If you’re planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh City in the fall, you’ll step into a season with shifting skies and easing rainfall. The city’s tropical climate keeps things warm all year, but fall brings some changes in cloud cover, humidity, and how often it rains.
Daytime highs usually hover around 89°F (32°C), and nights dip to about 75°F (24°C). The weather stays warm—definitely less intense than the peak of summer.
Rainfall kicks off high in early fall, then drops off pretty quickly as winter approaches. September feels wet and humid, but by November, showers become rare and the skies clear up a bit.
This shift makes it a lot easier to wander the city’s busy streets, check out outdoor markets, or just enjoy the riverside.
Daylight hours shrink just a little, but you still get plenty of time to see the sights. With softer winds and steady warmth, fall lands somewhere between the heavy rains of summer and the dry months ahead.
Honestly, it’s a practical time to visit—you’ll dodge the worst of the weather without totally missing the tropical vibe.
Overview of Fall Weather in Ho Chi Minh City
Fall months in Ho Chi Minh City stay hot and humid, with rain showers that gradually back off as the season ends. You’ll see high daytime temps, warm nights, and a steady move from heavy monsoon rains in September to clearer skies by November.
Typical Temperature Ranges
In fall, daily highs usually stick around 88–90°F (31–32°C). That doesn’t change much from September through November.
Nights average about 75–77°F (24–25°C), so evenings feel warm and muggy.
Unlike cooler climates, you won’t notice much of a drop as fall goes on. The city’s tropical climate keeps things steady, with maybe a tiny dip in late November.
Humidity often sits above 70%, making the heat feel even stronger. Most hotels, restaurants, and public spaces blast the AC, so you’ll find relief indoors if you need it.
| Month | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 89°F / 32°C | 76°F / 24°C | Hot, wet |
| October | 88°F / 31°C | 76°F / 24°C | Humid, rainy |
| November | 89°F / 32°C | 75°F / 24°C | Warm, drier |
Seasonal Climate Patterns
Fall wraps up the rainy season in southern Vietnam. September brings frequent downpours, sometimes lasting hours.
Rain slows down through October and November, but you might still get hit by a short, heavy shower.
Skies start out mostly cloudy, with about 90% cloud cover in early September. By late November, that drops to around 70%, and you’ll see more sun poking through.
Winds usually stay light, and storms don’t get dangerous in the city itself. Still, heavy rain can cause flooding in low-lying streets.
If you plan your outings around mid-day showers, you’ll dodge a lot of the disruptions.
The air stays humid, but as the rain backs off, it gets more comfortable. Late fall feels a lot better for outdoor stuff than early fall.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Fall is hotter and wetter than winter, but not as intense as summer. In summer (June–August), rainfall peaks, so you get the wettest stretch of the year.
Fall still brings rain, but you’ll see fewer days with heavy downpours.
In winter (December–February), the skies dry out and humidity drops. Temperatures stay warm, averaging near 80°F (27°C), but the air feels lighter.
That makes winter the most comfortable time for walking and sightseeing.
Spring (March–May) heats up, with April hitting the year’s high point. Daily highs can reach 95°F (35°C), and humidity builds before the monsoon returns.
Fall lands right in the middle. You get leftover rains from summer and the first hints of the dry season. It’s a transitional period, and honestly, it has its ups and downs for travelers.
Temperature Trends During Fall
During fall, daily temperatures in Ho Chi Minh City stay warm but ease a bit from the peak wet season heat.
You’ll notice small, steady shifts from September to November, with highs and lows getting a little more comfortable.
Average Highs and Lows
Daytime highs stick close to 89°F (32°C) all fall. It’s rare for temps to go above 92°F (33°C) or below 84°F (29°C).
Nights usually average around 75°F (24°C). These nighttime temps don’t swing much, rarely dropping below 70°F (21°C) or climbing above 79°F (26°C).
April is the hottest month, with highs near 94°F (34°C), so fall feels a touch cooler but still consistently warm.
The lack of big temperature swings makes planning your day pretty straightforward.
Monthly Temperature Changes
September starts with some of the year’s heaviest rain, but temperatures hang around 88–89°F (31–32°C) during the day. Nights stay near 76°F (24°C).
By October, things feel a little less humid, and the rain chances drop. Highs stick close to 88°F (31°C), and lows average 75°F (24°C).
November feels the nicest. Highs dip to 87–88°F (31°C), and nights cool down to about 74°F (23°C).
Late fall is a popular time for outdoor travel and sightseeing, for good reason.
Day and Night Variations
Day and night temperatures don’t swing wildly, but it’s enough to matter if you’re planning your day.
Daytime stays warm, often above 85°F (29°C).
At night, you get a drop of about 10–12°F (5–6°C), which brings some relief. Even then, evenings stay humid, so expect muggy nights.
Unlike places where fall brings a crisp chill, Ho Chi Minh City keeps it warm 24/7. Mornings and evenings are more comfortable for walking or exploring, while midday is better for shaded or indoor plans.
Rainfall and Humidity in the Fall Months
From September through November, Ho Chi Minh City stays hot and humid, but rainfall starts to shift from peak levels toward the dry season.
You’ll get frequent afternoon showers, high humidity, and some real differences in rainfall totals as fall goes on.
Average Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall in fall drops off from the wet season’s peak. September is usually the wettest month, with about 300–320 mm of rain.
By October, that drops to 250–270 mm, and November often sees just 100 mm.
This pattern shows the move from monsoon rains toward the drier winter. Ho Chi Minh City gets about 1,900–2,000 mm of rain yearly, so fall adds a big chunk to that total.
You’ll see heavier rain early in the season and lighter, shorter showers by November. Rain usually comes in bursts, not all day long.
Number of Rainy Days
Rainy days also drop as fall moves along. In September, expect about 18–20 wet days, often with fast, heavy downpours.
October averages 15–18 rainy days, and by November, that drops to just 6–8 days with measurable rain.
Most showers hit in the late afternoon or early evening, so mornings are often dry—handy for planning outdoor stuff.
You’ll want light rain gear in September and October, but by November, most days stay dry, making it easier to get around.
Relative Humidity Levels
Humidity stays high all fall, but it drops a bit as rain eases up. In September, relative humidity can hit 80–85%, which feels pretty sticky.
October brings similar levels, around 78–82%. By November, humidity drops to 70–75%, which feels noticeably better.
High humidity and warm temps make it feel hotter than the thermometer says. You’ll really notice this in September, when rain and moisture peak.
By late November, the air’s less heavy, hinting at the dry season ahead. Outdoor sightseeing and evening strolls get a lot more pleasant.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
Daylight in Ho Chi Minh City doesn’t change much through the year, but how much sunshine you get does shift with the seasons.
Cloud cover and rain in fall cut down on daily sunshine hours, so the city feels dimmer than in the dry months.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
You’ll see less direct sun in fall than during the dry season. In September, expect about 5 to 6 hours of sunshine per day—that’s among the lowest of the year.
By November, this creeps up to 6 to 7 hours daily as rain backs off.
Since the city’s near the equator, daylight hours stay close to 12 hours per day all year. But clouds block a lot of that sun during the wettest weeks.
So, there’s a real difference between daylight and actual sunshine hours.
For outdoor plans, keep in mind that mornings are usually brighter, while afternoons often bring heavier showers and less sun.
Monthly Sunshine Variations
Fall months show clear differences in sunshine hours.
- September: ~163 total sunshine hours (about 5.4 hours daily)
- October: ~180–190 total sunshine hours (roughly 6 hours daily)
- November: ~210 total sunshine hours (about 7 hours daily)
This slow climb matches the shift from peak rainy season in September to drier days in late November.
Compared to the dry season, when you might get 9–10 hours of sunshine daily, fall feels a bit more subdued.
Still, with steady daylight length, you’ll have enough time for sightseeing—even if the skies are often overcast.
Wind Conditions in Fall
In fall, Ho Chi Minh City’s winds stay light to moderate and shift direction as the wet season fades.
You’ll feel steady breezes that help with humidity, but they rarely get strong or disruptive.
Average Wind Speed
Fall wind speeds usually sit between 6 to 10 mph (10 to 16 km/h). That’s pretty standard for a tropical city at low elevation.
Afternoon winds feel stronger as daytime heating stirs up the air.
Calm periods are common, too, especially in the early morning or late evening. That makes outdoor activities easier than during the peak wet season.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Average Wind Speed |
|---|---|
| September | 7–9 mph (11–14 km/h) |
| October | 6–8 mph (10–13 km/h) |
| November | 5–7 mph (8–11 km/h) |
These aren’t high enough to mess with travel, but they do help ventilate the city’s dense streets.
Seasonal Wind Patterns
Early fall brings winds from the southwest, which carry moisture from the monsoon. You’ll notice more clouds and occasional gusts then.
By October and November, winds shift more to the northeast and east. That’s a sign the dry season’s coming.
Winds get less humid and a bit cooler, which helps air quality and comfort.
This shift happens gradually, not all at once. The city moves from damp, muggy breezes to drier flows that make evenings nicer.
It’s a pattern you can count on every year—locals and travelers alike know what to expect.
Travel Tips for Visiting Ho Chi Minh City in Fall
Rain comes often in fall, especially in September and October. Temperatures stay warm and humidity is high.
You’ll want to balance time outdoors with indoor options, prep for sudden downpours, and take steps to stay comfortable in the thick, tropical air.
Best Activities for the Season
Fall brings plenty of rain, so you’ll want to keep outdoor plans loose. Mornings usually turn out clearer, which makes them the best window for walking tours, checking out markets, or wandering around landmarks like the Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral.
Afternoon rains show up fast and hit hard. That’s the perfect excuse to duck inside museums, art galleries, or shopping centers. The War Remnants Museum and Independence Palace both offer shelter and interesting things to see.
If you’re after local culture, the Mid-Autumn Festival usually lands in September or October. District 5, which is Chinatown, really comes alive with lanterns, mooncakes, and all sorts of street performances.
You can still take day trips to the Mekong Delta, but keep in mind the paths get muddy and river levels run high. Guided boat tours work best for exploring at this time.
What to Pack
You’ll want lightweight, breathable clothes because it gets hot and sticky. Skip heavy fabrics like denim, since they dry too slowly in this damp weather. Quick-dry shirts, shorts, and light pants just feel better.
A compact raincoat or poncho is essential. Sure, you can grab disposable ponchos almost anywhere, but a sturdy waterproof jacket sticks around for more than just one use. An umbrella helps sometimes, but it’s not great when the wind and rain come all at once.
Footwear matters a lot. Streets can flood, so waterproof sandals or shoes with solid grip beat out regular sneakers. If you stick with closed shoes, tossing in extra socks is a smart move.
Other handy items:
- Insect repellent for mosquitoes
- Waterproof bag or cover for electronics
- Hat and sunscreen for those sunny breaks between showers
- Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
Health and Comfort Considerations
High humidity really makes the heat feel more intense, so try to pace yourself. Plan outdoor activities for the morning, then head indoors once the rain starts.
Drink water often—you don’t want to get dehydrated.
Some districts flood, which can make walking a hassle. Stick to the main roads and avoid wading through standing water, since it’s usually not very clean.
Air conditioning in malls, cafes, and hotels often feels freezing after you’ve been out in the humid heat. A light jacket or long-sleeve shirt helps you stay comfortable when moving between those environments.
Mosquitoes get more active during the rainy season. Put on repellent in the early morning and evening, especially if you’re heading to parks or riversides.
If you have respiratory sensitivities, keep in mind that humidity and occasional pollution might affect air quality. You might want to carry a lightweight mask for crowded or dusty spots.