Climate in Vietnam
There are no good or bad seasons for visiting Vietnam. When one region is wet, cold or steamy hot, there is always somewhere else that is sunny and pleasantly warm.
Vietnam has a remarkably diverse climate because of its wide range of latitudes and altitudes. Although the country is situated in the tropics, the northern parts of Vietnam enjoy 4 seasons whereas the south experiences tropical hot weather throughout the year. This interesting phenomenon is caused by the cold northeast monsoon winds blowing into the north from November to March.
The weather from the central province of Hue and northwards are influenced by these winds. The central mountain range blocks the passage of cold winds from blowing southwards of Hue thus giving rise to warmer weather from Danang and beyond. During December to March, standing at the summit of Hai Van pass, an imposing cliff extension (496m) looking out into South China Sea and separating Hue from Danang, you can enjoy the unique experience of having cold winter (on the side of Hue) and hot summer (on the side of Danang) both at the same time.
Up in the north, the 4 seasons making traveling exciting. Springtime, with enjoyable cool temperatures averaging 15 deg C, is always filled with many traditional festivals, the biggest being Tet or Vietnamese New Year. Summer is generally hot going up to over 30 deg C. The clear blue skies make this season best for visiting the highlands and beaches. Autumn is pleasant around 20 deg C, and the streets are filled with young Vietnamese girls in their traditional Ao Dai riding bicycles as the new school year starts. Winter is cold where temperatures can fall below 10 deg C, and occasionally there may be snow in the northern highlands e.g. Sapa. The satisfaction of eating a bowl of steaming beef noodles or drinking a cup of Vietnamese coffee in the middle of winter is simply beyond the imagination.
Down south, there are only 2 seasons, the wet and the dry seasons. The wet or rainy season is between May to Nov, whereas the dry season is between December to April.
