Monday, January 17, 2011
Weather in Vietnam
Due to its unique geography, Vietnam has a climate with wide variation from north to south, delineated into two distinct climatic zones. Generally, Vietnam is best seen between September and April.
The North has a moderate subtropical climate, with a cool, damp winter occurring between November and April, and a hot summer with periods of heavy rain from May to October. Temperatures may swing dramatically from 41?F (5?C) in December to 98.6 ?F (37?C) in July. Winter in the North is cold compared to other parts of Southeast Asia - temperatures have been known to dip below 15?C in Hanoi, and snow has occasionally fallen in the highlands.
The South has a humid tropical climate with three distinct seasons: a cool season from November to January, a hot season from February to April, and a rainy season from May to November. The latter is brought by the southwestern monsoon that also brings regular typhoons in its wake. Humidity hits a peak from March to May. Average temperature shows little variation compared to the north, swinging between s in the southern plains (Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta) varies less, going between 70-82.5 ?F (21-28?C) in a year's time.
The central highlands have the same seasons as the South, only with much lower temperatures during the winter seasons.
Choose a location below for the weather conditions in its vicinity.
Links labeled "NOAA" go to current weather forecasts made by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, under the auspices of the U.S. government.
Links labeled "WWIS" go to current weather forecasts made by the World Meteorological Organization's World Weather Information Service, under the auspices of the United Nations.
You can wear loose cotton fabrics all year, but bring warmer clothing when going up to the highlands, or if you're wintering in north Vietnam. Bring rainwear and an umbrella if you're in town during the monsoons.
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