The climate of Lao Cai
Situated in the northern region of
Vietnam,
Lao Cai experiences a Tropical Monsoon climate, as categorized by the Köppen climate classification. This type of climate exhibits heavy rainfalls during the summer months and a cooler, drier period during the winter.
Throughout the year, Lao Cai's temperatures show relatively mild fluctuations, with high temperatures ranging from 20.3°C (68.5°F) to 32.2°C (90°F) and low temperatures ranging from 9.3°C (48.7°F) to 21.5°C (70.7°F). The warmest months are generally
May through
September, with
August exhibiting the highest average temperature of 31.6°C (88.9°F). Conversely, the coolest temperatures are typically recorded in
January with a high of 20.3°C (68.5°F) and a low of 9.3°C (48.7°F).
Rainfall in Lao Cai varies significantly across the year. August has the heaviest precipitation, with an average of 141mm (5.55") to 169mm (6.65") of rainfall, whereas the driest months are from
December to
February, with December showing a minimal average of 26mm (1.02"). The relative humidity ranges from 60%\ to 78% with the period of May to
July being the most humid.
One of the unique features of Lao Cai's climate is the high number of rainy days. There are over 24 rainy days a month from May to August, with July experiencing the highest number at 27.7 days on average.
The best time to visit Lao Cai
To avoid the rainy season and still enjoy warm temperatures, it would be most suitable to visit
Lao Cai between
April and
May. During this period, the temperature averages from 28.8°C (83.8°F) to 32.2°C (90°F) and the rainfall remains relatively low at just around 23mm (0.91") to 48mm (1.89"). Sightseers will be able to enjoy clear and sunny days with an average of 9.1 hours to 10.8 hours of sunshine per day.
The worst time to visit Lao Cai
Visitors looking to stay dry might want to avoid the months from
June to
August when rainfall is at its peak, reaching an average of 102mm (4.02") to 169mm (6.65"). During these months, the city experiences 24 to 26 rainy days on average.
Spring weather in Lao Cai
Spring, which spans from
March to early
May, brings a mild warmth with high temperatures from 24.8°C (76.6°F) to 31.2°C (88.2°F) and low averages from 11.3°C (52.3°F) to 18.1°C (64.6°F). During this period, the city sees an average rainfall of 8mm (0.31") to 48mm (1.89"), making it less humid than other seasons.
Summer weather in Lao Cai
Summers in
Lao Cai, extending from
May to
August, are dominated by hot temperatures and rainfall. High temperatures from 31.2°C (88.2°F) to 32.2°C (90°F) characterize the season, as does the area's heavy rainfall of 92mm (3.62") to 169mm (6.65").
Autumn weather in Lao Cai
Autumn settles in
Lao Cai from
September to
November, during which the temperatures decrease, ranging from a high of 30°C (86°F) to a low of 24.5°C (76.1°F). Despite the less brutal heat, rainfall is still prevalent during September at 69mm (2.72"), but it gradually decreases towards November, reaching just 12mm (0.47").
Winter weather in Lao Cai
Winters in
Lao Cai, spanning from
December to
February, are surprisingly mild and dry, with high temperatures ranging from 20.3°C (68.5°F) to 24.8°C (76.6°F) and low temperatures hovering from 9.3°C (48.7°F) to 11.3°C (52.3°F). The rainfall during this period is minimal, keeping to between 12mm (0.47") in December to 27mm (1.06") in
January, providing a drier season for the city's inhabitants and its visitors.
Weather in January
The year begins in
Lao Cai,
Vietnam, with moderate temperatures and relative humidity;
January displays a cooler and dryer state compared with the following
February. Sunshine hours are ample, making the days vibrant, while nights cool down considerably, offering respite from the daylight warmth.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Transitioning from
January,
February in
Lao Cai,
Vietnam, experiences a subtle increase in average temperatures and a significant reduction in rainfall. This month stands out with the lowest rainfall through the year, recording a mere 8mm (0.31") across an average of 4.7 days.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Weather in
March in
Lao Cai,
Vietnam, continues the warming trend from
February with slightly elevated temperatures. Additionally, an increase in rainfall is observed, hinting at the onset of the wetter phase in this region. The daylight period extends as the progresses towards
April, generously offering more sunlit hours.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As
March transitions into
April in
Lao Cai,
Vietnam, a significant increase in the rainfall becoming more evident. April carries the distinction of receiving 48mm (1.89") rainfall over 15.5 days, almost twice the volume from the previous March.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May in
Lao Cai,
Vietnam, marks a prominent surge in rainfall compared to
April, ushering in what might be discussed as the peak monsoon season. Sunshine hours decline distinctively, allowing clouds to dominate much of the sky. The weather sees the highest average temperatures, reaching up to 32.2°C (90°F).
Weather in May » Weather in June
Advancing into
June,
Lao Cai,
Vietnam, receives more rainfall days compared to the preceding
May, though the total rainfall measurement shows a minor increase. June also records the highest average minimum temperature, touching 21.5°C (70.7°F).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July,
Lao Cai,
Vietnam, experiences the peak of rainfall, with the monthly measurement recording 141mm (5.55") over 27.7 days. This heavy precipitation marks the apex of the monsoon season. Despite the dense cloud coverage and increased rainfall, temperatures remain relatively high, sustaining the tropical character of the region.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August in
Lao Cai,
Vietnam, while moderately less wet than
July, still ranks in the higher spectrum of rainfall months with a total of 169mm (6.65"). Although the days receive ample sunlight, the overshadowing clouds and consequent showers shape the overall weather patterns.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The arrival of
September in
Lao Cai,
Vietnam, brings a notable drop in rainfall from the preceding
August and the weather pattern begins to shift towards drier conditions. It strikingly receives just over a third of August's rainfall, recording 69mm (2.72") over 20.4 days.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October presents less rain showers than
September in
Lao Cai,
Vietnam. A marked decrease in rainfall totals and number of wet days signifies the trailing end of the wet months. Mirroring the changes in rainfall, temperatures gradually retreat, bringing cooler days and notably chill nights.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The last month of the autumn,
November, is also a moderately hot month in
Lao Cai,
Vietnam, with temperature in the range of an average high of 24.5°C (76.1°F) and an average low of 13.1°C (55.6°F). In Lao Cai, November's average high-temperature stands at a still warm 24.5°C (76.1°F), closely related to the preceding month.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December concludes the weather calendar for
Lao Cai,
Vietnam with a return to cooler temperatures akin to
January. Despite the chill, average daylight remains steady, gifting Lao Cai with ample sunlight. A rise in cloud coverage compared to
November suggests a slight increase in relative humidity, yet, the month stays within the dry period receiving only 26mm (1.02") rain across 8 days.
Weather in December »