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WEATHER IN LAOS
WEATHER IN LAOS
Laos has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons:dry and wet.
Dry season in Laos
Laos’ dry season has two distinct sub-sections — first comes the cool dry season and then comes the hot dry season — the former is one of the most popular times to visit Laos, the later less so. The cool dry season runs from November to February and the hot dry season from March to April. What the hot season lacks in length it makes up for in ferocity – it’s hot, damn hot.
What makes the hot season even more unbearable is the smoke factor — from March to May farmers set fire to rice stubble and degraded (and not-so-degraded) forest to improve soil fertility in preparation for a new rice crop. The resulting fires cover most of Laos (including Luang Prabang) in a layer of smoke which, aside from ruining views and photos, can become really irritating to the eyes. March to May in Laos — yuck!
The cool, dry season on the other hand is an excellent time to go. Temperatures are relatively low, the air is cleaner and, particularly in November and December, the rivers are high enough to make river travel a breeze. Not surprisingly, this period in Laos is the peak season for travellers.
Wet season in Laos
The wet season in Laos runs from around May to October, and as with many Southeast Asian countries, the monsoon is characterised by a downpour for a few hours each day, rather than all-day torrential downpours. While the rainy season tends to strike Laos pretty much uniformally, there are a couple of regional oddities. Laos’ wet season tends to hit Phongsali a little early due to it catching a bit of rain from southern China, while Hua Phan and Xieng Khuang tend to get a little early rain from Vietnam.
Generally speaking, the higher you are, the more rain you get, and the towns along the Mekong River south of Vientiane get the least rain.
As with Cambodia, the most obvious effect of the wet season is damaged infrastructure. Landslides are common, as are severely rutted roads. While the road network is generally far better (that is, sealed) than Cambodia’s, the topography of Laos (pretty mountainous) lends itself to landslides, some minor, some not-so-minor. Also, with all this rainfall, the rivers can become beastly and delays due to bridges being down are not uncommon. Don’t be surprised if your trip takes longer than expected.
All in all, land transport during Laos’ wet season can be slow and soggy.
On the upside, boat transport comes into its own during the great wet. Rivers are high so the slowboats can make better pace. Along the Mekong River many of the rapids are submerged, helping the slowboats with their deeper drafts, but if you’re considering a speedboat trip, be warned that the heavy rainfall brings a lot of refuse into the river, and hitting a submerged log at 50km/h can be very messy. This is yet another reason not to get on a speedboat.
Other advantages of this season are lower temperatures, cleaner air and smaller crowds.
When is the best time to visit different regions in Laos ?
Vientiane
The best time to visit Vientiane is from November to February as you’ll experience sunny days and comfortable temperatures.
The weather is drier and cooler, with a great temperature of around 17°C, it only runs to 30°C until March. Rainfall is rarely at this time, so this is the high tourist season here. Coming to Vientiane at this time, you will have a chance to be immersed in the tranquil atmosphere of the well-known temples in Laos. Besides, there is nothing better than the favorable weather which supports your trip to other iconic sites such as Patuxai, Pha That Luang, Buddha Park, etc.
April and May are hotter with the heat is sometimes 34°C. Torrential afternoon rains happen regularly between May and September.
Luang Prabang
The temperature in Luang Prabang is quite similar to Vientiane, with cooler evenings. The heaviest rains may occur daily from June till August which can reach 300 mm each month. November through to March is the best time to explore Luang Prabang with the average temperatures around 27°C, although some people love to go in the rainy season when fewer travelers come here and the idyllic countryside is picturesque with colors and earthy scents after downpours. In addition to wandering along the antique streets, dropping in the bustling local markets, and visiting the solemn pagodas, the rainy season is the best time to visit Kuang Si Waterfall in Luang Prabang when the waterfall is full of cool and clean water.
Vang Vieng
The wet season from May till September is the best time to visit the lush green mountains of Vang Vieng twinkling after afternoon downpours.
With the advantage of the ideal terrain – the back against the mountain, the front facing overlooking the river, Vang Vieng Town is known as a peaceful countryside on the bank of the Nam Song River. This small town is hidden in not only the wilderness but also the happy vitality, bringing the tourists fresh air when setting the first steps here. The wilderness of Vang Vieng has been blossoming in the blue of the trees and the river flowing smoothly around the limestone ranges. Moreover, Vang Vieng is famous for the poetic scenery and rich in adventurous activities, where you can go caving, rock-climbing, waterfall-slipping, swimming or kayaking.
At this time, Nam Song River fills up and flows four times faster. Moreover, due to heavy rains, the pathways and rocks can be slippery, so be cautious when participating in active activities.
The southern of Laos
In the south of Laos, from June to September receives torrential rains which may interfere from your journey by sleek roads; however, this is the best time to travel around southern Laos on a boat, especially exploring the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia – Khone. In the waterfall cluster, there are smaller waterfalls with cool and clear water, in which you can freely bath and swim. One of the most interesting activities in southern Laos at this time is kayaking to encounter Irrawaddy – the endangered fresh river dolphin that only exists in Laos, India, and Malaysia nowadays.
From November to March, the weather is drier and cooler, it is also the best time to discover the sites on land, while March till May is supposed as the hottest season when the heat is on the peak, generally reaches 34°C. This time is suitable for visiting Wat Phou – one of the two world cultural heritages in Laos. There are many ancient civilizational relics with sandstone castles, pagodas, and temples worshiping Theravada Buddhism. It is an ideal destination for people who are interested in history and culture.
On the whole, throughout Laos, from November to April, rainfall is the lowest level of the year and the sky is clear to capture some stunning nature pictures. Besides, big national and regional festivals take place during the period, so you may catch up with something interesting.
Tell us the place you want to drop in Laos and we will show you when the best time to visit Laos is! All of the things you need to do are to package your suitcase and go!
Please note: The weather can be unpredictable so it may be a good idea to carry an umbrella or raincoat with you.