Does it snow in Vietnam? Vietnam in Winter
Visiting Vietnam is on the bucket list of many travellers from all around the world.
It’s an extremely popular country, particularly amongst backpackers and budget travellers.
Many people may wonder “Does it snow in Vietnam?” and luckily for you, I have the answer.
Vietnam is a truly beautiful country, imagine how it would look if it snowed. But does it?
Does it snow in Vietnam?
Does it snow in Vietnam? Not very often. But can it snow in Vietnam? Yes. However, it is an extremely rare occurrence. It’s not impossible, but still unlikely.
If there is going to be snow in Vietnam, it would most likely be in the mountainous north of the country.
Unfortunately, any dreams you may have had of seeing Ho Chi Minh City in the snow are extremely unlikely. Bad news, right? 🙁
Vietnam has both a tropical climate and a temperate climate, with different parts of the country experiencing each. This means that for the most part, there’s going to be no snow.
You would be extremely, extremely fortunate (or unfortunate, depending on if you like snow or not) if it snowed during your trip to Vietnam.
During a trip to Vietnam, you should expect mostly sun, a bit of fog and the occasional bit of rain. Of course, it depends on what time of year you visit too.
Has it ever snowed in Vietnam?
Yes, there have been reports of occasional snow in Vietnam. Particularly in recent years, assumingly as a result of climate change. In January 2021 there was a lot of snow in the north of Vietnam, you can see children and adults alike playing in the snow.
It was during this winter that there were record cold temperatures across Vietnam, with it being as cold as -1°C (30°F) in Sa Pa. If you have ever been to Vietnam before, you will know it’s usually a lot warmer than this!
But this shows that it is possible for it to snow in Vietnam, although it is a very rare occasion. I can only imagine how shocked the Vietnamese were to see snow for the first time!
Is there a Winter Season in Vietnam?
The answer to this question is a confusing one, as the answer is both yes and no. Confused? Don’t worry, let me explain.
While Vietnam doesn’t experience winter in a traditional sense, it does experience cooler temperatures. It’s referred to as the “dry season” in northern Vietnam. In the south, it’s the rainy season which again brings cooler temperatures along with a bit of rain.
As such, winter is actually the most popular and best time to visit Vietnam. Particularly amongst backpackers backpacking the Banana Pancake Trail who flock to Southeast Asia in these months.
This is because the sun isn’t as scorching and temperatures are a lot more bearable for the average person who isn’t used to such warm weather.
When is Winter in Vietnam?
The winter season in Vietnam depends on which part of the country you are in.
In the north, the dry season typically runs from December to February. Centrally, it’s shifted forward a month from November to January. Lastly, in the south, it’s also December to February-ish, although there isn’t really an exact pattern
How cold is it in Winter in Vietnam?
Although it is the winter season, it’s not freezing cold like it is in other parts of the world. It’s similar to winters in Thailand, where most people wouldn’t even class the weather as overly cold.
Here’s an overview of the average daily temperatures in Vietnam throughout the winter months.
| Month | Average Daily Temperature |
|---|---|
| November | 28°C / 82.4°F |
| December | 27°C / 80.6°F |
| January | 27°C / 80.6°F |
| February | 30°C / 86°F |
As you can see, it’s really not cold at all. I would class this weather as pretty damn warm, to be honest. Being from the UK, Vietnam’s winter weather is pretty much in line, if not warmer, than the summer weather at home for me!
So if you are visiting Vietnam in the winter months, you don’t need to worry about being cold. It does get a bit nippy in the evenings, but for the most part, you’ll be as warm as on a summer holiday.
What to wear in Vietnam in Winter
Seeing as it’s pretty much summer weather in Vietnam, you can dress like it too.
You don’t exactly need to wrap up warm. It’s almost 30°C most months!
Thin clothes, shorts, etc. should definitely have a spot in your suitcase. Swimming gear too, of course. Swimming in Winter, who would have thought?
Remember: Bring appropriate clothing if you plan to visit any temples or religious buildings. Generally, you need to have your shoulders and knees covered.
3 Best Places to spend Winter in Vietnam
Since the weather doesn’t play a part, you can treat a winter trip to Vietnam the same as any other time of the year. Simply visit wherever you want to visit. The most popular destinations in Vietnam to visit at any time of the year, including winter, are Ha Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh City and Sapa.
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is the most famous and well-known spot in Vietnam. It’s known for its limestone cliffs, crystal clear waters and stunning sunsets.
The area is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering over 1600 islands and islets creating the perfect setting for relaxing by the beach or getting in the water and getting active.
Visiting in the winter months is the perfect time as it’s warm but not too warm.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. It offers a rich history, vibrant culture and like most places in Vietnam, delicious food.
Anyone interested in history will absolutely love Ho Chi Minh City as you can visit the Warm Remnants Museum and of course, the famous Cu Chi Tunnels from the Vietnam War.
No matter what time of year you visit Vietnam, any trip simply has to include a few days at least in Ho Chi Minh City.
Sapa
The mountainous region of Sapa in northern Vietnam is another must-visit. It’s filled with iconic rice fields.
Along with the hill tribe cultures, hiking trails and other unique experiences, you will never run out of things to do in this part of Vietnam.
The area is also filled with stunning waterfalls straight out of a fairy tale.
Does it snow in Vietnam: FAQ
Below are some questions related to “Does it snow in Vietnam?” along with my answers.
Even in the winter months of Vietnam, it never gets particularly cold. The coldest months are December and January which see average daily temperatures of around 27°C.
It’s extremely unlikely to snow in Hanoi or anywhere in Vietnam. Put simply, it’s too warm and its location not too far away from the equator means weather is pretty stable throughout the year.
Unfortunately, snow is unlikely in Vietnam due to the tropical and temperate climate. But if, on the extremely small chance, it does snow in Vietnam, it would most likely be in the northern mountainous regions so Sapa would be a potential place where snowfall could occur, but the odds are very very slim.
Vietnam does not experience snowfall on a yearly basis like other countries. Snow in Vietnam is extremely unlikely due to the weather and temperatures seen across the country.
Does it snow in Vietnam: Conclusion
And there you have it, a complete guide to “Does it snow in Vietnam?“. Remember, the answer is that snow is extremely unlikely in Vietnam, not impossible, but very slim chanced.
If there is going to be snow, it would most likely occur in the north of Vietnam.
If you are a snow lover, it’s bad news, unfortunately. But if you want to enjoy the heat of Vietnam, it’s good news as the weather is warm all year round.
Hopefully, you enjoy your trip regardless of the answer to the question “does it snow in Vietnam?”
