Sa Pa, Vietnam: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Sa Pa, Vietnam? If you're planning to go to Sa Pa, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Sa Pa
- Important essentials for Sa Pa
- Activities for Sa Pa
- Sa Pa in January: weather and what to pack
- Sa Pa in February: weather and what to pack
- Sa Pa in March: weather and what to pack
- Sa Pa in April: weather and what to pack
- Sa Pa in May: weather and what to pack
- Sa Pa in June: weather and what to pack
- Sa Pa in July: weather and what to pack
- Sa Pa in August: weather and what to pack
- Sa Pa in September: weather and what to pack
- Sa Pa in October: weather and what to pack
- Sa Pa in November: weather and what to pack
- Sa Pa in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Sa Pa, Vietnam
Based on the climate and weather in Sa Pa, the best time to go is December. See below for details.
Important essentials for Sa Pa, Vietnam
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Sa Pa, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection you can have.
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often become worn. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly option.
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
Other health necessities
Emergency water purifier
Some areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to bring an emergency water purifier like this one.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great value.
Emergency rapid COVID-19 test
U.S. residents can get them free here. Otherwise, you can buy them here.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Sa Pa. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. This one should work in most countries, but you may want to check with your hotel.
For families with young children
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Airplane or car necessities
Activities for Sa Pa, Vietnam
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Sa Pa.
If you are going to see the stunning Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:
Trousers
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
Long dresses
This one, for example.
If you see Sa Pa Culture Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Comfy walking shoes
We also recommend these top tours in and around Sa Pa.
What to wear/what to pack for Sa Pa, Vietnam by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you are traveling to Sa Pa in January, you will notice that it is crisp. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light and heavy skirts
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
Light jacket or fleece
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
February
February in Sa Pa is crisp. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
Light and heavy skirts
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
March
If you vacation in Sa Pa during March, you will probably find that it can be chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Pants or jeans
Extra socks
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
Light and heavy skirts
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We recommend:
April
April in Sa Pa is mild. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light jacket or fleece
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
Pants or jeans
Light and heavy skirts
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
May
If you are traveling to Sa Pa in May, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Sandals
Light skirts
Short pants or heavy shorts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Extra socks
Bug repellent
Sunscreen lotion
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
June
June in Sa Pa is a perfect temperature and very rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C) to 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Light skirts
Sunscreen lotion
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Bug repellent
Extra socks
Sandals
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
July
July is warm and very rainy. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunscreen lotion
Extra socks
Light skirts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sandals
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
August
If you vacation in Sa Pa during August, you are likely to notice that it is warm and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sandals
Bug repellent
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Sunscreen lotion
Extra socks
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
September
If you vacation in Sa Pa during September, you might find that it is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sandals
Bug repellent
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sunscreen lotion
Extra socks
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
October
October is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light and heavy skirts
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
Extra socks
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
November
November in Sa Pa is relatively cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Extra socks
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
December
December in Sa Pa is cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
Light and heavy skirts
Light jacket or fleece
Pants or jeans
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be vital in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
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