Ho Chi Minh City features a tropical monsoon climate with two main seasons: a hot, dry season from December to April and a hot, humid rainy season from May to November. Temperatures remain warm year-round, averaging 27–28°C, with abundant sunshine, high humidity, and brief but intense downpours during the wet months.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, experiences a tropical monsoon climate characterised by consistently high temperatures and significant seasonal rainfall. The city does not have four traditional seasons but instead alternates between a dry season (December to April) and a rainy season (May to November). Average temperatures range from 18°C during rare cool spells to highs of 40°C in the hottest months, though most days hover between 25°C and 35°C. Sunshine is abundant, with 160 to 270 hours per month, and the city averages 27–28°C throughout the year.
The dry season brings clear skies, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall, making it the most comfortable time for outdoor activities. Daytime highs typically reach 31–35°C, and nights are warm but pleasant. The rainy season, influenced by the Southeast Asian monsoon, is marked by frequent, heavy showers – especially in the afternoons or evenings – high humidity (often over 80%), and lush greenery. Rainfall peaks from June to September, with monthly totals often exceeding 200 mm. Despite the rain, showers are usually brief, and the sun often returns quickly. Winds are generally light to moderate, but can be gusty during storms. Snow is unknown in Ho Chi Minh City.
Daylight hours are consistent year-round, with about 12 hours per day. The city’s weather can change quickly, especially during the rainy season, so travellers should always be prepared for sudden downpours. High UV levels make sun protection essential, and the tropical heat is best managed with light, breathable clothing and plenty of hydration.
| Average climate data for Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 32 | 34 | 35 | 35 | 34 | 32 | 31 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 32 | 31 | 35 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 23 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 23 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 18 | 10 | 17 | 78 | 138 | 187 | 162 | 183 | 173 | 170 | 112 | 32 | 1,279 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 8 | 5 | 9 | 17 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 22 | 14 | 242 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 67 | 62 | 62 | 65 | 72 | 81 | 82 | 81 | 84 | 83 | 80 | 74 | 74 |
| Average wind speed (km/h) | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 |
| Average cloud coverage (%) | 28 | 21 | 25 | 34 | 39 | 45 | 51 | 47 | 50 | 47 | 36 | 32 | 38 |
| Average UV index | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is during the dry season from December to April, when temperatures are warm but manageable (25–33°C), humidity is lower, and rainfall is minimal. This period offers the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing, outdoor dining, and day trips to the Mekong Delta or Cu Chi Tunnels.
The least favourable time to visit is from June to September, the height of the rainy season. Heavy, frequent downpours, high humidity, and the risk of flooding can disrupt outdoor plans. While the city remains lively, travel is best planned with flexibility and waterproof gear during these months.
Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical monsoon climate with two main seasons: a hot, dry season from December to April and a hot, humid rainy season from May to November. Temperatures average 27–28°C all year.
The best time to visit is December to April, during the dry season. Expect warm, sunny days, lower humidity, and minimal rain—ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Temperatures typically range from 25°C to 35°C, but can reach up to 40°C in the hottest months (March–May). Even in the coolest months, daytime highs are usually above 30°C.
Rainfall is highest from May to November, with frequent, heavy showers—especially in June to September. However, rain is usually brief, and the sun returns quickly. The dry season sees very little rain.
Yes, humidity is high year-round, often exceeding 80% during the rainy season. The dry season is less humid but still warm, so light, breathable clothing is recommended.
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sun protection, and a hat. Bring a rain jacket or umbrella for the rainy season. Comfortable, water-resistant shoes are useful year-round.
No, snow does not occur in Ho Chi Minh City. The coolest months are December and January, with nighttime lows around 21–23°C, but it never gets cold by temperate standards.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is March (35.5 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is September (30.8 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 32.5 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is May (26.8 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (23 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 24.7 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is June (187.5 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is February (10.1 mm). Over the whole year there are 1,279 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is September (28.2 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is February (5.1 days). Over the whole year there are 241.8 days of rain on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is September (83.6 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is February (61.5 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 74.3 %.
The windiest month, with the highest average wind speed, is March (11.4 km/h). The calmest month, with the lowest average wind speed, is October (6.8 km/h). The overall average wind speed over the whole year is 9.2 km/h.
The month with the cloudiest skies, so the highest cloud coverage, is July (50.6 %). The month with the clearest skies, so the lowest cloud coverage, is February (20.9 %). Over the whole year there is an average cloud coverage of 37.9 %.
The months with the longest days, so the most daylight, are May, June and July (Average daylight: 12.1 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 11 h). Over the whole year there are 11.6 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is April (Average sunshine: 10.9 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is January (Average sunshine: 6.1 h). Over the whole year there are 8.4 h of sunlight per day on average.
Over the whole year the average UV index is 7.
