Don't Be Afraid of Ho Chi Minh City's Rainy Season! Tips for a Comfortable Trip from a Local Resident

May 29, 2026

Hello, this is Hazuki from ít ít Việt Nam.

As May draws to a close, the rainy season has arrived in Ho Chi Minh City.
This article will introduce everything from common concerns like "What's the rainy season really like?" and "What should I be careful about?" to ways to enjoy Ho Chi Minh City during this unique time of year.

What is the rainy season?

In Japan, the terms "rainy season" and "dry season" are not very common.
Ho Chi Minh City generally has two main seasons, with the rainy season typically lasting from May to November.

However, the rainy season here isn't the "all-day rain" you might imagine.
Ho Chi Minh City's rainy season is characterized by short, intense downpours called "squalls."

These often occur from early afternoon to evening, and it's not uncommon for the rain to stop within an hour, revealing a clear blue sky again.

Therefore, it's recommended to spend the squall hours relaxing in a cafe or a general store.
After the rain, the slightly cooler streets offer a gentle beauty that is different from the dry season.

Things to be careful about during the rainy season

Beware of humidity and strong sunlight

While the rain brings a slight cooling sensation, it can get very humid and muggy before a squall. Also, even during the rainy season, the sun is strong, so don't forget to take precautions against heatstroke.

In addition to frequent hydration, it's also a good idea to carry salt candy, which can be easily bought at convenience stores and supermarkets.

Avoid flooded roads

A man walking with an umbrella and sandals on a flooded street at night in Ho Chi Minh City during the rainy season, with motorbikes passing by.

In Ho Chi Minh City, some areas still have insufficient infrastructure, and roads can become flooded when it rains.

It's important to be careful, as the water can be deeper than it appears, and there might be wood or metal debris hidden underneath. There's also a risk of infections from small cuts, so it's safest to absolutely avoid flooded areas and take a detour.

Ride-sharing app prices may increase before and after squalls

During squalls, it can be difficult to catch a taxi through ride-sharing apps like Grab.
Due to concentrated demand, prices can also be higher than usual.

If you're not in a hurry, it's best to wait for the rain to subside before traveling.
By the way, when it's raining, I sometimes find that taking a taxi with the "Green SM" app is relatively cheaper than Grab.

The store screen of the electric vehicle taxi ride-sharing app

These light blue EV cars have become a common sight around town recently ✨
Registering with a Google account is possible, making it easy for tourists to sign up.

Things to bring when traveling during the rainy season

・Folding umbrella

It's best not to travel once it starts raining, but it's reassuring to have a compact folding umbrella in your bag.

・Sandals are recommended for footwear

After the rain, roads can be wet, and some areas may even flood.
Sandals that don't bother you when wet and dry quickly will make your stay more comfortable.

However, high heels are a no-go. Ho Chi Minh City's sidewalks are still not well-maintained and are uneven, so choose flat sandals if possible.

・Quick-drying clothes

In humid Ho Chi Minh City, clothes made of linen or thin materials are convenient.
Jeans, in particular, are slow to dry and can feel heavy due to the humidity, so it's recommended to avoid them during your trip.

・Insect repellent

Rohto Pharmaceutical's insect repellent spray

Mosquitoes tend to increase after the rain.
It's reassuring to have insect repellent that can be bought locally.

It's easily available at pharmacies, convenience stores, and supermarkets.

・Salt candy and sports drinks

Even during the rainy season, temperatures and humidity are high, and you might be sweating without realizing it.
Carrying salt candy or sports drinks is a good way to prevent heatstroke.

These are also easily available at convenience stores and supermarkets.

Tips for traveling during the rainy season

・Thao Dien sightseeing is recommended in the morning

A view of a rain-soaked road and a calm space where people are sheltering from the rain, seen from a prime seat in a cafe in Ho Chi Minh City.

The Thao Dien area is home to many stylish cafes and general stores.
During the rainy season, squalls are likely to occur in the afternoon, and some areas may experience flooded roads or traffic jams.

Visiting in the morning, when the weather is relatively stable, allows you to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the town.

・When the wind gets strong, it's a sign of a squall

In Ho Chi Minh City, a sudden increase in wind often signals an approaching squall.

When that happens, it's best not to force yourself to move, but to take a break at a nearby cafe.
Enjoying coffee while listening to the rain is also a unique pleasure of traveling during the rainy season.

Ho Chi Minh City has many tranquil cafes surrounded by greenery and inviting spaces perfect for dropping by during a general store crawl.

After a squall, finding your favorite shops while strolling through the slightly cooler streets is another enjoyable aspect of the rainy season. ít ít Việt Nam is one such place we hope you'll visit during your trip.

We look forward to welcoming you in Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An, with ourソンベ焼き pottery that embodies the warmth of Vietnamese craftsmanship and our selection of everyday goods that blend seamlessly into your life.

ít ít Việt Nam Physical Store Information 📍

Ho Chi Minh Store: Just steps from Ben Thanh Market!

📍3rd floor, 14 Đ. Nguyễn An Ninh, Bến Thành, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
⏰10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🚶2-minute walk from Ben Thanh Market
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