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Best time to visit Sapa: month by month
Short answer
September to November is the classic season, with highs of about 18–22°C, ripening rice in September and clearer skies in autumn. March to May, at about 20–23°C, brings planting and flowers; June to August is green but very wet, with rain on 28–29 days a month.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 13°C | 7°C | 14 | medium |
| Feb | 15°C | 9°C | 13 | high |
| Mar | 20°C | 13°C | 15 | medium |
| Apr | 22°C | 15°C | 16 | high |
| May | 23°C | 17°C | 23 | medium |
| Jun | 23°C | 18°C | 28 | low |
| Jul | 24°C | 19°C | 29 | low |
| Aug | 23°C | 18°C | 28 | medium |
| Sep | 22°C | 17°C | 27 | very high |
| Oct | 19°C | 14°C | 22 | high |
| Nov | 18°C | 12°C | 16 | medium |
| Dec | 14°C | 8°C | 15 | medium |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
About 20°C in March, 22°C in April and 23°C in May, with nights of 13–17°C; planting season, with more rain from May.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
About 23–24°C with rain on 28–29 days a month; lush terraces, but muddy paths and possible landslides.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
About 22°C in September, 19°C in October and 18°C in November; golden rice before the harvest in September and clearer skies later.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
About 13–15°C by day and 7–9°C at night on average, with cold snaps, fog and occasional snow on Fansipan.
Events worth planning around
- Tết, the Lunar New Year (January or February), when Vietnamese travel and some businesses close
- Reunification Day and Labour Day holidays (30 April and 1 May), very busy
- National Day (2 September), very busy
- Rice harvest season in the valleys (September to early October)
When to avoid
Avoid June to August if you want dry trails and clear views, and Vietnamese public holidays if you dislike crowds and higher prices.
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Common questions
What is the best time to visit Sapa?
September to November, or March to May.
When are the rice terraces golden?
Usually in September, before the harvest.
Does it snow in Sapa?
Occasionally on Fansipan and in cold spells in winter; average winter highs are about 13–15°C.