When you decied the time to visit Vietnam- the country’s tropical monsoon climate, dominated by the south monsoon from May to September and the north monsoon from October to April. The southern Vietnam, summer monsoon brings height rain to the two deltas and west-facing slopes, while the cold winter monsoon picks up moisture over the Gulf of Tonkin and dumps it along the central coast and the eastern edge of the central highlands.
The weather in Vietnam can be split by region. In Hanoi & the north, May to October is hot and humid with rainfall; from November to April is cooler and dry. In the far north, December & January can be very cold and have snow. In Central Vietnam experiences hot, dry weather between January to August when temperatures can hit the mid-30°C’s; whilst high levels of rainfall can occur in September, October & November. Southern Vietnam is generally dry and hot from November to April, and warm and wet between May & October, with the highest rainfall in June, July & August.
The climate in Sapa- the northern Vietnam and Vietnam’s north-west region including Mu Cang Chai is divided into two seasons: the dry season runs from October to late March with the wet season lasting from April to September. It may be get very cold and frosty in December to January, especially at night.
The best months to travel in the north-east (such as Ha Giang, Sapa) is during the dry season, from October to April, Despite of colding. We suggest avoiding travelling in Ha Giang during the rainy season (May to September).
Trekking and adventure:
The best trekking conditions in Sapa and around Mu Cang Chai can be experienced between September & November, and from March to May. Daytime temperatures range from 11-26°C, and night-time temperatures from 12-19°C. Trekking and cycling are possible year round, however the winter time can be rather chilly, and the summer rather wet.
With temperatures remaining constant year round, the climate of the south is split into two simple seasons, wet and dry. The dry season begins in November and ends in April/early May with late February to May being slightly hotter and more humid. The wet season lasts from May until early November with the months from June, July & August receiving the highest rainfall of the year. Throughout much of the wet season rainfall is generally heavy but short lasting, often occurring in a mid-afternoon heavy downpour.
The average temperatures in the south Vietnam range between 23 - 33°C year round.
Hoian, Hue and Danang in the centre of Vietnam have hot and dry weather from mid-January to late August, with temperatures often reaching the mid-30's °C.
Hue is often cooler than Hoian, especially early in the year. Beside, with each sitting on opposite sides of a small mountain range the weather can often differ between the two greatly on any given day.
At the far south of Centre in Vietnam, Nha Trang beach benefits from a longer dry season, with high temperatures and little rain. The rainy season runs from October to early December with almost half the annual rainfall falling in October and November.
Dalat, in the central highlands, is wet from July to October making outdoor pursuits problematic.