Seasons of the Year Seasons in Laos
North regions of Laos have tropical climate while weather of southern part of the country is subequatorial. Significant extension of the country from north to east and mostly mountainous relief are creating substantial difference between weather of regions.
Directions of winds are defining sharp change of only three seasons:
- Cool and dry when cold continental monsoons are blowing from north.
- Dry and hot.
- Hot and humid formed by warm air masses driven from the Indian Ocean.
Considering mentioned above temperature range significantly varies depending on location and altitude. Laos has no access to the sea which should be regarded when planning visit to the country. Also vaccination is necessary for safe visit to this tropical country.
Seasons
Contents:
March-May in Laos
Temperature range of spring in Laos may scare even salted travelers. At March and April air warms up to 30 – 40 °C (86-104 °F) on whole territory of the country. Even coolness of Mekong brings no relief for river is shallow. First two months of spring are part of dry and hot season.
May marks beginning of longest wet and hot season. In fact it is the hottest month of a year. High temperatures are combined with extreme humidity and humongous amounts of rain. Staying in the country at this period is barely bearable.
Climate from March to May
| March Max average t°: +33 °C (91 °F) Min average t°: +19.5 °C (67 °F) Sundial in the day: 10 hours Rainy days: 2 days Precipitation: 18.5 mm (0.7") |
| April Max average t°: +34 °C (93 °F) Min average t°: +22 °C (72 °F) Sundial in the day: 9.5 hours Rainy days: 3 days Precipitation: 33 mm (1.3") |
| May Max average t°: +32 °C (90 °F) Min average t°: +23 °C (74 °F) Sundial in the day: 8.5 hours Rainy days: 8 days Precipitation: 90 mm (3.5") |
(Vientiane)
Holidays
March 8 – International Women's Day.
April 14-18 – Lao New Year.
May 1 – Labour Day.
June-August in Laos
June is considerable time to visit the country. Short yet intense monsoon showers are cousin vivid growth of local vegetation and daily temperature range is acceptable lying between 24 °C and 30 °C (75-86 °F). Weather conditions of June are more or less same.
At August showers are reaching their peak. Aside personal discomfort this circumstance makes difficulties in moving around the country. Dirt roads are damped so main personal transport, moped, lose its relevance. But all concerns can’t prevail the fact that summer is rather warm than hot season which often becomes key factor in making decision to travel to Laos at summer.
Climate from June to August
| June Max average t°: +31 °C (88 °F) Min average t°: +24 °C (75 °F) Sundial in the day: 7.5 hours Rainy days: 10 days Precipitation: 135 mm (5.3") |
| July Max average t°: +30.5 °C (87 °F) Min average t°: +24 °C (75 °F) Sundial in the day: 6.5 hours Rainy days: 12 days Precipitation: 189 mm (7.4") |
| August Max average t°: +30 °C (87 °F) Min average t°: +24 °C (75 °F) Sundial in the day: 7 hours Rainy days: 14 days Precipitation: 217 mm (8.5") |
(Vientiane)
Holidays
June 1 – Children's Day.
July 20 – Lao Women's Union Day.
July 27 – Boun Khao Phansa.
September-November in Laos
Autumn brings relative stability to weather in Laos. At September there is still rainy but gradually temperature goes to comfortable 25 °C (77 °F) and showers are subsiding by the end of October. At November in Laos weather acquires optimal state for main type of entertainment – excursions.
The country is exceptionally rich on cultural and natural sights. Temples of the capital, lakes, waterfalls, caves and river rapids of Mekong are providing great basis for planning unforgettable vacation. And at October with its mild temperatures and little precipitation is perfect time for this.
Climate from September to November
| September Max average t°: +30.5 °C (87 °F) Min average t°: +23 °C (74 °F) Sundial in the day: 7 hours Rainy days: 14 days Precipitation: 182 mm (7.2") |
| October Max average t°: +30.5 °C (87 °F) Min average t°: +21 °C (71 °F) Sundial in the day: 8.5 hours Rainy days: 4 days Precipitation: 74 mm (2.9") |
| November Max average t°: +29.5 °C (85 °F) Min average t°: +18 °C (65 °F) Sundial in the day: 9 hours Rainy days: 1 day Precipitation: 12 mm (0.5") |
(Vientiane)
Autumn Holidays
October 24 – Boun Ok Phansa.
October 25 – Boat Racing Festival.
November 22 – That Luang Festival.
December-February in Laos
December and January are part of dry and cool season. Central regions are having nice warm weather. Temperature range is between 22 and 25 °C (72-75 °F). Mountainous areas are naturally cooler with 15 to 21 °C (59-70 °F) depending on altitude of certain location with occasional rains.
Technically February relates to hot season but first half of the month is rather comfortable for active vacation in the country. In addition amount of visitors’ decreases as well as pricing. In general November and all three of winter months are the best time to go to the country yet at rest of a year there are activities too.
Climate from December to February
| December Max average t°: +28 °C (82 °F) Min average t°: +14.5 °C (58 °F) Sundial in the day: 9 hours Rainy days: 0 days Precipitation: 5 mm (0.2") |
| January Max average t°: +28 °C (82 °F) Min average t°: +14 °C (57 °F) Sundial in the day: 9 hours Rainy days: 0 days Precipitation: 4 mm (0.16") |
| February Max average t°: +30 °C (86 °F) Min average t°: +16.5 °C (61 °F) Sundial in the day: 10 hours Rainy days: 0 days Precipitation: 7 mm (0.3") |
(Vientiane)
Holidays
December 2 – National Day.
December 3 – National Day Holiday.
January 1 – New Year's Day.
