Climate and seasons of Con Dao
Con Dao is an archipelago located in the South China Sea, about 230 kilometers (143 miles) southeast of Ho Chi Minh City. Its location in southern Vietnam means it experiences a tropical monsoon climate, similar to the mainland, but its remote position in the ocean creates some unique weather patterns. Temperatures remain warm year-round, averaging between 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F), making it a great destination for outdoor activities at any time of the year. However, the island has two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season, each offering different experiences for travelers.
Dry Season (November to April)
The dry season in Con Dao runs from November to April, bringing sunny skies, little rainfall, and lower humidity. This is generally considered the best time for a beach holiday, as the sea is calm, clear, and great for swimming and snorkeling.
However, November to February can be windy, particularly affecting diving conditions due to stronger currents and lower visibility. Despite this, land-based activities, such as hiking and exploring the island, are most enjoyable during this season.
Rainy Season (May to October)
The rainy season in Con Dao starts in May and lasts until October, bringing frequent but short-lived tropical showers. While it doesn’t rain all day, storms can be heavy and sudden, usually occurring in the afternoons or evenings.
- Humidity is high, and the weather feels hotter due to the moisture in the air.
- Sea conditions remain relatively stable early in the season, but August to October can be rough.
- Diving is at its best from March to September, even though it overlaps with the rainy season.
Best time to visit Con Dao for a beach holiday
If you’re planning a beach holiday, the best time to visit Con Dao is during the dry season, from November to April. While Con Dao has great beaches year-round, the weather conditions during these months make a huge difference in how enjoyable your experience will be.
The dry season brings:
- Consistently sunny weather with little to no rain.
- Lower humidity, making it more comfortable to relax by the beach.
- Calm and clear waters, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and boat trips.
In contrast, the rainy season (May to October) can bring frequent showers, high humidity, and occasional rough seas, making it less ideal for a beach-focused trip. While you can still visit Con Dao during these months, expect more unpredictable weather and occasional days where outdoor activities are limited.
Best diving season in Con Dao
The best diving season in Con Dao runs from March to September, when the sea is at its clearest and calmest, and marine life is most active.
During this period:
- Visibility is at its best, reaching up to 20–30 meters on good days.
- Coral reefs are thriving, with colorful marine life including rays, turtles, and even dugongs.
- Sea conditions are generally calm, making boat trips and diving excursions smoother.
Best months for both beaches & diving
If you want to combine a beach holiday with diving, the ideal months are March and April. These months fall within both the dry season (great for the beach) and the high diving season (with excellent visibility and calm seas).
Diving in Low Season (November to February)
While diving is still possible during the low season (November to February), conditions are not ideal due to:
- Stronger northern winds, creating choppy seas.
- Lower visibility, sometimes dropping below 10 meters.
- Stronger currents, making some dive sites inaccessible.
That said, sheltered dive spots are still available, and divers might be able to enjoy decent conditions on calmer days.
For a full guide to diving in Con Dao, check out diving in Con Dao.
Turtle watching season in Con Dao
Con Dao is one of Vietnam’s most important nesting sites for green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles. Each year, thousands of turtles return to the island’s protected beaches to lay their eggs, making it one of the best places in Southeast Asia to witness this natural event.
When is the best time for turtle watching?
The turtle nesting season in Con Dao runs from late May to October, with the highest chances of seeing turtles in July and August.
- May to October: Turtles come ashore at night to lay eggs.
- July to November: Hatchlings emerge and make their way to the sea.
What to expect
During the peak season, visitors can:
- Watch mother turtles lay their eggs under the cover of darkness.
- See hatchlings emerge from the sand and instinctively head toward the ocean.
- Join conservation programs that help protect nests and release baby turtles.
For more details, check out guide to Con Dao’s turtles.
Is Con Dao worth visiting in rainy season?
Con Dao is only worth visiting in the rainy season (May to October) if you’re specifically coming for diving or turtle watching. While the island remains beautiful year-round, the unpredictable weather and frequent showers can limit outdoor activities.
Why is it worth visiting?
- Diving season (March to September): Visibility remains good despite occasional rain.
- Turtle nesting & hatching (May to November): One of the best places in Vietnam to witness sea turtles.
Why it’s not ideal for a regular visit
If you’re not diving or interested in turtle watching, Con Dao is not the best choice in the rainy season.
- Beaches are less enjoyable due to rougher seas, overcast skies, and occasional storms.
- Limited indoor activities: Apart from a few historical sites and nature trails, there isn’t much to do on rainy days.
- Hard to change plans: Con Dao is far from the mainland, so if bad weather ruins your trip, it’s difficult to leave quickly.
Unless you’re comfortable with unpredictable weather and want to focus on diving or turtles, it’s better to visit Con Dao during the dry season for the best experience.
Monthly weather overview
Con Dao’s weather varies throughout the year, with a distinct dry and rainy season affecting travel conditions. Some months offer ideal beach weather, while others are better for diving or turtle watching. Below is a month-by-month breakdown of what to expect, including links to detailed weather guides for each month.
January
January is part of the dry season, bringing comfortable temperatures, low humidity, and calm seas—ideal for a beach holiday. However, northeast monsoon winds can make the sea rough, affecting diving conditions with strong currents and reduced visibility. Rainfall is rare, and sunny days dominate.
For an in-depth look at what to expect, including temperatures and sea conditions, check out beach conditions on Con Dao.
February
February remains within the dry season, offering great beach weather with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall. However, winds from the north still affect diving, making underwater visibility unpredictable. It’s a good time for relaxing on the beach, with blue skies and sunshine on most days.
If you’re planning a trip during this month, read more about the weather for beach activity in February on Con Dao.
March
March marks the transition to calmer seas, making it the start of the high diving season. The winds ease, and visibility gradually improves, making conditions much better for underwater exploration. Beach conditions are excellent, with plenty of sunshine, warm waters, and minimal rain.
Find out what to expect in March at the Con Dao Islands, including temperatures, rainfall, and beach conditions.
April
April is one of the hottest months in Con Dao, with high humidity but still little rainfall. It remains a great time for both beachgoers and divers, as the sea is calm, and visibility remains excellent for underwater activities. Rain showers may start appearing late in the month, but they are still rare.
To see whether this month is ideal for your visit, read about the weather in Con Dao in April.
May
May is the start of the rainy season, but it’s still not the worst time to visit. Early in the month, beach conditions can still be nice, but as the month progresses, short but intense tropical showers become more frequent. Diving remains good, and turtle nesting season begins towards the end of the month.
For insights on temperatures, rainfall, and beach conditions, check out this guide to the weather in Con Dao in May.
June
June brings warm temperatures and an increase in rainfall, though showers mostly occur in the late afternoons and evenings. Diving remains good despite occasional rain, and turtle nesting season is in full swing. It’s not the best for a beach holiday due to unpredictable weather.
June is known for diving and turtle season; read more about diving and turtle season in Con Dao in June.
July
July is deep in the rainy season, bringing frequent rain and occasional storms. However, it’s still a great time for diving, as underwater visibility remains good despite surface conditions being rougher. Turtle nesting season continues. Not the best for a beach holiday.
If you’re considering a trip this month, learn more about the weather and what to expect in July.
August
August is similar to July, with heavy but short tropical rain showers. Diving is still possible, and turtle nesting is at its peak. However, the sea can be rough, and sunbathing is unpredictable due to sudden showers.
For detailed insights into temperatures, rainfall, and diving conditions, check out weather in August.
September
September is still part of the rainy season, with frequent rain and strong winds. However, diving remains good, and turtle hatching season begins. The weather can be unpredictable, making it a risky choice for a beach-focused holiday.
To understand how this month compares to others, read about Con Dao in September.
October
October is a transition month from the rainy to the dry season. Turtle hatching continues, and rainfall gradually decreases. Diving conditions start to worsen, and while some sunny days appear, it’s still not the best month for a beach holiday.
For a breakdown of what to expect, including rain patterns and sea conditions, visit weather in Con Dao in October.
November
November is still part of the rainy season, but conditions start improving by the end of the month. The sea remains rough, and diving is no longer ideal. Turtle season comes to an end, and while beach conditions improve, it’s not yet peak season.
Check out the November weather in Con Dao to see if it’s a good time for your trip.
December
December marks the return of the dry season, bringing calmer seas, less humidity, and pleasant temperatures. While diving is not ideal due to residual winds, it’s an excellent time for a beach holiday, with plenty of sunshine and clear skies.
For an overview of beach conditions and travel tips, read about December in Con Dao.
