Vietnam Climate

Tropical Monsoon Climate in Vietnam

Vietnam spans across 15 latitudes thus the climate varies in different regions. Due to the country is located in south of the Tropic of Cancer, except alpine areas almost all regions belong to a tropical monsoon climate. With ample sunshine, abundant rainfall, comparatively high temperature and humidity, the annual average temperature in most of Vietnam is above 22ºC.

Temperature Differences in the North and South

Though the climate in one region of Vietnam differs from another for reason of latitude or topography, the differences of average temperature in hottest months are unnoticeable in these regions. No matter in northern city Hanoi, central Thua Thien Hue or southern Ho Chi Minh City the temperature is around 29ºC in hottest months. Annual average temperatures in different parts of Vietnam are close as well, the annual average temperature in Hanoi is about 23.4ºC, while it is around 25.1 ºC and 26.9 ºC respectively in Thua Thien Hue and Ho Chi Minh City.

Southern Vietnam is close to the equator, and its year-round temperature differences are quite small. April is the hottest time in this area, the average temperature of the month is about 29ºC, while the coldest time falls on December, with the average temperature of 26ºC or so.

Unlike that of the southern part, temperature in northern region of Vietnam is various in four seasons. Average temperature of the hottest July is 29ºC, with highest temperature of 40ºC or above in some places; lowest average temperature occurs in January, which is 15ºC and sometimes absolute temperature may fall down to less than 5ºC.

Rainfall

Rainfall in Vietnam is abundant, every year there are about 100 rainy days, and the maximum rainy days in some areas can even reach 250 days. The average annual rainfall in Vietnam is 1,800 to 2,000mm, with the minimum of 1,200mm and maximum of 3,000 to 4,000mm in different regions. In general, the rainy season in Vietnam is from May to October and dry season occurs in November to April of the next year.

Typhoon & Foehn

Vietnam is a country characterized by relatively strong monsoon, and every July to November the coastal areas of Vietnam are often attacked by typhoons. In addition, from May to August a kind of dry and hot wind named Foehn from the Indian Ocean always blow across the central part of Vietnam, which scorches crops and brings discomforts to people. Before travelling to Vietnam, it is suggested to pay attention to the local climate in advance.

Best Time to Visit Vietnam

Actually it is difficult to say which time is best or worst to tour in Vietnam since climate of the country varies from the north to the south. General speaking, November to April is the more appropriate time to visit Vietnam.