Climate and region of Dalat
Dalat, located in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, has a climate that sets it apart from the tropical lowlands. While it follows the dry and rainy seasons of southern Vietnam, its higher altitude causes greater temperature fluctuations. Unlike Ho Chi Minh City or Nha Trang, where temperatures remain relatively stable, Dalat experiences cooler nights and more noticeable seasonal shifts.
Dry season of Dalat (November – April): By May, the dry season is ending, with humidity starting to rise. The cooler months have passed, but temperatures remain pleasant compared to Vietnam’s coastal cities.
Rainy season of Dalat (May – October): With the start of the rainy season, showers become more common, though they often arrive in the afternoons. Thanks to the highlands’ elevation, the temperatures don’t get as hot as the southern lowlands.
Travel tip: Dalat’s seasonal patterns are different from Vietnam’s coastal and northern regions. To plan your trip across multiple destinations, check the best time to visit Vietnam for an overview.
Weather in Dalat in May
May marks the transition into the rainy season in Dalat, with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 27°C (63°F to 81°F). Rainfall starts to increase significantly, reaching an average of 100-150 mm, mostly in short afternoon showers. The air feels more humid, and while mornings remain fresh, afternoons are noticeably warmer compared to earlier months.
Despite the increase in rain, May is not the wettest month, and there are still plenty of dry hours each day. The showers often come in bursts rather than lasting all day. Compared to the coastal regions, where heat and humidity can be overwhelming, Dalat’s highland climate keeps it relatively cooler. You want to know what to expect in other months? Read our guide about Dalat weather per month.
Is Dalat worth visiting in May?
Yes, Dalat is worth visiting in May, and it is a pretty good month overall. This month marks the beginning of the rainy season, meaning the weather starts to shift. While the mornings are often dry and sunny, afternoon showers become more frequent. However, temperatures remain comfortable, and the rain is usually not constant, allowing plenty of time to explore. Outdoor activities like trekking can still be done in the morning, while canyoning, which involves getting wet anyway, is still a great option even in rainy conditions.
The biggest advantage of May is that the landscapes start turning greener again after the dry season, and waterfalls begin regaining strength. While some outdoor activities may be affected by afternoon rain, the refreshing air and increased vibrancy of nature make up for it. If you don’t mind occasional showers, May offers a good balance between comfortable weather and improving scenery.
Reunification Day Holiday in Dalat
Although Reunification Day officially falls on April 30, it is immediately followed by International Labor Day on May 1, and when combined with a weekend or adjusted public holidays, this creates one of Vietnam’s biggest travel periods. Many Vietnamese take advantage of this 4–5 day break for domestic travel, and Dalat is one of the top destinations.
During this holiday period, Dalat experiences a surge of domestic tourists, leading to heavy traffic, fully booked hotels, and long queues at popular attractions. Roads leading into Dalat, particularly from Ho Chi Minh City, can be extremely congested. Prices for accommodation rise, and the city’s usual peaceful charm is replaced by crowded streets, packed night markets, and busy restaurants. If visiting Dalat in early May, it’s important to plan ahead, book hotels early, and prepare for high crowd levels. If flexibility allows, avoiding this holiday period can make for a much more enjoyable visit.
Best things to do in Dalat in May
Dalat’s top attractions—its stunning nature, adventure sports, and cozy food scene—take on a new atmosphere as May signals the shift from the dry season to the rainy season. While the mornings often remain dry, the afternoons start bringing refreshing showers, changing the experience of outdoor exploration. This month allows visitors to see a mix of dry-season advantages and early signs of the lush greenery that the rains will soon bring. Below, we explore how the season shapes Dalat’s best activities. For a full list of things to do, check out things to do in Dalat.
1. Exploring Dalat’s nature in early summer
With the arrival of occasional rain showers, May brings the first signs of nature recovering from the long dry season. The forests begin to look greener, and waterfalls slowly start regaining some of their strength. While they are not yet at their peak, the added water flow makes them more impressive than in previous months. The combination of clear mornings and refreshing afternoon rains creates a dynamic atmosphere in Dalat’s countryside, making sightseeing and nature exploration more interesting.
2. Outdoor activities in May
Outdoor activities in May require a bit more flexibility, as afternoon rains can occasionally disrupt plans. Trekking and mountain biking are still possible, but some trails may become slippery after rain. Canyoning starts to improve as water levels increase, making jumps and slides more exciting than during the peak dry season. Camping remains an option, though unexpected rain showers mean extra preparation is needed for staying dry.
3. Exploring the lively food & coffee shop scene
May’s mix of warm and rainy weather makes Dalat’s food and café scene particularly appealing. The cooler mornings and evenings remain perfect for enjoying a hot cup of locally grown coffee in a cozy setting, while the afternoons are a great time to cool down with an iced drink. The return of more moisture in the air also enhances the flavors of Dalat’s fresh produce, making it a great time to explore farm-to-table restaurants and local markets for fresh fruits and vegetables.
Travel tips for May in Dalat
May is a transition month in Dalat, where warm mornings give way to occasional afternoon showers, and domestic tourism starts picking up. The first days of May are part of Vietnam’s holiday period, making it an unusually busy time, so planning ahead can help avoid any last-minute surprises.
What to bring
- Light rain jacket – Afternoon showers become more frequent, so it’s useful to have a rain jacket.
- Water-resistant shoes – If planning outdoor activities, shoes with good grip are recommended as trails may start becoming muddy.
- Warm layer for evenings – Even though the weather is warming up, evenings can still feel cool.
- Sunscreen – Sun exposure remains high in the mornings before the rain arrives in the afternoons.
- Bug spray – With the increasing humidity, mosquitoes start becoming more active.
Accommodations and availability
May is a shoulder season month, with fewer crowds than earlier in the year. However, the first few days of the month are still part of the Vietnamese holiday period, making hotels and attractions busy until after Labor Day. Outside of these days, accommodations are generally easier to find, and prices are lower than in peak months. While last-minute bookings are usually fine, reserving in advance still gives more options.
