What is Da Lat's elevation and why is it important for visitors?

Da Lat sits at approximately 1,500 meters above sea level on the Langbiang Plateau, creating a distinctly cooler climate compared to other Vietnamese regions. Average temperatures range from 16.5°C in January to 19.6°C in May, offering relief from tropical heat and enabling temperate-climate outdoor activities.

When is the best time to visit Da Lat?

January through March and December are optimal, with low rainfall (23–69mm monthly) and comfortable temperatures (16.5–19.1°C). These months average only 5–9 rainy days. The monsoon season (May–October) brings substantially higher rainfall, with September reaching 291mm and 28 rainy days, though temperatures remain mild.

What are the main attractions in Da Lat?

Key attractions include the Crazy House (architectural museum), Thác Prenn (waterfall), XQ Da Lat Historical Village, coffee plantation tours, and multiple viewpoints. The city contains 7 museums, 46 temples, 29 named attractions, and 21 viewpoints within a 10-kilometer radius.

How do I get to Da Lat?

Lien Khuong Airport (DLI) is the nearest major gateway, located 23 kilometers from the city center. Phan Rang Airport (PHA) is an alternative option 66 kilometers away. Road access is available from Ho Chi Minh City and other lowland centers via mountainous terrain.

What accommodation options are available in Da Lat?

Da Lat offers 204 hotels, 76 hostels, and 47 guesthouses within a 10-kilometer radius, accommodating diverse budgets. The city also provides 346 restaurants and 251 cafes for dining options.

What is the climate like in Da Lat compared to other Vietnamese cities?

Da Lat's high elevation (1,500m) produces temperatures 5–10°C cooler than lowland Vietnam year-round. Average temperatures range from 16.5°C (January) to 19.6°C (May). Rainfall is highest from May to October, with September averaging 291mm.

Da Lat: Vietnam's Highland City at 1,500 Meters

Da Lat is a provincial city located in Lâm Đồng Province in Vietnam's Central Highlands, situated at approximately 1,500 meters above sea level on the Langbiang Plateau. With a population of around 258,000 residents, it is the largest urban center in the Central Highlands and one of Vietnam's most popular tourist destinations. The city's high elevation creates a distinctly cooler climate compared to other Vietnamese regions, with average temperatures ranging from 16.5°C in January to 19.6°C in May. This geographic advantage has historically made Da Lat an attractive destination for visitors seeking relief from tropical heat. The city features a blend of mountain scenery and cultural heritage, including French colonial architecture that reflects its history as a former administrative center. Within 10 kilometers, the city offers 346 restaurants, 251 cafes, 204 hotels, 46 temples, and 21 viewpoints, providing diverse dining, accommodation, and cultural exploration options.

Updated 2026-05-03 · Source: GeoNames, Wikipedia

Image: Wikimedia Commons contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 via

Population: 258K
Climate: Tropical Highlands
Best months: Jan–Mar, Dec

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Local currency

VND

Timezone

Asia/Ho_Chi_Minh

Da Lat: Vietnam's Highland City at 1,500 Meters: 11.946, 108.442Open in OpenStreetMap ↗

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Climate

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Monthly normals (10-year window). Bars show precipitation, lines show average and max temperature.

Best months to visit: Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec

What's around (within 10km, 1,124 POIs)

346
Restaurants
251
Cafés
204
Hotels
76
Hostels
47
Guesthouses
46
Temples
29
Attractions
28
ATMs
28
Bars
21
Viewpoints
20
Pharmacies
10
Parks
10
Markets
7
Museums
1
Hospitals

Top landmarks

Crazy Housemuseum
Thác Prennattraction
Vườn dâu Công nghệ cao Bình Yênattraction
Nhà Pháp gần tu viện bỏ hoangmuseum
XQ Da Lat Historical Villagemuseum
Coffee weasels plantationattraction
Viewpoint (20k vnd entry)viewpoint
Làng Đồng trụ LangBiangattraction
Viewpoint on the rocksviewpoint
Garnet Cellar Fardenattraction

Nearest airports

OpenFlights.org

Lien Khuong Airport
Dalat
DLI23km
Phan Rang Airport
Phan Rang
PHA66km

Quick facts

Da Lat is located at approximately 1,500 meters above sea level on the Langbiang Plateau in Vietnam's Central Highlands.
The city has a population of around 258,000 residents and is the largest urban center in the Central Highlands region.
Average temperatures in Da Lat range from 16.5°C in January to 19.6°C in May, creating a cooler climate than other Vietnamese regions.
September is the wettest month in Da Lat, averaging 291 millimeters of rainfall and approximately 28 rainy days.
February is the driest month in Da Lat, averaging only 23 millimeters of precipitation and 5 rainy days.
Da Lat contains 346 restaurants and 251 cafes within a 10-kilometer radius, providing diverse dining options.
The city offers 204 hotels, 76 hostels, and 47 guesthouses within 10 kilometers for accommodation across multiple price points.
Da Lat contains 46 temples, 7 museums, and 21 viewpoints within a 10-kilometer radius.
Lien Khuong Airport is located 23 kilometers from Da Lat, serving as the nearest major commercial gateway.
The best time to visit Da Lat extends from January through March and December, when rainfall is lowest.
Da Lat's elevation creates a temperate climate distinct from lowland Vietnam, with average January temperatures at 16.5°C.
The city contains 29 named tourism attractions within a 10-kilometer radius, including historic and cultural sites.
Phan Rang Airport is situated 66 kilometers from Da Lat as an alternative commercial gateway.

Geography and Climate

Da Lat sits on the Langbiang Plateau at 1,500 meters elevation in Vietnam's Central Highlands, creating a temperate climate distinct from the rest of the country. Average temperatures remain moderate year-round, ranging from 16.5°C in January to 19.6°C in May. The monsoon pattern brings heaviest rainfall from May to October, with September recording the highest precipitation at 291mm and approximately 28 rainy days. The driest months are January through March, with January averaging just 31mm and 7 rainy days. This climate pattern makes Da Lat cooler and more stable than lowland Vietnamese cities, supporting diverse vegetation and outdoor activities throughout the year.

Elevation: 1,500 meters above sea level
Average temperature (January): 16.5°C
Average temperature (May): 19.6°C
Highest monthly rainfall: 291mm (September)
Lowest monthly rainfall: 23mm (February)

Population and Economy

Da Lat has a population of approximately 258,000 residents, making it the largest urban center in the Central Highlands region. The city has evolved into a significant residential and tourism hub, attracting visitors from across Vietnam and internationally. The local economy is supported by tourism, agriculture, and services. Within a 10-kilometer radius, the city contains 346 restaurants, 204 hotels, 76 hostels, 47 guesthouses, 251 cafes, and 20 pharmacies, indicating robust hospitality and service infrastructure. The presence of 28 ATMs and 28 bars reflects moderate financial and leisure facilities. Markets (10 within 10km) serve both local and tourist populations.

Population: Approximately 258,000
Restaurants (within 10km): 346
Hotels (within 10km): 204
Cafes (within 10km): 251
Hostels (within 10km): 76

Cultural Attractions and Landmarks

Da Lat features significant cultural and historic landmarks reflecting its French colonial heritage and contemporary tourism development. Major attractions include the Crazy House (a distinctive architectural museum), Thác Prenn (waterfall attraction), Vườn dâu Công nghệ cao Bình Yên (agricultural site), and the XQ Da Lat Historical Village (museum). The city also offers coffee plantation tours, including a weasel coffee estate, and elevated viewpoints such as Viewpoint on the Rocks. Within 10 kilometers, the city contains 7 museums, 46 temples, 29 named attractions, and 21 viewpoints, providing diverse cultural and scenic exploration opportunities.

Temples (within 10km): 46
Museums (within 10km): 7
Named attractions (within 10km): 29
Viewpoints (within 10km): 21

Getting There

Da Lat is accessible via Lien Khuong Airport (DLI), located approximately 23 kilometers from the city center, making it the nearest major commercial gateway. Phan Rang Airport (PHA) is situated 66 kilometers away as an alternative option. The city's position in the Central Highlands requires travelers to plan connections through larger Vietnamese hubs. Road access from Ho Chi Minh City and other lowland centers passes through mountainous terrain.

Nearest airport (Lien Khuong): 23 kilometers away
Alternative airport (Phan Rang): 66 kilometers away

Best Time to Visit

The optimal period to visit Da Lat extends from January through March and December, when rainfall is lowest and temperatures are moderate and stable. January through March averages between 16.5°C and 19.1°C with minimal precipitation (ranging from 23mm to 50mm) and between 5 and 9 rainy days per month. December similarly offers low rainfall at 69mm with 9 rainy days and temperatures around 16.7°C. The monsoon season from May through October brings substantially higher rainfall, with September reaching 291mm and 28 rainy days, though these months remain cooler than lowland Vietnam. Cool-season months (January–March, December) offer the most favorable conditions for outdoor exploration.

Driest month (rainfall): February (23mm)
Wettest month (rainfall): September (291mm)
Coolest month (average): January (16.5°C)
Warmest month (average): May (19.6°C)

Accommodation and Dining

Da Lat offers diverse accommodation options across multiple categories. Within a 10-kilometer radius, the city provides 204 hotels, 76 hostels, and 47 guesthouses, serving a broad range of budgets and preferences. The dining scene is substantial, with 346 restaurants and 251 cafes throughout the city. Market venues (10 within 10km) offer local food and produce for self-catering visitors. This accommodation and food infrastructure supports tourism across price points.

Hotels (within 10km): 204
Hostels (within 10km): 76
Guesthouses (within 10km): 47
Restaurants (within 10km): 346
Cafes (within 10km): 251

Frequently asked questions

What is Da Lat's elevation and why is it important for visitors?: Da Lat sits at approximately 1,500 meters above sea level on the Langbiang Plateau, creating a distinctly cooler climate compared to other Vietnamese regions. Average temperatures range from 16.5°C in January to 19.6°C in May, offering relief from tropical heat and enabling temperate-climate outdoor activities.
When is the best time to visit Da Lat?: January through March and December are optimal, with low rainfall (23–69mm monthly) and comfortable temperatures (16.5–19.1°C). These months average only 5–9 rainy days. The monsoon season (May–October) brings substantially higher rainfall, with September reaching 291mm and 28 rainy days, though temperatures remain mild.
What are the main attractions in Da Lat?: Key attractions include the Crazy House (architectural museum), Thác Prenn (waterfall), XQ Da Lat Historical Village, coffee plantation tours, and multiple viewpoints. The city contains 7 museums, 46 temples, 29 named attractions, and 21 viewpoints within a 10-kilometer radius.
How do I get to Da Lat?: Lien Khuong Airport (DLI) is the nearest major gateway, located 23 kilometers from the city center. Phan Rang Airport (PHA) is an alternative option 66 kilometers away. Road access is available from Ho Chi Minh City and other lowland centers via mountainous terrain.
What accommodation options are available in Da Lat?: Da Lat offers 204 hotels, 76 hostels, and 47 guesthouses within a 10-kilometer radius, accommodating diverse budgets. The city also provides 346 restaurants and 251 cafes for dining options.
What is the climate like in Da Lat compared to other Vietnamese cities?: Da Lat's high elevation (1,500m) produces temperatures 5–10°C cooler than lowland Vietnam year-round. Average temperatures range from 16.5°C (January) to 19.6°C (May). Rainfall is highest from May to October, with September averaging 291mm.

More about Da Lat: Vietnam's Highland City at 1,500 Meters

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Sources & methodology

Geographic data from GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Narrative sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) and structured by Claude. Map by © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). See the methodology and sources registry for full attribution and update cadence.

This page last refreshed 2026-05-03 · generation v4.