Mekong Delta is a series of distributaries located between Ho Chi Minh and Cambodia – in the southwest part of Vietnam. The delta region supplements more than half of the country’s rice and fish needs.
This region is popularized with several floating markets among which Cai Rang floating market is one of the must-see in the area.
Generally, the delta has a typical climate due to it being in the tropics with two alternating seasons which are rainy and dry. The dry season runs from December through April or May with average temperature around 28 °C and the rainy season is from June till November.
From April to September, the Mekong Delta gets significant amounts of both rain and hot weather due to the southwest monsoon, with the months of June and July being especially wet. The southwest monsoon brings heaviest rains from May through October, giving additive effects on Mekong high flows, thus causing floods at various depths in scattered areas. However, there is no problem to visit the Mekong Delta in the rainy season – typically when the rain normally lasts for only about an hour.
April – June Rain is coming
These are the months where Delta welcomes the rain. The light rain is comfortable enough to make up for the heat. On an average, the temperature can reach 34ºC in daytime and it reaches its highest temperatures in April and May (about 35–38ºC during the day).
Despite these months having random drizzles, it is considered an excellent time for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and exploring the local culture. On some days, local musicians are often seen sitting outside while playing their instruments. If you are on for some adventures, try walking in the outskirts of the villages or simply take a laid back boat ride in the shade of the trees. You are surely out for a good time while indulging in Mekong tours and walking through fruit gardens. Also, traveling during these months gives you an opportunity to enjoy the Cholchonam Thomay (Khmer’s New Year) and the Crop Season Opening Festival.
June – August Fruit Months
These months are typically humid however, the greatest variety of tropical fruit is available only in these months. Basically, the summer season is where most fruits found in the Mekong Delta ripens and is ready for harvest. If you happen to visit the region during this time of the year, you can visit some famous fruit gardens and enjoy the best fruits such as durian, mango, tangerine, and grapefruit.
September – November The Floating Season
During these months in Mekong, expect occasional flooding especially in the remote areas around Dong Thap and Tra Vinh, so stay informed of the regional weather forecast ahead of your trip if you are travelling in these months.
Flood season, also known as the floating season, often lasts from September to November. Residents in the Mekong Delta area do not consider flooding as a natural disaster. The flood, however, sweeps everything away and brings a new face to the delta with its rich brown alluvial water. This is also the income season for local people with abundant fish and water vegetables. Farmers engage themselves in fishing either for home consumption or as an ‘off-season’ business. The waterfront life is most fascinating in this season.
Despite the fact that it is a flooding season, the rice fields are filled with wild water lilies covered by water. You can also take advantage of favorable prices for touring Mekong Delta and significantly fewer tourists.
Given its seasonal flooding, the Mekong Delta reveals its best during dry months from December to May when the sky is crystal clear, the land is lush and the water is calm.
December – May Break from all the rain
Vietnam generally gets a break from all the rain during this season there is still occasional drizzles, you can expect clearer skies, brilliant green landscapes, and lower levels of humidity.
The average temperature from December to February in the Mekong Delta ranges from about 22ºC at night to about 32ºC in the daytime.
Excited to book your flight and head to Mekong Delta? Make sure to first read the travel updates in Vietnam before packing up!
