Last updated: January 18, 2025
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, experiences a tropical savanna climate classified as Aw according to the Köppen-Geiger system. The city showcases a vibrant temperature range, with January witnesses a mild minimum of 20°C (67°F), escalating to an average of 28°C (83°F) throughout the year. The climate peaks in April when maximum temperatures soar to 38°C (101°F), embodying the warm, humid conditions typical of this bustling metropolis. This climatic profile significantly influences local lifestyle, agriculture, and urban planning, highlighting the need for sustainable strategies to adapt to rising temperatures and humidity.
In Ho Chi Minh City, temperature patterns exhibit a clear seasonal trend characterized by a warm tropical climate. January starts the year with mild temperatures, featuring a minimum of 20°C (67°F) and a maximum of 35°C (96°F), marking the cooler part of the dry season. As February progresses, temperatures slightly elevate, peaking at 36°C (97°F). March signals a transition into hotter months, with maximums reaching 38°C (100°F). April and May are notably warm, consistently staying at maximums of 38°C (101°F), while June through September experience a slight reprieve, with average temperatures hovering around 28-29°C (82-84°F) and maximums settling back to 35°C (94°F). By October and November, the temperatures begin to cool again as the rainy season sets in, showcasing minimums of 22°C (71°F) and maximums returning to 34°C (94°F). December closes out the year with cooler temperatures similar to January, reinforcing the city's cyclical climatic nature.
In January, both Ho Chi Minh City and Thu Duc experience a minimum temperature of 20°C (68°F), while Cu Chi has a slightly lower minimum of 20°C (67°F). As the months progress to April, temperatures peak at 37°C (99°F) in both Ho Chi Minh City and Thu Duc, whereas Cu Chi reaches a maximum of 38°C (101°F). For more detailed temperature information, you can visit monthly temperatures in Ho Chi Minh City, monthly temperatures in Thu Duc, and monthly temperatures in Cu Chi.
Ho Chi Minh City experiences a distinct pattern of precipitation that correlates with the tropical savanna climate. The year begins with relatively low rainfall, as January records 43 mm (1.7 in) over just 5 rainy days. February and March follow with even lesser precipitation, measuring only 15 mm (0.6 in) and 17 mm (0.7 in) respectively, indicating the tail end of the dry season. However, as April arrives, rainfall dramatically increases to 75 mm (3.0 in) and continues to escalate in May, reaching 184 mm (7.3 in), which marks the onset of the wet season.
The peak of the rainy season occurs in the months of June through September, where precipitation levels soar, peaking in July with 269 mm (10.6 in) and August with 298 mm (11.8 in), often occurring over nearly 30 days of rainfall each month. October and November also remain wet, with accumulated rainfall of 270 mm (10.6 in) and 166 mm (6.5 in) respectively. By December, precipitation decreases to 71 mm (2.8 in) over 9 days, transitioning back into the drier months, thus completing the yearly cycle of contrasting wet and dry periods that define the city's climate.
In Ho Chi Minh City, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, with notable increases as the year progresses. The year begins with January basking in 252 hours of sunlight, which rises steadily in February to 295 hours. March marks the peak of sunlight, with an impressive 329 hours recorded, highlighting it as the sunniest month of the year. This trend continues into April and May, where sunshine remains abundant at 315 and 310 hours, respectively, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the warm, luminous days leading into the rainy season.
As the rainy season approaches in June, sunshine hours decline slightly to 278 hours, indicating the onset of more cloud cover and precipitation. This decline continues across the summer months, with July and August recording 284 and 280 hours, respectively. By September, with 261 hours of sunlight, the trend of decreased sunshine continues until October, which sees the lowest duration of 253 hours. However, the year picks up again in November with 274 hours and concludes strongly in December at 294 hours, showcasing the resilience of sunlight even as the year transitions back toward the cooler, drier months. Overall, Ho Chi Minh City enjoys a vibrant distribution of sunshine, marked by peak periods that enhance its tropical allure.
In Ho Chi Minh City, the UV Index consistently reaches levels that necessitate caution throughout the year, showcasing a significant fluctuation in sun exposure risks. Starting in January, the UV Index records a high of 10, categorized as very high, with a burn time of just 15 minutes. However, as the year progresses into February, the index rises dramatically to 14, placing it in the extreme category and reducing the safe exposure time to only 10 minutes. This trend escalates further in March, peaking at 16, the highest level of UV exposure, reinforcing the critical need for protective measures during midday outings.
As the warmer months advance, the UV Index remains in the extreme category, consistently measuring between 13 to 14 from April through September, with similarly short burn times of 10 minutes. Even in October, when the index slightly dips to 13, it remains a significant concern for residents and visitors alike. The UV Index finally sees a drop in November to 11 and returns to 10 in December, indicating that while there may be a slight reprieve, the dangers of intense UV radiation persist year-round. This data emphasizes the importance of sun safety practices in Ho Chi Minh City, highlighting the need for sun protection all year long.
UV Risk Categories
In Ho Chi Minh City, daylight duration exhibits a stable pattern that contributes to its tropical charm. Throughout January and February, the city enjoys approximately 11 hours of daylight each day, governed by its equatorial position. As March rolls around, daylight slightly increases to 12 hours, a trend that continues consistently through the summer months, encompassing April, May, June, July, and August. This steady offering of daylight during the peak months allows for ample activities and exploration amidst the vibrant urban landscape.
As the year transitions into the later months, daylight duration begins to taper off again, returning to 11 hours in October, remaining constant through November and December. This cyclical rhythm of daylight underscores the region's equatorial climate, where fluctuations are minimal throughout the year. Overall, the consistency in daylight duration fosters a lively atmosphere and a dynamic outdoor culture that defines life in Ho Chi Minh City, making it an inviting destination year-round.
Can Gio, Vietnam, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. From January to March, temperatures range from 21°C to 34°C (69°F to 94°F) with moderate rainfall, while the rainy season peaks from May to October, bringing heavy precipitation, especially in July and August (up to 303 mm or 11.9 in). Average annual sunshine is plentiful, with March boasting the most hours at 331. The cooler months of December and January see lower temperatures and lesser rainfall, making them favorable for outdoor activities. For more detailed information, visit Can Gio climate.
Cu Chi, Vietnam experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. Average temperatures range from 27°C (81°F) in the cooler months to 30°C (86°F) during the warmest months, with maximums reaching up to 38°C (100°F) in March and April. Rainfall peaks in the summer months, particularly in July and August, with precipitation levels exceeding 300 mm (11.8 in). Despite the significant rainfall, Cu Chi enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in February and March, which boast over 295 hours of sunshine. For more details, visit Cu Chi climate.
Ho Chi Minh City experiences a tropical climate with high temperatures year-round, averaging between 27°C (81°F) in the cooler months and reaching up to 37°C (99°F) in April and May. The city sees a significant increase in rainfall from May to October, with the peak occurring in August, recording nearly 300 mm (11.7 in). Despite this, sunshine hours remain plentiful, especially in the early months of the year, with February boasting 295 hours. For more detailed information, visit Ho Chi Minh City climate.
Thu Duc, Vietnam experiences a tropical climate with high temperatures year-round, ranging from a minimum of 20°C (68°F) in January and December to a maximum of 37°C (99°F) in April and May. The region sees significant rainfall, particularly from May to August, with June and August receiving the highest precipitation at 211 mm (8.3 in) and 297 mm (11.7 in), respectively. Sunshine is abundant, especially in February and March, boasting up to 329 hours of sunlight. Despite the heavy rains during the summer months, Thu Duc maintains a warm and humid atmosphere. For more details, visit Thu Duc climate.
In summary, Ho Chi Minh City's climate is characterized by its warm temperatures, significant rainfall, high UV exposure, abundant sunshine, and consistent daylight duration throughout the year. The tropical savanna climate promotes a vibrant lifestyle, with peak temperatures and rainfall fostering a diverse ecosystem and cultural richness. As residents and visitors navigate the cycles of sunshine and UV intensity, understanding these climatic patterns is essential for ensuring health and safety. Overall, the city's climate not only shapes its environmental landscape but also enriches its social interactions, making it a dynamic locale enriched by both natural beauty and cultural vitality.