The next ten days (January 20–29) will see fluctuating weather conditions across Vietnam as cold air systems weaken temporarily before intensifying in the days leading up to the Lunar New Year.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting predicts that northern Vietnam will experience cold and rainy conditions with a high risk of frost and freezing temperatures in mountainous areas as a new cold front arrives before Tet.

The weakening continental high-pressure system is expected to shift eastward until January 25–26, when a stronger cold air mass will bring significant temperature drops. Combined with upper-level wind divergence over northern Vietnam, this will result in diverse weather patterns across the country.

From January 20–25, light rain and scattered morning fog are expected in the northern and north-central regions, with sunny afternoons. Nighttime and early mornings will remain cold.

However, starting January 25–26, the arrival of a strong cold front will bring widespread rain, scattered thunderstorms, and temperatures plummeting to potentially hazardous levels. Severe cold (below 13°C) and extreme cold (below 10°C) are forecast, particularly in high-altitude areas where frost and freezing rain are possible.

Hanoi will see mild, foggy mornings and sunny afternoons during the early part of the period. From January 25 onward, scattered rain and thunderstorms will set in, along with colder temperatures. By January 26, temperatures could dip as low as 11–12°C, with highs not exceeding 15–17°C.

The central regions, from Thanh Hoa to Thua Thien Hue, will experience mild weather from January 20–25, with occasional light rain and sunny afternoons. Starting January 26, the strengthening cold front will cause increased rainfall and cooler temperatures in the northern areas of central Vietnam.

The southern part of central Vietnam, along with the Central Highlands, will have warm and mostly dry conditions, with only isolated showers throughout the period.

Southern Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, will enjoy warm and sunny weather during the day, with occasional scattered showers. Temperatures are expected to remain stable, with no significant cold spells anticipated.

Key temperature forecasts

In northern Vietnam, the lowest temperatures during the severe cold period are expected to range from 8–12°C, with mountainous areas dropping to 7–9°C and some high-altitude locations falling below 7°C. Frost and icy conditions are likely in these areas.
In Hanoi, temperatures from January 27–29 will range from 11–12°C at night to 15–17°C during the day.
Weather specifics for Hanoi (January 20–22, 2025):

January 20:

Day: Partly cloudy, no rain, with morning fog and sunny afternoon skies. Highs of 22–24°C. Humidity: 55–65%.
Night: Clear skies, no rain. Lows of 14–16°C. Humidity: 75–85%.
January 21:

Day: Partly cloudy, no rain, with morning fog and sunshine. Highs of 22–24°C. Humidity: 60–65%.
Night: Cloudy but dry. Lows of 15–17°C. Humidity: 78–88%.
January 22:

Day: Partly cloudy, no rain, with morning fog and a sunny afternoon. Highs of 20–22°C. Humidity: 65–70%.
Night: Dry and clear. Lows of 14–16°C. Humidity: 70–80%.

Bao Anh