Weather in Ho Chi Minh City

Planning your day or a trip to Ho Chi Minh City? In this section, you will find the most up-to-date weather information, including detailed forecasts and useful charts, to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Ho Chi Minh City, located in Vietnam, is distinguished by a distinct tropical climate. The city is characterized by high temperatures throughout the year, with monthly averages ranging from 26.8°C in December to 30.2°C in April. Even minimum nighttime temperatures rarely drop below 22-23°C, ensuring consistently warm weather.

Two main seasons are clearly traceable in Ho Chi Minh City's climate: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season usually lasts from December to April. During this period, especially from January to March, rainfall is minimal (0-1 mm), and the number of rainy days is low. From May to November comes the rainy season, characterized by a significant increase in both rainfall (up to 10 mm per month) and the number of rainy days, which can reach 25-30 days per month, especially from July to October. Despite frequent rains during this period, they are often heavy but short-lived downpours, after which the sun may shine again.

The temperature pattern in Ho Chi Minh City is characterized by constant warmth throughout the year, which is typical for its tropical monsoon climate. The annual temperature course is relatively smooth, without sharp fluctuations. The hottest month is usually April, when the average temperature reaches 30.2°C, and daytime highs can rise to 34.3°C. December is considered the "coolest" month with an average temperature of 26.8°C, while daytime temperatures still remain at a comfortable level of about 30.6°C, and nighttime ones drop on average to 23.0°C.

The so-called "summer" period, which coincides with the hottest months from March to May, brings sweltering weather to Ho Chi Minh City. In March and April, average maximum temperatures consistently exceed 34°C (March 34.0°C, April 34.3°C), and minimum nighttime temperatures rarely fall below 24.7°C - 26.1°C. This creates a sensation of constant heat, which is somewhat mitigated by the onset of the rainy season in May (average high 33.4°C), although humidity increases. The "winter" months, from December to February, offer the mildest conditions. Average daytime temperatures range from 30.6°C (December) to 33.0°C (February), and nighttime ones drop to 22.9°C - 23.3°C, making this time of year more comfortable for walking and sightseeing.

Diurnal temperature fluctuations in Ho Chi Minh City are quite noticeable throughout the year. The difference between average daily highs and nightly lows varies, ranging from 6°C in some months (for example, July with an average high of 31.0°C and a low of 25.0°C) to almost 10°C in others (for example, February, where the average high is 33.0°C, and the low is 23.3°C, resulting in a 9.7°C difference). On average, this difference is about 7-8°C. This means that even during the hottest periods, such as in April (average high 34.3°C, low 26.1°C), evenings and early morning hours can bring pleasant relief from the daytime heat, especially during the dry season.

In Ho Chi Minh City, two clearly defined seasons are observed regarding rainfall: the dry season and the rainy season. These periods determine the character of the weather and are an important factor when planning a trip to this vibrant city in Vietnam.

The dry season in Ho Chi Minh City usually lasts from December to April. At this time, rainfall is minimal, creating comfortable conditions for walking and sightseeing. January, February, and March are particularly dry months. In January and March, only 1 mm of precipitation falls on average, and the number of rainy days does not exceed 3-5. February stands out as the driest month of the year, when there is practically no precipitation (0 mm) and there are only 2 rainy days on average. December and April are transitional, with a slight increase in precipitation (2 mm) and the number of rainy days (10-13 days respectively).

The rainy season in Ho Chi Minh City covers the period from May to November. During this time, the amount of precipitation and the frequency of rainy days increase noticeably. The peak of the season falls on the months from June to October. According to the provided data, the highest amount of precipitation falls in July and September (10 mm in each). July is also the month with the maximum number of rainy days — on average 30. June, August, and October are also characterized by a high frequency of precipitation, with 27-29 rainy days and 8-9 mm of rainfall. Interestingly, despite the large number of days with rain (in some months it rains almost daily), the total monthly rainfall remains comparatively moderate. This may indicate that rains in Ho Chi Minh City during this period are often short-lived, although regular.

When packing for Ho Chi Minh City, it is important to consider its hot and humid tropical climate, which determines clothing choices throughout the year. The foundation of your wardrobe should be light, breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, or viscose. Temperatures here are consistently high: during the day they often rise above 30-33°C, and at night they rarely drop below 23-26°C. Be sure to bring sunscreen with high SPF, sunglasses, and headwear (a hat or cap) for protection against the intense sun. Comfortable walking shoes, such as sandals or light sneakers, are simply essential for exploring the city. A light stole or shawl may also come in handy if you plan to visit temples or for protection against air conditioning indoors.

In Ho Chi Minh City, two seasons are clearly distinguished: dry and rainy, which affects some additions to your luggage. The dry season lasts approximately from December to April. At this time, precipitation is minimal (especially from January to March, when there is almost none), so focus mainly on summer clothing. The rainy season, falling on the period from May to November, is characterized by frequent, though often short-lived, tropical downpours – the number of rainy days per month can reach 25-30, especially from July to October. During this period, be sure to pack a light waterproof raincoat or a compact umbrella. Clothing made from quick-drying materials will be very useful. Despite the rains, the air temperature remains high, so you will likely not need warm clothes.