Climate : Vietnam

Vietnam climate can be divided into three different zones - North Vietnam, Central Vietnam, and South Vietnam. The climate in North Vietnam is a humid and subtropical climate, while South Vietnam enjoys a tropical climate all year round, with the central region lying somewhere in-between. As Vietnam is a long, narrow country climatic conditions vary considerably, with temperatures ranging between 20 and 35°C. Due to higher altitudes, it's generally coolest in the mountains - sometimes even freezing in the winter. In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the climate can be fairly hot and humid, so when you first arrive in Vietnam, you should take a few days to acclimatise.

There's a chance of rain at any time of the year in Vietnam- so don't forget your kag-in-a-bag. On the whole, it tends to rain for an hour or two towards the end of the afternoon, so you really shouldn't let it put you off. Strictly speaking, your best chance of prolonged sunshine in all regions of Vietnam is from December to the end of April.

During the Tet period (Lunar New Year), tourism in Vietnam reaches its peak. Tet usually falls in February, depending on the state of the moon. In 2009, the lunar festivities will last from 25 January to 28 January.

An overview of Vietnams climate regions is shown in the table below, showing general weather patterns in Vietnam:

There are several monsoon periods in Vietnam's climate throughout the year, each specific to its region. The rainy seasons or monsoons can be generally characterised as heavy afternoon showers, which although may freshen the air and bring the temperature down, will certainly soak you through if you're out in it. If you are doing a module that includes outdoor activities during the rainy season in Vietnam, the local guides will take the climate into account, and try and adapt your programme as best they can to avoid these afternoon showers.

Most of our modules run throughout the entire year, regardless of weather variations. If you find yourself amid a tropical downpour, you can simply retreat to your island bungalow or local bar/resturant, and watch mother nature in action with a cocktail in hand, it's quite a spectacle.

In the central and southern regions of Vietnam, there are several tropical islands, as well as the quiet mainland beach at Mui Ne. Vietnam's climate will obviously be of more importance to you during your stay at the beach, so it makes sense to plan your trip with the beach weather in mind. After all, if you end up on a tropical island during Vietnam's monsoon season, you may find that both your book and your spirits get soggy. Here are some handy pointers:

Palm Island is best visited from the end of January to the end of September. You can expect heavy downpours in the months of October, November and December, although there are plenty of sunny intervals.

However, Phu Quoc Island and the mainland beach at Mui Ne have good beach weather in October, November and December. If you are planning to stay in these beach resorts, it's best to avoid the months of July and August, when heavy rain is more likely.

In short, no matter when you decide to travel to Vietnam the climate shouldn't spoil your fun, you should be able to find dazzling sunshine at one of the beach destinations Vietnam has to offer. This gives you a great degree of flexibility when planning your trip. If you are wanting to hit the beach from January to October, Palm Island may be your best bet. If, however, you intend to visit Vietnams beaches from October until January, you will have more chance of ideal weather on Phu Quoc island or Mui Ne beach.