climate

Vietnam stretches over 1,600 kilometres from north to south. The country is broad at both ends, with Red River Delta in the north and Mekong Delta in the south, and narrow in the central, the narrowest stretch being 50 kilometres in breadth in the central province of Quang Binh. Thus, Vietnamese people have described the country as a bamboo shoulder pole supporting 2 baskets of rice, with the fertile southern Mekong Delta at one end and the northern Red River Delta at the other. (A very apt comparison as women carrying baskets on a bamboo pole across their shoulders is a common sight and Vietnam is now the 2nd largest exporter of rice in the world.)

Although the country is situated in the tropics, the northern parts of Vietnam enjoy 4 seasons whereas the south experiences tropical hot weather throughout the year. This interesting phenomenon is caused by the cold northeast monsoon winds blowing into the north from November to March. The weather from the central province of Hue and northwards are influenced by these winds. The central mountain range blocks the passage of cold winds from blowing southwards of Hue thus giving rise to warmer weather from Danang and beyond. During December to March, standing at the summit of Hai Van pass, an imposing cliff extension (496m) looking out into sea and separating Hue from Danang, you can enjoy the unique experience of having cold winter (on the side of Hue) and hot summer (on the side of Danang) both at the same time.

Up in the north, the 4 seasons make traveling exciting. Springtime, with enjoyable cool temperatures averaging 15 deg C, is always filled with many traditional festivals, the biggest being Tet or Vietnamese New Year. Summer is generally hot going up to over 30 deg C. The clear blue skies make this season best for visiting the highlands and beaches. Autumn is pleasant around 20 deg C, and the streets are filled with young Vietnamese girls in their traditional ao dai riding bicycles as the new school year starts. Winter is cold where temperatures can fall below 10 deg C, and occasionally there may be snow in the northern highlands e.g. Sapa. It is not unusual to see people and even animals huddling together to keep warmth. 

Down south, there are only 2 seasons, the wet and the dry seasons. The wet or rainy season is between May to Nov, whereas the dry season is between December to April.