Highland City Experiences Coldest Weather in Over a Decade

Đà Lạt residents bundled up in winter coats and scarves this week as an unusual cold snap brought near-freezing temperatures to the highland city, with thermometers dropping to just 3°C in the early morning hours—the coldest reading recorded since 2014.

The Lâm Đồng Hydrometeorological Center reported that temperatures at Langbiang Mountain dipped even lower, reaching 1°C at dawn on Thursday, prompting warnings for farmers in surrounding communes about potential crop damage.

"I've lived in Đà Lạt for 45 years, and this is exceptionally cold," said Nguyễn Thị Lan, a flower vendor at Đà Lạt Market. "We had to cover our dahlia and hydrangea displays with plastic sheets overnight. Some of the more delicate blooms didn't survive."

Tourism Boost Amid the Chill

Despite concerns from the agricultural community, the extreme cold has unexpectedly boosted tourism. Hotels around Xuân Hương Lake reported near-full occupancy as Vietnamese tourists from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi flocked to the city to experience the rare weather phenomenon.

"We've had guests asking for extra blankets and hot water bottles," laughed Trần Minh Đức, manager of a guesthouse on Trần Hưng Đạo Street. "Some have never felt temperatures this low before. They're treating it like a winter vacation to Europe."

Cafes along Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai Street have seen surging sales of hot chocolate and mulled wine, with many establishments running out of supplies by mid-afternoon.

Agricultural Concerns Mount

The cold weather has raised concerns among coffee and vegetable farmers in the region. Lê Văn Phong, director of the Lâm Đồng Department of Agriculture, urged farmers to take protective measures for sensitive crops.

"Strawberry farms in Trại Mát commune are particularly vulnerable," Phong stated in a press release Friday. "We're coordinating with local authorities to provide guidance on frost protection techniques."

Meteorologists attribute the unusual cold snap to a strong northeastern monsoon system combined with clear skies, allowing heat to radiate rapidly overnight. The Hydrometeorological Center predicts temperatures will gradually rise starting Sunday, returning to Đà Lạt's typical January range of 12-18°C.

City Responds

Đà Lạt City authorities have opened warming centers at community halls and urged residents—particularly the elderly and homeless—to seek shelter during nighttime hours. Medical clinics have reported increased cases of respiratory infections and hypothermia-related complaints.

As the city awaits warmer weather, residents and visitors alike are making the most of this rare meteorological event, with social media flooded with photos of frost-covered pine trees and steaming bowls of phở eaten while wrapped in blankets.

Highland City Experiences Coldest Weather in Over a Decade

Đà Lạt residents bundled up in winter coats and scarves this week as an unusual cold snap brought near-freezing temperatures to the highland city, with thermometers dropping to just 3°C in the early morning hours—the coldest reading recorded since 2014.

The Lâm Đồng Hydrometeorological Center reported that temperatures at Langbiang Mountain dipped even lower, reaching 1°C at dawn on Thursday, prompting warnings for farmers in surrounding communes about potential crop damage.

"I've lived in Đà Lạt for 45 years, and this is exceptionally cold," said Nguyễn Thị Lan, a flower vendor at Đà Lạt Market. "We had to cover our dahlia and hydrangea displays with plastic sheets overnight. Some of the more delicate blooms didn't survive."

Tourism Boost Amid the Chill

Despite concerns from the agricultural community, the extreme cold has unexpectedly boosted tourism. Hotels around Xuân Hương Lake reported near-full occupancy as Vietnamese tourists from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi flocked to the city to experience the rare weather phenomenon.

"We've had guests asking for extra blankets and hot water bottles," laughed Trần Minh Đức, manager of a guesthouse on Trần Hưng Đạo Street. "Some have never felt temperatures this low before. They're treating it like a winter vacation to Europe."

Cafes along Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai Street have seen surging sales of hot chocolate and mulled wine, with many establishments running out of supplies by mid-afternoon.

Agricultural Concerns Mount

The cold weather has raised concerns among coffee and vegetable farmers in the region. Lê Văn Phong, director of the Lâm Đồng Department of Agriculture, urged farmers to take protective measures for sensitive crops.

"Strawberry farms in Trại Mát commune are particularly vulnerable," Phong stated in a press release Friday. "We're coordinating with local authorities to provide guidance on frost protection techniques."

Meteorologists attribute the unusual cold snap to a strong northeastern monsoon system combined with clear skies, allowing heat to radiate rapidly overnight. The Hydrometeorological Center predicts temperatures will gradually rise starting Sunday, returning to Đà Lạt's typical January range of 12-18°C.

City Responds

Đà Lạt City authorities have opened warming centers at community halls and urged residents—particularly the elderly and homeless—to seek shelter during nighttime hours. Medical clinics have reported increased cases of respiratory infections and hypothermia-related complaints.

As the city awaits warmer weather, residents and visitors alike are making the most of this rare meteorological event, with social media flooded with photos of frost-covered pine trees and steaming bowls of phở eaten while wrapped in blankets.