Weather in Vietnam in December

Similar to November, the weather in Vietnam in December varies across the country. Its elongated shape means Vietnam faces a complicated weather and monsoonal pattern. Despite that, December is a peak tourist month, as there’s tons to do in this exciting country.

So for anyone looking to travel to Vietnam in December, look no further. Decide where to go and where to avoid with our article on weather in Vietnam in December.

You can also look at some of our tour suggestions | Three week tour across Vietnam | 10 day North Vietnam Tour

December is a good time to take a holiday to Vietnam, a country that offers incredible scenery and a rich history.

Weather in North Vietnam in December

(Sapa, Ninh Binh, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Cat Ba)

North Vietnam is blanketed with clear weather and low temperatures in December. The rain, if any at all, is sparse. Average temperatures hover at a comfortable 19°C (66.2°F), and it dips to lower at night. The mountainous regions of Sapa and Ha Giang enjoy clear dry weather, ideal to catch some trekking.

Keep in mind the low temperature, especially at night, and pack those woollies accordingly. However, you will be disappointed if you expect to witness the rice terraces in full form. The green to gold transformation happens in August and the rice is harvested in September. Your itinerary will have to change if this is a part of your bucket list. 

Hanoi and the cities are at the start of their winter, that lasts from November to April. It is also a good time to get on a cruise at the world-famous Halong Bay. However, the towering limestone karsts sometimes get shrouded in a fog, especially towards the last week of December going into January. This makes the scenery almost other-worldly, which while appealing to some, can be a disappointment to others. Plan accordingly.

Trekking to the mountainous regions that have the most spectacular views, should definitely be on your list of things to do in Vietnam.

Weather in Central Vietnam in December

(Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang)

The weather in Vietnam in December dons its rainy avatar when it comes to Central Vietnam. Though there is a marked drop in rainfall, the weather mostly remains damp and rainy. Early December has the possibility of storms. Central Vietnam experiences temperatures close to their annual lowest, though it is far from cool (24°C- 75.2°F).

Out of Hue and Hoi An, the latter is the drier of the two. Separated by mountains, you can notice the weather difference while travelling down the Hai Van pass that connects the two. The rain keeps large hordes of tourists away, so head to Hoi An to walk down the relatively empty alleys of the Ancient Town in rainy, albeit cool, weather.

The Phong-Nha Ke-Bang national park is a bit dicey, as it generally remains shut in the monsoon (September to November). The weather going unexpectedly bad can cause the park to remain shut, as the caves become inaccessible and trekking stays a distant dream. However, December is at the latter end of the monsoon. We recommend visiting the park in the months between February and August. If you do decide to take a chance on the month of December, try to go at the end of the month. 

Da Lat and the central highlands are your shelter from the storm, as cool dry weather make it perfect for some trekking and unwinding. You can also head to the Golden Bridge, in Da Nang. An exciting cable car ride up the Ba Na Hills leads to this marvel. The weather will be cool and it could be wrapped in a thin fog, but that only adds an element of surrealism to your view.

Explore the ancient town of Hoi An in December, having a cool weather with a few showers. Get a chance to escape the hordes of tourists that are otherwise present in this town.

Weather in South Vietnam in December

(Phu Quoc, Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City)

South Vietnam experiences some of its best annual conditions in December. Rainfall, if any at all, is sparse and minimal. Ho Chi Minh City, historical hub and culinary capital, has an average temperature of around 28°C (82.4°F). There’s tons you can do in South Vietnam. Treat yourself to some street food, or go cycling down the by-lanes alongside the canals of the Mekong.

Surrounding beaches are slightly hotter with clear skies, perfect to get that tan on the yellow white sands. Phu Quoc island is the tropical beach destination of your dreams in December. However, you will have other tourists for company so keep that in mind.

Savour the flavours of the delicious street food in Ho chi Minh City, also known as the culinary capital of Vietnam.

Festivals in Vietnam in December

Vietnam follows the Chinese calendar, and has a range of festivals celebrated throughout the year. Additionally, major religious festivals follow the Lunar calendar, so you’ll need to compare dates to the Gregorian calendar to get it right.

While there are no traditionally Vietnamese celebrations in December, there’s always Christmas! Midnight mass at cathedrals in Hoi An, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are a lovely experience for the faithful, while the others can take to the streets in the major cities to partake in some revelry. 

This gorgeous picture is of the Tan Dinh Church- a Roman Catholic Church in Ho Chi Minh City. This unique pink church is equally as stunning from the inside as it is from the outside.

Overall, December is a great month to visit Vietnam. The weather in Vietnam in December is, for the most part, on its best behaviour. While north and south Vietnam are doable, central Vietnam is best approached in the latter half of the month. This is the tourist peak season, so we recommend booking in advance. For any more help, information on visa and currency details, basic guidance or customized planning, just hit Plan Your Trip.