Climate in Vietnam

Vietnam has a highly diverse climate, with major differences between regions. Annual temperatures range from lows of -33°C in the coldest regions to highs of 31°C in the warmest areas. Annual precipitation ranges from 118mm in drier regions to 393mm in wetter parts of the country. Some regions receive significant snowfall, with up to 220cm annually, while other areas see little to none. The warmest areas are hot year-round while the coldest regions remain very cold, making Vietnam a country of sharp climate contrasts.

Temperature patterns across Vietnam vary by region, with distinct differences between areas. The Northwest is the warmest part of the country, with peak temperatures reaching 31°C and an annual average of 28°C. Cooler conditions are found in the North, where winter lows drop to -33°C and an annual average of -18°C. This 46°C difference in annual averages between regions means travellers can experience vastly different conditions depending on which part of Vietnam they visit. Regional temperature differences remain relatively consistent across seasons, with around 46°C of variation in both summer and winter. For example, Lai Châu in the Tỉnh Lai Châu averages 28°C annually, while Haiphong in the Thành Phố Hải Phòng averages -18°C.

Vietnam sees notable variation in rainfall across its regions, ranging from 118mm to 393mm per year. The North receives the most rainfall, at approximately 393mm annually. The East is the driest, with around 118mm per year. Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly across the seasons, with no strong wet or dry period in most regions. The North sees the most snowfall, with up to 220cm annually, while other parts of the country receive little to none. Visitors heading to wetter areas can expect more frequent rain than those staying in drier parts of the country.