With its subtropical location and proximity to the sea, the weather in Ho Chi Minh City typifies a relatively hot climate all year long. Although endowed with two distinct seasons (namely the dry and wet season), the city generally has the same hot and humid conditions the entire year.
The months of June, July and August are when the rains in the city are at their peak. Although rain showers are sudden, they are fairly brief, allowing the sun to peep through shortly after the downpour. It is the sun, however, that evaporates rain and turns the city into something like a steam bath.
Weather in the city between December and April is likely to be less hot than summer but still quite hot nevertheless. This is the dry season of the city when temperatures drop to an average of 28 degrees Celsius. Compared to the potential highs of 40 degrees Celsius by the month of April, it is easy to see why most tourists plan their trip during the winter season. The act of precipitation also keeps humidity down to about 75 percent.
From July to November, the city goes through the highest count of typhoons, so keep an eye on weather forecasts when traveling during these months. The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh is when rains have dissipated during early December. By the end of December up until early February, when the Vietnamese New Year commences, the city becomes one gigantic festival as it is the busiest time of the year.
The most uncomfortable period is during its rainy season from May to November. The regular downpour boosts the humidity levels of the city near saturation, so be prepared to sweat it out during these weather extremes.
One thing to consider when booking travel plans to Ho Chi Minh is that the rainy season brings fewer crowds to tourist destinations. Favorable hotel deals are also abundant only if you’re the kind of traveler that can handle the heat and humidity of the city. Fortunately, air conditioning is standard and typical in many establishments, hotels, malls and restaurants throughout the city, making you not worry too much about the heat in Ho Chi Minh.
It rains a lot not only in Ho Chi Minh but the entire country of Vietnam. And when we say a lot, we really mean a lot. With that said, the Vietnamese take little notice of bad weather as nothing or no one stops for rain. The people have been so accustomed to wet conditions that they do not mind poor road situations or dangerous instances when traveling during the wet season. If you don’t mind getting a little wet here and there during your travel, then feel free to head to the city and welcome it with a big downpour.
Despite temperatures that remain relatively high all year round, the weather in Ho Chi Minh City doesn’t stop the locals from going on with their day to day life, so it shouldn’t stop your travel plans either. Ho Chi Minh is a rapid developing and dynamic city that remains a pleasant destination to visit, may it be in rain or in shine.
Travel Health in Ho Chi Minh City
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