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Does it snow in Vietnam

Does it snow in Vietnam? Where, when & snow hunting tips

10/03/2025 1.402 views

Does it snow in Vietnam? While snow is rare, it does appear in certain mountainous regions during the coldest months. If you are hoping to see snow in Vietnam, we will help you discover the best places, the right time to visit, and tips to prepare for your trip.

1. Does it snow in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s weather varies across the three distinct regions. Northern Vietnam and the North Central Coast have a humid subtropical climate with cooler winters. Central Vietnam and the South Central Coast experience a tropical monsoon climate, while South Vietnam enjoys a tropical climate with two seasons: dry and rainy.

So, does it snow in Vietnam? Most of the country never sees snow due to its tropical conditions. However, in Northern Vietnam, certain high mountain areas can get cold enough in winter. The most famous snow destinations in Vietnam are Sapa (Lao Cai) and Mau Son (Lang Son), both located at high altitudes where cold air masses create rare conditions for snowfall.

Does it ever snow in Vietnam? - Yes, although it remains rare

Does it ever snow in Vietnam? – Yes, although it remains rare (Source: Collected)

In recent years, snow and frost have also been spotted in other parts of Northern Vietnam including Moc Chau (Son La), Dong Van (Ha Giang), and Nguyen Binh (Cao Bang). Even places like Ba Vi Mountain (Hanoi), Khau Pha Pass (Yen Bai), and parts of Central Vietnam such as Nghe An Province have recorded rare snowfall events.

A few memorable instances of snow in Vietnam include:

  • On January 10, 2021, snow up to 3 centimeters thick blanketed Y Ty Commune (Lao Cai), covering the grass, trees, and rooftops.
  • On January 26, 2025, snow fell on the mountain peaks of 1,500-1,700 meters high in Meo Vac (Ha Giang), while Fansipan Mountain (Sapa) saw heavy snowfall and temperatures as low as -2°C.

2. When does Vietnam get snow?

If you are planning to see snow in Vietnam, come to the northern region during December – February, when winter brings the coldest weather of the year. However, snowfall remains very rare and only occurs in a few elevated mountain areas. Even in these places, the snow usually lasts just a few days. When it does appear, you may see a thin layer covering the grass, trees, and rooftops. The snow in Vietnam in winter is often light and melts quickly. During snowfall, the temperature is not extremely low, which normally stays between -5°C and -1°C. However, the high humidity in the air makes the cold feel much sharper than the actual temperature.

It can occasionally appear in the northern mountains during winter

Does Vietnam have snow? – It can occasionally appear in the northern mountains during winter (Source: Collected)

Check out the best time to visit Vietnam!

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3. Where does it snow in Vietnam?

Here are the top destinations of Vietnam travel where you might enjoy snow in Vietnam:

3.1. Sapa (Lao Cai)

Sapa is one of the most famous places in Vietnam where you can see snow. Sitting at an altitude of 1,500 – 1,800 meters, Sapa weather in winter is characterized by a cool subtropical climate, with temperatures dropping to 10°C. During strong cold waves, the temperature can fall to 0°C or even lower, with records showing it has reached -3.2°C in some years. This extreme cold creates the perfect conditions for snow in Sapa.

The most popular spot to admire snow in Sapa is Fansipan Mountain, known as the “Roof of Indochina”. You can hike around Fansipan for incredible views of the snowy peaks or explore nearby ethnic villages to experience the local culture. After a long day out in the cold, don’t forget to warm up with local specialties like salmon hotpot, grilled dishes, or thang co stew.

To reach Sapa from Hanoi, you can travel by car or bus via the Hanoi – Lao Cai Expressway, which takes around 5 hours for approximately 300 kilometers. Once you arrive in Sapa, you can take the Fansipan cable car to reach the summit.

Does it snow in Vietnam? - In Sapa

Does it snow in Vietnam? – In Sapa (Source: Collected)

3.2. Mau Son (Lang Son)

For travelers wondering “does it snow in Vietnam?“, Mau Son is one of the few places. This is the highest mountain area in Lang Son Province, with an average altitude of 800 – 1,000 meters above sea level. From late December to January, mountaintop temperatures often drop below 0°C. When cold waves arrive, snow and frost cover the rooftops, tree branches, and narrow mountain roads, turning the entire area into a stunning winter scene.

If you visit Mau Son during the snowfall, you will have the chance to capture incredible photos of the snow-covered hills. You can also explore the old French villas left from the colonial era. After a day in the cold, don’t miss the chance to enjoy local specialties, such as grilled meats or roasted duck.

Mau Son is about 185 kilometers away from Hanoi. The drive takes around 3 hours and 45 minutes under good traffic conditions. The road is well-maintained, making it easy to drive a car all the way up to the top of the mountain.

Many travelers visit Mau Son hoping to see snow cover its peaks

Many travelers visit Mau Son hoping to see snow cover its peaks (Source: Collected)

3.3. Ha Giang

Regarding “does it snow in Vietnam?”, Ha Giang is one of the rare places where you might find the answer. Located in the far north, Ha Giang experiences very low winter temperatures, often cold enough to produce frost and, on occasion, snow. The chance of seeing snow is highest in high-altitude areas like Dong Van, Meo Vac, and especially Tay Con Linh.

On rare snowy days, Ha Giang offers a memorable journey through winding mountain passes and stunning karst landscapes lightly dusted in white. You can also visit ethnic villages to learn about the local life. After a long day in the cold, warming up with hot local dishes like thang co stew or grilled meats is the perfect way to recharge.

To reach Ha Giang, you can take a bus from Hanoi, which takes around 8 hours. There, renting a motorbike allows you to begin your adventure through the mountains.

Does it snow in Vietnam? Ha Giang is one of the few places where it might

Does it snow in Vietnam? Ha Giang is one of the few places where it might (Source: Collected)

3.4. Yen Bai

The question of “does it snow in Vietnam?” might lead you to Yen Bai, where winter sometimes brings a light layer of snow. While snow is rare, this province occasionally experiences frost, especially in areas above 1,500 meters high. 

One of the best places to look for snow in Yen Bai is Mu Cang Chai, which sits at around 1,000 meters in elevation. For an even higher adventure, Ta Chi Nhu Peak, known as the “roof of Yen Bai” at 2,979 meters high, is the ideal spot. When the temperatures drop low enough, frost covers the trees, rooftops, and mountain paths. After exploring, you can warm up with local specialties like smoked buffalo meat, sticky rice, and wild apple wine.

From Hanoi, the journey to Mu Cang Chai or Ta Chi Nhu Peak covers around 200-300 kilometers and takes 5-7 hours. To reach Ta Chi Nhu Peak, you will also need to trek to the summit, and the stunning frosty views make every step worthwhile.

Yen Bai can occasionally surprise visitors with snowfall

Yen Bai can occasionally surprise visitors with snowfall (Source: Collected)

3.5. Phia Oac (Cao Bang)

Another lesser-known destination for snow-hunting in Vietnam is the Phia Oac mountain area in Cao Bang. It sits at an altitude of 1,930 meters and is home to a rich ecosystem of many rare species of plants and animals. During the coldest days of winter, frost blankets the mountain peak.

Here, you can capture incredible photos of tree branches glistening with icy layers, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and admire the shimmering white landscape. After your outdoor adventures, make sure to warm up with local specialties from nearby villages. Dishes like roasted chestnuts, sour noodle soup, and smoked meats are perfect to recharge your energy and beat the cold.

To reach Phia Oac from Hanoi, you can take a bus to Cao Bang, which takes around 7 hours. There, it is another 50 kilometers to Phia Oac, and you can travel by motorbike along the winding mountain roads.

Does it snow in Vietnam? - Phia Oac is a hidden winter wonderland

Does it snow in Vietnam? – Phia Oac is a hidden winter wonderland (Source: Collected)

Check out the top things to do in Vietnam!

4. Tips for snow-hunting in Vietnam

Before you go hunting for snow in Vietnam, note that the extreme cold in high mountains can be harsh. Here are some tips to help you stay comfortable:

4.1. What to wear?

Regarding what to wear in Vietnam during your snow-hunting adventure, you should prepare as if you are heading to a real winter destination:

  • Dress in layers with a thermal base, a fleece or wool sweater, and a waterproof, windproof jacket.
  • Wear thick, insulated pants for added warmth in the outdoors.
  • Wear woolen hats, gloves, and scarves to protect exposed areas.
  • Choose comfortable, water-resistant shoes with good grip.
  • Bring thermal socks and small heat packs to stay extra warm.

4.2. What to bring?

Besides dressing warm, you should also prepare some items to make your trip easier:

  • A thermos filled with hot tea or coffee to stay warm.
  • Snacks like energy bars or dried fruits to recharge during long outdoor activities.
  • Camera gear or a smartphone with a power bank to capture the rare snowy moments.
  • Medicine for common issues like colds, headaches, or stomachaches.
  • A small first-aid kit to treat minor injuries, especially if you plan to hike.
  • Maps or offline navigation apps to avoid getting lost in areas with weak signals. 
With proper preparation, you can fully enjoy the beauty of Vietnam’s snowy landscapes

With proper preparation, you can fully enjoy the beauty of Vietnam’s snowy landscapes (Source: Collected)

4.3. What to note?

To make the most of your snow-hunting trip, you should also:

  • Check the weather forecast carefully before your trip, as snow in Vietnam is unpredictable and usually lasts only a few days each year.
  • Plan your trip with flexible timing to increase your chances of catching unexpected snowfall during cold spells.
  • Drive carefully on mountain roads, where ice and fog can make the journey dangerous, especially on steep, narrow passes.
  • Respect the environment and local culture by avoiding littering and being mindful when visiting ethnic villages.
  • Book accommodation in advance, particularly during winter days when many travelers rush to see the snow.
  • Prioritize safety over chasing snow and avoid taking risks in extreme weather conditions.

To sum up, does it snow in Vietnam? While Vietnam may not be famous for snow, its northern mountains can surprise you with stunning white landscapes during the coldest months. If you plan your trip between December and February, you might be lucky enough to witness this rare and magical side of the country. With the right timing and preparation, your snow adventure in Vietnam could become an unforgettable travel memory!

After enjoying the beauty of Vietnam’s snow-covered mountains, you might want to balance your trip with some warmer destinations. If you are visiting Hanoi, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, or Hoi An, don’t miss the chance to explore the exciting world of VinWonders. These entertainment complexes offer a wide range of fun activities, from thrilling games to mesmerizing shows, perfect for visitors of all ages.

And if you are looking for a place to unwind after all your adventures, the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl provide an ideal retreat. Here, you can enjoy premium services, breathtaking views, and all-in-one amenities designed to meet your every need.

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Adventure awaits at VinWonders Nha Trang

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