Sapa in Summer or rainy season : weather and what to do
You may not know it yet: 3/4 of Vietnamese territory is covered by mountains, even though we have a fairly long coastline from north to south. This is why visiting a mountainous destination should be at the top of any traveler’s list in Vietnam.
Sapa is one of the popular attractions regarding the lush and towering mountains that you must explore at least once in your life. For those still wondering about the best time to visit Sapa, please read our article below for more details.
About the climate in Sapa in Summer
In Sapa, the weather changes according to four typical seasons, in perfect harmony with the landscape.
Summer from May to August is hot with an average temperature of 20°C.
The fall months, September to November, are cool, with beautiful golden leaves.
From December to February, winter is cold with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C and occasional snowfall, resulting in a beautiful winter landscape.
From March to May, spring brings lots of rain, which helps make the city green.
Before discovering the best time to visit Sapa, here are the highlights of Summer season.
Sapa in summer ( May -June- July – August)
Sapa in spring might be a bad idea if you hate crowds, as many people go there to enjoy the Tet holiday. It is a check-in point for visitors, especially Vietnamese.
Summer would be more pleasant in this case. The temperature will not be too cool (between 17 and 19 degrees C) at this time. The day continues to be bright and sunny with mild temperatures. And as spring turns to summer, the vibrant pink of cherry and plum blossoms gives way to the fresh green of new grains and green vegetables.
What to do in Sapa in summer ?
Sapa residents sow their fields during the summer, often called the rainy season (May-June). In mid-May, ethnic people can be seen in the rice terraces of the Lao Cai highlands, all along the road to Sapa town. At the start of the rainy season, the fields look like shimmering mirrors against the sky. It’s a breathtaking spectacle.
The green of the rice and the sparkling water of the hundreds of terraces that stretch eternally, from the peak to the foot of the mountain, make the stepped fields of Sapa especially beautiful during the rainy season. From a distance, farms wind along the mountains like dirt roads. On the other side, the H’mong live in houses covered with tiny, exquisite palm fronds. Sapa is almost charming at sunset during the rainy season.
Some activities to do in Sapa in summer
rent a motorbike and see the surrounding mountains
trekking in the hills and tribal villages of Sapa: Ta Van, Ta Phin, Lao Chai…
cloud chasing, spending the night in a homestay/resort at the top of a hill…
- Sapa 2 days trek from Sapa to Muong Hoa valley – off the beaten track itinerary from $40/ person
- Sapa Half day free trekking tour to explore Muong Hoa valley from Amica House – off the beaten track
- 1 day trek around Muong Hoa valley from Amica House from $15 – off the beaten track
- Sapa trekking tour 1 day : Sapa – Lao Chai and Ta Van day trip – off the beaten track
When is the best time to visit Sapa?
When is the best time to visit Sapa? The best periods are from March to May and from September to November. The weather is mild and pleasant during these months, and you can enjoy sightseeing and walks in the rice terraces without having to deal with many people. Views from hotels are also best when there is no fog.
For a dream winter experience, in case you like it, the period from December to February is preferred. The cold and foggy weather makes the atmosphere even more magical.
Tips for visiting Sapa
Sapa can be difficult if you are unfamiliar with Vietnam’s mountainous region and unfamiliar with the local culture. Don’t worry, here are some tips to make your trip to Sapa safe and fun:
Bus and train are the only means of transportation to Sapa from Hanoi. Prepare for a long journey of around 6-7 hours.
It’s best to stay near Sapa town, not in the center, if you want to have affordable accommodation. Recommend local homestays, they have nice views, clean rooms and enough facilities.
Do not give money to children as this is sometimes a scam.
If you don’t have a private guide and a car, rent a motorbike and explore the city. You can contact a local agency that has a local driver service.
Bring cash, as you probably won’t find many ATMs here. The further you go from the center, the more basic the payment methods.
Bring a few good pairs of shoes as you will need to do a lot of trekking and climbing, with the main terrain in Sapa being hills and mountains.
Bring plenty of warm clothing (with a waterproof covering for rainy days in spring), as the temperature in Sapa is low compared to other parts of Vietnam.
Are you a solo traveler or a novice? We recommend hiring the services of a tour guide. It’s much more interesting and faster.
We hope this information will be useful to you in planning your trip to Sapa. Let us know what your favorite season is in the comments below. Book a tour package to Sapa from Hanoi from HERE.