Winter in Vientiane, Laos, feels calm and comfortable compared to the heavy rains and intense heat of other seasons.
You can expect warm days around 28–32°C and cooler nights near 18–22°C, with almost no rainfall. The skies usually stay clear, and sunshine is steady, making this season one of the best times to enjoy the city.
You notice the difference right away when walking through Vientiane’s streets in December, January, or February.
The air feels less humid, the evenings invite you outside, and the Mekong River views stay crisp under bright skies.
With dry conditions and plenty of daylight, winter offers the most stable weather for exploring temples, markets, and nearby landscapes.
This season also lets you compare Vientiane’s winter to its hotter, wetter months.
If you understand how winter fits into the city’s climate cycle, you can plan better, whether you want to focus on sightseeing, outdoor activities, or cultural events.
Overview of Winter Weather in Vientiane
Winter in Vientiane brings warm days, cooler nights, and relatively dry conditions compared to the rest of the year.
You can expect mild temperatures, moderate humidity, and limited rainfall, so it’s a comfortable time to be outdoors.
Typical Winter Temperature Range
During winter, daily high temperatures in Vientiane usually sit between 28°C and 32°C (82°F to 90°F).
Nights cool off, with lows around 17°C to 20°C (63°F to 68°F). These evenings feel like a real break from the heat that’s coming in spring.
The coldest period pops up in late December and early January.
Some nights, temperatures can dip closer to 13°C (55°F), but that’s pretty rare.
By February, daytime highs start to climb, hinting at the hotter season ahead.
Compared to April, which often hits 35°C (95°F), winter temperatures feel a lot more manageable.
Humidity and Sunshine Levels
Humidity in winter drops compared to the monsoon months, but it still changes a bit.
At the start of the season, about 45% of days feel muggy, rising to just over 50% by late February. You might notice the air getting heavier as winter goes on.
Sunshine stays steady through winter.
January usually has the fewest sunshine hours, averaging about 8.5 hours per day.
By February, days stretch a bit longer, with nearly 11 hours and 45 minutes of daylight.
Skies are clearer than in the rainy season.
Cloud cover drops from around 40% in December to 35% in February, so you get more days with bright, open skies.
Rainfall Patterns in Winter
Rain barely shows up in Vientiane during winter.
At the beginning of December, you’ve only got about a 3% chance of a wet day, which rises to around 9% by late February.
Winter is definitely one of the driest times of the year.
Average monthly rainfall stays low, typically between 5 mm and 14 mm.
Early January is the driest, with just about 4 mm recorded over a 31-day stretch.
Unlike the monsoon season, when downpours happen all the time, winter rain is light and scattered.
Most days stay dry, making travel and outdoor activities a breeze.
Monthly Breakdown: December to February
During winter, Vientiane gets cooler temperatures, lower rainfall, and clearer skies than other times of year.
Humidity drops, making the climate more comfortable, and daylight hours remain steady, so you can get outside and explore.
December Weather Highlights
December kicks off the cool season in Vientiane.
Average temperatures range from about 16–28°C (61–82°F), making it one of the most pleasant months for outdoor exploring.
You’ll notice mornings and evenings feel crisp, while afternoons stay warm but not too hot.
Rainfall barely registers, averaging just 3 mm, the lowest of the year.
Skies are often clear, and sunshine hours are high, so you can count on good weather for walking tours or day trips.
Humidity drops compared to the wet season, usually hanging around 66–68%, which helps cut down on that sticky feeling from earlier in the year.
With cooler air, dry conditions, and bright skies, December is great for sightseeing, cultural visits, and time outdoors without discomfort.
January Weather Highlights
January keeps up the dry and cool trend.
Temperatures usually fall between 16–28°C (61–83°F), and nights can feel chilly for the tropics.
You might want a light jacket in the mornings, but afternoons warm up nicely.
Rain is rare, averaging only 8 mm, and most days stay dry.
Sunshine sticks around, with daylight lasting about 11 hours, so you’ve got plenty of time for activities.
Humidity sits at a comfortable 68–70%, feeling much better than the heavy dampness of the monsoon.
The UV index stays high, so don’t forget sun protection, even when it’s cool.
February Weather Highlights
By February, temperatures creep up a bit, ranging from 18–31°C (64–88°F).
Afternoons get warmer, signaling the slow move toward the hotter months.
Mornings and evenings stay comfortable, so it’s still easy to enjoy outdoor activities.
Rainfall goes up just a touch but remains low, averaging about 12–15 mm for the month.
Most days stay dry, and skies are usually clear or just partly cloudy.
Humidity rises slightly compared to December and January, but it’s still nothing like the rainy season.
Sunshine hours increase, giving you even more daylight for exploring.
February really balances the cool winter climate with the coming warmth, offering comfort and reliable weather for traveling in Vientiane.
Comparing Winter to Other Seasons
Winter in Vientiane brings cooler nights, lower rainfall, and clearer skies than the rest of the year.
The shifts in temperature, humidity, and rainfall between seasons affect comfort, travel, and outdoor plans.
Winter Versus Summer Conditions
You’ll notice the biggest change when comparing winter to summer.
In winter, average daily highs stay around 83–89°F (28–32°C), with nights cooling off to 62–65°F (16–18°C).
Summer, on the other hand, brings much hotter days, with highs often reaching 93–95°F (34–35°C) and nights rarely falling below 76°F (24°C).
Rainfall really sets the two seasons apart.
Winter is part of the dry season, with monthly rainfall often below 1 inch (25 mm).
Summer aligns with the monsoon, when monthly totals can go over 13 inches (330 mm), leading to frequent flooding and high humidity.
Sunshine hours are longer and skies are clearer in winter.
In summer, clouds take over, and the air feels heavy and oppressive.
Winter just feels better for walking, cycling, and exploring the city.
| Season | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Sky Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | 83–89°F | 62–65°F | <1 in | Clear to partly cloudy |
| Summer | 93–95°F | 76–78°F | 10–13 in | Overcast, humid |
Transition from Autumn to Winter
You feel a real shift from autumn into winter.
By late November, rainfall drops sharply as the wet season wraps up.
Humidity falls, and the air dries out.
Daytime highs cool from the upper 80s to the low 80s °F, and nights become more comfortable, often dipping into the low 60s °F.
This is when you finally get a break from the long, humid summer.
Cloud cover decreases, too.
By December, skies are clearer, and rain becomes rare.
Travel gets easier, with drier roads and river levels settling after months of heavy flow.
Spring Onset After Winter
When winter ends, temperatures start to climb quickly.
By March, daytime highs often reach 90°F (32°C) or higher.
Nights get warmer, usually staying above 68°F (20°C).
Rainfall stays low at first but begins to increase by April.
Humidity climbs, and by late spring, things start to feel muggy again.
This change signals the monsoon is on its way.
The clear skies of winter give way to more clouds.
You still get good sunshine hours, but the air feels heavier.
For travelers, it’s still a decent time to visit, but you’ll want to prepare for hotter afternoons and the first scattered showers.
Factors Influencing Winter Climate in Vientiane
Winter weather in Vientiane comes from its tropical setting and the seasonal winds moving through Southeast Asia.
The city’s spot along the Mekong River and its monsoon climate shape the mild temperatures, short dry periods, and changes in humidity.
Geographical Location and Climate Type
Vientiane sits in central Laos at about 170 meters above sea level, close to the Mekong River.
This low elevation and river valley location keep temperatures pretty stable in winter, with daytime averages around 20–22°C (68–72°F).
Nights feel cooler, but rarely drop below 16°C (60°F).
The city has a tropical wet and dry climate (Aw) under the Köppen system.
You get a clear split between rainy and dry seasons.
Winter lands in the dry phase, which usually runs from December to February.
Humidity drops during this time, making things more comfortable compared to the sticky air of the monsoon.
The open landscape and river help prevent any extreme cold, so you don’t see the sharp temperature swings that happen in higher parts of Laos.
Seasonal Wind and Pressure Patterns
The northeast monsoon shapes winter weather in Vientiane.
During this season, high pressure systems over China send cooler, drier air toward Southeast Asia.
By the time this air reaches Laos, it’s lost most of its chill, but it still lowers humidity and clears the skies.
These winds bring clearer skies and less rain.
Average precipitation in winter often drops below 10–20 mm per month, much less than in the wet season.
Wind speeds stay light, so you won’t deal with strong gusts or storms.
Instead, you’ll notice steady breezes that keep the air fresh.
That’s why winter in Vientiane feels calm, dry, and pretty mild compared to the rest of the year.
Travel Tips for Visiting Vientiane in Winter
Cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and mostly dry days make winter in Vientiane one of the best times for travel.
You can enjoy outdoor activities, pack lighter than in the rainy season, and plan ahead for health and comfort in a warm but less humid climate.
Best Outdoor Activities
Winter in Vientiane brings daily highs around 83–89°F (28–32°C) and cooler evenings near 62–65°F (16–18°C).
The lower humidity and less rain make sightseeing easy and comfortable.
You can walk along the Mekong Riverfront in the evenings when the air cools down.
The night market is more pleasant to explore without heavy rain or high heat.
Cultural visits to Pha That Luang, Wat Sisaket, and the COPE Visitor Centre are easier in the drier months since you don’t have to worry about sudden downpours.
For longer outings, you can take day trips to Buddha Park or cycle around the city’s flat streets.
The clearer skies in January and February also make for better photos.
What to Pack for Winter
You don’t need heavy winter gear in Vientiane, but it helps to be ready for both warm afternoons and cooler nights.
Pack light cotton shirts, breathable pants, and a light jacket or sweater for the evenings.
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals are a must since you’ll probably spend a lot of time outside.
A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen help protect you from the strong sun, which can still be intense in winter.
Bring a small umbrella or light rain jacket, just in case of a stray shower, especially towards February.
Modest clothing is handy for visiting temples, where you’ll need to cover shoulders and knees.
A refillable water bottle is also smart, as staying hydrated matters in the dry air and warmer afternoons.
Health and Comfort Considerations
The air in Vientiane during winter usually feels less humid, though now and then, it can still get muggy. Drink plenty of water. Try to rest in the shade when you can, or you might end up feeling worn out.
Mosquitoes love the riverbanks, and they don’t really take a break in winter. Bring insect repellent and maybe toss on a long-sleeve shirt if you’re out in the evenings.
Urban areas sometimes have iffy air quality, so if you’re sensitive, it makes sense to pack a light mask just in case.
Sunburn can sneak up on you, even with the cooler weather. The UV index stays high, so don’t forget to reapply sunscreen.
If you deal with allergies or have breathing issues, you’ll probably find winter easier than the rainy season, but it’s still smart to carry some basic meds.
Long-Term Climate Trends and Variability
Vientiane’s tropical savanna climate shapes its winter weather, giving the city a clear dry season and mild temperatures. Over the years, rainfall amounts, humidity, and temperature ranges have mostly stayed steady, though you’ll notice some gradual changes that can affect comfort and travel plans.
Historical Winter Weather Patterns
A few decades ago, Vientiane’s winters reliably brought cooler, drier air. Daytime highs usually sat between 28°C and 30°C (82–86°F), and nights could dip to 16–18°C (61–64°F).
Rain barely made an appearance. December would see just 3 mm, and January around 8 mm. Most years, these months only had 2–3 rainy days—the driest stretch by far.
Humidity dropped compared to the monsoon, hanging around 65% to 70%, which made the air feel a lot more comfortable. Sunshine stuck around too, averaging 7–8 hours per day, so outdoor plans rarely got spoiled.
People could count on winter’s mild, steady pattern. The reliable weather set the stage for local agriculture, festivals, and travel—no surprises, just a pleasant season.
Recent Changes in Winter Climate
Lately, you might’ve picked up on some subtle but important shifts in Vientiane’s winter climate. The nights still get pretty cool, but these days, daytime highs sometimes sneak up closer to 31°C (88°F). That’s a bit warmer than it used to be.
Rainfall in December and January usually stays low. Still, you’ll sometimes notice isolated showers popping up more often than before.
You can also feel humidity creeping up a bit, with averages now hovering around 70–72%. The air doesn’t have that crisp edge it once did, though it’s definitely more comfortable than during the monsoon.
Sunshine still dominates most days. Now and then, though, hazy skies from regional air quality issues or burning fields can cut down on visibility.
These changes might not ruin your travel plans, but they’re worth keeping in mind if you’re planning a winter visit.