The Characteristics Of Each Season In Vietnam

Vietnam is located in a tropical and subtropical climate with monsoons, sunshine, abundant rainfall and high humidity. Some places near the Tropic of Cancer or high mountains have a temperate climate. Vietnam's climate has two distinct seasons, the dry and cold season (from November to April next year) and the hot rainy season (from May to October). However, in the northern provinces, the climate changes four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. 

- Spring: starting from March – ending at the end of May

- Summer: starting from June – ending at the end of August

- Autumn: starting from September – ending at the end of November

- Winter: starting from December – ending at the end of February next year

So, when is the dry season in vietnam? What are the 4 seasons in Vietnam? How are the seasons and weather in Vietnam? What to do in each season in Vietnam? All of them will be clarified in this article.

1. How many seasons are there in Vietnam?

• - Spring

This is considered the most beautiful season of the year, the spring temperature is not too high like summer, nor cold like winter. In spring, the temperature usually fluctuates between 20 and 22 degrees, very suitable for farmers' cultivation. Since ancient times, people often think that spring is the season when trees sprout and signaling a lucky beginning. This is also the time when many festivals take place across the country, because the weather is warm, people do not have to be too busy with work. These festivals, in addition to tourism purposes, are also an opportunity for people to wish for a peaceful, healthy and lucky new year in life.

• - Summer

Summer is the time when the Earth receives the most heat from the Sun, this is the time with the highest temperature of the year. In some opinions, this is the time when many trees bear fruits and signaling the approaching harvest season. During this time, you will often feel the sweltering heat caused by the influence of tropical depressions, or summer storms. 

In particular, in the central coastal provinces, this is also the active time of the Fohn wind effect, causing extremely hot weather. Directly affects human health, as well as the growth of plants. But it is also summer, the time when our country welcomes a lot of international tourist groups, mainly from Korea. These delegations come to Vietnam to experience the tropical weather to the fullest, with clear blue beaches, famous around the world.

• -Fall

In autumn, the temperature will gradually decrease, the sweltering heat of summer will be no more. We can recognize autumn easily when the fog appears in the early morning or when we encounter the cold of the evening. Along with spring, autumn is the most beautiful time of the year. Around this time, the trees will start to lose their leaves, autumn is also the season of many flowers blooming, the temperature is extremely cool, very suitable for camping trips.

• - Winter

In Vietnam, winter will be most noticeable in the North. The temperature will drop to about 15 degrees and there is almost no sunshine. Winter is the season for plants to warm their buds to be ready to sprout in spring. For some people, they often prefer to experience winter in the highlands, where snow and frost often occur. However, these phenomena cause very bad effects on human health, as well as the development of animals and plants. At the end of winter is also the time when the Earth completes one of its rotation cycles, gradually transitioning to a new cycle.

In general, the seasons of the year in Vietnam have their own characteristics of a tropical climate, however, it can be said that, no matter what season of the year, the weather in our country is not too harsh compared to many other countries.

2. What to do in each season in Vietnam?

• - Spring

Spring stands out with its peaceful atmosphere, blue sky, bright sunshine and warm breezes. However, spring often has drizzle.

This is also a time when there are many festivals in Vietnam, typically Tet Holiday - Vietnamese traditional Lunar New Year brings many other cultural, historical and religious events. Therefore, coming to Vietnam in the spring, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere. In spring, you can see thousands of flowers blooming, especially apricots and peaches - the two most typical flowers for Tet.

Besides, festivals in Vietnam in spring are special such as: Huong Pagoda Festival, Hung Temple Festival, etc.

March and April are the best months to travel to Vietnam. The North becomes warmer and drier, making it ideal for adventures and trekking in mountainous areas like Sapa, Mai Chau or taking a cruise on Ha Long Bay to admire the beauty of the UNESCO Heritage Site. In the Central and Southern regions, you can enjoy sunny days, mild weather, clear blue skies and calm seas.

As the peak tourist season with pleasant weather and climate, Vietnam welcomes a large number of tourists in the spring, so you should plan your trip and book all services as soon as possible to get the best experience.

• - Summer
  

The weather is hot and humid throughout the country during summer in Vietnam. The average temperature is around 34°C but it can rise above 40°C. It is very hot so people usually avoid going out from 10 am to 3 pm.

If you come to Vietnam to travel this time, remember to apply sunscreen, wear a hat and drink more water. However, keep in mind that downpours and thunderstorms can occur in the afternoons.

This period is the rainy season in the South, lasting from May to November with the heaviest rainfall from June to August. During the rainy season, you will most likely experience sudden showers and heavy rain in the mid-afternoon in HCMC and neighboring provinces. In addition, frequent heavy rains sometimes cause flooding. After the rain, it is hot and humid again.

On the contrary, the Center section is at its best. It enjoys dry and sunny weather, making it the perfect place to escape the summer heat and tropical rain. Summer is also the peak season for domestic tourism. It is crowded in some famous beaches such as Nha Trang, My Khe and other famous destinations such as Hue, Hoi An, etc.

• - Fall

With 4 seasons in Vietnam, autumn is the most beautiful, cool and pleasant season. The earth and sky turn to autumn, nature also has a clear change. The first days of autumn can see consecutive rains for many days. Because of this, the air will be more pleasant, cooler.

Autumn in Vietnam is quite short. It is the transition between summer and winter, which lasts only from September to November. You can clearly feel the autumn atmosphere in Hanoi and the provinces in the North of Vietnam, especially in October, when the weather is mild, a bit cool, windy and sunny. Hanoi will be the most ideal place for you to experience the feeling of autumn in Vietnam. This is considered the most romantic season and is also known as “wedding season”. It's perfect to go sightseeing, sip a cup of coffee and enjoy the most beautiful time of the year.

If you like walking and outdoor activities, then October and November are the most ideal months to do in the North such as Sapa, Ha Giang, Mai Chau, Mu Cang Chai... Explore the ripe golden rice fields that are in the harvest. season in these places.

However, the weather in the Central and Southern regions is a different story. Rainfall peaks during these months. Many rains and tropical storms cause flooding in central Vietnam such as Hoi An, Hue, Quang Binh, etc., so you should avoid these places during October and November.

Meanwhile, the rainfall of the South is gradually decreasing and becoming drier and warmer, especially in November. Not exactly the right time to visit but there are still some sunny days to explore the sites.

• - Winter

Winter in Northern Vietnam is from December to early February. The weather is relatively cold and dry. Temperatures fluctuate between 14 - 20 ° C, sometimes down to below 10 ° C, even 0 ° C in remote mountainous areas such as SaPa, Ha Giang, Lang Son, etc. January is the coldest month of the year. It is often accompanied by fog, which can ruin your view of Ha Long Bay.

Rainfall during these months in central Vietnam has decreased significantly but it is still wet so the nights are a bit cool and chilly. The temperature is about 17 - 25 ° C, very suitable for visiting Hue Ancient Capital or exploring Hoi An Ancient Town.

While the South of Vietnam turns to the dry season, which lasts from December to April with warm, sunny weather. The sun shines most of the day, the sky is blue, the colors are vibrant, the heat is dry, the humidity is low, the temperatures in the morning and evening drop to a pleasant mildness. All of this makes the dry season the most ideal time for tourists to visit Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Can Tho, Chau Doc, etc. For those who want to sunbathe, head to Phu Quoc Island or Mui Ne.

If you plan to travel from north to south during these months, you should be wise in choosing your outfit as the weather turns from cold to hot.

Above are the general characteristics of the four-season climate in Vietnam. With this knowledge, hopefully, you can make a thorough plan for yourself to prepare for business trips or visits.