|
When is the best time to travel Vietnam?
Vietnam stretches over 1,800km up the eastern coast of the Indochina peninsula and has various climates at the same time in different parts of the country.
Winter season lasts from November to April in the North with temperatures averaging 16 degree centigrade. The rest of the year is considered summertime with heavy rainfalls and occasional storms.
The rainy season lasts from May to October in the south. However, it only rarely rains the whole day. It gets dry after rainfall as quickly as it comes. The dry season is generally from November to April.
The central parts of Vietnam are affected by the South West monsoon season coming from Laos during May.
June experiences a muggy heat and sometimes produces typhoons and tropical storms.
During November and December there is sometimes long lasting rains. Despite of this fact, the months of November and December are constantly considered the peak period for incoming tourists.
January and February are still occasionally cloudy and rainy.
The best time for a long tour from North to South Vietnam would be from January till April. For those who wish beach holidays can come to enjoy warm water and sunshine in the central coast during summer time, from May to October.
What is it this like to travel in monsoon season; will it cause trouble for us?
During the monsoon season (usually between June, July and August) some heavy rain affects the North. Not so much the South of Vietnam. Typically, clouds come just suddenly with strong winds and make the sky dark. The rain pours down for just about twenty minutes then leaves the air cool and fresh with sun shinning.
You will enjoy less people traveling at this time, and might get some discounts for your Vietnam tours and services but be aware the weather forecast as you might get stuck somewhere due to the hard rain and typhoons.
Some short tours to the North and South are recommended but we need to take the weather into account. We strongly recommend spending time to Centre Vietnam for a beach holiday for the magnificent coral sand beaches and great sites like Hue, Hoi An, and My Son.
How hot is that in the summer?
The temperature in Vietnam is high. The annual average temperatures range from 22oC to 27oC. However, the average temperature is different in every place.
In Hanoi the average temperature is 23oC and summer time can reach to 35oC or more.
In Ho Chi Minh City 26oC and summer will vary from 30 – 35oC.
In Hue and Danang the temperature 29 – 36oC.
Some places like Dalat and Sapa have a maximum temperature of 20oC in the summer.
How cold can it get in the winter?
In the winter, temperatures in the North fall the lowest in December and January. In the Northern mountainous regions such as Sa Pa, Moc Chau (Son La), Tam Dao and Hoang Lien Son, the temperature can sometimes get down to 0°C with snow.
During the days, in the areas where it is very cold, you will be more than likely be trekking or walking, so the cold is not too much of a problem. It is at night, when the sun goes down that you will appreciate the warm sweater and long underwear that you brought with you.
All of the other placed on in Vietnam, those that are not in the hills (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Danang, Saigon) have very mild weather in the winter. With clear days and cool nights, travel in Vietnam is pleasant and weather is not an issue.
Other Travel FAQs
|
