Climate and monthly weather forecast
Vietnam

Stretching over 1600 kilometers from north to south, Vietnam showcases a topographical diversity from the highland plateaus in the north, lush deltas in the middle, to the extensive lowlands towards the south. These variations create a country with distinctive climate zones. The northern region, including the capital Hanoi, has a humid subtropical climate. It experiences hot, humid summers and cool, wet winters. The middle region has a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by a pronounced dry season and a heavy wet season, with annual precipitation exceeding 1500mm (59.06") to 2000mm (78.74"). As for the southern region, the climate remains tropical and hot throughout the year, exhibiting less seasonal variation with average temperatures typically above 25°C (77°F).

The most favorable time to visit Vietnam often depends on the regions one intends to explore. For those visiting the north, the spring (from February to April) and autumn (from September to November) periods bring mild temperatures and light rain, offering the most comfortable conditions for exploring. The south, on the other hand, has consistent temperatures year-round, but the dry season from December to April proves to be more appealing for travel, with less rainfall and humidity. Visiting central Vietnam is often best from February to May, when the weather is typically warm with moderate rainfall.

Given Vietnam's diverse climates, it is hard to pinpoint a universally worst time to visit the country, as this varies by region. For the north, the colder months from December to January can be somewhat inhospitable due to temperatures dropping to as low as 10°C (50°F) and frequent drizzly rain. In central Vietnam, the months from September to November can bring heavy rains and potential typhoons, while the south has its peak rainy season from May to October, making outdoor activities more challenging due to high rainfall and humidity.

Spring in Vietnam is typically from February to April. In the north, spring weather is often cool and wet, with temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 20°C (68°F), and rainfall gradually increasing over the season. Central Vietnam experiences a transition from its dry to its rainy season, with temperatures from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F) and sporadic rains. Southern Vietnam, remaining consistently hot, sees temperatures from 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F) and experiences its dry season during these months, with lower levels of precipitation.

The summer season, from May to August, brings different conditions across the country. Northern Vietnam experiences hot, humid weather with temperatures from 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F) and frequent heavy rains. The central region, particularly along the coast, experiences high temperatures, often above 30°C (86°F), with heavy rainfall. The south, meanwhile, enters its rainy season, with high humidity, temperatures from 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F), and daily short, heavy rainstorms.

Autumn in Vietnam spans September to November. The north sees cooler temperatures, from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F), with decreasing rain levels, while central Vietnam experiences its peak rainy season with potential typhoons and temperatures from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F). The south begins to transition out of the rainy season, but it still experiences high temperatures around 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F) with frequent rain.

Winter, from December to January, brings the chilliest weather to the north with temperatures dropping from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F), and frequent misty, drizzling rain. Central Vietnam begins its dry season with moderate temperatures from 18°C (64.4°F) to 24°C (75.2°F) and lower rainfall. Southern Vietnam remains hot and starts to see less frequent rain with temperatures consistently from 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F), marking the beginning of its dry season.

January in Vietnam is typically the coldest month of the year for the northern regions, and marks the height of the dry season in the southern parts of the country. In the North, cities like Hanoi and Sapa experience the chill of winter. Weather in January »

As Vietnam transitions from winter to spring, the weather in February varies greatly across the country. Northern regions begin to warm slightly, central regions experience mild conditions, while southern regions continue their dry season. In Northern Vietnam, including Hanoi and Haiphong, February is generally warmer than January. Weather in February »

March brings further changes in weather across Vietnam as the North enters spring, the Central region sees increased rainfall, and the South continues its dry season. In the North, including Hanoi and the mountainous region of Sapa, March is characterized by a noticeable rise in temperature compared to the previous months. Weather in March »

April signifies a clear departure from the colder months in the north, increased rainfall in the central regions, and the onset of the rainy season in the southern parts of Vietnam. In Northern Vietnam, including cities like Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, April is when the region fully embraces spring. Weather in April »

May brings about a climatic shift across Vietnam. The North begins to transition into summer, the Central regions grapple with increased rainfall, while the South steps into the heart of the rainy season. In the North, cities like Hanoi and Hai Phong experience the onset of summer in May. Weather in May »

June marks the start of summer in Northern Vietnam, sees the continuation of the rainy season in the Central region, and is firmly within the wet season in the South. In Northern Vietnam, cities such as Hanoi and Ha Long Bay experience hot and humid conditions as summer arrives. Weather in June »

July, much like June, is characterized by the heat of summer in the North, continued rainfall in the Central region, and the persistent monsoon season in the South. In Northern Vietnam, encompassing cities like Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, July is the peak of the summer season. Weather in July »

August showcases a diversity of weather across Vietnam. The North prepares to transition out of summer, the Central region braces for the peak of its typhoon season, while the South experiences the climax of the rainy season. In the North, including cities like Hanoi and Haiphong, August marks the end of the summer season. Weather in August »

September is a month of transition for Vietnam's climate. Northern regions see the arrival of autumn, Central Vietnam faces the tail-end of the typhoon season, and Southern Vietnam starts winding down its rainy season. In Northern Vietnam, including cities such as Hanoi and Sapa, September brings the start of autumn. Weather in September »

October brings about a significant shift in weather across Vietnam. The North enjoys the pleasant conditions of autumn, Central Vietnam sees a tapering off of its rainy season, and the South continues its transition out of the monsoon season. In Northern Vietnam, including cities such as Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, October is firmly within the autumn season. Weather in October »

November ushers in cooler weather in the North, a drier climate in the Central region, and the tail end of the rainy season in the South. In Northern Vietnam, encompassing cities like Hanoi and Haiphong, November marks the arrival of winter. Weather in November »

December brings winter to the North, drier weather to the Central region, and the start of the dry season in the South. In Northern Vietnam, including cities like Hanoi and Sapa, December is characterised by a marked drop in temperatures. Weather in December »