Northern Vietnam temperatures plummet to 0 C as cold wave intensifies

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that Mau Son, a mountain peak in Lang Son Province bordering China, recorded a temperature of 0 C at 6 a.m., the lowest in northern Vietnam.

Frost on Mau Son Peak in Lang Son Province, northern Vietnam, on Jan. 22, 2026. Photo by Na Na

Several other mountain peaks in Cao Bang Province dropped to 4 C, while Dong Van in Tuyen Quang Province and Tam Dao in Phu Tho Province recorded 6 C.

Among Hanoi’s five monitoring stations, Ha Dong recorded the lowest temperature at just over 10 C. This temperature was measured inside meteorological shelters, and actual outdoor temperatures may be 1-2 degrees lower depending on terrain.

People cover themselves up to brave against the cold and mist in Vietnam's northern highlands, January 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy

The meteorological forecasting center said the cold air mass is continuing to spread, pushing temperatures even lower.

The coldest temperatures across northern Vietnam and Thanh Hoa are expected to range from 11-14 C; mountainous areas from 8-11 C; and high mountain regions around 5 C.

From Nghe An to Hue in the central region, temperatures are generally forecast at 14-17 C.

U.S.-based AccuWeather forecasts Hanoi's lowest temperature today on Thursday at 10-12 C, before rising to 13-16 C.

Areas above 1,500 meters in elevation, such as Sa Pa, are expected to see lows of 6-12 C.