Climate in Vietnam: Key points to know before starting your trip

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Climate in Vietnam varies across region (Source: Collected)

To have a flawless Vietnam travel, checking the climate in Vietnam in advance is a must for any traveler. Due to the vast distance from north to south, the weather in Vietnam varies greatly. The following post will get you covered with details about the climate of Vietnam in different regions as well as the best time to visit top Vietnam attractions.

1. An overview of climate in Vietnam

What is the climate in Vietnam? Due to the distinct terrain, yearly weather in Vietnam features both temperate and tropical weather conditions. The climate in Vietnam is impacted by strong monsoons, yet the country also experiences a lot of sunshine, rain, and humidity. 

The influence of monsoons on weather and climate in Vietnam is also displayed in the variation of tropical humidity. Vietnam experiences two seasons: the cold season (November to April) and the hot season (May to October). The difference in temperature in South Vietnam between the two seasons is almost negligible, with an average of 3 Celsius degrees. The most notable variations are found in the north, where a difference of 12 Celsius degrees is observed. In general, there are four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter, which are particularly noticeable in the Northern provinces (from Hai Van Pass to the North). 

There are 4 distinct seasons in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

There are 100 rainy days every year and the average rainfall is 1,500 to 2,000 mm. The humidity fluctuates around 80%. Sunshine hours are from 1,500 to 2,000 and solar radiation averages 100kcal/cm2 per year. Due to the influence of the monsoon, the average temperature in Vietnam is lower than that of other countries of the same longitude in Asia. The average annual temperature ranges from 22 to 27 degrees Celsius. 

Due to the country’s complicated geography and the monsoons, the climate in Vietnam is constantly changing within a year, between years, or between regions. Furthermore, the country is subject to several adverse weather conditions, namely storms, floods, and droughts.  

>>> Read more: Vietnam weather – A detailed guide to time your perfect trip

2. The typical features of climate in Vietnam by region

Based on geographical and climatic conditions, the climate in Vietnam is divided into seven zones: the Northwest, Northeast, Red River Delta, North Central (North Central Coast), South Central (South Central Coast), Central Highlands, and the South (including Southeast and the Mekong Delta). These seven zones are classified into two main groups, using Hai Van Pass (between Hue and Danang) as the border: North Vietnam (Northwest, Northeast, Red River Delta, North Central) and South Vietnam (the South Central, Central Highlands, and the South). These climate zones are based on the duration of the rainy season and other climatic factors such as temperature, sunshine, precipitation, and humidity.

2.1. Climate in North Vietnam

2.1.1. Northwest Vietnam

• Provinces: Son La, Lai Chau, and Dien Bien

What is the coldest place in Vietnam? With an average daily high temperature of just 28 degrees Celsius, the northwest of Vietnam is one of the coldest parts of the country. During winter days, it is cold, dry (with perhaps a little drizzling rain), and sunny. In recent years, winter in the Far North has also experienced frequent hoarfrost. Summers are hot and rainy and coincide with the rainy season.

Since the valleys are protected from the wind, there is a longer dry season and less rainfall overall. Usually, the dry season lasts for four to five months. There are 1,800 to 2,000 hours of sunshine each year on average. 

The spectacular scenery of rice terraces in the mountains of North Vietnam (Source: Collected)

2.1.2. Northeast Vietnam

• Provinces: Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Hoa Binh, Tuyen Quang, Ha Giang, Phu Tho, Cao Bang, Lang Son, Bac Kan, Thai Nguyen, and Quang Ninh

The northeast monsoon has a big impact on the climate in Vietnam’s northeastern area. Winters are marked with rain and are chilly and gloomy (with little sunshine). The cold comes to these provinces much earlier than in other regions. How cold does it get in Northeast Vietnam? In recent years, the temperature in North Vietnam has been recorded to fall under 0 Celsius degrees many times.  

Similar to the Northwest, the rainy season in the Northeast coincides with the hot and wet summers. However, because of the low frequency of westerly winds, dry conditions are uncommon here. The rainy season in the Northwest often runs between May and September. 

In the area of the Hoang Lien Son mountains, winters are chilly, and snowfall and hoarfrost are sporadic occurrences. There are 1,400 to 1,700 hours of sunshine on average per year.

In the coastal northeast, the average temperature is around 23 degrees Celsius, with average temperatures of 16 and 28 degrees Celsius for the coldest and hottest months, respectively. The yearly rainfall of this region is roughly 1,800 mm. 

2.1.3. Red River Delta

• Provinces: Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Bac Giang, Bac Ninh, Hanoi, Hung Yen, Hai Duong, Hai Phong, Ha Nam, Nam Dinh, Thai Binh, and Ninh Binh

In the Red River Delta, summers are hot and wet with only a few dry days, while winters are cold with a lot of rain but little sunshine. There are 1,400 to 1,700 hours of sunshine on average per year. 

Trang An, Ninh Binh on sunny days (Source: Collected)

The region experiences average temperatures of 16 to 17°C in the coldest month and 28 to 30°C in the hottest one. The average yearly temperatures in coastal cities are approximately 23°C, and the annual precipitation is between 1,600 and 1,700 mm. 

2.1.4. North Central

• Provinces: Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Thua Thien Hue

Due to the northeast monsoon’s impact, winters are marked by cold, overcast weather and frequent drizzle. Since Truong Son Mountain suppresses the northeast monsoon from the Gulf of Tonkin, winters here are generally warmer and wetter than in other parts of the North. Summers are marked by extremely hot, dry weather due to the westerly winds. How hot does it get in Vietnam’s North Central on summer days? The temperature on the hottest days might exceed 45°C. The region experiences 1,500 to 1,700 hours of sunshine on average per year. The mean annual rainfall in coastal regions is between 2,000 and 2,900 mm, with September and October being the wettest months. 

The marvelous Son Doong Cave in Quang Binh, North Central Vietnam (Source: Collected)

2.2. Climate in South Vietnam

2.2.1. South Central

• Provinces: Da Nang, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, and Binh Thuan

South Central Vietnam has one of the most pleasant climates in the country. Due to the frequent westerly winds, winters tend to be pleasant and sunny while summers are hot and dry. There are about 2,000 to 2,500 hours of sunshine per year. The average annual temperature is between 25 and 27 Celsius degrees. Although certain places in the southern parts of the region receive between 800 and 1,100 mm of rainfall annually, the average annual rainfall is roughly 1,900 mm. The rainy season often begins in September and lasts until December or January. The northern provinces (Quang Nam, Quang Ngai) receive more rain than the southern ones (Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan). 

South Central beaches on sunny summer days (Source: Collected)

2.2.2. Central Highlands

• Provinces: Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, and Lam Dong

Regarding climate in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, temperatures here by month here are lower than in other places at similar latitudes because of the higher altitude. While summers are marked by heavy rainfall, winters are dry. There are between 2,000 and 2,500 hours of sunshine on average each year.

The average yearly temperature is between 21 and 23 Celsius. Wintertime temperatures can drop as low as 20 Celsius, with the lowest in January (sometimes below 0 Celsius). Between March and April, the temperature is at its peak. 

2.2.3. Southeast and Mekong Delta

• Provinces: 

• • Southeast: Binh Phuoc, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Tay Ninh, Ba Ria – Vung Tau, and Ho Chi Minh City
  • Mekong Delta: Can Tho, Long An, Dong Thap, Tien Giang, An Giang, Ben Tre, Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, Hau Giang, Kien Giang, Soc Trang, Bac Lieu, and Ca Mau

The beauty of the flood season in Mekong Delta (Source: Collected)

The climate in Vietnam’s southern region is characterized by the southwest monsoon, with hot temperatures and sunny days all year round. In coastal locations, the average annual temperature hovers at about 27°C, which is very constant throughout the year with minimal variation between the coldest and hottest months. Yearly rainfall ranges from 1,500 to 2,500 mm, with the rainy season occurring from May to November. There are from 2,400 to 3,000 sunshine hours throughout the year. 

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3. The best time to travel to Vietnam: Visit famous places according to weather and climate

Since the climate in Vietnam during the same period of time varies, there is no right or wrong time to travel to this country as a whole. There is always a great time to visit Vietnam, depending on where you are going. Below are the best times to visit the top destinations in Vietnam. 

3.1. Hanoi

Due to the climate in Hanoi, Vietnam, the best months to visit Hanoi are from late September to early November and from February to April. Spring in Hanoi and the Red River Delta lasts from February to April, when the days are pleasant and sunny. It drizzles quite frequently, but there is little to no heavy rain. During this time of year, the temperature in Hanoi, Vietnam, ranges between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. Between September and November, the climate in Hanoi Vietnam is quite the same as it is between February and April, but the temperature might drop below 20°C at night. 

The capital of Vietnam is famous as a cultural destination with lots of renowned spots such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hanoi Old Quarter, Temple of Literature, etc. It is also the ideal place to entertain, with plenty of shopping malls, amusement centers, and other recreational amenities. Namely, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium, a complex of a modern aquarium and a huge indoor playground, are fantastic spots to go to unwind while in Hanoi. 

VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium in Hanoi

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3.2. Hoi An

Hoi An belongs to South Central, so its weather conditions are much like those of Danang and other provinces in this area. According to the climate in Vietnam Hoi An, late February to early April is the ideal time to explore this ancient town. Warm temperatures and dry weather prevail throughout this time. The mean temperature might range from 20 to 28 degrees Celsius. It is ideal to visit the Cu Lao Cham offshore islands from late May to the end of August, when temperatures are higher. 

If you travel to Hoi An, do not forget to pay a visit to VinWonders Nam Hoi An – a large amusement complex near the heritage town. Here, not only can you explore the semi-wild worlds of animals and participate in several fascinating games, but you can also get exposed to Vietnamese culture.

Fantastic activities in VinWonders Nam Hoi An

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3.3. Nha Trang

Climate in Vietnam Nha Trang makes the months between January and September the ideal time to take a beach vacation to this land. The days are sunny and comfortably warm throughout this time, and there isn’t much rain, making it ideal for beach activities. The average temperature in Nha Trang is between 20 and 28°C. The rainy season, which lasts from late September until early December, occasionally brings tropical storms and hinders tourism.

Nha Trang is not only a paradise for beach escapes, but it is also a land of ultimate relaxation. VinWonders Nha Trang on Hon Tre Island, which features a wide range of fantastic entertaining and cultural activities, would bring travelers the utmost joy during their vacation in Nha Trang, Vietnam. 

VinWonders Nha Trang on Hon Tre Island

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3.4. Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc, the pristine island in the far south, is one of the best beach destinations in Asia. The climate in Vietnam Phu Quoc makes the months between November and March the best time to visit this island. It is the dry season in Phu Quoc when temperatures are noticeably lower than the rest of the year. Because there is little to no rain, the humidity is low. The temperatures are between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius throughout this time, making it ideal for island hopping and other recreational activities.

What is there to do in Phu Quoc aside from exploring the islands and the stunning beaches? If you seek a place to hang out and relax with your family or friends, VinWonders Phu Quoc in the north of the island is the best place to go. It is the largest theme park in Vietnam, which offers an abundance of entertainment options for tourists to chill out and unwind.  

VinWonders Phu Quoc – the largest theme park in Vietnam

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3.5. Da Nang

Located close to Hoi An, Da Nang is another appealing place to visit in Central Vietnam. The climate in Vietnam Danang is most pleasant between February and May. There is little rain but lots of clear skies and low humidity. Danang’s temperature typically ranges from 20 to 32 degrees Celsius. Thanks to the little rain, it is a fantastic time of year to visit Danang’s pristine beaches. 

The climate in Vietnam is separated by regions. While it is sunny in one place, the other one might experience heavy rainfall. Choosing the right time and right destination to visit Vietnam to enjoy a smooth trip without worrying about the weather is, therefore, an important thing that any traveler should plan well in advance. Hopefully, this article can give you a better insight into Vietnam’s climate and weather so that you can be well prepared! 

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