Vietnam is a country in the middle of a tropical and subtropical zone -north Vietnam is at approximately the same latitude as the Canary Islands- and that makes it a country with a relatively warm and humid climate all year round . Vietnam’s average temperatures are between 15 and 30 degrees all year round. Higher temperatures and rainy season are concentrated in the summer months , winters being drier and lower temperatures. In the mountainous areas of the north of Vietnam in winter the minimum temperatures can reach 10ºC.

Different climates according to the area of Vietnam

However, within the same country there are three types of differentiated climates, which are as follows.

Climogram of Vietnam

Vietnam Climogram (Source: Wikipedia)

Subtropical climate Vietnamese – North and Indoor

north of vietnam

It is the climate present in the northern and interior areas of the country, with dry winters and humid summers, typical of wooded areas and with a lot of jungle. Be prepared for high temperatures and high humidity in summer.

Tropical climate Vietnamese – South and southwest

In the southwest there is a tropical climate, with very different wet and dry seasons and very high temperatures in summer.

Monzonic climate Vietnamese – Central

In the central part of the country, the monsoon climate predominates, with high temperatures and very abundant precipitations, almost daily, during the months of June, July, August and September.

As you can see, temperatures are always quite high in Vietnam throughout the year, the only plausible difference is the amount of rain you will find depending on the time of year you travel. If you are overwhelmed by heat and humidity forget the summer months.

Travelling in summer or winter?

Depending on the date you choose your trip to Vietnam, you will find one temperature or another, the main thing is to know the weather in your destination city:

season-travel-vietnam

Travelling in summer: low season, heat, abundant rainfall

The months of July and August are in Vietnam low season: remember that in these months it is rainy and hot season in Vietnam, so expect to find short and heavy rains and downpours daily or almost daily. High temperatures along with 100% relative humidity make it very uncomfortable for many westerners accustomed to cool European summers. During the summer months is the time when Vietnam receives the fewest tourists, but paradoxically it is when more Spaniards visit (because Spain concentrates the holidays during the months of July and August). If you want to visit Vietnam during May-October this season is perfect to dedicate it to areas further away from the area of monsoon influence, such as the impressive landscapes of Sapa, in the north of the country..

Travelling in winter: tourist affluence, moderate temperatures, dry climate

<In contrast, Vietnam receives the most tourists during the months of November to April. These are usually Westerners fleeing the cold boreal winters The great disadvantage of this season is that in high mountain areas you will find low temperatures and the landscapes, with less rain, will be somewhat less spectacular and colorful. Nevertheless the tourist services will be working at 100%. Remember that if you travel January/February it is advisable to avoid doing so during the week of new Vietnamese , since the country is paralyzed and it is very difficult to find functioning services (and if you find them they will be double or triple expensive).