The winter season in the country is also considered the dry season. This normally spans from November to April. The cold weather is due to the monsoon winds blowing from the northeastern section.

A hotter weather is normal in the flatlands as well as in the southern part being situated in the tropics. In Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, and Mekong Delta for instance, temperatures are steady at 21 °C or about 70 °F, to a peak of 28 °C, which is about 82 °F for the most part of the year.

A cooler weather can be experienced in the northern part of Vietnam where Hanoi is situated. In fact, this area is cooler than other regions in Southeast Asia situated in the same longitude. This part has basically two main seasons –warm and cold.

Spring with its cool climate is the best time to visit the north. It is during this time when traditional festivals such as the Tet or the Vietnamese New Year take place providing an opportunity to enjoy the people, food and other fun activities.

Autumn time provides a pleasant weather. As this is the start of a new school year, travelers can enjoy the sights of young Vietnamese girls in their traditional costume known as Ao Dai not only walking the streets but also riding their bicycles when going to school.

The winter season in the north starts in November and lasts until March or April. During this time, visitors can experience cloudy skies and showers. Although in the tropical region, northern Vietnam’s winter temperature can get quite low at 17.2 °C or nearly 63 °F. Colder weather can be experienced notably in the highlands where temperature can get as low as 10 °C or 50 °F. Many of you may be surprised to know that the Hoang Lien Son Mountains and the town of Sapa once had ice and snow back in 2008.

If your plan is to take a trek to the mountains, including the country’s highest peak, Phan Xi Pang, in the rural north during the first three months of the year, keep in mind to bring a coat or thick jacket to protect you from the cold. The areas there including Sapa can be very cold with temperatures reaching near 0 °C or 32 °F.

The coastal areas in the central part of the country often have dry weather. Summer in these lowlands, which runs from April to October, can be hotter than the other regions. The latter part of summer, however, is the time when typhoons and storms find their way into these areas. Much rain also occurs in the central mountain areas.

The hottest weather can be experienced in the cities of Nha Trang, Quy Nhon and Phan Thiet all throughout the year. Travelers who want to escape their country’s cold weather can enjoy a vacation in this part of Vietnam any time they want.

The hot climate in the central parts of Vietnam is caused by the southwest monsoon that comes from Laos. What happens is that the winds that pass the central province of Hue get blocked by the mountain range resulting in warmer weather in the Danang area and further south. This weather condition not only produces much heat but typhoons as well, which bring long periods of rain notably during the months of November and December.

The first two months of the year can still provide cloudy weather with occasional rain showers.

A most unique experience with regards to Vietnam climate can be had from December to March in Hai Van pass. This is because if you stand at the peak of this area, which is actually a cliff extension that divides Hue and Danang, you can literally enjoy both winter and summer at the same time.

The southern part of Vietnam generally has rainy season for most parts of the year particularly from May to October. The rains, however, don’t occur the entire day so it’s still possible to enjoy your tour of the area. It normally gets dry easily after the rain, so in case you’re planning to visit the south, it’s best that you bring along some raingear for protection.

Travelers planning a long tour of Vietnam covering the north to the south should schedule their trip between the months of January and April. This period provides favorable weather that will let you and your company enjoy the sights, people and food of the country.

Those who wish to experience the great beaches and water sports activities should choose the central coast of Vietnam. It is here where the sandy beaches and wonderful resorts are situated. Of course, the summer season is the best time to hit the beach and the months of May to October are strongly recommended.