Climate Laos
Laos does not have an opening to the sea, and if its climate is supposed to be tropical, it has the characteristics of the continental climate. There are two seasons in Laos, with temperature differences between regions: the dry season and the rainy season. To be more precise, we even speak of three seasons: a dry and cool season (from November to March), another dry and hot season (from April to mid-May), and the monsoon (from June to October). Temperatures are cooler in the northern mountains than in the southern plains, where the heat wave reigns in April and May. Heavy rains occur during the southwest monsoon from June to early October, and peak from July to mid-September. The most favourable period for tourism is from early November to March, with pleasant temperatures in the centre and south of the country. It can be cold in the north, especially in December and January.
Vientiane and the center
In Vientiane it's hot all year round! Minimum temperatures vary between 16° and 25°, maximum temperatures between 28° and 34°. The best period to visit the city is from November to February, it is hot but the climate is not too humid and the sky is rather clear. From March to June it is quite hot and the humidity level increases from May onwards. The monsoon arrives around the middle of May and lasts until the middle of October. Temperatures go down but the humidity rises, rains are relatively frequent and thunderstorms can occur. The sky is often grey and cloudy, but clearings can occur between showers. The climate is more or less the same in Savannakhet and south-central Laos.
Luang Prabang and the North
In the North the nights are cool in winter (from December to February), around 15°, but cold peaks can occur during the night, sometimes around 5°! It is better to plan a good hotel or warm clothes if you are going to visit the surrounding villages. All year round the minimum temperatures are between 14° and 24°, the maximum temperatures between 27° and 35°. The sky is often cloudy, even in winter. From March to April the burning produces a kind of unpleasant smog, the smoke accumulates and darkens the sky. The region of Luang Prabang is one of the least rainy in the country. The rainy season is more marked by night thunderstorms, and it is pleasant to visit this region, even with sporadic rain during the day. Indeed, the landscapes are magnificent: the Mekong shows its power, the waterfalls are more beautiful, a bewitching mist floats above the rice fields, and the temperature is not too high. In the mountainous regions of the North, on the borders of China and Vietnam, the climate becomes milder with altitude. Nights can be cold during the winter, but the days are pleasant with clear skies. Monsoon rains are more violent here than on the plains. At about 1,000 metres above sea level, minimum temperatures vary during the year from 10° to 21° and maximums from 22° to 29°. At high altitudes, it can even be cold during the day.
The South
In Pakse and the south, the rains are generally heavier than in the rest of the country. However, during the dry season, there is more sunshine, so you can enjoy beautiful days. Minimum temperatures range from 18° to 25° while maximum temperatures oscillate between 30° and 35°. From November to March rainfall is infrequent. It is during this period that the visit of the 4,000 islands is the most pleasant. The Boloven Plateau has a microclimate, pleasant almost all year round. The nights are often cool while the daytime heat can be overwhelming, so remember to protect yourself from the sun if you are riding the Pakse loop on two wheels.
Tropical storms and typhoons
Tropical cyclones in Southeast Asia are called typhoons. If they hit Vietnam harder, they can bring windy weather and heavy rainfall from June to December to the north of the country. Flooding is not uncommon, especially during the monsoon season. Mekong River floods are frequent and particularly affect the areas that the river crosses. Laos can be visited at any season, each showing a different facet of the country. The best period is from the end of October to the beginning of March, as you will be able to travel the whole country without any problems and without great heat. During the monsoon it is best to study your tour and not venture too far into areas that are difficult to access or flood, especially in the south along the Mekong River. To travel all over the country, you need to equip yourself with a versatile wardrobe, depending on your activities and the regions you are visiting: waterproof windbreaker and warm clothes if you are going to the north, light clothes, swimsuit for swimming in the pools, waterfalls and rivers, hiking boots... Without forgetting sun protections: cream, glasses and cap... You will also often have to take off your shoes to visit the many temples. Women should cover their shoulders, a shawl is handy, and have a piece of clothing that falls below the knees (a piece of sarong type fabric will do the trick).
