What May feels like in Ho Chi Minh City
May falls in Ho Chi Minh City's wet season — the rainfall numbers rise clearly above the dry months. Expect proper heat in the afternoon — slow down between noon and four. Even after dark it stays hot and sultry. The air is muggy, so it feels hotter than the thermometer suggests.
Rain in Ho Chi Minh City in May
Rain is part of normal life this month, falling on most days. When rain comes it is heavy, about 9 mm (0.4 in) per wet day, often in short, strong bursts. That is close to Ho Chi Minh City's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 9.3 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in May
On 15 May the sun rises at about 5:31 am and sets around 6:08 pm local time, giving 12 h 37 min of daylight. Days are getting longer: 15 min more daylight than in mid-April. Close to the equator, sunrise and sunset times move very little through the year. About 78% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How May compares to the rest of the year
May is the 4th warmest month of the year in Ho Chi Minh City. Compared with April, afternoons are 1.4°C (2.5°F) cooler, with 143 mm more rain. June is cooler again. By June, typical highs are 31.3°C (88.3°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Ho Chi Minh City in May
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Sun Protection
Loose, breathable clothing plus sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Ho Chi Minh City in May?
Afternoons average 32.7°C (90.9°F) and nights about 25.6°C (78.1°F) — hot by most people's standards. It is the 4th warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Ho Chi Minh City in May?
Yes, fairly — rain falls most days and totals about 234 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Ho Chi Minh City in May?
The numbers point to rain protection and sun protection. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is May or June better for visiting Ho Chi Minh City?
June scores better on our climate ranking (#8 of 12 vs #12), rated Fair against Poor. June is cooler and has more rainy days.