Weather in Vientiane

Planning your day or trip to Vientiane? In this section, you will find the most up-to-date weather information, including detailed forecasts and visual charts, to make your stay in the capital of Laos as comfortable as possible.

The climate in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, can be characterized as tropical monsoon. This means the city enjoys warm or hot weather year-round. Average monthly temperatures range from a pleasant 22-23°C in the cooler months (December-January) to a sweltering 30°C and above during the hottest period (April). Even minimum night-time temperatures usually remain comfortable, rarely dropping below 17°C.

Vientiane has two distinct seasons: dry and wet. The dry season lasts roughly from November to April. During this time, precipitation is minimal (0-2 mm per month), and the number of rainy days is low, especially from November to January when rain is virtually non-existent. This makes this period very popular among tourists. The wet season, or rainy season, falls between May and October. During these months, rainfall increases significantly, peaking in July-August (11-13 mm), and the number of rainy days can exceed 20-25 per month. Despite the rain, air temperatures remain high.

Thus, travellers should expect generally hot weather with high humidity, especially during the rainy season. If you prefer sunny days and minimal rainfall, the best time to visit Vientiane is during the dry season months. The wet season, in turn, can offer a burst of tropical greenery, but be prepared for frequent, though often short-lived, downpours.

Vientiane features a tropical climate, ensuring warm weather throughout the year. The average annual temperature fluctuates within a rather narrow range, but the change of seasons is felt. The hottest month is usually April, when the average temperature reaches 30.3°C, and daytime highs can rise to 35.6°C. The coolest months are considered December and January with average temperatures around 22.7°C - 23.1°C. Even in these months, daytime temperatures remain comfortable, rarely dropping below 17°C at night.

The summer period, especially the months before the onset of the rainy season (March-April), is characterized by intense heat. Daytime temperatures regularly exceed 30-33°C, and in April can reach 35-36°C. With the arrival of the monsoon in May-June, the heat subsides slightly due to increased cloud cover and rain, but high humidity makes the weather still quite sultry. The "winter" months, from November to February, bring the most pleasant weather to Vientiane. At this time, daytime temperatures hover around 28-31°C, and nights become noticeably cooler, with temperatures around 17-21°C, creating comfortable conditions for walking and exploring the city.

Temperature fluctuations between day and night in Vientiane are most pronounced in the dry season (roughly from November to April). During these months, the difference between the maximum daytime and minimum night-time temperature can be 10-12°C. For example, in January, the average maximum is 28.8°C, and the minimum is 17.3°C. In the rainy season (from May to October), this difference decreases due to high humidity and cloudiness, amounting to about 6-8°C. For example, in July, the average maximum is 31.4°C, and the minimum is 25.3°C. This means that in the dry season, evenings and nights can be refreshingly cool, while in the rainy season, nights remain warm and humid.

In Vientiane, two seasons clearly distinguishable by rainfall amount can be observed: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season usually lasts from November to April. During this period, precipitation is minimal or non-existent. For instance, in January, November, and December, the average rainfall is 0 mm, and the number of rainy days does not exceed 1-3. Even in February, March, and April, rainfall remains very low (1-2 mm), although the number of days with precipitation gradually increases to 6-8 by April.

The rainy season in Vientiane falls between May and October. During this time, the amount of precipitation increases sharply. The peak of rainfall is observed in August, when an average of 13 mm of rain falls, as well as in July (11 mm) and September (10 mm). A characteristic feature of this period is frequent, sometimes heavy, tropical downpours. The number of rainy days in these months is at its maximum: in July and August, there are 27 rainy days each, and in June and September – 25 days each. Even in May, when the rainy season just begins, there can already be 21 days with precipitation (6 mm).

Thus, the wettest months of the year are July and August, when it rains almost daily, bringing the greatest amount of moisture. October (4 mm of precipitation, 12 rainy days) marks the transition from the wet season to the dry one, with a gradual decrease in both the amount of rainfall and the frequency of rainy days. The driest months, when the probability of rain is extremely low, are November, December, and January.

When planning a trip to Vientiane, it is important to consider its tropical monsoon climate, which ensures warm weather year-round, but with distinct dry and wet seasons. The basis of your wardrobe should be light, breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen. Be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as the sun is active here at any time of the year. Don't forget comfortable shoes for walking around the city and visiting temples, as well as insect repellent, especially if you plan evening walks or trips to nature.

If your trip falls during the dry season (roughly from November to April), expect plenty of sunny days and minimal rainfall. During this period, you will mainly need summer clothes: shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, light trousers. Evenings, especially from December to February, can be slightly cooler (minimum temperature around 17-19°C), so a light sweater, cardigan, or shawl may come in handy. This is the perfect time to explore the city without fear of getting soaked in the rain.

During the wet season (from May to October), it rains frequently in Vientiane, sometimes heavily, but usually for short periods. The air temperature remains high, and humidity also increases. During this period, it is extremely important to have a light raincoat or umbrella with you. Choose clothes made from quick-drying materials. It might be worth taking an extra pair of shoes in case one gets wet. Despite the rain, this time of year has its own charm, as nature becomes particularly lush and green.