Last updated: August 28, 2025
May in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam brings a vibrant blend of warmth and humidity, with temperatures soaring to a maximum of 37°C (99°F) and averaging around 29°C (85°F). As the city transitions into the wet season, residents and visitors can expect significant rainfall, accumulating to 182 mm (7.2 in) over 23 days, creating a lush, tropical atmosphere. The humidity often hovers around 80%, enhancing the sensation of heat and adding to the characteristic energy of this bustling metropolis. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets or seeking refuge in air-conditioned cafes, May’s weather sets the stage for a unique and dynamic experience in Ho Chi Minh City.
May in Ho Chi Minh City ushers in a warm embrace, with temperatures reflecting a steady ascent as the city moves deeper into the tropical climate. The minimum temperature settles comfortably at 25°C (77°F), while the average hovers around 29°C (85°F), ensuring that days are filled with warmth and vibrant energy. The mercury can even peak at a sweltering 37°C (99°F), mirroring the high of the previous month, April. This slight increase in nighttime temperatures indicates a growing humidity, setting the stage for the city's lush, tropical ambiance. As May unfolds, residents and visitors alike can expect a blend of sunshine and occasional afternoon rain, making this month both a warm and dynamic time to explore everything Ho Chi Minh City has to offer.
May heralds a significant shift in Ho Chi Minh City's weather, with precipitation soaring to 182 mm (7.2 in) over an average of 23 rainfall days. This marks a transition into the wet season, as the city experiences a dramatic increase in both rainfall and frequency compared to the preceding months. Following April’s relatively moderate 74 mm, May stands out, laying the groundwork for the even heftier downpours to come in June and July. The continuous rain in May contributes to the lush greenery of the city but also reminds locals and visitors alike to prepare for the wet days ahead, as this trend in precipitation signals what is typically the region's rainiest period.
As May arrives in Ho Chi Minh City, residents and visitors alike experience a notable shift in humidity levels, which soar to 80%. This increase marks a significant jump from the preceding months, showcasing the onset of the city's lush, tropical climate. Following a gradual decline from January's 65% to April's 60%, the humidity in May signals the transition into the wetter season ahead. The rising trend continues into the summer months, peaking in August at an impressive 90%, underscoring Ho Chi Minh City's reputation for its muggy weather. Thus, May serves as a precursor to the intense humidity that characterizes the city's vibrant, bustling atmosphere throughout the summer.
In May, Ho Chi Minh City experiences an extreme UV Index of 14, maintaining the high levels seen since February. With a burn time of just 10 minutes, it’s crucial for residents and visitors alike to take precautions when venturing outdoors. The UV Index this month reflects a trend of consistently high values from January through August, signaling that sun protection should be a priority during these months. As temperatures rise and sunlight intensifies, staying informed is key to enjoying the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City safely. For more details on UV levels throughout the year, visit Ho Chi Minh City UV Index.
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In May, Ho Chi Minh City basks in a delightful 310 hours of sunshine, making it one of the sunniest months of the year. Following a trend of increasing brightness from January's 252 hours to April's 315 hours, May continues to relish the warm rays, just slightly dipping from the peak. This pattern indicates a vibrant spring, where the city flourishes under the sun before the upcoming rainy season begins in June. Compared to dewy July and August, with their lower totals of 284 and 280 hours respectively, May offers the perfect balance of sunny days that invite both locals and tourists to explore its charming streets and lively markets.
In Ho Chi Minh City, the likelihood of sunny weather in May reflects a moderate 32%, placing it on par with the preceding month of April (33%) while lagging behind the sunniest months of March (55%) and February (50%). As the city transitions into the hotter months, the chances of sunny days begin to decline, with June dropping to 26% and continuing to lower through the summer. This trend highlights that while May still offers a fair opportunity for sunshine, travelers should prepare for the onset of the rainy season as the year progresses. Overall, May serves as a bridge, presenting a balanced mix of sunny and cloudy days — ideal for those looking to experience the vibrancy of the city before the heavier rains set in.
In Ho Chi Minh City, daylight hours exhibit a fascinating rhythm throughout the year. January and February begin with approximately 11 hours of daylight, embracing the cooler winter months. As spring approaches, the days gradually extend, with March and April offering 12 hours of bright sunshine, fostering a sense of vibrancy. This consistency continues into May, where the days remain at 12 hours, providing ample time for exploration and outdoor activities. The pattern holds steady through the summer months, from June to September, maintaining the same daylight duration. As the year transitions into late autumn, daylight returns to 11 hours in October through December, marking a gentle descent into winter. This steady interplay of light underscores Ho Chi Minh City’s tropical climate, inviting residents and visitors alike to relish in its sunlit allure.
In May, Ho Chi Minh City experiences a gentle breeze, with an average wind speed of 2.1 m/s (5 mph), slightly increasing from the previous months. This mild wind is part of a gradual trend observed as the city transitions into the summer months, where wind speeds tend to rise. Following the calmest periods of January and November, May's winds mark a shift towards a more refreshing atmosphere, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. As the city prepares for the hotter days ahead, the consistent breeze provides a welcome respite, ensuring that even as temperatures climb, the experience remains enjoyable for locals and visitors alike.
Weather in Ho Chi Minh City varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Ho Chi Minh City, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In May, the weather tends to be hotter and more humid, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 25°C (77°F) to a maximum of 37°C (99°F) and an average of 29°C (85°F). This month also sees significant rainfall, with 182 mm (7.2 in) of precipitation spread over 23 days, resulting in a humidity level of around 80%.
In contrast, January offers a more moderate climate, featuring temperatures that range from a minimum of 20°C (68°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F) and an average of 27°C (81°F). The month experiences much less rainfall, only about 44 mm (1.7 in) across just 6 days, and the humidity is lower at approximately 65%. For more detailed information on January weather, please visit Ho Chi Minh City weather in January.
May weather is characterized by significantly higher temperatures and humidity levels compared to February. With minimum temperatures of 25°C (77°F) and maximums reaching up to 37°C (99°F), May averages around 29°C (85°F). In contrast, February’s temperatures range from a minimum of 20°C (68°F) to a maximum of 35°C (95°F), averaging 27°C (81°F). Additionally, May experiences far more precipitation, with 182 mm (7.2 in) recorded over 23 days, whereas February sees just 15 mm (0.6 in) over only 2 days. The humidity is also noticeably higher in May at 80%, compared to February’s 61%. For a more detailed look at February weather specifics, you can check out Ho Chi Minh City weather in February.
In comparing the weather between March and May, both months feature a similar average temperature of around 29°C (84°F). However, May tends to be slightly warmer, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 37°C (99°F), compared to March's maximum of 36°C (98°F). May is significantly wetter, with an average rainfall of 182 mm (7.2 in) spread over 23 days, whereas March sees only 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain over just 3 days. Additionally, humidity levels are noticeably higher in May at 80%, compared to March's more moderate 58%. For a more detailed look at March weather, you can visit Ho Chi Minh City weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, we find that both months showcase similar average temperatures, with a minimum of 24-25°C and a maximum reaching up to 37°C (99°F). However, May experiences significantly higher precipitation, totaling 182 mm (7.2 in) over 23 days, compared to April's 74 mm (2.9 in) across 14 days. Additionally, May's humidity is notably higher at 80%, while April has a more comfortable level of 60%. This suggests that while temperatures remain consistent, May is characterized by far wetter and more humid conditions. For more detailed insights into April weather, you can check Ho Chi Minh City weather in April.
In comparing the weather of May and June, we observe that May typically features slightly warmer temperatures, with an average of 29°C (85°F) compared to June's average of 28°C (84°F). May also boasts higher maximum temperatures, reaching up to 37°C (99°F), while June's maximum is 35°C (95°F). However, June experiences more rainfall, accumulating 211 mm (8.3 in) over 26 days, compared to May's 182 mm (7.2 in) over 23 days. Additionally, humidity levels rise in June to 87%, surpassing May's 80%. For a more detailed look at the weather in June, you can visit Ho Chi Minh City weather in June.
In comparing the weather between May and July, we see notable differences in both temperature and precipitation. May tends to be warmer, with average temperatures reaching up to 29°C (85°F) and maximum highs hitting 37°C (99°F). In contrast, July experiences slightly cooler temperatures, averaging 28°C (83°F) and peaking at 34°C (94°F). However, July compensates for the cooler temperatures with higher precipitation levels, accumulating 266 mm (10.5 in) over 29 days, compared to May's 182 mm (7.2 in) over 23 days. Additionally, July's humidity rises to 89%, making it feel more uncomfortable compared to the 80% humidity in May. For more detailed information, you can check out Ho Chi Minh City weather in July.
In comparing the weather in May and August, both months experience high temperatures, with May typically being warmer, averaging 29°C (85°F) compared to August's 28°C (82°F). However, the maximum temperatures in May can soar up to 37°C (99°F), while August peaks at a milder 34°C (94°F). Rainfall is more abundant in August, with a notable 297 mm (11.7 in) spread over 28 days, compared to May’s 182 mm (7.2 in) over 23 days. Additionally, August is characterized by slightly higher humidity at 90%, compared to May’s 80%. For more details, you can explore Ho Chi Minh City weather in August.
When comparing the weather in May and September, we can observe distinct differences in temperature and precipitation. May generally features warmer temperatures, with minimums around 25°C (77°F), averages of 29°C (85°F), and maximums reaching up to 37°C (99°F). In contrast, September is slightly cooler, with minimum temperatures of 24°C (76°F), averages of 28°C (82°F), and maximums peaking at 35°C (94°F). However, September experiences significantly higher precipitation, accumulating 280 mm (11.0 in) over 27 days, compared to May's 182 mm (7.2 in) over 23 days. Additionally, September has higher humidity at 89%, compared to May's 80%. For more detailed insights, you can visit Ho Chi Minh City weather in September.
In May, temperatures in Ho Chi Minh City range from a minimum of 25°C (77°F) to a maximum of 37°C (99°F), with an average of 29°C (85°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, amounting to 182 mm (7.2 in) over 23 days and maintaining a humidity level of 80%. In contrast, October sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 24°C (75°F), an average of 28°C (82°F), and a maximum of 34°C (93°F). However, it is wetter, recording 268 mm (10.6 in) of precipitation over 28 days and higher humidity at 87%. For more details, you can check Ho Chi Minh City weather in October.
In comparing the weather between May and November, May generally experiences warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 25°C (77°F) and an average high of 37°C (99°F), while November's temperatures range from a minimum of 22°C (72°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F). May also has higher precipitation levels, averaging 182 mm (7.2 in) over 23 days, compared to November's 165 mm (6.5 in) over 19 days. Additionally, November tends to be slightly more humid, with levels reaching 87%, while May maintains a humidity level of 80%. For more detailed information about November weather specifically, check out Ho Chi Minh City weather in November.
May and December in Ho Chi Minh City showcase distinct weather patterns. May tends to be hotter, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 25°C (77°F) to a maximum of 37°C (99°F), while December is slightly cooler, with temperatures between 20°C (69°F) and 33°C (92°F). Additionally, May experiences significantly more rainfall, receiving 182 mm (7.2 in) over 23 days, in contrast to December's 73 mm (2.9 in) spread over just 10 days. Despite similar humidity levels of 80%, the overall weather in May is marked by higher heat and more frequent precipitation. For more details, you can check Ho Chi Minh City weather in December.
As May unfolds in Ho Chi Minh City, it ushers in a distinct transition characterized by hotter temperatures and increased humidity, making the heat feel even more intense than in previous months. With average daily temperatures reaching around 29°C, and peaks soaring as high as 37°C, this month signals the beginning of the wet season, marked by an uptick in precipitation, often resulting in afternoon showers. The city experiences nearly three-quarters of its days drenched in rain, contributing to a humidity level that hovers around 80%. All these factors create a uniquely vibrant atmosphere that shapes the city's dynamic character during this time. For more detailed insights into the climate, explore Ho Chi Minh City Climate.