Weather in Vietnam in May

May climate overview

Daytime highs across Vietnam in May run from 29.3°C (Phu Quoc) to 32.8°C (Ho Chi Minh City). In Ho Chi Minh City about 100% of May days reach 25°C. Nights average 25.5°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Phu Quoc fall to 25°C or below.

Rainfall in May

Expect around 23 rainy days (1 mm or more) in May, with Hanoi the driest (18 days) and Phu Quoc the wettest (27 days). The wettest May at Ho Chi Minh City between 1991 and 2020 was 2007 with 364 mm; the driest was 1992 with 73 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 30.6°C around Vietnam in May. That is comfortable for swimming.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 2.7 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 12.5 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

May against the rest of the year in Vietnam

May is the 1st warmest month of the twelve in Vietnam. It is 0.3°C warmer than April and 0.3°C cooler in June. The hottest month here is May (31°C) and the coolest January (26°C).

Which part of Vietnam in May?

• Most sunshine: Hanoi, 3.1 h a day.
• Driest: Hanoi, about 18 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Phu Quoc, 31°C.
• Hottest: Ho Chi Minh City, 33°C by day - intense for sightseeing.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Phu Quoc, 29°C.

What to pack for Vietnam in May

Based on the averages: light, loose clothing and serious sun protection - midday highs sit around 31°C; a rain jacket - roughly 23 wet days; swimwear - the sea is 31°C.

Similar weather elsewhere in May

Within 1.5°C of Vietnam's May daytime average: Goa (33°C, sea 30°C), Puerto Vallarta (32°C, sea 26°C), Guanacaste (31°C, sea 29°C), Hurghada (31°C, sea 25°C), Las Vegas (30°C). See the full ranking for May.

Hanoi has the better mainland balance

Hanoi is the stronger choice if you want heat with fewer rainy days: its 18 compare with 25 in Ho Chi Minh City. That is a relative advantage, not a promise of dry weather, so keep outdoor plans flexible. Hanoi's 31°C days call for light clothing and breaks from the heat, while nights average 24°C. Ho Chi Minh City is the hottest option at 33°C, with temperatures staying warm at 26°C overnight. Choose it if heat is welcome rather than something you tolerate. For either city, avoid making long stretches outdoors at midday the centre of your plans, and carry rain protection that is comfortable in warm weather.

Phu Quoc: warm water, frequent rain

Phu Quoc has the lowest daytime average of these destinations at 29°C, but that does not make it a cool option. Nights average 27°C, so there is little relief from the warmth after dark. The sea averages 31°C, which suits travellers who dislike chilly water, though it may feel less refreshing when you want to cool down. The catch is rain: 27 rainy days make this a poor choice if dry beach days are your main priority. Vietnam's country sunshine average of 2.7 hours also argues against expecting constant sun. Pack light clothing, rain protection and footwear you do not mind getting wet, and leave room to change plans.