Best Time for a Mekong River Cruise

We are often asked about the best time of year for a Mekong River Cruise.

And with the Far East now open post-Covid, I thought an article on the subject would be helpful.

The best time for a river cruise on the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia is during the dry season, which runs from November to April.

During this time, the weather is sunny and dry, with lower humidity and cooler temperatures, making it a comfortable time to explore the region.

The months of December to February are particularly popular for river cruises as the weather is at its best, and the river is generally at its lowest levels, making it easier to navigate the waterways. This is also a great time to explore the floating markets, villages, and temples along the Mekong River.

And while most Mekong River cruises will include Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which are a thousand miles apart, I thought it might be helpful to consider the weather averages in those cities as well.

Hanoi Weather Averages

Hanoi has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. The average annual temperature in Hanoi is around 23°C (73°F), with average highs ranging from 17°C (63°F) in January to 32°C (90°F) in July. Here is the information on average temperatures, rainfall, and daylight hours for Hanoi:

• Average temperature:
  • January: 17°C (62.6°F)
  • April: 24°C (75.2°F)
  • July: 29°C (84.2°F)
  • October: 24°C (75.2°F)
• Average rainfall (mm per month):
  • January: 18mm
  • April: 87mm
  • July: 328mm
  • October: 102mm
• Average daylight hours per day:
  • January: 10 hours
  • April: 12 hours
  • July: 13 hours
  • October: 11 hours

Hanoi’s weather patterns can be unpredictable and may vary from year to year. The rainy season typically lasts from May to September, with occasional typhoons in August and September. The best time to visit Hanoi is during the dry season, from November to April when the weather is cooler and drier.

Ho Chi Minh City Weather Averages

Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate with two main seasons – a wet season and a dry season. The average annual temperature in Ho Chi Minh City is around 27°C (80°F), with average highs ranging from 31°C (88°F) in March to 33°C (91°F) in April. Here is the information on average temperatures, rainfall, and daylight hours for Ho Chi Minh City:

• Average temperature:
  • January: 26°C (79°F)
  • April: 29°C (84°F)
  • July: 27°C (81°F)
  • October: 27°C (81°F)
• Average rainfall (mm per month):
  • January: 13mm
  • April: 63mm
  • July: 221mm
  • October: 287mm
• Average daylight hours per day:
  • January: 11 hours
  • April: 12 hours
  • July: 12 hours
  • October: 11 hours

Ho Chi Minh City is hot and humid throughout the year, with occasional heavy rains during the wet season from May to November. The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is during the dry season, from December to April when the weather is cooler and drier. However, keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and larger crowds.

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