Vietnam in December: Travel Tips for Festive Season
The country known for its hot and humid weather takes a different turn in December. For a small fraction of time, Vietnam experiences four different seasons spread across the country. December is one of the few times when you might need a jacket. Still, you will mostly be greeted with sunshine. The weather in Vietnam is perfect at this time of year, allowing you to make the most of the places you would otherwise skip on account of unbearable tropical heat. From exploring the mist-covered limestone hills in the north to enjoying the beaches in the south, a holiday to Vietnam in December offers a variety of experiences.
Vietnam Weather in December
Both the north and the south of Vietnam have mild and dry weather conditions throughout December. Hanoi in the north sees temperatures between 15°C and 22°C, with only one day of rainfall expected in the whole month. Ho Chi Minh City in the south has warmer temperatures between 23°C and 31°C. Here, December also marks the end of the rainy season. Da Nang, the hub of Central Vietnam, still experiences a fair amount of rain in December and the temperatures, ranging from 20°C to 25°C, can feel pretty cool when the skies are gray. The tropical island of Phu Quoc is a popular destination this time of year as the rainy season starts retreating. Temperatures here hover between 26°C and 28°C, which is just perfect for a fun day at the beach.
See our seasonal guide on the best time to visit Vietnam for more ideas and insights.
Weather in Vietnam in December - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 19 | 19 | 23 | 26 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 28 | 24 | 21 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 15 | 15 | 18 | 21 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 22 | 19 | 15 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 66.2 | 66.2 | 73.4 | 78.8 | 87.8 | 89.6 | 89.6 | 89.6 | 87.8 | 82.4 | 75.2 | 69.8 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 59 | 59 | 64.4 | 69.8 | 75.2 | 77 | 78.8 | 78.8 | 77 | 71.6 | 66.2 | 59 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 10 | 30 | 50 | 100 | 150 | 190 | 210 | 200 | 160 | 100 | 60 | 30 |
Why Visit Vietnam in December
There are plenty of things to do in Vietnam in December. Below are a few reasons why you should consider traveling to the country during this time of year.
- Christmas time: December marks the start of the festive season, with Christmas being the most popular. You can attend midnight mass at Notre Dame Cathedral while traveling in Ho Chi Minh City for an extra special experience. Decorative lighting in downtown areas of the three largest cities in the country welcomes the new era of Christmas traditions.
- New Year’s Eve: This is one of the most popular times to visit Phu Quoc island, with the annual Sunlit New Year’s Eve Festival high on the list of most travelers. DJs from across the globe keep the festivities going for multiple days surrounded by Dali-esque art installations and luxury resorts.
- Pleasant weather: At other times of the year, heat and humidity can push one to their limits, but mild temperatures in December make a trip to the country much more agreeable.
- Beach time: Escape the winter of the West by enjoying nice sunny days on the beaches of southern Vietnam.
Where to go and what to do
Da Lat, a mountainous town in the south, was once a holiday village for French aristocrats and it has kept every bit of its charm intact. Local people tend to shy away from this popular destination in December as colder temperatures are a deterrent, but this is an excellent time to take advantage of lower prices. While prices climb in the north and south, a trip to Da Lat becomes less expensive. There are tons of romantic forest cabins and cozy lodges in the area, perfect for a quick escape from big cities.
The northern mountains around Sapa are very popular in December when the trekking season is in full swing. Cooler temperatures make multi-day treks in Sapa much more bearable and chances of muddy and rainy conditions are slim. The climb to Vietnam’s highest peak, Fan Si Pan, is also possible in December and lucky hikers could even experience some magical snow flurries if conditions are just right.
Still wondering where to go in Vietnam? Cities are not the only best places to visit in Vietnam during this month. Take advantage of the drier conditions in the north and south and enjoy one of the world’s most challenging motorbike trips. The Ha Giang loop is one of the most popular routes among tourists and is much safer during the dry season. Those looking for a more ‘off-the-beaten-track’ experience can head for Ban Gioc Waterfall on the border of China where more treacherous roads await.
Ho Chi Minh City and Mui Ne are great in December, thanks to their warm and dry conditions. Also, southern beaches and northern mountains are at their most beautiful during this time. But be warned, since this month is part of the peak season in the country, you have to make sure to book early.
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Check out our tours to Vietnam in December for more ideas.
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Vietnam in November
Vietnam in January
