The climate of Vientiane
The geographical position of
Vientiane places it in the heart of
Laos. Its climatic conditions are mirrored in the tropical wet and dry or savanna climate, otherwise known as the Köppen climate classification Aw. These climatic conditions mold the city's overall weather patterns throughout the year.
Throughout the year, Vientiane experiences warm temperatures. The value ranges from a low average of 16.4°C (61.5°F) in
January to a high average of 34.3°C (93.7°F) in
April. Climatological data indicates relative humidity stays above 66% throughout the year, reaching up to 84% in
August, affirming a consistently humid environment.
A unique attribute of Vientiane's weather is the considerable variability in monthly rainfall. Rainfall is minimal in the initial months of the year, with January observing a low of 8mm (0.31"). This figure escalates drastically in the middle of the year, reaching its peak in August, a robust 335mm (13.19"). The number of rainfall days follows a similar pattern, starting with only one day in January, then extending to 21 days by August. Despite the high volumes of rainfall, the city receives generous sunshine hours ranging from 4.4h in August to 8.3h in
December and a UV index always matching or exceeding eight, cautioning residents and visitors about potential sun exposure dangers.
The best time to visit Vientiane
Vientiane offers the most favorable weather conditions and temperatures to visitors in the late autumn transitioning into the winter. Specifically starting from
November to
February. This period is characterized by cool temperature ranges from 28.1°C (82.6°F) to 30.8°C (87.4°F). This time frame also offers the least rainfall, ranging from 3mm (0.12") to 78mm (3.07"), with the number of rainfall days not surpassing nine days, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Vientiane
The period from
May to
October could be challenging for visitors not accustomed to high humidity and heavy rainfall. During these months, the temperatures hover between 31.3°C (88.3°F) to 34.3°C (93.7°F). The period also marks the start of the monsoon season, and the city experiences its maximum rainfall from 246mm (9.69") in May to 335mm (13.19") in
August, which is coupled with up to 21 rainfall days per month. This humid, wet weather might not be preferable for outdoor explorations and may restrict the travelling experience.
Spring weather in Vientiane
In
Vientiane, spring extends from
March to
May. This period observes an upward trend in temperatures, starting from 33°C (91.4°F) in March and peaking at 34.3°C (93.7°F) in
April, before a small decrease down to 33°C (91.4°F) in May. Additionally, this period also spells the onset of the monsoon, as rainfall increases drastically from 34mm (1.34") in March to 246mm (9.69") in May. This transition period offers a blend of dry and wet climates, with increasing daylight hours from 12h in March to 13h in May.
Summer weather in Vientiane
The summer months in
Vientiane, from
June to
August, bring high humidity levels and peak rainfall. Average temperatures during this period range from 31.3°C (88.3°F) to 30.8°C (87.4°F). Meanwhile, rainfall jumps further from 280mm (11.02") in June to a staggering high of 335mm (13.19") in August. These heavy showers increase the humidity, hovering between 82% to 84%, consecutively making this period the wettest season of the year.
Autumn weather in Vientiane
Autumn in
Vientiane, observed from
September to
November, is characterized by a steady decrease in temperatures and rainfall. Temperatures hover between 30.9°C (87.6°F) to 29.8°C (85.6°F), making the weather gradually comfortable. Rainfall sees a sharp decrease from 297mm (11.69") in September to only 11mm (0.43") in November, with the number of rainy days dropping from 17 to just two. Therefore, this period provides a sigh of relief after the heavy summer monsoon showers.
Winter weather in Vientiane
Winter, from
December to
February, hosts the coolest months in
Vientiane, with average temperatures ranging from 28.1°C (82.6°F) to 30.3°C (86.5°F). In December, the city experiences the least amount of rainfall in the year, pegged at merely 3mm (0.12"), with
January not far behind, boasting only 8mm (0.31"), providing plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities. These cool, dry months make the winter season a popular choice for visitors seeking respite from cold winters in other parts of the world.
Weather in January
January, typically a dry month in
Vientiane,
Laos, experiences temperatures ranging from 16.4°C (61.5°F) to 28.4°C (83.1°F). Cooler than the ensuing
February, it boasts a moderate UV index and is less humid. The relatively low humidity makes for comfortable conditions, while the lengthy daylight hours facilitate outdoor activities.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February witnesses a slight incline in temperatures compared to
January, with the onset of a warmer season in
Vientiane,
Laos. This month also experiences a marginal increase in daylight hours from 11.2 to 11.6 hours and a relative humidity of 68%.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March in
Vientiane,
Laos experiences a significant rise in temperatures, signifying the transition into the hotter months of the year. This month sees average temperatures fluctuating between 21.5°C (70.7°F) and 33°C (91.4°F) and records a UV index of 12, which is the maximum for the year.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings about the highest average temperatures in
Vientiane between 23.8°C (74.8°F) to 34.3°C (93.7°F) along with an increase in rainfall from 34mm (1.34") in
March to 85mm (3.35"). It heralds the arrival of the monsoon season, paving the way for an uptick in humidity in the coming months.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The weather in
May in
Vientiane,
Laos, continues to intensify, with relatively high temperatures and a considerable increase in rainfall from 85mm (3.35") in
April to 246mm (9.69"). A marked increase in humidity accompanies this shift to the monsoon season, with the relative humidity reaching 78%.
Weather in May »Weather in June
As the year progresses,
June sees a drop in the average hours of sunshine in
Vientiane,
Laos. Coupled with escalating rainfall from 246mm (9.69") in
May to 280mm (11.02") and temperatures ranging between 24.9°C (76.8°F) and 31.9°C (89.4°F), the weather is notably humid.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July marks the midpoint of the year with an increment in rain in
Vientiane,
Laos. The shift from 280mm (11.02") in
June to 272mm (10.71") entails higher levels of humidity, an 82% relative humidity. Despite the prevailing rains and the high humidity, the city remains bustling and active.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Vientiane,
Laos, denotes the peak of the rainy and monsoon season with rainfall figures standing at 335mm (13.19"). With higher rainfall and a steady temperature hovering between 24.6°C (76.3°F) and 30.8°C (87.4°F), humidity rises, impacting overall comfort slightly.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September witnesses a reduction in the rainfall from 335mm (13.19") in
August to a more manageable 297mm (11.69") in
Vientiane,
Laos. This drop in rainfall comes with a slight decrease in temperatures and relative humidity. The weather signals the impending arrival of the cooler months, which citizens anticipate eagerly.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Vientiane,
Laos, marks the cessation of the monsoon season, leading to considerably less rainfall compared to
September. Temperatures, however, remain steady between 22.9°C (73.2°F) and 30.8°C (87.4°F). The decrease in the frequency and intensity of rain showers lends itself to a more comfortable, less humid climate.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November commences the return of drier conditions and a drop in rainfall from 78mm (3.07") in
October to 11mm (0.43"), with temperatures between 19.3°C (66.7°F) and 29.8°C (85.6°F) in
Vientiane,
Laos. The declining temperature and sustained drying trend give rise to a pleasant climate perfect for tourism.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings the year to a close with the lowest average rainfall of 3mm (0.12") and temperatures ranging from 16.7°C (62.1°F) to 28.1°C (82.6°F) in
Vientiane,
Laos. The climate is characterized by relatively cooler temperatures and less rain, marking the arrival of the region's winter season.
Weather in December »