Although being located in the tropical zone, Vietnam’s weather is divided into 2 different climate zones. In fact, the weather condition varies significantly by latitude and longitude. To have a perfect trip, here are the must-read Vietnam travel tips about weather for you.
Weather in Northern Vietnam
The North (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoa Binh, Ninh Binh) has 2 distinct seasons: winter and summer. From November to March is winter. January, February and March are the coldest months. At this time, temperature in Hanoi can be down to 10 degrees Celsius or even lower. If you travel to the North of Vietnam in winter, you should prepare enough warm clothes to avoid colds.
Meanwhile, summer lasts from May to September. This is the time when it is hot and humid. During these months, the region experiences the highest rainfall. There may be floods and storms in July and August. If you intend to visit Halong Bay or beaches in the North at this period, you should watch the weather forecast carefully. In case it rains suddenly, you can buy nilon raincoats on the road sides with the price from 10,000 to 20,000 VND for each.
Spring and Autumn are short and not clear. And the weather in these seasons is quite comfortable and suitable to travel.
Read more: Vietnam travel tips: Things you need to know
Weather in Central Vietnam
The Central part of Vietnam (Hoi An, Danang, Hue, Dalat, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang) has two main sub-regions which are coastal and highland. Thus, the weather in Central Vietnam is different from the east to the west and from the north to the south. Hai Van Pass is like a fence between these two sub-regions.
North Central of Vietnam’s weather
Ha Tinh, Nghe An, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Thanh Hoa, Hue
In the North Central Coast (the north of Hai Van Pass), the weather is affected by the weather in Northern Vietnam. In winters, the region witnesses the northeast monsoon that carries steam from the ocean. Thus, cold and rainy weather is typical in the part in winters. Yet, the difference between the weather in Central Vietnam and that in Northern Vietnam in winters is that winter in the former is wet, while the latter is dry. In summers, North Central Coast is described with dry and hot weather, as Foehn wind from Laos affects this region. Temperature in summers may reach 40 degrees in the peak, while the humidity is quite low.
South Central
Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Yen
Meanwhile, in the South Central (from the south of Hai Van Pass), the region is less impacted by the northeast monsoon, as it is prevented by Bach Ma Mountain range. Instead, in summer, the region is affected by the southwest monsoon from Gulf of Thailand passing over Truong Son Mountain range, causing a hot and dry weather in the entire area. The temperature ranges from 21 to 32 degrees Celsius all year round. The highlight point in Central Vietnam weather is that rainy season and dry season do not occur at the same period in year, like weathers in Northern Vietnam and Southern Vietnam.
Central Highlands
Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Lam Dong (Dalat)
There are 2 distinct seasons in the Central Highlands: dry season (from November to April) and rainy season (from May to October). The average temperature here is from 18 to 32 degrees. This region is the ideal place to travel all year round because it is not too hot and too cold.
Weather in South Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, The Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc, Phan Thiet, Mui Ne, Ho Tram, Long Hai
In Southern Vietnam, the weather does not change much. Therefore, you do not need to worry much when traveling in this region. There are also 2 seasons that are dry and monsoon season.
Read more: 4 must-try experiences in the Mekong Delta
From May to November, it is rainy season. There are many times of rain but it does not last too long. It is usually hot. But, in general, the weather is more comfortable than in the North.
The temperature from February to April is not too high and not too low. The average temperatures in the south range between 25-35 degrees all year round.
In conclusion, each region has its own kind of weather. Hopefully, with the information about Vietnam’s weather above, you can choose the best time to visit your traveling destinations and have a safe and memorable trip there.
