What is the climate and weather like in Vietnam?
Vietnam enjoys a hot and humid climate all year round, tropical in the south
and subtropical in the north. It is generally marked by two seasons: the dry
season, from November to April, and the rainy season, from May to September.
But certain climatic particularities must be taken into account when
organizing your itinerary.
In the south of the country and in Ho Chi Minh City, the temperature changes
little throughout the year. It is on average around 29°C with a peak of heat
between March and May. The heat is associated with heavy humidity during the
monsoon, from May to October. The best season is therefore from November to
April, in the dry season.
The ideal time to travel around the centre of the country, around Hue,
Danang and Hoi An, is from February to July. The rainy season is therefore
out of sync with the north and south of the country. It is better to expect
gloomy or even rainy weather from November to January while the sun shines
elsewhere.
To visit the north of the country, Halong Bay and the Hanoi region, the
period from October to April is the best. However, until March, it can be
cool with foggy weather. A short period of typhoons and heavy downpours
occurs around September.
The Upper Tonkin region, located in the northern mountains, on the border
with China, has a climate with well-defined seasons and a high temperature
range due to the altitude. Spring (March to May) is the best time to travel
with sunny and dry weather. Summer, hot and humid, is not very pleasant, the
conditions for hiking being made difficult, and low clouds can create a
thick veil above the valleys. Autumn, from September to November, is again
suitable for discovering Sapa and its surroundings despite humidity still
quite high and heavy showers that can occur in the late afternoon. However,
beautiful sunny days generally allow you to enjoy the scenery and the
temperatures are milder. In winter, the cold sets in, with alternating
beautiful days and grey skies.
On the sea side, the water temperature varies between 25°C and 28°C on the
beaches of the China Sea and in the Gulf of Thailand, ideal temperatures for
swimming. It is better to choose a stay in Phu Quoc, Phan Thiet or Mui Ne
between October and April, then the beaches of the center during the summer
months.
What clothes to pack for a trip to Vietnam?
It all depends of course on when you are leaving and where you are going to
Vietnam. Generally speaking, remember to take a raincoat, comfortable shoes,
hiking shoes for your excursions but also lighter shoes, useful when
visiting temples or during your beach getaways. Pack warm clothes in your
suitcase if you are going to the mountains or the north of the country in
winter and light clothes if you are exploring the south of Vietnam. Plan
mosquito repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a swimsuit for your
swims. |
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Best time to visit Vietnam
