The holiday season is fast approaching! With Christmas and the Lunar New Year approaching, have you ever considered taking a winter trip to Vietnam? We support you. Continue reading to seek out out the weather in Vietnam and the 6 best places to go to!
Can there be snow in Vietnam?
The answer is easy: it doesn’t snow in Vietnam since it is positioned within the tropical zone of the Northern Hemisphere. However, in winter, mild rainfall and low temperatures may occur throughout the country. North Vietnam specifically has 4 seasons and colder weather than Central and South Vietnam. So if you need to see snow in Vietnam, you’ve gotten to go far north to the hilly regions and pray for a chilly spell.
Is it cold in December in Vietnam?
December in Vietnam is pleasantly cool, and the utmost temperature throughout the country ranges from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius. Since there are 4 seasons here, the northern mountain areas are the one place where you’ll be able to experience the true winter season. The remainder of the tropical country has two seasons: wet and dry.
However, as Vietnam is certainly one of the countries most affected by climate change, the weather is becoming increasingly unstable. Its average temperature has increased by about 0.5-0.7°C during the last 50 years, and sea level has risen by about 20 cm. Check the weather forecast before leaving!
7 wonderful Vietnamese places in winter
- Sapa
- Ha Giang
- Halong Bay
- Hue
- Mekong Delta
- Phu Quoc
- Ho Chi Minh City
Northern Vietnam
1. Say hello to Fansipan Mountain
If you need to experience some adventure, Sapa is the place to go this winter. Hiking through the hilly highlands of Sapa gives you the chance to see stunning views of terraced rice fields as you explore one of the picturesque regions of Southeast Asia. Winter is the proper season to go to Sapa because the weather is way more nice than throughout the hot summer months. If you are up for mountain climbing, December and January have cooler temperatures, perfect for spending hours mountain climbing the mountainside!
The coldest temperature ever recorded in Vietnam was on January 4, 1974, at 6.1°C, here in Sapa. It’s no wonder that Sapa hosts a one-of-a-kind event called the Sapa Winter Festival; it is a implausible opportunity to enjoy northern Vietnamese culture, gastronomy and have fun the snow season.
Are you searching for the true test? Put in your mountain climbing boots and prepare to climb Mount Fansipan, a difficult but rewarding journey to the very best peaks in Indochina. Pay attention to daytime and organize your hike accordingly. Of course you can even use the cable automotive!
2. Ha Giang
Ha Giang is one other implausible place to experience the true winter great thing about northern Vietnam. During the cold months, your entire landscape turns right into a winter wonderland with snow-capped mountains, frozen rivers, and sparkling waterfalls.
Snow in Vietnam is such a rare sight, up to now north of Vietnam you’ll forget in regards to the tropical climate that characterizes this country. Average winter temperatures in northern Vietnam range from around 6°C to 14°C.
Spend just a few days here traveling by motorcycle. Motorcycle rides through the very best peaks and winding roads of Ha Giang are definitely an adventure you’ll always remember! Be sure to go to too Geopark on the Dong Van Karst Plateau – inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2012. Ha Giang will make your Vietnam winter experience unforgettable.
3. Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay, positioned on the mouth of the Red River Delta, is one other popular winter destination, especially for individuals who wish to explore by boat. Although it’s one of the popular tourist destinations year-round, this UNESCO World Heritage site is most picturesque in winter, so make sure you add it to your list!
While you will not see snow here, the cooler weather makes for a more comfortable experience as you cruise the bay and admire the 1000’s of limestone mountain peaks and karsts that dot the emerald waters. Winter lasts from roughly the start of November to the top of March. Average temperatures are 10°C – 20°C. This can be the dry season in Halong Bay and average rainfall is decreasing, with only light rainfall expected. Remember to wear warm clothes!
Central Vietnam
4. Tint
What is it like in winter in Hue in central Vietnam? In winter, the weather is milder, which makes for a more nice experience. If you visit Hue in January or February, there shall be fewer tourists than other places in Vietnam, which suggests more opportunities to explore!
The Perfume River, essentially the most famous river in central Vietnam, is particularly impressive in December. The barely foggy and funky air adds romance. Although it doesn’t snow in Hue, bring a thick hat and jacket as it may possibly get chilly.
Come here to enjoy amazing Central Vietnamese food – a steaming hot bowl of bun bo Hue is ideal in winter. (These are the very best restaurants in Hue!) With a wealthy history, magnificent pagodas and architecture, Vietnam’s old capital offers plenty of wonderful tourist attractions. Explore the imperial capital and see the tombs of the emperors.
South Vietnam
5. Mekong Delta
Many consider the Mekong Delta to be among the best places to go to in Vietnam in January and February. This falls outside the rainy season and the lower humidity makes it way more nice. Moreover, the flowers are in full bloom in January and February. The cooler weather means there are fewer mosquitoes and other insects to cope with, making your time spent exploring the region way more enjoyable.
The Mekong offers a novel opportunity to see Vietnam from a very different perspective than anywhere else within the country. Tourists can enjoy exploring the historic floating markets on a small boat or just enjoy a cruise on the luxurious green waterways.
6. Phu Quoc
You could also be wondering why we have included Phu Quoc on our winter travel list, but that is for all beach lovers! Winter in Vietnam could be enjoyed on white sandy beaches. In fact, December is an ideal time to return because the rainy season has largely passed. At the top of December, the bottom temperature shall be 23°C and the utmost shall be 30°C, which suggests it’s going to be comfortable but not too hot.
This tropical paradise in southern Vietnam is legendary for its warm seas and exquisite beaches. Phu Quoc Island can be home to the famous Phu Quoc ridgeback and a few of the very best seafood within the country, so when you’re here, make sure you sample a wide range of delicious dishes!
This island is a simple getaway, even in case you’re only on a brief vacation this winter, because it’s just a brief plane ride away from Ho Chi Minh City.
7. Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, one other winter wonderland in Vietnam, can be a winter wonderland! From December to March, the country’s vibrant, lively and growing economic powerhouse enjoys its most beautiful weather. The average temperature ranges from 23°C to 31°C, and cold evenings add charm to town. This a part of southern Vietnam is often humid, with most rainfall falling between July and September, so we greatly appreciate the dry weather in winter!
January and February are particularly good months to go to Saigon, especially because the Lunar New Year approaches. The city will come alive in preparation for an important Vietnamese festival of the 12 months. There shall be decorations in every single place and the markets shall be full of Christmas goods. Be sure to go to the flower markets and other Tet events this season!
