What is the climate like in Vietnam?

Located in both a tropical and a temperate zone, Vietnam's Climate is characterized by strong monsoon influences, but has a considerable amount of sun, a high rate of rainfall, and high humidity. It can be devided into three different parts, which are Northern Vietnam, Central Vietnam and Southern Vietnam. Temperatures are fairly constant throughout, with the exception of Hanoi and the far north (which can be very cold in December and January) and the Central Highlands (which can be slightly cooler than the rest of the country year-round).

Hanoi and northern Vietnam have two main distinct seasons: a cool to cold season (courtesy of the northeast monsoon from November to March) and a warm to hot wet season (from April to October). December and January in particular are the driest months in Hanoi and can get quite frosty in the far north of Vietnam with heavy mists that can run for days and snow on occasion. On the other hand, with June and July being the wettest months, Hanoi and coastal provinces around the Red River Delta generally experience high humidity and heavy rain by this time.

Hue and Danang, in the center of the country, have a very hot, dry weather from February to August with temperatures reaching over 35ºC. The region can experience quite heavy rainfall between September and January and can also be affected by typhoon season in the Western Pacific, which can see severe storms lashing the coast from August to November -- Hoi An in particular often floods in October or November. Further south though, the southern coastal strip from around Nha Trang to Mui Ne is less affected by the rain and sees a longer dry and sunny season.

Ho Chi Minh City and the south have a hot, dry season from December till April with average temperatures around 28ºC and is said to be the best time to hit this region while the rainy season lasts from May through till November, which are likely resulted in flooding in HCMC.

Recommended clothing:

You are strongly advised to pack some lightweight cotton clothing as well as an umbrella or raincoat for sudden cloudbursts when visiting Vietnam. Also, sweaters and warmer clothing will be much needed if you plan to visit the Northern Vietnam, especially mountainous areas, on winter.

For more information regarding the climate and weather in Vietnam, please refer to the link below:

http://www.vietnamonline.com/weather.html