Ho Chi Minh City in May

In May, Ho Chi Minh City averages 34°C (93°F) during the day and 26°C (79°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 17 days of the month see precipitation (220 mm total).

Off-peak

Conditions are very hot — early-morning and evening sightseeing recommended. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

May is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Ho Chi Minh City. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.

34°C
Avg high
26°C
Avg low
17
Rain days
220 mm
Rainfall

How May compares to the rest of the year in Ho Chi Minh City

3rd
warmest month of the 12
6th
wettest month of the 12
11%
of yearly rainfall falls in May
12 h 37 min
daylight on the 15th

May is one of the warmest months in Ho Chi Minh City (3rd of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (6th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (32°C). May runs 1°C cooler than April (35°C) and cools 2°C in June (32°C).

May sunrise & sunset in Ho Chi Minh City

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:31 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:08 PM
Day length
12 h 37 min

Times shown for Ho Chi Minh City local time (Asia/Ho_Chi_Minh), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Ho Chi Minh City — May

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Ho Chi Minh City's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:31 AM – 5:11 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:11 AM – 6:11 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:28 PM – 6:28 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:28 PM – 7:08 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Good
Galactic core is up but lower on the horizon; head well outside city limits for a clean view.

📅 When to book — Ho Chi Minh City in May

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (Off-peak) and Ho Chi Minh City's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-6 weeks
Cheapest flights of the year. Last-minute deals are real if you can be flexible.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-4 weeks
Last-minute bookings work fine. Some seasonal properties close — call ahead if it's a small boutique or beach resort.

Crowds & pricing — May in Ho Chi Minh City

Off-peak

This is off-peak for Ho Chi Minh City — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.

Why this tier: challenging tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — May in Ho Chi Minh City

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.8
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Ho Chi Minh City in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 32°C / 90°F 22°C / 72°F 15 mm 2 0
February 33°C / 91°F 23°C / 73°F 5 mm 1 0
March 34°C / 93°F 25°C / 77°F 10 mm 2 0
April 35°C / 95°F 26°C / 79°F 50 mm 5 0
May 34°C / 93°F 26°C / 79°F 220 mm 17 0
June 32°C / 90°F 25°C / 77°F 330 mm 22 0
July 32°C / 90°F 25°C / 77°F 315 mm 23 0
August 32°C / 90°F 25°C / 77°F 270 mm 22 0
September 31°C / 88°F 24°C / 75°F 335 mm 23 0
October 31°C / 88°F 24°C / 75°F 270 mm 21 0
November 31°C / 88°F 24°C / 75°F 115 mm 12 0
December 31°C / 88°F 22°C / 72°F 50 mm 7 0

Other cities with similar May weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Ho Chi Minh City in May →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Ho Chi Minh City in May?

In May, Ho Chi Minh City averages a high of 34°C (93°F) and a low of 26°C (79°F) — generally hot.

Does it rain a lot in Ho Chi Minh City in May?

May is quite rainy in Ho Chi Minh City, with about 17 rainy days on average.

Is May a good time to visit Ho Chi Minh City?

May is hot but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Ho Chi Minh City in May?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Ho Chi Minh City for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Ho Chi Minh City on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.