# Asia Highlights

# Climate and Weather

Vietnam is a long, S-shaped country stretching 1,650 kilometers from north to south. Although the whole country belongs to the tropical monsoon climate, different areas still have distinct differences of temperature and humidity due to latitude and topography.

Annual Average Temperature Chart

Annual Average Rainfall Chart

## The North

Hanoi, Sapa, Ha long…

This area has four distinct seasons. January has an average temperature of 15 °C (59 °F), and the hottest month is July with an average temperature of 29 °C (84.2 °F). In the northern highlands, the temperature can sometimes dip down to 0 °C in December and January.During January to March, drizzle will also affect this area.

## North Central

Hoi An, Hue, Da Nang…

From September to February, influenced by the northeast monsoon, this area often has strong wind, large sea swells and rain, which make it a difficult time for travelers. Normally summer is hot and dry.

## The south

Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Mui Ne, Da Lat, Mekong Delta…

Southern Vietnam has two distinct seasons: dry season from November to April; rainy season from March to October. From April to May, the weather will be hot and dry. April is the hottest month with a temperature of 33°C (91.4 °F) or higher most days. Peak season to travel this area will be December to February when the weather will be cool and dry. Typhoon weather sometimes hits the coastal areas July to November.

## Best time to go

In the north, the best time to travel will be on October to April. At that time, you can not only enjoy the pleasant weather, but also experience the new-year celebration atmosphere.

During the months of April to July, the temperature of the north central area will go up. The beaches of this area will attract the most visitors at this time.

The amazing coastline in southeast Vietnam attracts thousands of visitors from all around the world each year during the months of March to July. Nha Trang, Mui Ne and Con Dao are the most popular places to go scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing and kite surfing. Here, you can have a totally different experience from other cities.

If you want to go trekking or cycling in the national park in southwest Vietnam, December to March will be the best time with a daily average temperature of 15 °C (59 °F) to 24 °C (75.2 °F).

If you go in January but you want to go to the beach, Phu Quoc Island will be your best choice. The rainy season will come to this area in June to October, and most of the activities will be cancelled. For the Mekong Delta region, the best time is from December to April.

## What to wear

If you go to Vietnam in January, you’d better take your sweater or coat, especially in the north or the highlands area. November to April, except January, the average temperature will be from 15 °C (59 °F) to 25 °C (77 °F), so long sleeve shirts and jeans are essential.

During the raining season, the temperature will be high, but it is also the peak period for dengue fever, so the cotton shirts and pants are necessary to prevent your mosquito bites. Moreover, comfortable shoes, a sunbonnet and sunglasses should be also on your list.