Vietnam Mountain Stay

Best time to visit Pu Luong: A season by season guide to Pu Luong weather

The total 17,662 ha of Pu Luong Nature Reserve is one of the best mountainous gateways near the capital. From stunning rice terraces, fascinating Thai indigenous culture to exciting trekking routes, endless relaxing moments. etc. Pu Luong is Vietnam’s newly favorite green land for traveling. This article explores Pu Luong weather and best time to visit Pu Luong to make the most out of your trip.

Pu Luong weather in a nutshell

Pu Luong has four distinct seasons every year. The temperature can fall between 18 °C and 38 °C (64 – 100 °F). As a sub-tropical climate, Pu Luong can also receive rain during the cold winter period.

When is the best time to visit Pu Luong?

The best time to visit Pu Luong is in May, June, September, October. These two periods are also two crops harvested seasons in Pu Luong. Ripen rice covering stepped-like mountainous slopes, along with the happy vibes of locals harvesting their staple food is the best mountains charm. The fall climate in September and October will be cozier for Westerners than the summer months. And please consider traveling during the weekdays as weekends may see an influx of Vietnam holiday goers.

There is your takeaway information about the best time to visit Pu Luong. But hold on.

Since many Westerners would prefer to travel to Vietnam around December for the sake of the weather and holiday seasons. Does this mean that Pu Luong is not a good option? I don’t think so. Because Vietnam mountains and Pu Luong offer stunning landscapes and exquisite cultures. The land can by no means be less travel-worthy without the golden season.

So let’s a step further. Look at our season-by-season guide to Pu Luong weather, and best experiences each to make a sound Pu Luong itinerary.

Best time to visit Pu Luong – a season by season guide

From February to April: festivals and market

The temperature of these warmest months is between 18 and 25 °C (64 – 77 °F). This spring weather in Pu Luong is a bit chilly, especially when hitting the winding roads by motorbike. However, it’s perfect for Western explorers who are not happy with tropical heat and humidity. Along with the winter months, spring is also ideal for outdoor activities.

This time of the year has the best festive atmosphere. You will feel the vibe when visiting the Thai and Muong ethnic people. During Tet lunar new year, the children will hang around new vividly colorful dresses under cherry blossom trees amid mountains. Going through the majestic Son Ba Muoi pass, you will be impressed by the cheerfulness on the faces of the locals. At the beginning of the year, locals have more time to gather. They will excitingly talk about busy crops, weddings, gossips,..everything has been through the year.

If you happen to visit Pu Luong on Thursday or Sunday morning, you should visit Pho Doan market. It’s a chance to explore a highland market, which definitely offers a fascinating travel-back-in-time experience. The goods are mainly home-produced such as brocade, wine, seasonal vegetables, insects, fresh fruit, etc.

Pho Doan fair market has enriched the material and spiritual life of the people in the western Thanh Hoa province. At the same time, it helps preserve the unique cultural features of the ethnic minorities here. If you visit once, you will forever remember its idyllic beauty.

Summer – May to August: best time to visit Pu Luong for golden rice terraces and water fun

Lying on a low limestone mountain area with many tropical forests, Pu Luong’s climate dramatically changes during day and night. During the summer, temperatures will climb due to Foehn wind from the southwest. As a result, the hottest time of the day is between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m with the heat reaching 38 °C (64 – 100 °F). Overnight, cooler air sinks quickly to the valley from the mountains. Thus, that you may need a blanket for sleeping time.

May and June are when Pu Luong entered the first harvesting season. Yet it is one of the peak tourist months of the year.

The mild early summer is suitable for family trips or close friends to enjoy outdoor activities. From hiking, trekking, gliding on bamboo rafting to camping and relaxing in an enchanting rustic lodge,..there are endless things to do.

A hidden spot not to miss when visiting Pu Luong in the summer is Hieu waterfall. Hieu waterfall is located in Co Lung commune, about 25km from Ba Thuoc center, 16km from Puluong Retreat (about 25 minutes by car). It is about 9 floors high originating from a rocky cave in Pu Luong limestone mountains. And trekking to the peak may take half of a day. The waterfall flow is crystal clear, cool, with many natural swimming pool layers.

Exciting news for runners-travelers

In recent years, in May, Pu Luong is also the destination for a challenging marathon race named Vietnam Jungle Marathon. This race attracts a large number of both Vietnamese and international athletes. Its “specialty” is the sweltering heat challenging runners to run for their life to cool themselves in the basin of Pu Luong nature reserve. If you are a runner like I am, you know the hype.

Autumn – September and October – golden rice terraces and breezing air

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The climate is mild and pleasant for visitors to get a wonderful trip. The average temperature marks between 18 and 23°C (64 – 77 °F) but it can fall to 15°C (59 °F ) at night.

September is considered the most beautiful season of the year when Pu Luong enters its second rice crop. All the hillside terraced paddy fields will turn into brilliant yellow. With the autumn breezing weather, autumn is definitely the best time to visit Pu Luong for everyone who wishes to see the best of Vietnam mountains in just two or three days.

Winter – November, December and January – Best time to visit Pu Luong for dry weather and trekking

The winter brings about the breeze and heavy fog in the early morning and late at night. November to December are the coldest months of the year.

Temperatures decrease in the middle of 10°C and 12°C during the nights and between 14°C and 18°C in the afternoons. Thus, you should prepare enough warm clothes. A good jacket will do.

Winter with the cold and dry weather will be best for exciting trekking experiences and visits to local homes. If you love trekking, the Pu Luong nature reserve is perfect for you. In fact, there’s a route trekking from Mai Chau to Pu Luong, passing waterfall, villages, and jungles which can give you the best of two mountainous destinations.

Final thoughts

Even though the golden rice season – the best time to visit Pu Luong in overall offers breathtaking scenery that every traveler would fall in love with. Here are my and my co-workers at Vietnam Mountain Stay’s five cents over best time to visit Pu Luong: “The charms of the Vietnam mountains are more than golden crops. It’s the green mountains, jungle, lake and waterfall, the dirt trails, rustic villages, and friendly locals in vivid custom that make it special”.

Thus, if you do not happen to travel during the golden season, it’s ok. Unless it’s not storming and raining heavily, your Pu Luong trip will be 100% awesome.