The climate of the Indochina Peninsula is characterized by a tropical monsoon climate, which is characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. This region experiences high temperatures year-round, with a significant amount of rainfall during the wet season, typically from May to October, and a dry season from November to April. The average annual temperature ranges from 22°C to 30°C, with the highest temperatures occurring from March to May and the lowest from December to February. The rainfall is heaviest in the southern part of the peninsula, with the northern regions experiencing less precipitation.

The tropical monsoon climate is influenced by the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, which bring moist air and heavy rains during the wet season. The monsoon winds from the southwest bring warm, moist air from the Indian Ocean, leading to the wet season. Conversely, the northeast monsoon brings dry air from the Asian continent, resulting in the dry season. This seasonal pattern is crucial for agriculture in the region, as it determines the timing of planting and harvesting.

Data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) indicate that the Indochina Peninsula is one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change due to its reliance on rain-fed agriculture and its high population density. The IPCC reports that the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall and floods, are expected to increase in the future. For instance, the average annual rainfall in Vietnam has increased by about 1% per decade since the 1950s, and the number of heavy rainfall events has also increased. This trend is expected to continue, posing significant challenges to food security and water resources management in the region.

Moreover, the Indochina Peninsula is experiencing rising sea levels, which are a direct consequence of global warming. The IPCC projects that sea levels could rise by 0.3 to 0.6 meters by 2100, which could lead to increased coastal erosion and salinization of freshwater resources. This is particularly concerning for countries like Vietnam, which has a long coastline and is highly dependent on agriculture and fisheries.

In conclusion, the climate of the Indochina Peninsula is a tropical monsoon climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, influenced by monsoon winds from the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. The region is vulnerable to climate change, with increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events and rising sea levels posing significant challenges to its economy and environment.