of the coolest months, particularly in the north cities such as Hanoi and Halong Bay. Even, going forward to the mountainous areas such as Sapa and Ha Giang, the climate becomes cooler, especially during late nights and early morning. Sometimes, you can expect frost surrounding the mountains
Sapa is perfect for trekking in this time, the summer in the north is often wet, which makes the pathways become more slippery. Another drawback during this time is that many homestays don’t provide electric blankets or hot water showers
In the south, especially in dry season , many big cities such as Ho Chi Minh, Can Tho ( Mekong Delta ), Phu Quoc, Con Dao and Mui Ne are becoming popular for tourists, because it’s high time to do some underwater exploration or try some unique activities such as kitesurfing in Mui Ne.
Meanwhile in the central coast, some cities such as Da Nang, Nha Truong, the weather is quite opposite at the end of wet seasons, this time also occurs typhoon
Rainfall: 14 days (north), 15 days (center), two days (south)
Temperature: 63°F/17°C (north), 73°F/23s°C (center), 79°F/26°C (south)
February
Tet holiday is the most important event in Vietnam, lasting from late January to February, this month is called “ festival, colorful month” because when tourists come here, they can see many street lined with flowers, parades, crowded at night and everyone is eager to go out and enjoy the Tet’s atmosphere
In the north, February is the time affected cold weather of winter, whereas the central is about to head into summer,together with a little rain on this occasion. Finally, the south is wonderful; with climate harmony of 3 domains.
Rainfall: 17 days (north), eight days (center), two days (south)
Temperature: 63°F/17°C (north), 77°F/25°C (center), 81°F/27°C (south)
March
March is time many tourists choose Vietnam as their travelling destination most because winter in the north comes into an end and the central and south will enjoy the pleasant temperature. Taking advantage of this time, you can choose your own areas to travel from north to south, there are many activities taking place in many areas of three domains. So travelling in this time will not disappoint you
estival. This happens every month, so don’t worry if you miss it this one time!
Rainfall: 22 days (north), six days (center), two days (south)
Temperature: 66°F/19°C (north), 82°F/28°C (center), 84°F/29°C (south)
April
The north begins to head towards its hot, wet summer, the beaches on the central coast are still sunny and sky is blue. The south is certainly hot and it rains often and heavily. When you come to Vietnam in April, you may enjoy the atmosphere of celebration of Reunification Day, when Saigon fell to communist hands during the Vietnam War.
Rainfall: 18 days (north), seven days (center), seven days (south)
Temperature: 75°F/24°C (north), 82°F/28°C (center), 89°F/31°C (south)
May
May is when the south gets wet and often rain in the afternoon downpours, which make some inconvenience to use transports, so the best way is that you should take along an umbrella with you in the wet season or buy a raincoat for dollar at the Circle K store.
In the north , Rain starts to increase , the temperature does, too, and the central coast has a few months
Rainfall: 18 days (north), 10 days (center), 17 days (south)
Temperature: 84°F/29°C (north), 86°F/30°C (center), 82°F/28°C (south)
June
June is when the south of Vietnam receives the highest waterfall, this is the reason why many areas in Mekong Delta are prone to floods
Meanwhile the north is getting hotter and well into summer mode. In the central some areas is reached the peak temperature. The northern mountainous regions, especially Sapa, the pathways are slippery because it often rains in June , recommendation here is that you should bring suitable shoes and clothes to travelling here in the rainy season.
Rainfall: 18 days (north), eight days (center), 21 days (south)
Temperature: 84°F/29°C (north), 86°F/30°C (center), 82°F/28°C (south)
July
July is the same climate as June with the north and south both experiencing heavy downpours. Temperature in some areas of central is alarming ( reach at the dangerous level) . If you plan to get some diving done along the south coast, this would be the last ideal month before unfavorable conditions kick in.
Rainfall: 18 days (north), nine days (center), 23 days (south)
Temperature: 86°F/30°C (north), 89°F/31°C (center), 84°F/29°C (south)
August
August is one of the wettest months in the north. Sailing on Halong Bay is not recommended at this time, as well as extensive trips in the mountains. Good days in the central coastal region are decreasing, but it is still a good time to travel here. Meanwhile, it still rains in the south.
Rainfall: 18 days (north), 12 days (center), 22 days (south)
Temperature: 86°F/30°C (north), 86°F/30°C (center), 84°F/29°C (south)
September
September is the time when wet weather increases in the central regions, but it is opposite to the other regions. Trekking in the north is a popular option again. September is particular time to visit the green paddy fields in the north before ready for the harvest time.
Unfortunately, wet season in the central coast is more draconic with these typhoons bringing in torrential rain and strong winds.
Rainfall: 14 days (north), 15 days (center), 21 days (south)
Temperature: 82°F/28°C (north), 82°F/28°C (center), 82°F/28°C (south)
October
Rainy season is now over in the north and trekking is the best of it.A cool, dry winter will take place in October. Ha Giang may be an ideal destination you want to place and be welcomed with the buckwheat flower season! The highlands bloom buckwheat flowers, on the mountains, cross the plain and go through the cradle Ma Pi Leng. It was an extremely picturesque scene.
The south sees the end of the rainfall and moves towards the hot and dry summer. The central coast is now completely opposite, with October and November having the highest rainfall in all months. There is no time at the beach.
Rainfall: 11 days (north), 21 days (center), 22 days (south)
Temperature: 79°F/26°C (north), 77°F/25°C (center), 81°F/27°C (south)
November
When the cool, dry season comes back in November, The south again attracts many tourists and November is also great time in the north with the best conditions to travel there and one suggestion here is that you can get sailing in Halong Bay.
Central Vietnam still does not work well. Hoi An is particularly vulnerable to flooding during this time, so we recommend that you postpone your visit. But in just one month, until December, everything will be greatly improved again.
Rainfall: nine days (north), 21 days (center), 13 days (south)
Temperature: 75°F/24°C (north), 77°F/25°C (center), 81°F/27°C (south)
December
December is the month concentrating the optimum condition in both the north and south, moreover the central region witnessed improvement from the past rainy months.
If you are looking for the beaches to prevent the cold weather in December,head down to the south coast, to islands such as Phu Quoc and Con Dao. There will be plenty of sun and sand. Central Vietnam is one of the stops between Hoi An to experience the beautiful Vietnamese culture and the magical Old Town.
Rainfall: nine days (north), 19 days (center), eight days (south)
Temperature: 66°F/19°C (north), 75°F/24°C (center), 79°F/26°C (south)
When not to go
Because the weather draws such a complicated picture in Vietnam , at the same time, two regions have opposite temperature and climate or even in a day, it appears many kinds of climate
However, September to December and March and April are generally the best time for you to explore the whole country March and April have the lowest rainfall on all destinations and the temperature is very pleasant.June, July and August are probably the worst time to visit because of high rainfall, as well as temperature. You don’t want clothes clinging to your body within five minutes after walking out of the hotel.
