If you’re planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh City in the fall, get ready for warm, humid weather that gradually shifts from heavy rains to clearer skies. Daytime highs usually hover around 89°F (32°C), and nights cool down to about 75°F (24°C), so it’s hot, but with some planning, it’s manageable.
The climate stays tropical, but fall brings real changes in rainfall, cloud cover, and sunshine. All these play a big part in shaping your experience.
As September rolls into November, rain showers become less frequent, and the sky clears up bit by bit. You’ll notice early fall feels wetter, but by late fall, you get more dry days and brighter afternoons.
This shift makes fall a pretty intriguing time to explore Vietnam’s largest city. You get the best of both worlds—lush, rain-soaked scenery and then, soon after, more comfortable, drier conditions.
Humidity sticks around, but breezes and shorter rain spells help make the heat more bearable. The days get a little shorter, and you’ll catch earlier sunsets and slightly cooler evenings compared to the blazing summer.
These weather shifts set the scene for a season that mixes tropical intensity with pockets of relief. It’s helpful to know what you’re in for before you step out into Ho Chi Minh City’s fall.
Overview of Fall Climate in Ho Chi Minh City
Fall in Ho Chi Minh City means steady warmth, high humidity, and a sharp drop in rainfall as the weeks go by. You’ll get consistent heat during the day, muggy nights, and a real shift from cloudy, wet skies to clearer, drier ones.
Typical Fall Temperature Patterns
During fall, daily highs usually sit between 29°C and 34°C (84°F–93°F). Nights stay warm, with lows around 21°C to 26°C (70°F–79°F).
The heat doesn’t change much from September to November, but humidity and rainfall do. You won’t see sudden cold snaps here. The warmth just keeps rolling, so outdoor activities are always an option.
The mix of heat and moisture can feel heavy, especially in September when humidity peaks. By late November, the air isn’t quite as stifling, thanks to less cloud cover.
Temperatures remain high, but with less rain and humidity, things start to feel more comfortable than earlier in the season.
Transition From Wet to Dry Season
Ho Chi Minh City sits in a tropical monsoon climate, so fall acts as the bridge from rainy season to dry season. In September, rain still falls pretty often, with averages around 146 mm over a 31-day period.
By November, rainfall drops sharply, down to about 39 mm. The chance of a wet day plummets from about 51% in early September to only 18% by late November.
You’ll see fewer heavy downpours and more dry days as fall moves along. Cloud cover thins out too, shifting from mostly overcast in September to more partly sunny days in November.
This means brighter afternoons and a little more sunshine, even if humidity still hangs in the air.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Fall is less rainy than spring and summer, but just as warm. Summer brings the heaviest downpours, especially in July and August, and fall slowly eases into drier weather.
Winter doesn’t get cold here, but it’s the driest time. By December and January, you’ll get clear skies, lower humidity, and barely any rain.
So, fall feels like a transition, right between the stormy summer and the more pleasant winter. Spring heats up quickly and leads into the rainiest months, but fall offers a better balance—hot days, warm nights, and a steady drop in rainfall as you head toward the dry season.
Average Temperatures During Fall
In fall, Ho Chi Minh City stays consistently warm, with only tiny shifts from month to month. Day and night temperatures stay high, but as the wet season fades, the heat feels different with humidity dropping.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Range
Daytime highs usually reach around 88–90°F (31–32°C). Unlike some tropical places with big temperature swings, day and night here don’t differ much.
At night, it only cools to 75–77°F (24–25°C). You’ll rarely need more than light clothes, day or night.
Air conditioning is pretty standard indoors, but outside, the heat lingers after sunset. Humidity still makes its presence known, especially early in the season.
Later in fall, lower humidity makes evenings feel less heavy than in September.
Monthly Temperature Trends
From September through November, average temperatures barely budge.
- September: Highs around 89°F (32°C), lows near 76°F (24°C).
- October: Highs around 88°F (31°C), lows near 76°F (24°C).
- November: Highs around 88°F (31°C), lows near 75°F (24°C).
Even though the numbers look alike, the weather feels different. September is still humid with lots of rain, but by October, rainfall lets up, and November often feels more pleasant with clearer skies.
This isn’t quite like April, which is the hottest month of the year. In April, highs average 86°F (30°C), but the stronger sun and higher humidity make it feel even hotter than fall.
Notable Weather Extremes
Ho Chi Minh City doesn’t really get wild temperature swings in fall. The tropical climate keeps things stable, with almost zero risk of cold weather.
Pretty much every day tops 77°F (25°C). Records show over 320 days a year above this mark.
Unlike northern Vietnam, you won’t face chilly nights or sudden cold fronts. Occasionally, you might get a heat spike above 91°F (33°C), especially in September, but these don’t last long.
You don’t need to worry about drastic changes, just steady warmth and a bit of relief as humidity drops.
Rainfall and Rainy Days in Fall
In fall, Ho Chi Minh City still gets plenty of rain, but it starts to ease up as the season goes on. September brings frequent showers, October sees fewer, and by November, there’s a clear drop as the dry season approaches.
Monthly Average Rainfall
September is the wettest month, averaging about 321 mm of rain. These downpours usually come in quick, intense bursts, often in the afternoon or evening.
By October, rainfall drops to roughly 250–270 mm, but showers are still common. You’ll notice the downpours aren’t as long as in September.
November brings a real change, with rainfall down to about 100 mm. Outdoor plans get a lot easier when you’re not dodging storms.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| September | ~321 mm |
| October | ~250–270 mm |
| November | ~100 mm |
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rainy days follow the same pattern as rainfall totals. In September, you can expect about 20 days of rain, making it the wettest month of fall.
October still brings frequent showers, averaging 15–18 rainy days, but they’re less intense. By November, rainy days drop sharply to 7–10 days.
This shift matters if you’re planning outdoor trips, since your odds of clear skies get better as fall goes on.
Transition to Drier Weather
Fall acts as the bridge from the long wet stretch to the dry months ahead. September and October still have afternoon thunderstorms, but by November, showers get shorter and sunshine hours go up.
This drop in rainfall fits the city’s bigger climate pattern, with an annual average of about 1,955 mm of precipitation. Nearly two-thirds of that falls between May and October, so November really stands out as the start of the dry season.
For travelers, this means you can stop planning everything around daily storms and start enjoying more reliable weather. Outdoor markets, city walks, and river tours get easier to schedule without constant rain interruptions.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
Fall in Ho Chi Minh City brings shorter days and less direct sunlight compared to the dry season. You’ll notice the number of sunshine hours changes as the months go by, and this can affect how the weather feels and when you want to get outside.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours in Fall
During fall, the city averages 5 to 7 hours of sunshine per day. September has some of the lowest, with about 5.4 hours daily.
October and November get a little better, rising closer to 6–7 hours per day as the rain lets up.
Here’s how the monthly sunshine hours stack up:
- September: ~163 hours
- October: ~180 hours
- November: ~200 hours
While daylight length stays pretty steady at around 12 hours per day, cloud cover and rain mean you don’t get all those hours as actual sunshine.
Variation in Sunshine Throughout the Season
Sunshine in fall closely follows the rain pattern. September, being the wettest, often has long stretches of cloud and frequent storms, which really cut down on sunlight.
By October, with less rain, you get more breaks of sun. In November, skies clear up even more, giving you brighter afternoons and longer sunny periods.
The jump from September to November can mean nearly 40 extra hours of sunshine in a month. If you’re staying a while, this gradual change is worth noting.
Early fall feels dimmer and more humid, but late fall is brighter and much better for outdoor time.
Impact on Outdoor Activities
Sunshine hours play a big role in planning your day outside. In September, with shorter sunny spells, you might want to schedule sightseeing or walking tours in the late morning or early afternoon before the rain arrives.
By October and November, longer sunshine hours give you more options. You can count on clearer skies during midday, which is great for visiting open-air markets, parks, or riverside spots.
Don’t forget, even on sunnier days, the UV index stays high. Sun protection—hats, sunglasses, sunscreen—will help you enjoy the brighter fall weather safely.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
During fall, you’ll notice high humidity along with steady, manageable wind speeds. These factors shape how the air feels and can impact your comfort when you’re out and about.
Relative Humidity Levels in Fall
Humidity stays high through September, October, and November. In September, it often peaks around 80–82% because the wet season is still hanging on.
By November, humidity drops a bit, closer to 75%, as the rain lets up. The air feels moist, especially in the mornings and evenings.
High humidity can make daytime temperatures in the low 30s °C (mid-80s °F) feel warmer than the numbers suggest. It can wear you out if you’re walking a lot or spending long hours outside.
Light, breathable clothing helps a ton. Most indoor places use air conditioning, so you can get relief from the damp air outside.
If you’re sensitive to humidity, late fall is easier to handle than early September.
Typical Wind Speed Patterns
Wind speeds in fall stay pretty steady across the city. Averages range between 7 to 11 km/h (4 to 7 mph), with the occasional gust during a passing shower.
September still feels the monsoon’s influence, so you might catch slightly stronger breezes during storms. By October and November, winds settle down and become more stable.
The gentle airflow helps lighten the heavy feel of the air, though it doesn’t completely counteract humidity. If you plan outdoor activities, you’ll find the wind mild and rarely a problem for sightseeing, cycling, or walking tours.
Travel Tips for Visiting Ho Chi Minh City in Fall
Rainfall still shows up often in fall, but the warmth sticks around and the city buzzes with cultural activities. With a bit of planning, you can soak up outdoor attractions and stay comfortable—even when the weather decides to change fast.
Best Time to Visit During Fall
Fall in Ho Chi Minh City starts in September and runs through November. These months mark the end of the rainy season.
September usually brings the heaviest rain, and you’ll often see intense afternoon downpours. Sometimes, the low-lying areas flood, which can make getting around a bit tricky.
October still gets plenty of rain, but it doesn’t feel quite as relentless as September. By November, the skies start to clear up. Rainfall drops, and the humidity finally lets up a little, so exploring the city feels a lot more pleasant—honestly, November might be the best month for sightseeing if you ask me.
If you’re hoping for fewer crowds or cheaper prices, September and October work well. Just remember, you’ll have to dodge some storms. If you want more reliable weather, November usually strikes a good balance with cooler air and less rain.
Here’s a quick look at the weather:
| Month | Avg Temp (°C) | Rainy Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 25–31 | ~21 days | Wettest month, humid |
| October | 24–31 | ~22 days | Still rainy, slightly cooler |
| November | 23–31 | ~13 days | Drier, better for walking |
Packing and Preparation Advice
Since fall brings wet weather, you’ll want to prep for rain and sticky air. Grab a lightweight raincoat or poncho—they make a big difference when the skies open up. Waterproof shoes can save your day if the streets flood.
Umbrellas help a bit, but honestly, they’re not much use in a heavy downpour.
Stick to breathable, quick-drying clothes like cotton or linen. Heavy fabrics just trap sweat and make you uncomfortable.
A small backpack with a waterproof cover keeps your stuff dry when the rain comes out of nowhere.
Bring insect repellent, since mosquitoes love the wet season. Carry a reusable water bottle too, because the humidity can sneak up and leave you dehydrated.
A light jacket isn’t a bad idea either, since indoor air conditioning can feel freezing after you’ve been out in the muggy heat.
Seasonal Events and Activities
Even with the rain, fall in Ho Chi Minh City feels pretty lively. September and October roll in with the Mid-Autumn Festival, so you’ll see lanterns everywhere, mooncakes on every corner, and some fun cultural performances. Cholon—the city’s Chinatown—really lights up during this time.
By November, the city starts shifting into the dry season. Outdoor activities get a whole lot easier. You might want to take a day trip to the Mekong Delta. The waterways stay full after all that rain, so you get these beautiful floating markets and lush, green landscapes.
When those heavy afternoon showers hit, indoor spots like museums, markets, and cafes come in handy. Plan your adventures for the morning, then save indoor visits for later in the day. That way, you dodge the worst of the rain and still make the most of your time.