Thanks to its geographic condition, Sapa has one of the most favorable climates in Vietnam. The temperature remains stably cool throughout the year though winter may see more severe changes, with frost and even snow (mostly from mid-December to mid-January).
Humidity is relatively high all year round, between 83-87% and temperature ranges within 15-30 Celcius degree. If you include Sapa in your itinerary, make sure to bring some warm clothes since it can get quite cold at night (see packing tips for Sapa).
How hot is Sapa?
Not very, in comparison with Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Thanks to its high altitude, Sapa is an ideal location for summer retreat during the overheated summer time and the scarcely populated town also has pretty fresh air.
How wet is Sapa?
Be prepared to bring rain coat if visiting during summer time too, since there is infrequent showers. In the winter, fog and frost often make it cold enough to keep yourself warm with rain- and wind-proof outwears.
Monthly Averages
Here, one can have interesting experience of four seasons in one day: fresh spring in the morning, summer with light sunshine in the noon, cool autumn in the afternoon, and the coldness of winter in the night.
Sapa is also one of very few areas in Vietnam where you may watch snow falling in winter. Sometimes, the temperature during winter (December to February) falls to under zero degree Celsius, and many trees in the town are covered in ice. Even in summer (June to August), the weather is moderately cool with day temperature ranging from 20 to 25 degree Celsius, and night temperature from 13 to 15 degree Celsius.
Below is the table of Sapa’s weather by month:
| Month | Average Temperature | Precipitation |
| January | 8°C | 140mm |
| February | 7°C | 80mm |
| March | 14°C | 100mm |
| April | 17°C | 140mm |
| May | 17°C | 285mm |
| June | 20°C | 290mm |
| July | 19°C | 490mm |
| August | 19°C | 670mm |
| September | 18°C | 260mm |
| October | 16°C | 50mm |
| November | 11°C | 140mm |
| December | 8°C | 50mm |
Best Time To Visit Sapa
In the summer, Sapa is a popular escape destination for domestic travelers, which may hamper the authentic and original experience of the town. This high season often falls between June and August.
In contrast, March-May and September- November are the two recommended periods to visit Sapa if you want a more laid-back natural and rejuvenating holiday.
September is the harvesting season in Sapa so get your camera charged in full or else you will regret every single step you walk.
Sapa Weather In Brief
- March – May: perfect weather – warm and dry – for trekking and outdoors activities
- June – September: rainy weather and crowded with Vietnamese tourists
- Late – September – mid- December: cool dry weather – perfect for photos and trekking
- Mid-December – February: harsh winter but few tourists – perfect for people watching
