The country enjoys a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons - the rainy season from the beginning of May to October and the dry season from November to April. The yearly average temperature is about 26 C, rising to a maximum of 38 C in April and May. In Vientiane, minimum temperatures of 17 C are to be expected in December to January. In mountainous areas, however, temperatures drop to 14 ・15C during the cool months. In cold nights, the temperature easily reaches the freezing point.