The short answer
When to go to Ho Chi Minh City
December to March is the best window: little rain and the lowest temperatures of the year, though it is still hot at around 32 C. April is the hottest month, and May to October brings heavy rain, with September the wettest at nearly 500 mm. For older travellers, the dry months make walking sights and day trips far more comfortable. In the rainy season, mornings are usually better than afternoons, and indoor sights fill the gaps.
Month by month
Ho Chi Minh City weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°C | 23°C | 12 mm | Dry, sunny and the most comfortable stretch | |
| February | 33°C | 23°C | 8 mm | Driest month; good for sightseeing | |
| March | 34°C | 25°C | 18 mm | Dry but getting hotter | |
| April | 35°C | 26°C | 57 mm | Hottest month; start early | |
| May | 35°C | 26°C | 202 mm | Rains begin; hot and humid | |
| June | 34°C | 26°C | 224 mm | Frequent showers | |
| July | 33°C | 25°C | 231 mm | Wet; plan indoor sights for afternoons | |
| August | 33°C | 25°C | 219 mm | Wet and humid | |
| September | 33°C | 25°C | 490 mm | Wettest month; flooded streets possible | |
| October | 32°C | 25°C | 340 mm | Very wet | |
| November | 32°C | 25°C | 128 mm | Rain easing; improving | |
| December | 32°C | 24°C | 41 mm | Dry season starts; pleasant |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Ho Chi Minh City seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: January, February and December
- January: Dry, sunny and the most comfortable stretch
- February: Driest month; good for sightseeing
- December: Dry season starts; pleasant
Good, with small trade-offs: March
- March: Dry but getting hotter
Possible, with planning: April, May, June, July, August and November
- April: Hottest month; start early
- May: Rains begin; hot and humid
- June: Frequent showers
- July: Wet; plan indoor sights for afternoons
- August: Wet and humid
- November: Rain easing; improving
Best avoided with parents or children: September and October
- September: Wettest month; flooded streets possible
- October: Very wet
Useful answers
Best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Ho Chi Minh City?
January, February and December are the best months to visit Ho Chi Minh City, with March also good. December to March is the best window: little rain and the lowest temperatures of the year, though it is still hot at around 32 C. April is the hottest month, and May to October brings heavy rain, with September the wettest at nearly 500 mm. For older travellers, the dry months make walking sights and day trips far more comfortable. In the rainy season, mornings are usually better than afternoons, and indoor sights fill the gaps.
Which months should I avoid in Ho Chi Minh City with elderly parents?
September and October are the months to avoid with older travellers. Wettest month; flooded streets possible Very wet
When does it rain most in Ho Chi Minh City?
September is the wettest month, with about 490 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is May, with average highs around 35°C.