vietnam weather: weather along the central coast

Weather along the Central Coast

In general, the rainy season in the central coastal strip starts later than in the North and South, and ‘overpasses’ until December, with the two months of October and November characterised by typhoons and heavy rains. However, the 1,400km length of the coastline between Phat Diem in the north and Mui Ne Beach in the south means there are considerable variations in weather patterns.

Vinh – nearly in the North
The weather in the area around Vinh is a slightly warmer version of Hanoi weather. Consequently, it has the extreme temperature variations of the capital, but with a cooling onshore breeze in the summer. Consequently, it’s popular with Hanoi dwellers escaping the sultry heat of the city.

Vinh's weather	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mean high temperature (˚C)	21	21	23	28	32	34	34	33	30	28	25	22
Mean high temperature (˚F)	70	70	74	83	90	94	94	93	87	83	77	72
Mean low temperature (˚C)	15	16	17	21	23	25	25	25	23	21	18	16
Mean low temperature (˚F)	59	61	64	70	75	78	78	78	75	71	66	62
Precipitation in inches	2.2	1.9	1.9	2.6	5.4	4.5	5.6	7.0	16.9	14.2	7.9	3.1
Number of rainy days	4	3.6	3.8	4.6	5.5	9.1	10.2	11.6	16.7	15.5	11.1	5.2

Rainy Hue
Hue is notorious for its wet weather. The rainy season lasts longer than the Vietnamese average, from May to December, and even during the so-called dry season, it rains regularly. In winter, it is significantly colder than other parts of the central area further south.

Fortunately, the top of the Hai Van Pass marks a demarcation line between Hue and the sunnier weather in Danang and further south because it crosses a range of granite mountains that acts as a barrier.

Sunny Danang
Once over the peaks of the Hai Van Pass, Danang, Hoi An, and the many fine beaches along the shore enjoy much sunnier weather.

Danang and Hoi An are at the northern limits of Viet Nam’s tropical zone and boast a pleasant climate all year round. Although dry, onshore winds in autumn can make bathing risky for inexperienced swimmers, they can generate large breakers suitable for experienced surfers to enjoy themselves.

In the autumn, the beaches in the Danang area are generally safer than those further south because they are sheltered by mountains, and thus less exposed to the strong onshore winds.

Hot, dry Nha Trang
The best time to visit Nha Trang is between January and October when air temperatures are between 25°C and 35°C, and water temperatures between 20°C to 25°C. Diving is pointless from late October to mid–December because the water is badly muddied by sediment ‘run-off’ caused by heavy rain.

Reliable Mui Ne Beach
The southern end of the Central Coast is well into the tropical zone, so it’s hot throughout the year. Its monsoon season is not as wet as that of the south and central area to the north, which makes it an attractive destination for sun-worshippers.

Extreme Weather
Typhoons with violent winds and heavy rain are a regular feature along the southern section of the central coast during the monsoon period. They often cause flooding and damage to property, and can temporarily sever road and/or rail links.