Last updated: January 18, 2025
Situated in the northern region of Vietnam, Điện Biên is characterized by a Cwa climate classification, which signifies a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasonal variations. This region experiences a broad temperature range, with average temperatures hovering around 22°C (71°F) throughout the year. Winter months can see minimum temperatures drop to 2°C (37°F) in December, while the summer peak in May can reach an impressive maximum of 39°C (103°F). Such fluctuations underscore Điện Biên's climatic diversity, contributing to its unique environmental and ecological dynamics.
In Điện Biên, Vietnam, temperature patterns exhibit distinct seasonal trends throughout the year. The coldest months are December and January, with minimum temperatures dropping to around 2°C (37°F) and 5°C (40°F), respectively. As winter transitions into spring, temperatures gradually rise, peaking in May with maximums soaring up to 39°C (103°F). This warming trend is accompanied by increasingly warmer averages, reaching 25°C (77°F) in late spring and early summer (May to August). The summer months maintain these elevated averages while minimum temperatures stabilize around 20°C (68°F). As the year progresses into autumn, the temperatures begin to cool again, with November and December exhibiting lower minimums of 10°C (50°F) and 2°C (37°F), further confirming the region's marked seasonal temperature shift.
Dien Bien Phu experiences a notable temperature range throughout the year, with December seeing a minimum of 3°C (38°F) and May reaching a maximum of 38°C (101°F). For more detailed monthly temperature information, you can visit monthly temperatures in Dien Bien Phu.
In Điện Biên, Vietnam, precipitation exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, with the wettest months typically occurring during the summer. The year begins relatively dry, with January and February receiving 60 mm (2.3 in) and 41 mm (1.6 in) of rainfall, respectively, characterized by only 6 rainy days each month. As the seasons progress into spring, March sees an increase in precipitation, totaling 84 mm (3.3 in) over 12 days. However, the onset of the monsoon in April marks a significant shift, as rainfall escalates dramatically to 170 mm (6.7 in) over 15 days, setting the stage for the peak wet season.
The peak of the rainy season occurs in July and August, where precipitation reaches remarkable levels of 394 mm (15.5 in) and 425 mm (16.7 in), respectively, with 28 rainy days in each month. This abundance of rainfall contributes to the lush greenery characteristic of the region. Following this peak, precipitation begins to taper off in September, with 224 mm (8.8 in), and continues to decline until December, which sees minimal rainfall at 37 mm (1.4 in). During this period, there are fewer rainy days, from 21 in September down to 4 in December, highlighting the stark contrast between the rainy and dry seasons in Điện Biên.
In Điện Biên, Vietnam, sunshine duration demonstrates a notable seasonal trend, with hours of sunlight steadily increasing from winter into summer. January begins with 201 hours of sunshine, gradually rising in February to 256 hours. This upward trend continues with March reaching 296 hours, highlighting the transition into spring. April sees a slight dip to 268 hours, but as May approaches, the region experiences its peak sunshine, with an impressive 317 hours. This month marks the height of sunshine in the year, aligning with the warmer temperatures and increased outdoor activities as daylight extends.
As the region enters the summer months, sunshine hours remain relatively consistent, with June, July, and August each contributing between 252 to 265 hours of sun. The autumn season brings a slight recovery, as September and October record 279 hours and 281 hours, respectively. By the time November and December roll around, sunshine duration settles back to the low 200s, indicating a return to cloudier conditions typically associated with the winter months. Overall, Điện Biên's sunshine patterns reflect not only the region's climatic shifts but also provide an inviting atmosphere for residents and visitors alike during the sunniest months of the year.
The UV Index in Điện Biên, Vietnam, displays significant fluctuations throughout the year, with particularly intense levels occurring during the spring and summer months. January starts with a UV Index of 9, categorized as "very high," indicating a burn time of just 15 minutes for unprotected skin. As the city transitions into February, the UV Index rises sharply to 11, entering the "extreme" category, reflecting the increased risk of harm from solar exposure. This trend continues into March and April, where the UV Index stabilizes at 13, compounding the urgency for proper UV protection during these months.
As summer approaches, May and July reach the highest recorded UV Index of 15, sustaining an extreme risk level with a burn time limited to just 10 minutes. June and August maintain similarly high levels at 14, further emphasizing the potential danger of unprotected exposure. The UV Index begins to taper off in October to 12 and gradually declines towards the end of the year, with November recording a UV Index of 10 and December dropping to 8. Overall, the extreme UV levels from February to July in Điện Biên necessitate caution and effective sun protection strategies to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
In Điện Biên, Vietnam, daylight duration exhibits a clear pattern of seasonal variation, peaking in the warmer months. The year commences with 10 hours of daylight in January, gradually increasing to 11 hours in February as spring approaches. March sees a notable rise to 12 hours, continuing this trend into April, where daylight duration remains steady at 12 hours. As the region enters late spring in May, the availability of sunlight expands further to 13 hours, a duration sustained through June and July, providing ample time for outdoor activities.
As summer yields to autumn, daylight duration begins to decrease, with August maintaining 12 hours before tapering off again in September and October, returning to 11 hours. The end of the year, marked by November and December, sees daylight hours shrink back to 10 hours and 11 hours, respectively. This cyclical rhythm of daylight not only influences the lifestyle and activities of the local population but also significantly shapes the ecological dynamics of the region throughout the seasons.
The climate in Dien Bien Dong, Vietnam, is characterized by a range of temperatures throughout the year, with January average lows of 16°C (61°F) and high peaks reaching 38°C (101°F) in May. Precipitation is abundant, particularly in July and August, where it exceeds 300 mm, contributing to a high humidity level. Sunshine hours are plentiful, especially in May with 320 hours, supporting a vibrant natural landscape. This combination of warm temperatures and significant rainfall shapes the region's unique ecosystem. For more detailed information, visit Dien Bien Dong climate.
Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam experiences a diverse climate with distinct seasonal variations. Temperatures range from a chilly 3°C (38°F) in December to a warm 38°C (101°F) in May, with the warmest months being April and May. Precipitation peaks during the summer months, particularly in July and August, accumulating over 380 mm (15 in) of rainfall. The region enjoys an impressive amount of sunshine, especially in May, which boasts over 317 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information about the climate, visit Dien Bien Phu climate.
In conclusion, Điện Biên, Vietnam, presents a diverse climatic profile characterized by significant seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The region's humid subtropical climate fosters warm summers with high temperatures and abundant rainfall, particularly from May to August, while winter brings cooler temperatures and reduced precipitation. The remarkable sunshine hours and extreme UV Index during the warmer months highlight the need for sun protection, reinforcing the importance of adapting to seasonal changes. Overall, the interplay of these climatic factors profoundly impacts the lifestyle, agriculture, and ecological systems within Điện Biên, making it a unique area of study for understanding climate's multifaceted influence on human and natural environments.