Vietnam in December: Where to Go, Where to Skip & What the Weather’s Really Like

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Last updated: October 3, 2026 · By Katie McGrain, 10 years living in Hanoi. This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

December is one of the best months to visit Vietnam, but only if you pick the right part of the country.

The south is in full dry season. The north is cool, dry and, in Hanoi, the most comfortable it gets all year. The middle of the country (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang) is still finishing its wet season, and in late 2025 it flooded badly.

I’ve lived in Hanoi for 10 years. I’ve spent Decembers on Phu Quoc beaches, in Hoi An drizzle, and shivering in my Hanoi apartment (no heating!). This is where I’d send a friend this month, where I wouldn’t, and what to pack for each.

Not sure December is your month? Here’s how December compares to the rest of the year.

Where to Go in Vietnam in December: At a Glance

Average December lows and highs, and the average number of rainy days. Click any destination for the full breakdown further down.

Option	Dec Temps (Low–High)	Rainy Days	Why It’s Great	The Catch	Best For
Phu Quoc	23–30°C 73–87°F	~6	Start of the dry season, calm seas on the west coast, everything open over Christmas	Peak-season prices; book Christmas–New Year early	A proper beach holiday
Ho Chi Minh City	24–32°C 75–89°F	~5	Rainy season is over; big New Year’s Eve	Still hot. December is no break from the heat here.	Food, city energy, Mekong Delta trips
Mui Ne	Warm and dry	Few	Dry season and steady wind: peak kitesurf season	That same wind makes it a poor beach for lying around	Kitesurfers, coastal road trips
Da Lat	13–21°C 56–71°F	~6	Dry, cool, green; one of its best months	Cold nights, and plenty of guesthouses have no heating	Escaping the heat, hiking
Nha Trang	22–27°C 72–81°F	~14	Warm sea, easy beach-city setup	December is the tail of its rainy season (about 190 mm on average)	Late-December trips with flexible plans
Hoi An & Da Nang	20–25°C 68–77°F	~19	Cool enough to walk the old town all day; thinner crowds early in the month	Wet season is still ending, the sea is often too rough to swim, and the area flooded in late 2025	Late December, travelers who don’t mind rain
Hue	19–24°C 65–75°F	~20	Imperial sites without the summer heat	The wettest stop on the tourist route this month	History buffs with a rain jacket
Hanoi	14–21°C 57–70°F	~5	Dry, cool and the best month to walk the city	Cold snaps, no indoor heating, and winter is when the air quality is worst	Food, culture, Christmas atmosphere
Ha Long Bay	15–22°C 59–72°F	~5	Dry and good for an overnight cruise	Too cold for most people to swim; fog can roll in	A 1–2 night trip from Hanoi
Sapa	7–13°C 45–56°F	~14	Real winter, and a small chance of frost or snow late in the month	Cold, damp and often fogged in; snow is never guaranteed	Trekkers who like the cold
Ha Giang Loop	14–22°C in town; colder up high	~8	Clear skies and far fewer riders on the road	Brutal on a motorbike: single digits at night on the plateau	Experienced riders with proper gear

Want to string several of these together? Here’s a 10-day route that works in December, or browse the most beautiful places in Vietnam year-round.

Typical Vietnam Weather in December

Vietnam is about 1,650 km long, and in December it runs three different climates at once:

• The north has an actual winter. Cold, dry air blows down from China (the northeast monsoon), so it’s cool and mostly dry.
• The central coast gets its rain from that same monsoon hitting the mountains, so December is still part of its wet season.
• The south is tropical and is just starting its dry season, which runs from December to April.

So “what’s the weather like in Vietnam in December?” really means “which part of Vietnam?” Here’s each region.

North Vietnam Weather in December

Hanoi averages 14–21°C (57–70°F) in December, with about five rainy days, which makes it one of the driest months of the year. Ha Long Bay is almost identical. Up in the mountains, Sapa averages 7–13°C (45–56°F) and spends a lot of the month wrapped in fog.

Averages don’t tell the whole story. A few times each winter a cold front sweeps through and Hanoi drops below 10°C (50°F) for several days. That sounds mild if you’re from Chicago or Dublin, but here the humidity sits around 75–80%, the cold gets into everything, and almost no homes, cafés or budget hotels have heating. Pack a proper warm layer, not just a hoodie.

Fun fact: When I first moved to Hanoi, I didn’t pack a single warm thing because I assumed Vietnam was hot all year. The first cold snap in December had me shivering in my apartment and hunting for a jacket in the Old Quarter.

Hanoi is getting its own deep dive: my full guide to Hanoi weather in December.

Central Vietnam Weather in December

Central Vietnam is the region to be careful with in December. Da Nang and Hoi An average 20–25°C (68–77°F) with about 19 rainy days. Hue is wetter still, averaging around 350 mm of rain over roughly 20 days.

The good news is that December is much drier than November, when Da Nang averages about double the rain. The further into December you go, the better your odds.

The bad news is that this coast floods. In October and November 2025, record rainfall put Hoi An’s old town and parts of Hue under water. Most Decembers are wet but not disastrous; still, book flexible hotels and keep a backup plan.

The sea is often rough, too. December isn’t a swimming month on the central coast, even on sunny days.

South Vietnam Weather in December

The south is where December weather is most reliable. Ho Chi Minh City averages 24–32°C (75–89°F) with about five rainy days. Phu Quoc averages 23–30°C (73–87°F) with around six, and the rain usually comes as short showers rather than all-day downpours.

The one exception is Nha Trang. It sits on the south-central coast and gets its rain late in the year, so December still averages about 190 mm over roughly 14 days. If a beach is the point of your trip, Phu Quoc is the safer bet.

How to Check the Weather While You’re Here

Check the forecast for each stop a few days ahead, and don’t trust it completely. I’ve lost count of the times the app said sun and I got rain, or the other way around.

• AccuWeather is the most reliable general app I’ve used here.
• In Hanoi, follow The Hanoi Weather Dude on Facebook. He’s a local legend and, in my experience, the most accurate forecaster in the city.
• IQAir covers air quality (more on that below).

These are on my full list of apps I actually use in Vietnam.

Air Quality in Vietnam in December

December through March is the worst time of year for air quality in northern Vietnam, and Hanoi is the worst of it. In winter, cooler, still air traps smog over the city instead of blowing it away.

It’s not getting better. IQAir’s 2025 World Air Quality Report found Hanoi’s pollution had risen for the sixth year in a row, and on several days in 2025 Hanoi ranked among the 10 most polluted major cities in the world. The World Health Organization has more on why.

A week of bad air won’t do you long-term harm, but it can take the shine off your trip. On a bad day you can see it, smell it and feel it. I don’t get coughing fits like some people do, but my eyes take a beating (I wear contacts), and I go through a lot more eye drops.

You’ll hear people talk about the AQI, or Air Quality Index. Here’s what the numbers and colors mean:

What I’d do on a bad-air day in December:

• Check IQAir each morning. Once it goes over 150 (red), I plan museums, cafés and indoor food stops instead of long walks.
• Pick up N95 or KN95 masks at any pharmacy (nhà thuốc). They’re cheap and everywhere. The cloth masks sold on the street don’t filter much.
• If you have asthma or another breathing condition, bring your medication and don’t count on finding it here.
• Bring eye drops if you wear contacts.
• If air quality is a dealbreaker, the south and the islands (Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc) have noticeably cleaner air than Hanoi in December.

For everything else on staying healthy and safe, read what tourists need to know about safety in Vietnam.

Christmas in Vietnam

Christmas (December 25) is not a public holiday in Vietnam. Offices, schools and banks work as normal, and almost every shop, restaurant and attraction stays open. January 1 is a public holiday, so expect government offices and banks to close that day.

Only around 7–9% of people in Vietnam are Christian, depending on whose count you use. Christmas has still become a big deal in the cities, though it’s a different holiday from the one you grew up with. The holiday that shuts the country down is Tết, the Lunar New Year, which falls on February 6 in 2027. Here’s what’s open and closed over Tết.

How Does Vietnam Celebrate Christmas?

For most Vietnamese people, Christmas is about going out rather than staying in. The big night is Christmas Eve, not Christmas Day. Young couples and families pile onto motorbikes to see the lights, take photos in front of decorated malls and cathedrals, and eat out. The streets around the big churches get so packed that traffic barely moves.

Malls and hotels go all-in on decorations from early December. You’ll see Santa hats on street vendors and Santa balloons tied to bicycles. More and more young parents now do the Santa story for their kids, and some even hire a Santa to hand out presents around their apartment building.

Christmas Day itself feels like a normal working day. If you want a traditional Christmas lunch, you’ll find it at hotels and western restaurants, not at home with a Vietnamese family.

My own Hanoi Christmas tradition: I head downtown to see St. Joseph’s Cathedral all lit up, then get dressed in actual winter clothes (a rare treat here) for a nice dinner somewhere in the Old Quarter. It’s not a snowy Christmas, but the chilly air is just enough to make it feel a little more like home.

Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in Vietnam

Hanoi: St. Joseph’s Cathedral (Nhà thờ Lớn Hà Nội) is the heart of Christmas in the north. There’s a nativity scene out front and midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Get there early or you won’t get close. Walk Hàng Mã street in the Old Quarter beforehand: it’s covered floor to ceiling in Christmas decorations for sale. If you’re staying for the holidays, here’s where to stay in Hanoi over Christmas.

Ninh Bình: Phát Diệm Cathedral is a huge cathedral built from stone and wood in a mix of Vietnamese and European styles, and it draws big crowds at Christmas. It’s an easy trip from Hanoi. See more day trips from Hanoi.

Ho Chi Minh City: The Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral has been under restoration since 2017, and completion is expected around 2027 or later, so check whether it’s open before you plan around it. Tân Định Church (the famous pink one) is a good alternative, and the Nguyễn Huệ walking street goes all-out with lights.

Beach resorts (Phu Quoc, Da Nang, Hoi An): If you want the full turkey-and-carols experience, the big resorts do Christmas Eve gala dinners with buffets, free-flow drinks and live shows. They sell out, so book early. One year I spent Christmas at the Pullman in Phu Quoc, and the entire staff came out dressed as Santa and did a dance. Looking for something more romantic? These are the best resorts in Da Nang for couples.

New Year’s Eve in Vietnam

Western New Year is a bigger night out than Christmas, and January 1 is a day off for everyone.

• Hanoi: There’s a countdown every year, and the crowd packs the streets around Hoàn Kiếm Lake.
• Ho Chi Minh City: Nguyễn Huệ walking street hosts the biggest countdown party in the country, every year.
• Beach towns: Expect beach parties and resort galas in Phu Quoc and Da Nang. Prices peak between Christmas and New Year.

My advice: Book New Year’s Eve dinner ahead. Grab prices surge and cars are hard to find after midnight, so stay walking distance from the action, and keep your phone and bag in front of you in the crowds.

Want to know what else is happening while you’re here? Here’s my month-by-month guide to Vietnam’s festivals and holidays.

Where to Go in Vietnam in December (and Where to Skip)

Here’s the short version: go south for beaches, go north for cool city and mountain weather, and treat the central coast as a gamble until late in the month. Below is each destination with its December weather, what to pack and my honest verdict. The comparison table at the top has everything side by side.

Combining a few stops? These routes work well in December: one week in Vietnam or 10 days north to south.

Hanoi in December

December is when I tell friends to visit Hanoi. The heat and humidity are gone, the sky is mostly dry, and you can walk the Old Quarter all day without dripping in sweat. Once December hits, I know it’ll stay cool until about March.

Cool weather is street food weather. A steaming bowl of phở at 7am in 14°C hits differently. Here’s where I actually eat street food in Hanoi, and warm up in the afternoon with an egg coffee. At night, the weekend night markets are at their most comfortable, but bring a layer for your arms and legs.

The one downside is air quality, which is at its worst in winter (see the air quality section above).

Planning your days? Try my 3-day Hanoi itinerary. For the full picture, here’s my complete guide to Hanoi weather in December and my Vietnam packing checklist.

Ho Chi Minh City in December

Ho Chi Minh City, which everyone still calls Saigon, is one of the top destinations in Vietnam all year. December is one of its best months: the rainy season has finished, the sky is clear most days, and the humidity drops a little.

Don’t expect a break from the heat, though. “Cooler” in Saigon still means low 30s in the afternoon. When I’m in HCMC in December I live in dresses and shorts, and carry a light shawl for over-air-conditioned restaurants and evenings out. If you’re coming from a cold winter, you won’t need a jacket at all.

Since July 2025, Ho Chi Minh City has also taken in the old Bình Dương and Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu provinces, so the beach town of Vũng Tàu is now technically part of the city.

Da Nang in December

Da Nang is my favorite city in Vietnam. Where else do you get a beach, mountains and a real city inside the same city limits? Just know that December isn’t its best month.

Central Vietnam is still finishing its wet season, so expect grey skies and showers on a lot of days, especially early in the month. It’s mild and comfortable for exploring. When I’m in Da Nang in December, jeans and a t-shirt (or shorts and a long-sleeve shirt) are perfect. It just isn’t beach weather: the waves are big, and lifeguards often keep people out of the water.

Plan your time around the weather with my 3-day Da Nang itinerary or one perfect day in Da Nang, both of which have plenty that works in the rain. Here’s where to stay in Da Nang. Save the best Da Nang beaches for a trip between April and August, when the sea is calm.

Hoi An in December

Hoi An is a 30–45 minute drive from Da Nang, so the weather is identical, but the feel is completely different. Da Nang is a modern beach city with high-rises along the coast. Hoi An is a small, charming old town of yellow walls and silk lanterns, made for photos and slow wandering. It’s worth seeing both. Since the 2025 reforms, Hoi An is officially part of Da Nang city.

The honest part: Hoi An’s old town sits on a river and floods most years. In October and November 2025, record rains put the old town under water, and floods can spill into early December. Cool, drizzly days walking between cafés and tailors are lovely, but a flooded old town is not.

If you’re going, aim for the second half of December, book a hotel with free cancellation, and check the local news a few days before. Many people stay in Da Nang and visit Hoi An for the day; these are the best hotels in Da Nang for that.

Phu Quoc in December

If you want a beach holiday this Christmas, this is the place. Phu Quoc is the most reliable beach weather in Vietnam in December: the dry season is starting, the sun is out most days, and the seas on the west coast (where most resorts and the sunsets are) are calm. One December I spent two full weeks on Phu Quoc and it didn’t rain once.

It’s peak season, so prices go up, especially between Christmas and New Year. That said, there are so many hotels and resorts on the island that I’ve never had trouble finding a room, even booking with a week’s notice. These are my favorite hotels in Phu Quoc. If you’re set on a specific resort for Christmas week, book early.

Heads up for late 2027: Phu Quoc is hosting the APEC summit in November 2027, and the island has been upgrading roads, the airport and hotels to prepare. Expect new infrastructure and possibly some construction and higher prices around the event.

Pack light, breathable clothes and a thin layer for breezy evenings. It’s an island, so bring a sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses; the December sun is strong even when it doesn’t feel hot. Everything else is in my Vietnam packing checklist.

Ha Long Bay in December

Ha Long Bay is about a 2.5-hour drive from Hanoi on the expressway, so it’s an easy add-on to a December trip in the north. The weather is much like Hanoi’s: cool, dry and low humidity, which makes for comfortable kayaking and cave visits.

Go in with the right expectations. December days can be hazy or foggy, which makes the limestone islands look moody rather than postcard-blue, and it’s too cool for most people to lie on the sundeck. Evenings on the boat get chilly, so pack a proper jacket. If you’re coming from a cold winter, though, you may find the water perfectly swimmable.

Note: The seaplane flights that used to fly over Ha Long Bay were suspended from April 2026, but hopefully coming back soon.

Ha Long works as a long day trip, but an overnight cruise is far better. For more options, see the best day trips from Hanoi, or add Ha Long to 2 days in Hanoi.

Sapa in December

If you want an actual winter in Vietnam, Sapa is it. It’s the coldest place most travelers will visit, and on a few days each winter the peak of Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest mountain at over 3,100 m, gets frost or even a dusting of snow. The cable car can take you to the top. Snow is never guaranteed (more on that in the FAQs), and it’s more likely in late December and January.

Look at those numbers and you might think “that isn’t very cold.” But Vietnam is humid, and the damp air makes everything feel colder than it is. Add a ride on the back of a motorbike in the wind and fog, and it’s genuinely freezing. Homestays and budget hotels often have little or no heating, so ask before you book.

One more thing: the famous green and gold rice terraces are long harvested by December. Expect bare terraces, misty valleys and dramatic views on clear mornings. Trails get muddy and slippery, so bring shoes with real grip. Everything else you’ll need is on my Vietnam packing checklist.

Ha Giang in December

December is the coldest time of year on the Ha Giang Loop, but it’s also one of the clearest. Skies are mostly blue, the roads are quieter than in the October–November peak, and you’ll have the viewpoints far more to yourself. The rice is long harvested, so the valleys are brown and gold rather than green, but the mountain scenery is still the best in Vietnam.

The cold is the real challenge. Ha Giang city sits low, but the Loop climbs onto the high plateau, where nights drop into single digits and the wind on a motorbike cuts through everything. Pack insulated gloves, thermal layers and a windproof jacket, and you can rent or buy more warm gear in Hanoi or Ha Giang before you set off.

Stay safe on the Loop: If you haven’t ridden mountain roads before, hire an experienced local driver (an “easy rider”) rather than riding yourself, especially in cold, foggy conditions. And check that your travel insurance covers motorbike riding. Many policies only do if you hold a valid motorbike license. Here’s what to look for in travel insurance for Vietnam. Traveling solo? Read my guide for solo female travelers.

Since July 2025, Ha Giang has been part of Tuyên Quang province, so you may see that name on maps and bookings.

Hue in December

Hue, the old imperial capital, is one of Vietnam’s great history stops: the Imperial City, the royal tombs along the Perfume River, and some of the best food in the country. December, though, is not its month. Hue gets more rain in December than anywhere else on the standard north-to-south route, and the area flooded badly in October and November 2025.

If Hue is a must on your route, go in the second half of December, plan indoor time (museums, long lunches of bún bò Huế), and keep your schedule flexible. If you can move it, Hue is at its best from around February to April.

Da Lat in December

Da Lat is Vietnam’s mountain escape in the south-central highlands, and December is right in its dry season. Expect crisp, sunny days, cold nights, and the occasional misty morning, a lot like Hanoi in winter. The weather is much the same from November through January, so it’s a safe pick any time in that window (here’s Vietnam in January if you’re planning around the new year).

It stays humid year-round, so the cold nights feel colder than the numbers suggest. In the middle of the day, when the sun is out, a t-shirt is fine. By sunset you’ll want a real jacket, and like most of Vietnam, many guesthouses don’t have heating.

Since July 2025, Da Lat’s province (Lâm Đồng) has also taken in the old Bình Thuận province, so Mui Ne is now in the same province.

Nha Trang in December

This is where a lot of December guides get it wrong. Nha Trang is on the south-central coast, and its rainy season runs late in the year, peaking in October and November. December is better than both of those months, but it still averages around 14 rainy days. You’ll get beach days, just not reliably.

If Nha Trang is on your route anyway, aim for the end of the month and keep a couple of flexible days. If you’re choosing a beach just for December, go to Phu Quoc. Nha Trang is at its best from around February to August; here’s the best time to visit each part of Vietnam.

Pack for a beach holiday plus a rain jacket. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever needed a warm jacket in Nha Trang at any time of year.

Mui Ne in December

Mui Ne is about three hours from Ho Chi Minh City by expressway and is dry through December. The catch, or the draw, depending on who you are, is the wind. December is the heart of kitesurfing season, and the steady wind that makes it great for kites also makes it choppy for swimming and gusty for lying on the sand.

Go for kitesurf lessons, sunrise at the red and white sand dunes, and fresh seafood. Don’t go expecting a calm, glassy beach; that’s what Phu Quoc is for.

Vietnam in December: FAQs

Is December a good time to visit Vietnam?

Yes, December is one of the best months to visit Vietnam, as long as you choose the right regions. The south (Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh City) is dry and sunny, and the north (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay) is cool and dry. Only the central coast (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang) is still wet, especially early in the month.

Timing matters too. Early December is quieter and cheaper. Crowds and prices build from mid-month and peak between Christmas and New Year. For more on-the-ground advice, read my essential tips for traveling in Vietnam.

Is Vietnam cold in December?

It depends on where you are. Hanoi averages 14–21°C (57–70°F), with cold snaps below 10°C, and Sapa averages 7–13°C (45–56°F). The south stays tropical at 23–32°C (73–89°F). The north feels colder than the numbers suggest because of the humidity, and most buildings have no heating, so pack a real warm layer.

When is the rainy season in Vietnam?

Each region has its own rainy season:

• North (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa, Ha Giang): about May to September
• Central coast (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An): about September to December, with October and November the wettest
• South-central coast (Nha Trang): about October to December
• South (Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, Mekong Delta): about May to November

That makes December dry in the north and south, but still wet on the central and south-central coasts. Here’s the best time to visit each part of Vietnam.

When is peak travel season in Vietnam?

Peak season for international travelers runs from roughly November to April, when most of the country is drier and cooler. The two busiest stretches are Christmas to New Year and the weeks around Tết (Lunar New Year, February 6 in 2027), when Vietnamese families travel too and flights, trains and hotels sell out. Book those dates early.

Before you book anything, check the current entry requirements for Vietnam.

What are the best beaches in Vietnam in December?

Phu Quoc is the best beach in Vietnam in December. Its dry season is starting, and it has sunny days and calm seas on the west coast. Mui Ne is dry too, but very windy, which makes it great for kitesurfing and less so for lounging. Nha Trang is still finishing its rainy season, and the central beaches (Da Nang, Hoi An) are usually too rough to swim.

Can you see snow in Vietnam?

Occasionally, but don’t plan a trip around it. Snow in Vietnam is rare and limited to the highest northern mountains, mainly the peak of Fansipan near Sapa, and it’s most likely in late December and January. Every few winters, videos of Vietnamese tourists touching snow for the first time go viral. I’ve lived in Vietnam for 10 years and have never seen it myself. [VERIFY: still true]

Is Christmas a public holiday in Vietnam?

No. Christmas Day is a normal working day in Vietnam, and almost all shops, restaurants and attractions stay open. Christmas Eve is the big night out in the cities, especially around the cathedrals. New Year’s Day (January 1) is a public holiday, and Tết (Lunar New Year) is the holiday that shuts the country down. See Christmas in Vietnam above.

Is Ha Long Bay worth visiting in December?

Yes, especially for an overnight cruise. December is one of Ha Long Bay’s driest months, at 15–22°C (59–72°F), which is comfortable for kayaking and caves. Expect some hazy or foggy days, chilly evenings on deck, and water too cold for most people to swim. It’s about 2.5 hours from Hanoi by road.

What should I pack for Vietnam in December?

Pack for two seasons. For the north, bring a warm jacket, a sweater, long pants and closed shoes (plus thermals for Sapa or Ha Giang). For the south, bring light clothes, a swimsuit, sunscreen and a hat. Everyone needs a rain jacket and N95 masks for bad-air days in Hanoi. Here’s my full Vietnam packing checklist.

Final Thoughts: Is Vietnam Worth Visiting in December?

Absolutely, if you plan around the regions. Go south for the beaches, go north for cool city days and mountain winter, and save the central coast for late in the month or another trip altogether.

What’s the Best Place to Visit in Vietnam in December?

For me, it’s Phu Quoc. It’s almost always sunny in December (I once spent two weeks there without a single drop of rain), it’s hot but not unbearable, and because it’s peak season, everything is open. If you’d rather have cool weather and great food, Hanoi is a very close second, and I might be biased.

Not Sure December Is Your Month?

Compare it with the months on either side:

• Hanoi in November: my favorite month in Hanoi
• Vietnam in January
• Hanoi in January
• Vietnam in February, including Tết
• Vietnam in March

Or see the best time to visit Vietnam, month by month.