Ho Chi Minh City Weather in October

In October, Ho Chi Minh City enjoys pleasant weather. Temperatures are generally mild, not extremely high. As the final month of the rainy season, rainfall gradually decreases, yet humidity remains relatively high. Daylight hours are moderate, mostly with cloudy skies, but UV intensity is still strong. Overall, it is not a bad visit time also considering it is off-peak season.

Temperature

The temperature difference between day and night in Ho Chi Minh City starts to widen in October, often exceeding 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit).

During the day, the lower sun angle reduces heat accumulation, keeping high temperatures at around 32℃ (90℉). Although humidity remains above 80%, it is no longer unbearable as in a sauna room. However, long periods of outdoor activity can still make you feel sticky. Therefore, you may consider visiting the War Remnants Museum at noon - it is fully air-conditioned and refreshing indoors.

At night, low temperatures drop to around 23℃ (73℉), bringing welcome relief from the daytime heat, as the gradual influence of the northeast monsoon has left cloud cover thin and light, which allows heat to dissipate much faster. You can then go out and enjoy all kinds of local food at those night markets with ease, without worrying about breaking into a sweat from hot beef pho or freshly fried spring rolls.

War Remnants Museum Exhibits

Saigon Local Food

Precipitation

In October, Ho Chi Minh City progressively transitions into the dry season. While overall rainfall remains abundant, it starts to decrease slightly. The month sees precipitation of 267 mm on average, with rain falling on as many as 21 days. For your reference, over the past three years, there have been an average of just 2 - 3 rain‑free days in October. 

However, local downpours usually do not last long. A brief break at a street-side cafe for a casual chat with friends is often enough for the rain to pass. Another interesting feature is that rainfall here is highly localized: often, just one street apart, one side sees torrential rain while the other basks in bright sunshine, so it will not greatly affect your travel experience. Even if so, it is advisable to keep your daily schedule flexible to prepare for sudden rain.

Besides, rainy days also have their upsides: the air grows fresh and pleasant after the rain, and the weather becomes much cooler. Washed clean by the rain, the Pink Church and Notre-Dame Cathedral take on especially vivid, rich colors, making them perfect for photos.

Daytime / Sunshine Duration

Sunrise in Ho Chi Minh City during October occurs at 5:44 - 5:49, and sunset at 17:29 - 17:47. Day time lasts less than half the day, shortening to just 11.5 hours by the end of the month. Combined with frequent afternoon showers, you will probably find it hard to tour multiple outdoor sites in a single day. What’s more, with merely four hours of favorable sunlight, it can be challenging to capture well-lit, backlight-free photos.

Is It Not Really a Good Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City in October?

Weather-wise, October is not the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City, but it is far from the worst. For one thing, temperatures are not at their annual peak, so it will not be oppressively hot to the point of discouraging you from going out. For another, rainfall is not overwhelming, and widespread, long-lasting flooding that disrupts travel rarely occurs.

Additionally, October is a great time to travel off-peak. The peak tourist season has not yet arrived; the large crowds from the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays have just left, leading to a significant drop in visitor numbers. Therefore, you won’t have to push through crowds and can enjoy a quieter visit at every spot. At the same time, flights and accommodation are more affordable, making it ideal for travelers looking for cost-effectiveness.

Quiet Reunification Palace

Packing List for Visiting Ho Chi Minh City in October

For the upper body: It is recommended to bring mainly short‑sleeved T‑shirts, short‑sleeved shirts, tank tops and dresses. Given that you might sweat a lot, be sure to bring plenty of spares for change. Besides, many attractions in Ho Chi Minh City have a strong French charm and are perfect for photos, so light‑colored outfits are highly recommended. It’s also worth noting that there can be cool breezes in the early morning and evening, which may lower the apparent temperature. Bringing an extra long-sleeved shirt is a good idea to avoid catching a cold.

For the lower body: Just bring some shorts, skirts and thin pants. As most of the attractions in Ho Chi Minh City can be reached on foot, it is recommended that you wear supportive sports shoes or hiking shoes. If you want to be more relaxed, you can also bring slippers or sandals.

Travel Recommendations for Ho Chi Minh City in October, 2026

With frequent rain in October, it’s best to keep your itinerary flexible. For example, on clear days, you can dive into Ho Chi Minh City’s streets and local blocks, exploring spots like Ben Thanh Market, Pham Ngu Lao Street, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, and Chinatown; when it rains, stick to indoor attractions such as the Independence Palace, Central Post Office, and War Remnants Museum.

Saigon Central Post Office

If you want something special, don’t miss a day trip to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City. During this month, water levels are high and tributaries are fully navigable, letting you venture deep into narrow, off-the-beaten-path canals that are inaccessible in the dry season, and observe local riverside life up close. Gliding along a traditional wooden boat through dense coconut groves offers a uniquely peaceful and scenic experience. Moreover, you can visit the bustling floating markets in the early morning, where local vendors trade fresh fruits and seafood, allowing you to soak up the most authentic and vibrant local atmosphere.

Tips

1. The ultraviolet rays in Ho Chi Minh City are strong throughout the year. Even on cloudy days without direct sunlight, it is still easy to get sunburned. When going out, it is essential to apply sunscreen consistently and wear a hat or carry a parasol.

2. Many of the old buildings and traditional scenic spots are not equipped with air conditioners, making visitors feel stuffy inside. It is recommended to carry a towel and a portable fan for easy wiping of sweat and cooling down.

3. The roads often become slippery after rain. Therefore, for safety reasons, it is advisable to avoid riding motorcycles and instead opt for safer means of transportation in and after rain such as taking a taxi or walking.