What to pack, by season
The loop climbs from the valley to high passes, so one day can run from warm to cold. Pack for the passes and the mornings, not for the city.
What the numbers say, and what they don't
- Hà Giang city sits low. Wikipedia's climate table for the city (data credited to a Vietnamese building-science institute, period not stated) shows January averaging about 16°C, July about 28°C, and a record low of 1.5°C in January.
- The plateau and passes are colder than the city. Vietnam Tourism (October 2026) gives high-pass ranges of roughly 3 to 12°C in January and 4 to 13°C in December, and says frost is possible at dawn. It does not name a station or period, so treat these as a guide, not a forecast.
- Rainfall is heaviest in summer and lightest in winter. Published monthly rainfall figures differ a lot between sources, so we give no numbers.
- Check the forecast on the map page a few days before you go.
December to February: cold and dry
- A thermal base layer, a warm mid layer, and a windproof outer layer. A warm hat, gloves and something for your neck.
- Homestays may have limited heating, so ask, and bring warm sleepwear.
- Mornings on the passes can be near freezing, with fog.
March to May: changeable
- Light layers you can add and remove. Mornings and evenings can still be cool, especially at altitude.
- A packable rain jacket for showers, and sunscreen, because the sun can be strong.
June to August: the rainy season
- A proper waterproof jacket and trousers, a dry bag or waterproof cover for your phone and camera, and shoes that dry or drain.
- Expect fog and wet roads. Landslides can close sections, so keep a spare day.
September to November: clear and cooling
- Layers again, with a warm layer and gloves for the high passes. Vietnam Tourism advises carrying them whatever the month.
- This is also flower season in some years, so book rooms early.
All year, whether you ride or sit in a car
- Closed, grippy shoes. Paths and viewpoints can be muddy.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a basic first-aid kit, and any regular medicines in their original packaging.
- Motion-sickness tablets if you are prone to it. The passes are winding.
- A power bank, a small day bag, and a few small notes of cash.
If you travel in your 50s or later, or with children
- Easy-to-remove layers matter more than one heavy coat.
- Shoes with good grip help on steps at viewpoints and in villages.
- Ask your host about stairs and bathrooms when you book a room.
Sources: Wikipedia, Hà Giang (city), climate table; Vietnam Tourism (October 2026) for high-pass ranges and gear. Mountain weather varies a lot day to day; this is general guidance.