Ha Giang weather and best time to visit (a detailed guide)

Ha Giang weather and best time to visit (a detailed guide)

Ha Giang, at an altitude of above 1000 meters, is surrounded by rocky high mountains and mighty winding roads. Being far away and isolated from the cities in the north delta, no wonder why Ha Giang has distinctive weather, as well as surreal nature and unique vivid ethnic culture.

I have been to Ha Giang twice. The first one was to explore all of the must-do places in Ha Giang such as Dong Van, Hoang Su Phi, and the Lung Cu flag pole. Whereas in the last trip, I explored the more less-traveled paths and did some trekking.

All the two trips were amazing. Although the second one is obviously better since I knew better how to choose the right traveling time.

Therefore, I’m excited to share with you my knowledge about Ha Giang weather. They are all backed up by my co-workers who’ve been to and helped people travel to Ha Giang for years.

Also, I will share some best times to visit Ha Giang customized for varied travel interests. Hope it will be an awesome guide for you to enjoy Ha Giang in your best way.

Table of Contents

What is the weather like in Ha Giang?

In a nutshell, Ha Giang has a moderate climate with rainfall in the summer months and dry winter. For us travelers, we should pay attention to the rainy season in the summer and the cold winter from November to February.

The rainy season starts from May to September with the temperature falling between 16 °C/60 °F to 27 °C/80 °F. This is the hottest month in Ha Giang with higher chances of rains and higher risks of floods and landslides.

On the opposite side, the wintertime is really cold with the temperature fluctuating from 1 to 20 °C/ 34 °F to 68 °F.

One more thing to know is that the temperature in Ha Giang city is 2 °C higher than that in towns or villages located in higher altitudes.

Now, I will explore more Ha Giang’s weather in detail.

What is the weather like in Ha Giang in the winter months?

As I have said before, the temperature from November to February falls between 1 to 20 °C. While for many Western travelers, especially those in cold northern countries, this does not seem too bad.

But I need to do a bit of warning. You know, since Ha Giang is a remote area with the majority of people still living in rustic wooden houses. Lots of the accommodations in Ha Giang are in this form of homestay as well. Whereas it provides you a truly authentic experience, (and I strongly recommend every traveler to seize the chance to experience it). The houses have space to allow wind to enter at night, which makes it super cold on winter nights.

I often advise travelers to Ha Giang in winter to bring their warm jackets and sweaters.

Is there snow in Ha Giang?

Ha Giang can get frosty during December and January. In fact, there is a minor trend for Viet travel lovers to come to the most breezing high mountains to hunt snow. There is rarely snow but when it does, it can be super cold and the temperature might reach minus 20 °C/ – 68 °F

Make sure to check the forecast before you go. If there’s snow, you may want waterproof boots and jackets.

What is the weather like in Ha Giang in the rainy months (May to Sep) & summer months (May to July)?

Months from May to September are the hottest months in Ha Giang. Yet the temperature is quite moderate at from 16 °C to 27 °C/16 °F to 80 °F with humidity can reach 80.6%.

However, the sun rays in the high mountainous area can be harsh. Thus, please consider your physical condition well if you decide to do some intense outdoor activities such as trekking or long-hour cycling.

During this time, rain can be heavy and on and off with the risk of floods. If you’re enthusiastic about taking a motorbike trip to explore the Ha Giang loop, you should check the weather forecast closely. If there’re heavy rains during your travel time, it’s advisable not to go for your safety.

The good news is, compared to other mountainous areas, Ha Giang is known for having little rainfall. Thus, even in the rainy summer months, there are still lots of sunny days for you to explore. If you decide to travel solo, it’s crucial to check weather forecasts and ask local people for current weather. If you decide to go with a travel company, the travel consultant will make sure to keep check of the weather and keep you informed.

One last good piece of advice to travel to is to bring mosquito repellent and long comfortable clothes. We all know insects in the mountains can be a bit bizarre.

What is the weather like in Ha Giang during fall? (August to October)

Towards the fall months of August and September, the temperature gets cooler and the night can get a bit chilly. The temperature in October falls between 14 to 22 °C/57 °F to 72 °F. Comfy weather for everyone, yayy! Please bring along a light jacket for the night and you’re set to go.

What is the best time to visit Ha Giang?

For a place with diversified culture and amazing landscape like Ha Giang, I can say the province is beautiful 12 months a year. Yet, if you want to top up your trip plan, or to understand what is special during your traveling month, this guide should be helpful.

Best time for scenery

Ha Giang golden season — Starting from September, the rice starts to ripen, which turns the whole gigantic hillside yellow

The best time to visit Ha Giang for the best scenery in May, June, September, and October. As these are the best times to behold the majestic rice terraces. While it’s the rice planting season in May and June, the harvest season is from September to October.

During early summer, farmers start pouring water into their staircase-like paddy fields, which turns these fields into gigantic mirrors. It’s such beautiful scenery to watch, at sunrise, sunset, and in daylight. The cultural geek will definitely fall in love when they see local farmers walking their buffaloes to the fields. You will also find lovely children accompanying their parents. Despite being at such a young age, they are hard-working kids helping their parents with farming, looking after their younger siblings, etc

Starting from September, the rice starts to ripen, which turns the whole gigantic hillside yellow. Silky rice plants under the sun, locals harvesting in their ethnic costumes, majestic mountainous scape,… It’s a chance to embrace nature and the slow-pace charming daily life at the same time. This is the kind of experience that both nature and life photographers will fall in love with.

Best time to beat the crowds

When you want to beat the crowds, it’s not much of a secret to avoid peak seasons for domestic travelers. And here are they:

Late October and early November, when flocks of Vietnamese travelers go to Ha Giang to see the buckwheat flowers.
September when many travelers want to enjoy the majestic golden terrace rice fields. It’s especially crowded in Hoang Su Phi, where the most beautiful Ha Giang terraces lie.
Around March 27 in the lunar calendar (around April in the solar calendar). People travel to experience the famous Khau Vai love market, which is now part of a cultural travel event hosted by the government.

The other periods should be nice for serenity lovers. Combining factors of scenery and weather, the best time to beat the crowds in Ha Giang is August, May, and February.

Best time for trekking and outdoor adventure

Hoang Su Phi-rice terraces — Hoang Su Phi is the most beautiful trekking route in Ha Giang

You can take part in exciting outdoor activities such as trekking and cycling around the year. Although it can get chilly during winter, and you should expect high humidity in the summer.

However, my best time to trek is from October to December. It’s after the rainy season. Not to mention the scenery is awesome. You can catch some interesting scenes of local drying rice on the grounds, hanging corn in their house. These are typical things to do when the harvest season ends. And, because of the dry climate, there are more clouds, making the scene beautifully hazy and mysterious.

You can also trek in from January to April. Lots of flowers bloom in springtimes, making your trekking experience more worthwhile.

Hoang Su Phi is the most beautiful trekking route in Ha Giang. If you’re interested, we have another detailed guide here.

Best time for local experience

Ha Giang Local market — The traditional Dong Van Sunday market, where the daily life of mountainous people captivates so many learners-explorers

From local markets to home visiting, Ha Giang is full of local experiences. You can visit local villages anytime and see their farming life during planting and harvesting season. However, if you travel during Jan and February, you will have the chance to experience authentic festivals.

I am not talking about major festivals with flocks of people and stuffy air. What I meant is small festivals with the only participants being local villagers. And these festivals are also the most authentic ones.

What’s it like to experience a local festival in Ha Giang?

The early months of spring are around the Vietnamese traditional New Year holiday. It explains why there are so many festivals around this time. As people will wear their most beautiful clothes during important celebrations, you will catch people in ethnic minorities in their beautifully vivid dress.

Another highlight is the peach blossom and apricot blossom. These flowers are the symbol of Tet holiday in the high mountains. Imagining Sakura, but more mountainous, more rustic. Catch the charming sight on wooden roofs, the market, the forests, and everywhere.

What’s more? You can also mingle with interesting activities during the festival, as well as learn unique customs that the locals practice. It depends on what celebration you’re attending. Here are three major ones:

Tet new year of the H’mong people:

It’s held in the 12th month of the lunar year, which is about December or January in the solar calendar. You can engage in making sticky rice cake, learn how the H’mong decorates their house, and worship in Tet. As Tet is time for family gatherings, you can also participate in their new year feast, talking, drinking, and partying.

Long Tong festival of the Tay people:

Tay people celebrate the Long Tong festival in the desire for nice weather and a fruitful harvest year. Enriching experience includes playing bamboo swing, watching lion dance, and human chess.

Tet new year of the Lo Lo people:

It happens at the same time as the lunar new year celebration. Stay in a Lo-Lo village in the new year, you will have the chance to make Chung cake in a huge pot, play yen – a badminton-like game. Also, you will see a lot of pork hanging over the fireplace, a special dish for important occasions.

Final words

Phew. This is a long guide. I’m glad I finished it. And I would be happier if you find lots of useful information about Ha Giang weather and the best time to visit Ha Giang.

Guess now you’re really excited thinking about the trip. Especially after Covid19, we are finally able to go somewhere far away. Since this trip is special to you, let me know if there’s anything I can help more by commenting below or kindly drop me an email.

Cheers to the wonderful adventure ahead!

Great-for-value Ha Giang tours

Useful questions

What is the weather like in Ha Giang in December?

December is one of the two coldest months in Ha Giang with the temperature falling between 1 to 15 °C/ 34 °F to 59 °F. There’s also a rare chance of snow. Visitors to Ha Giang in December should pack warm jackets and sweaters as it can be freezing at the night. However, it’s a good time for trekking and other outdoor activities.

Is it hot and humid in Ha Giang?

No. The highest temperature recorded in the hottest months was about 30 °C/86 °F, and humidity can reach 80.6%. Ha Giang’s weather is fairly pleasant.