The holiday season is almost approaching! With Christmas and the Lunar New Year holidays approaching, have you considered taking a winter trip to Vietnam? We've got your back. Continue reading to learn about the weather in Vietnam and the best 6 places to visit!
Is it possible to have snow in Vietnam?
The quick answer is that it does not snow in Vietnam since it is located in the northern hemisphere's tropical zone. During the winter, however, there may be mild rain showers and low temperatures over the country. Northern Vietnam, in particular, has four seasons and endures cooler weather than Central or South Vietnam. So, if you want to see snow in Vietnam, you must travel far north into the hilly regions and pray for a cold spell.
Is it chilly in Vietnam in December?
The weather in Vietnam in December is deliciously chilly, with typical highs ranging from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius across the country. Because it has four seasons, the northern mountainous areas are the only site where you will experience the actual winter season. The rest of the tropical nation has two seasons: wet and dry.
However, as one of the most impacted countries by climate change, the weather in Vietnam is becoming increasingly erratic. Its average temperature has risen by roughly 0.5-0.7°C over the previous 50 years, and its sea level has risen by about 20cm. Check the weather forecast before you leave!
7 Wonderful Vietnamese Destinations in Winter
- Sapa
- Ha Giang
- Halong Bay
- Hue
- Mekong Delta
- Phu Quoc
- Ho Chi Minh City
Northern Vietnam
1. Sapa, Mount Fansipan
Sapa is the place to go this winter if you want to have an adventure. Trekking through Sapa's hilly highlands provides an opportunity to see some magnificent vistas of terraced rice fields while experiencing one of Southeast Asia's most picturesque regions. Winter is an excellent season to visit Sapa since the weather is considerably more comfortable than during the scorching summer months. If you want to go hiking, December and January have cooler temperatures that are ideal for spending hours trudging up mountain slopes!
The lowest temperature ever recorded in Vietnam was 6.1 °C on January 4, 1974, right here in Sapa. It is no surprise that Sapa has a one-of-a-kind event called the Sapa Winter Festival; this is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy Northern Vietnam culture, gastronomy, and the celebration of the snowy season.
Looking for a true test? Put on your hiking boots and prepare to walk up Mount Fansipan, a difficult but rewarding journey to Indochina's highest peaks. Take note of the daylight hours and arrange your hike appropriately. Of course, you may also use the cable car!
2. Ha Giang
Ha Giang is another fantastic place to experience the true winter beauty of Northern Vietnam. During the cold months, the entire landscape is transformed into a wintry wonderland with snow-capped mountains, frozen rivers and sparkling waterfalls.
Snow in Vietnam is such a rare sight, therefore this far north of Vietnam, you will forget about the tropical climate that characterises the nation. The average temperatures of winter in Northern Vietnam ranges from about 6°C to 14°C.
Spend a few days here travelling by motorbike. Motorbike rides through the highest peaks and winding roads of Ha Giang are definitely an adventure you will never forget! Make sure to also visit Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark – designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012. Ha Giang will ensure your experience of Vietnam in winter is a memorable one.
3. Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay, seated at the mouth of the Red River Delta, is another top destination during winter, particularly for those who enjoy sightseeing by boat. While it is one of the most popular tourist destinations all year round, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is at its most picturesque during wintertime, so be sure to add it to your list!
While you will not see snow here, the cooler weather makes for a more comfortable experience while cruising around the bay and admiring the thousands of limestone mountain peaks and karsts dotting the emerald waters. Winter lasts from around early November to late March. Average temperatures are 10°C - 20°C. This is also the dry season in Halong Bay, and average precipitation goes down, just a little rainfall is to be expected. Remember to pack warm clothes!
Central Vietnam
4. Hue
What is it like in Hue, Central Vietnam, in the winter? During the winter, the weather is milder, providing for a more enjoyable experience. If you visit Hue in January or February, there will be less tourists than in other places of Vietnam, which means more opportunity to explore!
The Perfume River, Central Vietnam's most famous river, is especially evocative in December. The somewhat foggy air and cool air add to the romanticism. While it does not snow in Hue, bring a thick hat and jacket because it might be chilly.
Come here to savor amazing Central Vietnamese food - a steaming hot bowl of bun bo Hue is ideal in the winter. (These are the top restaurants in Hue!) With its rich history, gorgeous pagodas, and architecture, Vietnam's old capital features a plethora of excellent tourist attractions. Explore the imperial capital city and see the emperors' graves.
Southern Vietnam
5. Mekong Delta
Many consider the Mekong Delta one of the best places in Vietnam to visit in January and February. This falls outside the wet season, and the lower humidity makes it much more pleasant. Moreover, the flowers are in full bloom in January and February. The cooler weather means that there are fewer mosquitoes and other insects to deal with, making your time spent exploring the region much more pleasant.
The Mekong offers a unique opportunity to see Vietnam from an entirely different perspective than anywhere else in the country. Tourists can enjoy visiting historic floating markets on a small boat or simply enjoy cruising through the luscious green waterways.
6. Phu Quoc
You may be wondering why we have included Phu Quoc on our winter travel list, but it is for all of you beach lovers out there! Winter in Vietnam may be enjoyed from white sandy beaches. In fact, December is an excellent time to come because the rainy season has largely passed. In late December, the lowest temperature would be 23°C, with highs of 30°C, making it comfortable but not too hot.
This tropical paradise in Southern Vietnam is famous for its warm seas and beautiful beaches. Phu Quoc Island is also home to the famed Phu Quoc Ridgeback and some of the greatest seafood in the country, so be sure to taste a variety of delectable meals while you're here!
This island is an easy retreat even if you only have a short holiday this winter because it is only a short plane trip away from Ho Chi Minh City.
7. Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, another winter wonderland in Vietnam, is also a winter wonderland! From December to March, the country's bustling, active, expanding economic powerhouse enjoys the most wonderful weather. The average temperature ranges from 23°C to 31°C, and the cold evenings add to the city's allure. This section of Southern Vietnam is normally wet, with the most rain falling between July and September, thus the dry weather of winter is much appreciated!
January and February are particularly good months to visit Saigon, especially as the Lunar New Year approaches. The city will come alive in preparation for the most important Vietnamese festival of the year. Decorations will be strung everywhere, and marketplaces will be brimming with holiday merchandise. During this season, be sure to visit the flower markets and other Tet events!
