Climate and monthly weather forecast
Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang, located in Laos, experiences a predominantly Humid Subtropical climate, classified as Cwa under the Köppen climate classification. This classification signifies considerable variation in temperature and rainfall throughout the year, with a distinctive dry winter period.

Temperature highs range from 26.3°C (79.3°F) in December to 34.4°C (93.9°F) in April, revealing a tropical environment with a hot summer. On the other end, the low temperatures vary between 14.2°C (57.6°F) in January and 24.5°C (76.1°F) from June to July, indicating mild to warm nights. It can be observed that the mildness of a winter night contrasts with the sweltering heat of the summer afternoons.

Humidity varies but remains relatively high throughout the year, maintaining an average above 74%. The driest month is March with a humidity level of 74%, while September and August record the highest average relative humidity of 89%.

Rainfall patterns show drastic changes in volume and frequency of days with precipitation. The year starts with a scant 15mm (0.59") in January, and then, the precipitation graph depicts an upward crawl, peaking at 289mm (11.38") in August, and slowly descending to 10mm (0.39") in December. The number of rainy days follows a similar trajectory, from a low point of one day in December to a significant nineteen days in August.

Daylight and sunshine hours too, follow this inconsistent pattern, with the shortest duration of 10.9 hours in December slowly increasing to a high of 13.3 hours in June; however, the actual sunshine hours indicate less sunny days from June to August despite longer daylight hours. The UV index remains considerably high throughout the year, with a constant reading of 12 from March to September.

Given the climatological patterns, the best time to visit Luang Prabang would be from November to February. During these months, the city experiences relatively cooler temperatures, ranging from 26.3°C (79.3°F) to 30.8°C (87.4°F) in the day and 14.2°C (57.6°F) to 18°C (64.4°F) at night. Rainfall is also at a minimum, with only two to three rainy days per month. The city enjoys an average of six to seven hours of sunshine, making it an ideal setting for outdoor activities.

The least suitable period to visit Luang Prabang would be between June and September. These months experience the highest rainfall reaching up to 289mm (11.38"), with as much as 16 to 19 rainy days in a month. Despite the longer daylight hours, the actual sunlight hours reduce to around 4 to 4.6 hours per day due to cloud coverage. Add high humidity, with average values above 85%, and the appeal for outdoor activities diminishes greatly.

Spring in Luang Prabang, from March to May, is characterized by increasing temperatures, from 30°C (86°F) to a high of 34.4°C (93.9°F). Nights become warmer too, with temperatures ranging from 18°C (64.4°F) to 23.5°C (74.3°F). Rainfall begins to increase from 30mm (1.18") to 147mm (5.79") in May, with corresponding rainy days increasing from three to twelve. The weather, however, still permits a considerable amount of sunshine, ranging from 6.4 to 6.9 hours per day.

Summers in Luang Prabang, from June to August, are typified by considerable rainfall with the humidity reaching as high as 89%. Daytime temperatures hover around 31.5°C (88.7°F) to 32.4°C (90.3°F), and night temperatures remain around 24°C (75.2°F). Despite having the longest daylight hours in the year, the actual sunshine hours lower due to frequent rainfall and cloud cover.

Autumn, from September to November, ushers in decreasing rainfall, from 173mm (6.81") to 40mm (1.57"). The number of rainy days also reduces from twelve to three. The daytime temperatures decrease moderately, falling from 31.9°C (89.4°F) in September to 28.5°C (83.3°F) by November.

Winter months from December to February are characteristically dry with the least rainfall, dipping as low as 10mm (0.39") in December with just one rainy day. Daytime temperatures range from 26.3°C (79.3°F) to 27.4°C (81.3°F), with night time temperatures from 14.2°C (57.6°F) to 15.4°C (59.7°F). The daylight duration and sunshine hours fall to their minimum levels for the year.

Kicking off the year, the weather in Luang Prabang, Laos exhibits a distinct winter characteristic. Temperatures navigate between a range from a chilly low of 14.2°C (57.6°F) up to a more comfortable 27.4°C (81.3°F). With the moderate sunshine spanning 6.2 hours a day and a UV index of 8, the weather tends to be relatively mellow and pleasant. Weather in January »

February sees a slight increment in temperature, sunshine hours, and UV index, marking a transition from winter to early spring in Luang Prabang. Monthly highs and lows follow an upward trajectory soaring from 14.2°C (57.6°F) to 15.4°C (59.7°F) and 27.4°C (81.3°F) to 30.8°C (87.4°F) respectively. Weather in February »

The month of March signifies an evident shift in Luang Prabang weather conditions, making the transition from spring to early summer. The city experiences a more pronounced increase in termperatures with the mercury pushing its upper boundary from 30.8°C (87.4°F) to 33.1°C (91.6°F). Weather in March »

April ushers in the hottest season of the year in Luang Prabang. With temperatures soaring from 33.1°C (91.6°F) to 34.4°C (93.9°F), it marks the peak of Laos' summer. The heat is mitigated with an extended daylight of 12.6 hours. Weather in April »

In May, Luang Prabang steps into the reins of the wet season. Although temperature slightly decreases to 33.8°C (92.8°F), a notable upturn in rainfall happens as it fortifies from 108mm (4.25") to 147mm (5.79"), making May one of the wettest months. Weather in May »

June is characterized by further escalation of the rain season in Luang Prabang. The amount of rainfall soars to its annual peak at 258mm (10.16") preparing the city for prolonged wet and humid conditions. The drop in temperatures continues and lower temperatures make the month relatively comfortable, despite the high amount of rainfall. Weather in June »

July sustains the monsoon momentum in Luang Prabang, with continued high levels of rainfall and humidity. An insignificant temperature drop occurs - the mercury slightly descends to 31.8°C (89.2°F). Matched with prolonged daylight and a reduced volume of sunshine, the weather balance throughout July remains quite consistent with June. Weather in July »

In August, temperatures slightly dip again and the weather begins to temper down in Luang Prabang, preparing for the transition to autumn. The city experiences the highest humidity of the year at 89%, thanks to continued heavy rainfall, consolidating August as one of the wettest months. Weather in August »

September marks the receding phase of the monsoon season in Luang Prabang. Rainfall volume shrinks to 173mm (6.81"), easing-off the city from the heavy wet conditions prevalent during the preceding months. The humidity level drops slightly but the city continues to be enveloped in a moisture-laden ambiance. Weather in September »

In October, Luang Prabang transitions into the post-monsoon phase. This is evident from the fall in rainfall to 126mm (4.96"), marking a sharp contrast to the preceding wet months. The drop in both daylight and sunshine hours indicate the gradual move away from the summer season. Weather in October »

November officially flags-off the dry season in Luang Prabang. With distinct decreases in rainfall to 40mm (1.57"), and a reduction in relative humidity, the climate becomes significantly drier. Constant manageable temperatures and shorter daylight hours mark a sharp departure from the intense heat and lengthy days of summer. Weather in November »

December sets in with a definitive winter vibe in Luang Prabang. The city records the lowest rainfall for the year with a meager 10mm (0.39"), emphasizing the dry nature of the season. Shorter days and longest nights set in with the solstice around the corner, marking the slow descent into the end of the year. Weather in December »