Climate Overview Of Ho Chi Minh City
Climate Type
- Tropical monsoon climate (Köppen Aw)
- Hot, humid, and sunny with sunshine pretty much throughout the year!
Two Main Seasons
- Dry season: December to April
Blue sky, little rain, best for outdoor activities.
- Rainy season: May to November
Tropical rain, greenery everywhere, cool afternoons.
Year-Round Weather Stats
- Average temperature: ~27–28°C
- Annual rainfall: ~1,900–2,000 mm
- Average sunshine: ~6.8 hours/day
- Humidity levels: 75–85%
Month-By-Month Weather Breakdown
January – Dry And Cool
- Average temperature: 21°C – 32°C
- Rainfall: Around 15 mm
- Humidity: 65%
- Sunshine: About 8 hours per day
January is the start of the dry season—the most pleasant and refreshing time of year to visit Ho Chi Minh City. It is dry, cool mornings and warm afternoons. This is the perfect month for outdoor activities and long walking tours.
What to wear: Jackets in the morning, breathable shirts, and pants for midday outings.
Top things to do:
- Stroll through historic District 1 to the Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, and Saigon Central Post Office.
- Stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street in the evening when the city is alive with street performers and food stalls.
- Relax through a languid afternoon under the canopies of the trees at Tao Dan Park, a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city.
- Take a sunset cruise along the Saigon River for cooler temperatures and glimpses of the skyscrapers.
Cultural tip: Even though the actual Tet holiday will be in February, January is the time the city starts preparing with flower markets, red decorations, and street food.
January: Warm afternoons perfect for walks (Source: vntrip)
February – Sunny And Festival
- Average temperature: 23°C – 34°C
- Rainfall: Around 5 to 10 mm
- Humidity: About 60%
- Sunshine: Around 9 hours per day
February is some of the year’s most pleasant weather—warm days, bright blue skies, and virtually no rain. More importantly, this is the month Ho Chi Minh City awakens in color and festivity with Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year.
What to pack: Cotton T-shirts, sunglasses, sunscreen, and if you want to blend in with the locals, something red for good luck at Tet.
Top things to do:
- Visit the Ho Chi Minh City weather in February, favorite: Nguyen Hue Flower Street. The boulevard is a flower festival of color for seven days, with elaborate floral displays and lighting.
- Stroll through the Tet markets at Ben Thanh or Binh Tay Market, where you can find traditional sweets such as rice cakes and candied coconut.
- Witness live calligraphy at Youth Cultural House, where performers write auspicious words in fluid strokes on red paper.
- Explore the cultural hub of Chinatown at Thien Hau Temple, especially during Tet celebrations.
- Taste seasonal delicacies like banh tet, thit kho trung, boiled chicken, and sticky rice at local restaurants.
February – Sunny And Festival (Source: vinwonders)
March – Getting Warmer
- Average temperature: 24°C – 34°C
- Rainfall: Around 10 to 20 mm
- Humidity: Around 68%
- Sunshine: Around 9 hours per day
Warmer days start coming in March, but the dry season is still in place. As tourists dwindle after Tet, it’s a great month for tourists who want blue skies without the holiday traffic.
What to pack: Lightwear clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and high SPF sunblock for daylight outings.
Top things to do:
- Delve into the culinary culture of Ho Chi Minh through a street food tour. Try banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes), oysters grilled to perfection, and sugarcane juice at the food alleys of District 3.
- Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels before the hotter April sun. The dry season makes the subterranean tour significantly more tolerable.
- Escape town on a Mekong Delta boat trip. March is ideal for drifting through canals lined with coconut palms and making stops in peaceful rural villages.
- Bike in Thao Dien (District 2) and pass by hip cafés, art galleries, and riverside gardens away from the sounds of the city.
- See early Ao Dai fashion parades in cultural centers in District 1, when spring cultural activities begin.
March – Getting Warmer (Source: xanhsm)
April – The Hottest Month
- Average temperature: 25°C – 35°C
- Rainfall: 40 – 70 mm
- Humidity: Starts to rise noticeably
- Sunshine: 8 hours/day
April warms up the Ho Chi Minh Weather by Month adventure! It is the hottest month of the year for Ho Chi Minh City, with intense sunshine and occasional afternoon rain showers that are a preview of the wet season ahead.
What to pack: Light cotton or linen, sunglasses, a hat, and plenty of sunblock. Don’t forget to hydrate!
Top things to do:
- Start your morning early at Ben Thanh Market, then beat the heat of the day in an air-conditioned café on Pasteur Street.
- Visit Saigon Skydeck (Bitexco Tower) at sunset for uncensored views in clear skies.
- Relax with a bowl of Che (sweet soup) at Che Mam Khanh Vy or stroll through Takashimaya Mall to blend culture and comfort.
- Parades, cultural performances, and fireworks in front of the Reunification Palace commemorate Reunification Day (April 30).
April – The Hottest Month (Source: thanhnien)
May – Rain Starts Knocking
- Average temperature: 25°C – 34°C
- Rainfall: Around 220 mm
- Humidity: Around 80%
- Sunshine: 6–7 hours/day
May marks when the Ho Chi Minh monthly weather trend changes radically. The rainy season officially begins, and while mornings are clear, afternoon showers become commonplace.
What to pack: A raincoat, a quick-dry outfit, waterproof shoes, and a collapsible umbrella.
Top things to do:
- Visit the War Remnants Museum or the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts to indulge in indoor, air-conditioned excitement
- Stroll through Binh Tay Market in the morning, then head back to The Workshop Café for a panorama and Vietnamese iced coffee.
- Participate in Vesak Day festivities (Buddha’s birthday), typically observed in mid-May with processions and candlelit ceremonies at pagodas such as Vinh Nghiem.
- Visit Thao Dien’s boutique stores and art galleries while taking shelter from passing showers.
May – Rain Starts Knocking (Source: celineliving)
June – Peak Humidity
- Average temperature: 24°C – 33°C
- Rainfall: Over 300 mm
- Humidity: Peaks at 85–90%
- Sunshine: 5.5 hours/day on average
June becomes the peak of humidity, with profuse afternoon and evening rain, usually short but deluging. Yes, this sounds daunting, but this is also the start of the low season, so it’s less crowded, better deals, and a green cityscape.
What to bring: Extra shirts, rain-proof daypack, dry-wicking sandals, and insect spray.
Top things to do:
- Take advantage of sparse crowds to tour Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Saigon Central Post Office without frantically rushing.
- Ride a boat through the Mekong Delta’s green canals, where rural life is rich and water sits at optimal levels.
- Enjoy Vietnamese hotpot at Lau De 404 or Lau Ca Keo Ba Huyen—a perfect rainy-day indulgence.
- Get a massage or spa day in the Thao Dien neighborhood to relax on stormy afternoons.
Though June is not at the top of lists like Ho Chi Minh City weather in February, it holds an appeal—less crowded streets, flowers in bloom, and excellent bargains.
June: Peak Humidity, profuse Afternoon Rains. (Source: 1phutsaigon)
July – Wet But Colorful
- Average temperature: 24°C – 32°C
- Rainfall: Around 300 mm
- Humidity: Remains High
- Sunshine: 6 hours/day
July continues the wet season, yet don’t let rain ruin your mood—the city is still alive with cultural activity! Expect rain showers in the afternoons, but also sunny mornings and cool nights for street eating and night markets.
What to bring: Waterproof footwear, a poncho or umbrella, and a light cover to deal with humidity.
Top things to do:
- Visit the Vietnam-Japan Cultural Exchange Festival in Le Van Tam Park or 23/9 Park, where there are martial arts demonstrations, lanterns, and cosplay.
- Attend workshops at the Saigon International Guitar Festival, which takes place at conservatories and cultural centers across District 3.
- Get your fix of monsoon-season dishes: try hu tieu sa te, banh canh cua, and grilled seafood in District 4.
- Drop by Saigon Outcast, an artsy events and art space in District 2 that often hosts film nights, food trucks, and community markets—yes, even on light rain days!
For culture buffs and bargain hunters, July adds something new to the Ho Chi Minh Weather by Month cycle.
For culture seekers and bargain hunters, July offers something unique in the Ho Chi Minh Weather by Month cycle.
July – Wet But Colorful (Source: mia)
August – The Rainiest Month
- Average temperature: 24°C – 32°C
- Rainfall: Around 270 mm
- Humidity: 85–90%
- Sunshine: Less than 6 hours/day
August is typically the wettest month in the Ho Chi Minh month-by-month weather pattern. Rain is your daily companion nearly every day, day afternoons, to be specific, so mornings are your best buddy for outdoor activities.
What to pack: Complete rain gear, waterproof phone case, and indoor footwear.
Top things to do:
- Begin Mid-Autumn Festival shopping early—local markets like Luong Nhu Hoc Street light up with lanterns, toys, and mooncakes.
- Take a cooking class at Saigon Cooking Class by Hoa Tuc, where you’ll learn to make traditional Vietnamese dishes, rain or shine
- Watch a water puppet show at the Golden Dragon Theater—a fun, family-friendly way to enjoy Vietnamese folk art without needing an umbrella.
- Shop, dine, and play at Vincom Center or AEON Mall—all under one (dry) roof.
While August may not best time for Ideal Ho Chi Minh City, it is perfect for those who value cultural diversity, fewer tourists, and moody, rain-washed cityscapes.
August – The Rainiest Month (Source: congly)
September – Rain & Festivities
- Average temperature: 24°C – 32°C
- Rainfall: Over 300 mm
- Humidity: High
- Sunshine: Around 5.5 hours/day
September is still part of the rainy season in the Ho Chi Minh Weather by Month pattern, but even as the rains continue, the city is greeted with vitality. Red flags covering streets celebrate Vietnam’s National Day (September 2), and lanterns appear in preparation for the Mid-Autumn Festival.
What to pack: On your list are an umbrella, rain sandals, light clothes, and mosquito spray.
Top things to do:
- Walk along District 1 with National Day parades and experience fireworks lighting up the evening sky around Landmark 81 or the Saigon River.
- Shop for lanterns and taste mooncakes on Luong Nhu Hoc Street, District 5, during the Mid-Autumn Festival season.
- Take a mooncake-themed street food tour with a mix of classic ones (salted egg, lotus seed) and modern ones (tiramisu, green tea).
- Explore the Saigon Opera House or the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts inside.
Warning: Exercise caution when traveling during heavy rainfalls, as low-lying areas (specifically District 8 and Binh Tan) are prone to flooding.
Rainy September, Streets Bloom With Flags (Source: sggp)
October – Transition Time
- Average temperature: 23°C – 32°C
- Rainfall: Around 250 mm
- Humidity: Still high, but easing
- Sunshine: Around 6 hours/day
October marks the onset of the season change. Rain still occurs but is typically more sporadic, and sunshine breaks through more frequently. It is the transition period between wet and dry seasons and thus a period of atmospheric contrast—turbulent clouds, golden light, and somewhat cooler mornings.
What to bring: Light layers, a compact umbrella, water shoes, and a camera to shoot dramatic skies.
Top things to do:
- Partaking in the Ok Om Bok Festival in Khmer-populated districts such as District 8, enjoying traditional music, boat racing, and sky lanterns.
- Explore Book Street (Nguyen Van Binh) for a serene afternoon at the tree canopies following a drizzle.
- Enjoy a Vietnamese egg coffee at The Old Compass Cafe while watching the rain outside the ancient French structures.
- Take a stroll around Le Van Tam Park after a rain shower when the whole world smells of earth and freshness.
October – Transition Time (Source: thanhnien)
November – Drier & Cooler
- Average temperature: 23°C – 32°C
- Rainfall: Around 100 mm
- Humidity: Decreasing
- Sunshine: 7 hours/day
Now we’re talking! November welcomes back the dry season vibes in the Ho Chi Minh Weather by Month narrative. Rainfall drops significantly, and humidity eases up, making it one of the most comfortable months for outdoor travel and sightseeing.
What to wear: T-shirts, light pants or shorts, and a hat for daytime walks.
Top things to do:
- Walk down hidden alleys with local guides in the Backpacker District (Bui Vien) or Nguyen Thai Binh Ward.
- Take a day excursion to the Mekong Delta—boat rides through the palm trees are serene and scenic during this cooler, clearer weather.
- Join a photo tour in District 5 to photograph colonial architecture and street life with better light and without rain.
- Find Le Cong Kieu Street, famous for antiques and vintage memorabilia.
November – Drier & Cooler (Source: ivivu)
December – Crisp & Comfortable
- Average temperature: 22°C – 31°C
- Rainfall: Around 50 mm
- Humidity: Low to moderate
- Sunshine: 7.5 to 8 hours/day
Hello to one of the most beautiful months of the year! December completes the Ho Chi Minh Weather by Month tour on a crisp, celebratory note. Rain is scarce, and the cool breeze returns. The city sparkles with Christmas lights, and Tet is quietly in progress in every nook and corner.
What to bring: Day layers, lightweight; a cardigan for evening strolls.
Top things to do:
- Look at Christmas light displays in shopping centers like Vincom Center, Takashimaya, and around Notre-Dame Cathedral.
- Start the day early at the Tet flower markets, like Ho Thi Ky Market, where flowers are shipped out weeks in advance of the Lunar New Year.
- Enjoy the evening over a Saigon River dinner cruise on a cold winter evening—a romantic ending to the year.
- Experiment with winter-appropriate street food like crab noodle soup, hotpot, and grilled meat at District 4.
December is generally among the greatest times of year for Ideal Ho Chi Minh City vacations—cool and dry, sunny, and full of energy. It’s also the start of the high tourist season, so book lodging ahead of time.
December: Cool Breeze With Christmas Lights (Source: diendandoanhnghiep)
Weather Tips For Travelers
If you want to truly make the most of your travels in Vietnam’s lively southern capital, having the Ho Chi Minh Weather by Month isn’t only recommended—it’s essential! You have here expert-led weather advice that will help you plan wiser, pack smart, and remain safe on your tropical adventure.
Check Weather Forecasts with Reliable Tools
The weather in Ho Chi Minh City also changes quite quickly, especially during the rainy season. To avoid this, astute travelers take time to review forecasts every single day. Some of the top resources you can use include:
- Windy.com – When you want to track storms and interactive radar maps.
- AccuWeather or Weather.com – Reliable at offering 7-day and hourly forecasts.
- National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (Vietnam) – Government-issued updates and rain forecast alerts.
These devices are useful, especially during months like Ho Chi Minh’s weather in April when the temperature peaks or the rains in August. Always double-check the weather forecast before booking outdoor tours.
Plan Your Itinerary Around the Skies
The good news about the Ho Chi Minh weather monthly cycle is that every month has its counterpart—you just have to adapt your itinerary according to the season.
- During dry season (December–April), pack your day with outdoor activities: rooftop restaurants, motorbike street food tours, and walking tours through old neighborhoods.
- During the rainy season (May–November), schedule early mornings and save indoor pursuits—like museums, shopping centers, and cooking lessons—during afternoons when tropical rain typically pours down.
Stay Healthy in Tropical Conditions
Whether you’re braving the heat of Ho Chi Minh weather in april or getting caught in a July storm, it’s important to take care of yourself. Here are essential tips from locals and seasoned travelers:
- Hydrate constantly: Tropical weather dehydrates fast. Carry a reusable water bottle everywhere.
- Sun protection is non-negotiable: Bring high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Keep cool: Use handheld fans or cooling towels when traveling during the hot sunshine.
- Rain-wise gear: Pack a small umbrella or lightweight poncho in your backpack.
- Take care on the road: Wet streets on rainy days equate to waterproof shoes with traction.
What To Pack For Each Season
Dry Season (December To April) – Sunny Days & Blue Skies
When the dry season comes, the city shines in the balmy sunshine, low humidity, and almost zero rain, especially during the peak months like Ho Chi Minh City weather february. Yet, excellent weather also comes with scalding UV rays and a lot of walking, so preparation is a must.
Dry Season Essentials:
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+): Vietnamese sun does not play around, particularly in Ho Chi Minh weather in April’s scorching heat
- Wide-brim hat & sunglasses: For temple visits, café-hopping, and riverside strolls.
- Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated while exploring Saigon’s bustling districts.
- Breathable clothes: Think cotton or linen—perfect for 30°C afternoons.
- Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll be clocking serious steps through markets and historic neighborhoods.
- Light scarf or shawl: Handy for temple visits or a touch of style in the breeze.
During these months, it is the best time for Ideal Ho Chi Minh City travel, with fresh morning air and festive nights.
Rainy Season (May To November) – Storms, Showers & Green Cityscapes
Here is the monsoon! Coming during the rainy half of the Ho Chi Minh weather monthly cycle, specifically July or August, don’t worry—Saigon does rain very well. You’ll just need the proper gear to keep the party going.
Rainy Season Must-Haves:
- Raincoat or poncho: Portable and lightweight, it’ll be your new best friend when showers pour down quickly and hard.
- Waterproof footwear or sandals: Pavement puddles are plentiful, and wet socks suck.
- Quick-drying clothes: Synthetics will fare better than denim or heavy cotton.
- Insect repellent: Mosquitoes love the post-rain moisture—don’t let them.
- Small umbrella: Ideal for unplanned downpours while trying street food in District 4 or photographing in Thao Dien.
- Elastic pouch for electronics: Keep your phone or camera dry when grey skies show up.
Despite the rain, months like September still offer cultural awe, and Ho Chi Minh weather in April starts warming you up for the monsoon peak.
Conclusion
No matter what time of year you visit, Ho Chi Minh City is always set to amaze. From the sunshine of Ho Chi Minh weather in February to the warm temperatures of Ho Chi Minh weather in April, understanding the Ho Chi Minh Weather by Month makes you travel intelligently, pack wisely, and appreciate each second. Want the best moment for an Ideal visit to Ho Chi Minh City—great! But with a good attitude, any month can become unforgettable. Let the weather determine your itinerary, and let the city take care of the rest.
FAQ
What is the best month to visit Ho Chi Minh?
The best time to come is usually December to February with cloudless skies, cooler weather, and minimal rain. The dry season is best suited for outdoor adventures, and so the best time for Ideal Ho Chi Minh City is a sought-after keyword for travelers planning their holiday. The festive atmosphere in Ho Chi Minh City weather in February also adds cultural zest to your holiday!
What is the rainiest month in Ho Chi Minh City?
September tends to be the wettest month, with over 300 mm of rainfall. Showers are usually in the afternoons, but mornings remain sunny—so, with proper clothing, you can still venture out into the city!
How hot is Ho Chi Minh in April?
April is also among the hottest months, with temperatures ranging from 25–35°C (77–95°F). Humidity sets in, and early rains might begin to appear, signaling the approach of the monsoon. For most people, this is the steamy peak in the Ho Chi Minh weather in the April cycle—so relax, hydrate well, and arrange indoor breaks in the afternoon.
Is April a good time to visit Vietnam?
Yes! April offers a compromise of dry and wet seasons in most areas of Vietnam. In Ho Chi Minh City, it is hot, and sunny, and abounds on national holidays like Reunification Day (April 30). While it’s not the coolest season in the Ho Chi Minh weather monthly calendar, it is nevertheless sightseeing-friendly—just be well-protected against the heat.