The climate of Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, located in
Vietnam, is characterised by a tropical wet and dry climate, also known as savanna climate (Aw in the Köppen climate classification). Being situated in the tropics, it experiences high temperatures and high levels of humidity throughout the year. The city's proximity to the ocean influences its overall climate resulting in considerable amounts of rainfall and relatively consistent wind speeds.
Analyzing the city's weather parameters, it is clear that there are slight variations in the course of the year. The highest temperatures, ranging from 31.9°C (89.4°F) to 35.4°C (95.7°F), typically occur during the period between
April and
June. Low temperatures, alternatively, are recorded between
September and
December ranging from 24.4°C (75.9°F) to 25.4°C (77.7°F).
High relative humidity is a staple of Ho Chi Minh City's climate with numbers rising up to 82-83% between June and September while the lowest humidity, a still relatively high 61-67%, is noted between
January to
March. Rainfall patterns show a dramatic increase reaching a peak of 188mm (7.4") in June, from as low as 10mm (0.39") in
February. Subsequently, the rainfall begins to decrease, though it remains relatively high until
November.
A unique weather pattern is the city's sunlight hours. The maximum average daylight hours-hitting 12.8 in June-almost mirror the sunshine hours, implying that despite the high rainfall, the city experiences bright days mostly throughout the year. The intense tropical sun pushes the UV index to 7 starting from January all the way to December, indicating a need for sun protection whenever outdoors.
The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City
Based on the climate data, the best time to visit
Ho Chi Minh City would be between
December and
March. During this period, the temperature is more pleasant ranging between 31.2°C (88.2°F) and 33.8°C (92.8°F) and the average rainfall falls to below 32mm (1.26"), offering potentially dry and sunny conditions optimal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Moreover, the relative humidity is at its lowest, which adds to the comfort of the visitor.
The worst time to visit Ho Chi Minh City
The months from
May to
September might be less appealing to travelers. This period experiences the highest rainfall, with amounts ranging from 139mm (5.47") in May to a maximum of 188mm (7.4") in
June. Moreover, this period is characterized by the highest relative humidity reaching 80-82%, leading to a rather humid and moist climate. Despite the high daylight hours, the high rainfall and humidity can dampen outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Ho Chi Minh City
Spring weather in the city, which spans from late
February to
April, observes an increase in temperature with a range of 33.8°C (92.8°F) to 35.4°C (95.7°F). The relative humidity during these months drops to about 61-65%. Even though average rainfall begins an upward spiral, starting from 10mm (0.39") in February to 78mm (3.07") in April, the weather predominantly remains pleasant with average sunshine hours of 8.6-11 each day.
Summer weather in Ho Chi Minh City
The summer season here, primarily between
May and
August, is characterized by high temperature and humidity. Maximum temperatures varies slightly from 32°C (89.6°F) to 35°C (95°F) and humidity levels surge to around 72-82%. These months have the highest amount of precipitation, especially between
June to August when rainfall soars up to 180-188mm (-7.4").
Autumn weather in Ho Chi Minh City
September through
November marks the autumn season in
Ho Chi Minh City, marked by gradually declining temperatures, from a high of 31.5°C (88.7°F) in September to about 31.2°C (88.2°F) in November. Although rainfall begins to decrease from 175mm (6.89") in September to 111mm (4.37") by November, the weather remains relatively wet in comparison to other months.
Winter weather in Ho Chi Minh City
Winter in
Ho Chi Minh City, from
December to
February, experiences more agreeable temperature readings that range between highs of 31.2°C (88.2°F) to 31.9°C (89.4°F) and lows of 22.9°C (73.2°F) to 24.8°C (76.6°F). This season experiences the least rainfall with average precipitation falling to an all-year low of 10mm (0.39") in February. Average daylight and sunshine hours diminish slightly from 11.5 hours to 11.6 hours.
Weather in January
Exploring
Ho Chi Minh City in
January offers a blend of moderately high daytime temperature peaks of 31.9°C (89.4°F) along with noticeably cooler nights dropping to 22.9°C (73.2°F). The amiable weather also coincides with relatively dry conditions making it an excellent period for outdoor activities such as city tours and street food adventures.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As
February arrives, a noticeable warming trend commences in
Ho Chi Minh City. It builds up to an average high of 33.8°C (92.8°F), marking a rise from the preceding month and a hint of what’s forthcoming. The city experiences a slight decrease in humidity, further contributing to pleasant daytime conditions.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March introduces a marginally warmer phase in
Ho Chi Minh City weather patterns with temperatures advancing to 35.4°C (95.7°F) in the afternoon. It is a prequel to imminent summer-like conditions, characterized by higher temperatures and increased daylight hours.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks a distinct seasonal transition in
Ho Chi Minh City. There's a remarkable surge in rainfall to 78mm (3.07") from the previous 17mm (0.67"), signaling the onset of the wet season. Despite this, temperatures remain high, averaging around 35°C (95°F) through the day, and humidity levels start to creep upwards.
Weather in April » Weather in May
By
May,
Ho Chi Minh City has fully transitioned into its wet season, marked by a substantial leap in rainfall to 139mm (5.47"). In tandem with the increase in rainfall, humidity levels also see a prominent rise to 72%. However, temperatures remain consistently high, with heat being a hallmark of the city’s tropical weather.
Weather in May »Weather in June
In
June, the wet season is in full swing in
Ho Chi Minh City with the highest rainfall of the year at 188mm (7.4"). Temperature and humidity levels maintain their high stance, consistent with the tropical climate of this bustling city.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As the calendar turns to
July, the weather in
Ho Chi Minh City continues to be characterized by heavy rainfall, tallying up to 163mm (6.42"). Along with that, the cloud cover increases to 50%, further enhancing the tropical monsoon climate of this bustling metropolis.
Weather in July »Weather in August
In
August,
Ho Chi Minh City’s weather continues on its wet season course with rainfall averaging at 180mm (7.09"). It is the tail end of the peak wet season, and the charismatic city life continues amidst the tropical showers.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September brings a slightly cooler phase for
Ho Chi Minh City with the high temperature dipping to 30.8°C (87.4°F). The city continues to experience high rainfall totals close to 175mm (6.89"), keeping up with the wet season narrative.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As
October arrives,
Ho Chi Minh City gradually transitions out of the peak wet season. However, with rainfall at 172mm (6.77"), expect regular yet decreasing tropical showers. This month signals a countdown to the drier months, setting the stage for planning outdoor explorations.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November signifies a noteworthy shift in
Ho Chi Minh City's weather scenario. There is a substantial drop in rainfall to 111mm (4.37"), indicating an impending exit from the wet season. The cooler weather and diminished rain make outdoor exploration and city sightseeing trips more enjoyable.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Ho Chi Minh City symbolizes the onset of the dry season with a sharp decrease in rainfall reaching a yearly low of just 32mm (1.26"). This change in weather marks a significant contrast from the preceding wet months.
Weather in December »