Hcmc in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Hcmc

32°C (90°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

15 mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with only 3 rainy days and minimal 15mm (0.6 inches) rainfall - perfect for walking tours and outdoor activities
Lowest humidity at 65% makes the 32°C (90°F) heat much more tolerable than other months
Clearest skies and best visibility for visit Cu Chi Tunnels day trips and the city boat tours
Lowest accommodation prices of the year - January sees 30-40% lower rates than peak season

Considerations

Occasional cool mornings at 23°C (73°F) catch tourists unprepared - locals wear light jackets
Extremely high UV index of 9 requires constant sun protection during 10am-3pm outdoor activities
Dusty conditions from dry weather make motorbike tours less pleasant without proper face covering

Best Activities in January

Mekong Delta Boat Tours

January's dry season provides ideal river conditions with calm waters and clear skies. Water levels are perfect for navigating narrow canals, and the lack of rain means reliable full-day tours. Morning temperatures of 25°C (77°F) make sunrise departures comfortable.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators. Full-day tours typically cost 800,000-1,200,000 VND ($32-48). Look for operators with life jackets and insurance coverage. See current options in the booking section below.

Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Tours

The dry weather eliminates muddy tunnel conditions that plague rainy months. Cooler morning temperatures make the underground experience more comfortable, and clear roads ensure reliable transportation from the city center.

Booking Tip: Morning departures (7-8am) beat both heat and crowds. Half-day tours range from 600,000-900,000 VND ($24-36). Book through operators offering both Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc sections for complete experience.

District 1 Walking Food Tours

January's lower humidity and evening temperatures around 26°C (79°F) create perfect conditions for street food exploration. Dry weather means all outdoor vendors operate normally, and comfortable temperatures let you eat hot pho without overheating.

Booking Tip: Evening tours (5-9pm) offer the best vendor variety and cooler temperatures. Expect 500,000-800,000 VND ($20-32) for 3-4 hour experiences including 6-8 food stops. Check current food tour options below.

Saigon River Sunset Cruises

Clear January skies provide stunning sunset views without rain interruptions. Calm river conditions and excellent visibility showcase the city skyline perfectly. Evening temperatures drop to comfortable 28°C (82°F) on the water.

Booking Tip: Book dinner cruises for best value - typically 900,000-1,500,000 VND ($36-60) including meal. Departure times vary with sunset (around 6pm in January). Reserve window seats when booking.

War Remnants Museum and City History Tours

Comfortable indoor temperatures provide relief from midday heat, while clear weather makes outdoor exhibits and courtyards pleasant to explore. January's dry conditions preserve outdoor displays better than humid months.

Booking Tip: Combine with other the city attractions for half-day cultural tours. Guided experiences cost 400,000-700,000 VND ($16-28). Book morning slots to avoid afternoon heat.

Cao Dai Temple and Tay Ninh Day Trips

Dry roads ensure reliable transportation to Tay Ninh province (90km/56 miles from HCMC). Clear weather provides excellent views of Nui Ba Den mountain, and comfortable temperatures make the 2-hour journey pleasant.

Booking Tip: Full-day trips cost 1,200,000-1,800,000 VND ($48-72) including temple visit and lunch. Time visits around noon prayer ceremony (12pm daily). Book through operators with air-conditioned vehicles.

January Events & Festivals

All of January (building to Tet in late January/early February 2025)

Tet Preparation Markets

Throughout January, traditional markets like Ben Thanh and Binh Tay transform with Lunar New Year preparations. Experience flower markets, traditional food vendors, and cultural decorations as locals prepare for Tet celebrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours - UV index reaches dangerous level 9 during midday

Light cotton long-sleeve shirt for morning temperatures of 23°C (73°F) and air-conditioned spaces

Breathable closed-toe shoes for temple visits and dusty street walking

Lightweight scarf or bandana for motorbike rides - January dust levels are highest

Portable fan or cooling towel for 32°C (90°F) afternoon temperatures

Light rain jacket despite dry season - occasional brief showers still occur

Electrolyte packets for hot weather hydration during long walking tours

Sunglasses with UV protection - bright conditions last from 7am-6pm

Insect repellent for evening outdoor activities near water areas

Power bank for phone - you'll use GPS constantly in comfortable walking weather

Insider Knowledge

Locals eat hot pho for breakfast even in January heat - the 25°C (77°F) morning temperature makes it comfortable, but tourists often skip this experience

Book accommodations in Districts 3 or 7 instead of the city - January's low tourist season means empty hotels slash prices 40% outside the center

January's dry weather creates dust clouds from construction - locals know to avoid Nguyen the city this destination between 2-4pm when dust is worst

Street vendors close earlier in January (around 9pm vs 11pm other months) due to fewer tourists - plan dinner accordingly

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating morning coolness - bring layers for 23°C (73°F) starts that warm to 32°C (90°F) by noon

Scheduling outdoor activities during 11am-2pm peak UV hours instead of early morning or late afternoon

Forgetting face protection for motorbike taxis - January's dry conditions create more dust than other months