Weather in Vietnam

Sapa, in the north of Vietnam, has the most varied climate in the country, experiencing both subtropical summers and temperate winters. Temperatures top 29°C in June and July and drop near the freezing mark in late December. We recommend you pack a warm jacket, gloves and beanie during the winter months between November and February, when it can get cold, frosty and occasionally snows. While some might prefer to avoid the rain and travel to the north during the dry season (November to May), the wet season (June to October) is the best time to see the terraced rice fields.

Hanoi and Halong Bay experience similar climates, which are influenced by the northeast monsoons. Temperatures range between 16°C and 21°C during the winter, which runs from November to March. Summer begins in mid-April and continues until October when it is hot, humid and rainy. Hanoi is wettest in July and August when the temperature reaches an average high of 32°C. Often shrouded in mist, weather can change quickly in Halong Bay, where a breeze from the coast can have a cooling effect.

While the coastal city of Hoi An is warm year-round, it does experience two distinct seasons – the dry season from February to August and the wet monsoon season from September to January. The dry season is characterised by plenty of sunshine, low humidity, highs of 30°C and calm waters. While most other parts of the country experience heavy rainfall during the summer, Hoi An stays dry until August, making it a great summer beach destination. During the wet season, the city’s low-lying old town is prone to flooding and typhoons become a risk.

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is consistently warm and humid, averaging around 28°C during the day and barely dropping in temperature overnight. From April to November, the southwest monsoon causes heavy, though usually brief, tropical downpours in the afternoon.

Read more about the best time to visit Vietnam