Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hai Phong
North Vietnam
has two main seasons - the hot and rainy summer and the cool and
dry winter.
Summer
- is hot and humid, especially inland, which is not touched by
cool coastal breezes. Tropical rain showers and the occasional
typhoon are also possibilities - light clothes and an umbrella
are recommended.
Winter
- It remains fairly dry up until late February/March, when it
starts to drizzle almost constantly and waterproofs become a necessity.
Warm clothes are a must during the cool months, especially when
travelling in the hill areas.
Although temperatures
can drop unexpectedly between December and February, it can be
a good time to explore the sights as days are cool and rainfall
is limited. It is also a safer time to visit the hill tribe region
avoiding mosquito related problems - although temperatures can
fall to freezing in these elevated areas.
Best time
to visit: During winter when rainfall is minimal and
temperatures are not too low.
Central
Vietnam - Lowlands and Highlands
|
Da
Nang
|
Average
temperature |
Average
rainfall |
Summer
May - October |
23
- 24oC |
210mm |
Winter
November - April |
17
- 23oC |
95mm |
|
Dalat,
Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang
The central
belt of Vietnam comprises the lowlands and the highlands. The
weather is fairly similar across both, although the highlands
tend to be slightly cooler with higher rainfall as the majority
of rain normally falls on the mountains before arriving at the
low coastal areas.
Lowlands
Summer - the weather is warm and reasonably dry from May
to September. The monsoon winds then change bringing above average
rain during late September. This time is not very pleasant as
it can rain constantly - there is a high probability of flooding,
visibility is poor and typhoons are also a possibility.
Best time
to visit: During the winter between February and April,
when rainfall is low and temperatures are warm.
Highlands
Winter temperatures can fall slightly below the average
and rainfall is higher than at lower elevations. However, most
rain tends to fall during the summer months when it can be very
wet - although these summer months do provide a respite
from the often intense heat of other areas.
Light cotton
clothes are required, although a few warm layers are necessary
throughout the year as temperatures can drop away, especially
at night. Waterproofs are also a good idea as rain can fall at
anytime of the year.
Best time
to visit: winter days are pleasantly warm and rainfall
is lower from November to March - nights can be chilly.
Southern Vietnam & Mekong Delta
|
Ho
Chi Minh
|
Average
temperature |
Average
rainfall |
Summer
May - November |
24
- 31oC |
265mm |
Winter
December - April
|
22
- 33oC |
25mm |
|
Ho Chi
Minh, Bin Thuen, Mekong Delta
Sitting below
the line of the equator, this area maintains a tropical climate
throughout the year.
Light clothes
are required all year round and an umbrella would be very useful.
Summer
- is hot, humid and rainy but heavy downpours are usually short
lived.
Winter
- remains hot and humid, although humidity levels are more bearable
between December and February. During April and May the southwest monsoon
winds bring rain showers to the Mekong Delta and southern Vietnam.
Best time
to visit: Temperatures are not as extreme from September
to February as they can be during March and April when the
heat is fierce.
