Climate of Vietnam

Vietnam has a monsoon-influenced climate typical of that of mainland Southeast Asia.^[1]: 25 The diverse topography, long latitude (Vietnam spans over 15° of latitude), and influences from the South China Sea lead to climatic conditions varying significantly between regions of Vietnam.^[2] The northern region experiences a monsoonal and humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons (spring, summer, autumn, and winter) with winters typically dry and summers ranging from hot to mild.^[3] In southern and central areas, the climate is tropical monsoon with only two seasons (rainy and dry).^[4][5][6] In addition, a temperate climate exists in mountainous areas, which are found in Sa Pa and Da Lat, while a more continental climate exists in Lai Châu Province and Sơn La Province.^[4]

According to Indra Overland (2017), 20% of Vietnam's total surface area is low-elevation coastal area, making the country highly vulnerable to climate change effects and the rising sea levels in particular.^[7] From 1960 to 2011, high increases of 0.24 °C and 0.28 °C per decade are found at Vung Tau and Ca Mau stations, respectively, located in the South Coast. Most of the stations in the North - Central Coast show an increase of 0.15 °C to 0.19 °C per decade.^[8] In 2007 to 2008, the flooding in the central provinces exceeded that of past 48 years; the northern part of Vietnam encountered an unprecedented cold wave, lasting for 38 days, resulting in 30 million US dollars Crop and livestock losses.^[9]