Vietnam Weather

Being over 1,600km long, Vietnam experiences some distinct climatic variations.

Northern Vietnam - has two distinct seasons - hot and wet summers and cool and dry winters.

Central Vietnam - coastal areas are more temperate than the sticky south (although they do experience high rainfall), while the Central Highlands are pleasantly cooler.

Southern Vietnam - is fairly consistently hot and humid all year round.

Carry a lightweight jumper as it can be chillingly cold inside air-conditioned buildings during summer. North Vietnam

Hanoi Average temperature Average rainfall

Summer
May - October
24 - 33^oC 238mm

Winter
November - April 16 - 23^oC 41mm

Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hai Phong

North Vietnam has two main seasons - the hot and rainy summer and the cool and dry winter.

Summer - is hot and humid, especially inland, which is not touched by cool coastal breezes. Tropical rain showers and the occasional typhoon are also possibilities - light clothes and an umbrella are recommended.

Winter - It remains fairly dry up until late February/March, when it starts to drizzle almost constantly and waterproofs become a necessity. Warm clothes are a must during the cool months, especially when travelling in the hill areas.

Although temperatures can drop unexpectedly between December and February, it can be a good time to explore the sights as days are cool and rainfall is limited. It is also a safer time to visit the hill tribe region avoiding mosquito related problems - although temperatures can fall to freezing in these elevated areas.

Best time to visit: During winter when rainfall is minimal and temperatures are not too low.

Central Vietnam - Lowlands and Highlands

Da Nang	Average temperature	Average rainfall
Summer May - October	23 - 24^oC	210mm
Winter November - April	17 - 23^oC	95mm

Dalat, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang

The central belt of Vietnam comprises the lowlands and the highlands. The weather is fairly similar across both, although the highlands tend to be slightly cooler with higher rainfall as the majority of rain normally falls on the mountains before arriving at the low coastal areas.

Lowlands
Summer - the weather is warm and reasonably dry from May to September. The monsoon winds then change bringing above average rain during late September. This time is not very pleasant as it can rain constantly - there is a high probability of flooding, visibility is poor and typhoons are also a possibility.

Best time to visit: During the winter between February and April, when rainfall is low and temperatures are warm.

Highlands
Winter temperatures can fall slightly below the average and rainfall is higher than at lower elevations. However, most rain tends to fall during the summer months when it can be very wet - although these summer months do provide a respite from the often intense heat of other areas.

Light cotton clothes are required, although a few warm layers are necessary throughout the year as temperatures can drop away, especially at night. Waterproofs are also a good idea as rain can fall at anytime of the year.

Best time to visit: winter days are pleasantly warm and rainfall is lower from November to March - nights can be chilly.

Southern Vietnam & Mekong Delta

Ho Chi Minh	Average temperature	Average rainfall
Summer May - November	24 - 31^oC	265mm
Winter December - April	22 - 33^oC	25mm

Ho Chi Minh, Bin Thuen, Mekong Delta

Sitting below the line of the equator, this area maintains a tropical climate throughout the year.

Light clothes are required all year round and an umbrella would be very useful.

Summer - is hot, humid and rainy but heavy downpours are usually short lived.

Winter - remains hot and humid, although humidity levels are more bearable between December and February. During April and May the southwest monsoon winds bring rain showers to the Mekong Delta and southern Vietnam.

Best time to visit: Temperatures are not as extreme from September to February as they can be during March and April when the heat is fierce.