Surrounded by deep forests and high mountains, the cloudiness and foggy ambiance are staples of Sapa weather in February. February in Sapa when the weather is early spring, this time the weather is warmer than the days of January. And this is an extremely suitable time for exploration trips. So what’s so beautiful about traveling to Sapa in February? Let’s explore with Compass Tourist right in the article below!
What is the weather like in Sapa in February?
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Traveling to Sapa in February will be a suitable trip for more fun activities, sightseeing and discovery when the weather is spring.
A special feature of Sapa weather that you cannot ignore is that unlike other northern provinces. Sapa’s climate is cool all year round. In winter, sometimes it even snows.
The Sapa weather in February is one of the main charms of this lovely place nestled in Vietnam’s Northwestern mountainous region. At an elevation of 1650 meters above sea level and situated among dense forests and mountains, Sapa in February is usually clouded with mist and fog. This climate offers a distinct sense of allure and mystery to this quaint town.
Sapa in February is the time of early spring, the temperature will not be as cold as in January. The average temperature at this time will be from 10 to 24 degrees Celsius. Sapa in February approximately 4 hours of sunshine every day. The daily average temperature for Sapa in February is around 11°C.Not only that, February in Sapa often appears drizzle. Although not rushing like the summer showers, it is enough to wet visitors’ clothes.
However, the drizzle has never been the reason why tourists falter when coming to Sapa. On the contrary, when the weather is colder and more foggy, some tourist destinations like Fansipan will receive a larger number of tourists.
The reason may come from the fact that Vietnamese people are extremely curious about the first snowfalls of the season. They want to feel and directly see the snow in their homeland of Vietnam.
Therefore, the late winter or early spring months like January and February are more and more chosen as the time to “visit” this misty land – this beautiful Sapa. 
What to do in Sapa during February?
Activities
There are many great things to do in Sapa during February, here are some of the best activities:
- Trekking: February is a great time for trekking in Sapa. The weather is cool and dry, and the scenery is stunning. You can explore the rice terraces, visit local villages, and enjoy the peaceful winter landscapes.
- Attend Festivals: February is a month of celebration in Sapa with various traditional festivals taking place. Such as: Tet Nhay Festival, Roong Pooc Festival, Gau Tao Festival, Xuong Dong Festival. The most notable festival is the “Mau Son” festival, which is held in mid-February and is celebrated by the ethnic groups of Sapa.
- Visit Local Markets: Visiting the local markets in Sapa is always an exciting experience. And in February, there are many unique products to buy, including winter vegetables, colorful flowers, and handmade traditional clothes.
- Relax in Hot Springs: Sapa has several natural hot springs, which are a perfect way to relax after a long day of trekking or exploring. In February, the cool weather makes it an even more enjoyable experience.
- Explore Cat Cat Village: Cat Cat Village is a beautiful village located just outside of Sapa. It’s a great place to learn about the local culture and traditions. And in February, you can enjoy the peaceful winter scenery.
Special events
Especially, there are several special events in Sapa in February, that visitors should take part in, including:
- Mau Son festival: This festival is celebrated by the ethnic groups of Sapa in mid-February. It is a time of prayer and offerings to the gods, asking for good weather, good crops, and good health.
- Plum blossom festival: In early February, Sapa celebrates the beauty of the blooming plum blossom trees. The festival includes cultural performances, food stalls, and traditional games.
- Love Market: The Love Market is a traditional event that takes place on the 14th and 15th of February in the town of Sapa. It’s a unique opportunity for young men and women from different ethnic groups to meet and find love. The market also includes cultural performances, food stalls, and traditional games.
- Buffalo fighting festival: This is a traditional festival that takes place on the 27th of February in the village of Ta Van. It’s a thrilling event where two buffalos fight each other in a muddy field. And the winner is considered the strongest and most powerful buffalo in the village.
Where to go when traveling to Sapa in February?
Coming to Sapa in February, you should not miss these attractive tourist destinations! Surely they will make your Sapa travel experience more wonderful.
Fansipan Mountain Peak
Fansipan Mountain Peak has long been regarded as the rooftop of the Indochina region. Thus, this location is a must-try experience for tourists who love to conquer. The best time to make the trek is when azalea flowers are in full bloom in Sapa. Weather in February to April, offering the trekkers a lovely view along the journey. Wandering along the trails, visitors can view the whole landscape, with the mountain slopes, clouds, and forests dotted with azalea flowers. 
Rong May Glass Bridge
If you are looking for a little-known Sapa tourist destination in February, then Rong Mo tourist area is an ideal choice.
Located about 7km from the town center, featuring a glass bridge located 2200m high (above sea level), Rong Mo tourist area will surely bring you unforgettable experiences.
Or look at the dangerous O Quy Ho pass, which is always a big challenge for those who are afraid of heights. Offering a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t find anywhere else in Vietnam.
Admire the stunning beauty of flowers
The weather in Sapa in February undergoes a significant shift from winter into spring. To welcome the arrival of a new season, the town adorns itself with the majestic cherry blossoms in full bloom around the banks of Mat Ngoc Lake. The central lake is lined with Japanese cherry blossoms that were planted about a decade ago in front of the entrance to the Sapa Town Hall.
Azalea flowers are a symbol of strong vitality when they bloom brilliantly from dry, moldy branches growing on cliffs. Hoang Lien Son Mountain is the gathering place of azalea flowers, with 40 species of all different shapes and colors. The most beautiful angle to see Azalea blossoms in the middle of Hoang Lien mountains and forests is on the cable car going to Fansipan Peak.
Each season, Sapa has its own charm, but perhaps it is in the spring that Sapa wears “the most brilliant shirt”. As the peach and plum blossoms are about to wither, visitors to Sapa can immerse themselves in the stunningly beautiful yellow mustard gardens. From February to the end of March, Sapa yellow mustard flowers are in full bloom and are the most beautiful. 
Experience ethnic cultures in Sapa villages
Sapa is a residential area of 6 ethnic groups: Mong, Dao, Tay, Kinh, Giay, and Xa Pho, of which the Mong ethnic group is the majority. The uniqueness of ethnic cultures is reflected in the cultural space of the villages, in the house architecture of each ethnic group, in customs and living habits, and even in costumes and traditional festivals.
A visit to the living spaces of the locals in Sapa will surely give you a lot of insight into the cultures and ways of the Vietnamese ethnic people. Cat Cat Village, Ta Phin Village, Ban Ho Village, Sin Chai Village, Sau Chua Village, Hang Da Village, and Ta Van Village are all interesting and culturally rich locations that should be on your travel list. The hospitable villagers will welcome you with open arms as you immerse yourself in the locals’ way of life!
Visit local markets
Bac Ha market
There are many things to do in Sapa, including visiting the Bac Ha market. Held every Sunday, this market offers you the chance to explore a taste of Vietnam by taking a look or even purchasing local goods. Located just 2 hours and a half away from Sapa. Why not take a tour to the Bac Ha region and see the diverse and minority groups that come to the market to sell their goods.
Opening early, you can spend your morning taking a stroll around the market before having dinner in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, take a walk around the local area and even enjoy a ride on a horse and cart before the journey home.
Phong Hai market
Phong Hai market is also a good option for you during this time of the year, which takes place every Monday. Situated only an hour and a half away from Sapa, this market allows you to take in the area close to the border gate between Vietnam and China. Here, you can buy some vegetables and fresh fruits and head back to the town for lunch.
What to eat when going to Sapa in February?
When traveling to Sapa in February, do not miss these delicious dishes!
Lam rice
It will be extremely regrettable if you ignore the traditional lam rice dish of the ethnic minorities here. Lam rice is present in many places, however, the taste of Sapa lam rice is very special, it will definitely make you unforgettable if you once enjoyed it there.
Fresh Salmon
Salmon in Sapa has firm meat, no fat, has high elasticity, cooked in hot pot or eaten raw is all great. This is the “Western” dish with the best Vietnamese price that you should not miss when coming to Sapa.
Thang Co
Thang Co is a dish cooked from the entrails of a horse and 12 other ingredients. The 12th ingredient is Thang Co tree. This is a traditional dish of ethnic minorities in this Northwest region.
Buffalo meat in the kitchen
The pieces of buffalo meat in the kitchen are dark red due to being smoked, the appearance is not very eye-catching, but the taste is sure to make you fall in love. The kitchen buffalo meat has a very rich and sweet taste of buffalo meat, the spicy taste of marinated spices, creating a dish that even adults or children are “addicted”. 
Khau nhuc
Khau nhuc sounds very strange, isn’t it, but it is a dish that looks like braised meat in the lowlands. However, the way it is made and its taste is completely different.
When eating, you will feel the pieces of meat melting in your mouth, along with the taste of basil and five flavors. The taste that Khau nhuc brings you will definitely be hard to forget.
Xoi bay mau
Xoi bay mau is a sticky rice dish that symbolizes the Nung culture. It’s with brilliantly colored rice that is thought to bring luck. The colors of the rice are made from the herbs found in Sapa’s forests that create unique flavors for the rice.
Tips for traveling to Sapa in February
Some notes for traveling to Sapa
- In case you forgot anything at home, you can find it at any store selling trekking gear in Sapa Town. Remember to bargain hard when buying at these stores.
- Hire a local guide, especially if you are planning to trek in Sapa in February. Regardless of the length of the hike, hiring a local tour guide is highly recommended. Even though Sapa is safe and easy to do self-guided trekking, it is better to have someone who knows the area. The best viewing spots, and understand the weather.
- If you would like to travel around Sapa, renting a motorbike is a good option. With a bike, you can easily explore the village and enjoy the view that looks over the hills. For renting options, you can look at Compass Tourist or some travel agencies that provide motorbike tours in Sapa.
- You might encounter many local ethnic women who try to sell you souvenirs, bracelets, etc. . There are even young children that will ask you to purchase items from them. The best thing to do is say no politely and continue walking if you don’t have intentions of purchasing anything from them. They even follow you on your trekking route. But don’t worry, they do no harm so the best thing to do is say no.
- If you do buy fabric items from the H’mong tribe such as scarves or tapestries. Be careful not to let them have direct contact with your clothes. The indigo dye that is used to color the fabric will run until it is washed a few times.
What to pack?
- Bring some warm clothes as it’s been freezing during the nighttime
- A waterproof Jacket and light jacket are essential to bring with you
- Also, a raincoat or an umbrella can save you from an unexpected downpour
- Spare socks and underwear
- Consider bringing a flip flop that you might need after taking a shower. Especially if you stay overnight at a homestay
- A comfortable pair of shoes, choose the one with a good grip!
If you want to have a glimpse into the authentic beauty and culture of Vietnam. The charming town of Sapa should definitely be on your travel list. If you are considering a trip to Sapa in February, hopefully this article has helped you arrange the ideal plan. Besides its picturesque scenery, the Sapa weather in February will create the perfect mysterious and enchanting ambiance to elevate your journey. Prepare to have an unforgettable experience in the enchanting land of Sapa! Let’s find the best Sapa tours to visit in February now!