Vietnam in December: Weather, Best Places to Visit & Travel Tips

Vietnam in December is diverse, with the North experiencing cool winter breezes, the Central coast seeing its rainy season, and the South enjoying sunny, tropical days. It’s one of the best months to explore Vietnam’s contrasts: from misty mountains in Sapa to vibrant beaches in Phu Quoc, or festive celebrations in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Save

1. Vietnam Weather in December

North Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Giang, Ninh Binh, Ha Long)

Save

• Temperature: 12–20°C (54–68°F)
• Conditions: Cool, dry, and misty in the mountains. Occasional drizzle in Hanoi and Ha Long.
• Highlights: Crisp trekking weather in Sapa and Ha Giang, festive mood in Hanoi.

Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Quang Binh, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang)

Save

• Temperature: 18–24°C (64–75°F)
• Conditions: Rainy season, with heavy showers and occasional flooding, especially in Hue and Hoi An. Nha Trang and Quy Nhon may see fewer dry days but remain milder.
• Highlights: Cultural exploration, festive events, spa resorts, Ba Na Hills in Da Nang.

South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc, Mui Ne, Vung Tau, Da Lat)

Save

• Temperature: 24–32°C (75–90°F)
• Conditions: Dry, sunny, ideal beach weather.
• Highlights: Christmas and New Year celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City, beach escapes in Phu Quoc, Mui Ne, and Vung Tau.

2. Best Places to Visit in Vietnam in December

Northern Vietnam

Save

• Hanoi – Cool air, Christmas markets, and lively cafés.
• Sapa & Ha Giang – Crisp trekking conditions with misty landscapes.
• Ninh Binh – Tranquil river boat rides in cooler air.
• Ha Long Bay – Clear skies and fewer tourists for cruises.

Central Vietnam

Save

• Hue, Da Nang & Hoi An – Rainy but atmospheric, with lantern festivals and Christmas vibes.
• Quang Binh – Cave exploration possible, but check weather before visiting.

Southern Vietnam

• Ho Chi Minh City – Bright, energetic, and festive.
• Mekong Delta – Lush greenery and floating markets under clear skies.
• Phu Quoc & Mui Ne – Ideal for sunny beach getaways.
• Da Lat – Cool and romantic, with flowers in bloom.

3. Festivals & Events in December

• Christmas Celebrations (Nationwide): Major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City transform with elaborate decorations, special church services, and festive markets. Hotels and restaurants offer special Christmas menus and countdown events, creating a unique blend of Vietnamese and international holiday traditions.
• New Year’s Eve Festivities (Nationwide): Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang host spectacular countdown events with fireworks, live music, and street festivals. Popular venues include Nguyen Hue Walking Street in Ho Chi Minh City and Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, where thousands gather to welcome the new year.
• Dalat Flower Festival (Da Lat): Typically held in late December, this biennial event showcases the region’s stunning flower varieties with elaborate displays, garden tours, and cultural performances. The festival celebrates Da Lat’s reputation as Vietnam’s flower capital with competitions, exhibitions, and artistic installations.
• Winter Solstice Festival (Northern Vietnam): Traditional celebrations marking the longest night of the year, particularly observed in ethnic minority communities in Sapa and Ha Giang. The festival includes traditional foods, cultural performances, and rituals honoring ancestors and welcoming the gradual return of longer days.
• Hoi An Lantern Festival (Hoi An): The monthly lantern festival continues in December, with the ancient town glowing under thousands of colorful lanterns. Visitors can participate in lantern-making workshops, enjoy traditional music performances, and release floating lanterns on the Thu Bon River.

4. Suggested Itinerary for December

Duration	Activities
1 Week (See our full article)	Sapa (3 days): Experience mountain winter with trekking through ethnic villages, visiting Cat Cat village, and enjoying valley views from Fansipan Mountain. Hanoi (2 days): Explore the Old Quarter’s Christmas atmosphere, visit cultural sites, and enjoy winter cuisine specialties. Ha Long Bay (2 days): Cruise through limestone karsts with clear December weather and stay overnight on a traditional junk boat.
10 Days	Ha Giang (3 days): Motorbike adventure through Ma Pi Leng Pass, visit Dong Van Karst Plateau, and experience ethnic minority culture in mountain villages. Hanoi (2 days): Discover the capital’s winter charm, visit museums, and participate in New Year countdown events. Hoi An – Da Nang (3 days): Explore the ancient town’s lantern-lit streets, relax on My Khe Beach, and visit Ba Na Hills. Ho Chi Minh City (2 days): Experience the vibrant Christmas atmosphere, visit historical sites, and enjoy rooftop bars with holiday celebrations.
2 Weeks	Sapa (3 days): Mountain trekking, homestay experiences, and witnessing potential frost in Vietnam’s highest peaks. Hanoi (2 days): Cultural immersion in the capital’s winter season with traditional festivals and cuisine. Ha Long Bay (2 days): Luxury cruise experience with December’s clear skies and calm seas. Hue – Hoi An – Da Nang (3 days): Imperial heritage exploration, ancient town discovery, and beach relaxation. Ho Chi Minh City (2 days): Urban exploration and Christmas celebration participation. Phu Quoc (2 days): Beach paradise with water activities and luxury resort experiences.

5. Travel Tips for Vietnam in December

• Pack layers: Light jacket and sweaters for the North, summer clothes for the South.
• Rain gear: Compact umbrella for Central Vietnam.
• Book early: Christmas and New Year are peak times in HCMC, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc.
• Transport note: Weather-related delays possible in Central Vietnam, keep itineraries flexible.

Save

Read our Essential Tips for Vietnam Travel.

6. Related Guides

• Hue in December
• Da Nang in December
• Hoi An in December
• Hanoi in December
• Phu Quoc in December
• Vietnam Travel Guide