Da Lat in December: Weather, Flowers & Travel Tips

Da Lat in December is cool, colorful, and festive. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Da Lat takes on a special charm at year’s end: crisp mornings, pine forests wrapped in mist, and valleys glowing with blooming wildflowers. December is also the time of the Da Lat Flower Festival (held every two years), making it one of the most vibrant and photogenic months to explore Vietnam’s highland retreat.

Weather in Da Lat in December

• Average daytime temperature: 14–22°C (57–72°F)
• Night temperature: 10–14°C (50–57°F)
• Rainfall: ~40–60 mm across 5–7 days (mostly light drizzle)
• Humidity: 75–80%

Weather verdict: December is dry, cool, and fresh. It’s one of the most comfortable months for hiking, sightseeing, and photography. Bring warm clothes for chilly evenings.

Why Visit Da Lat in December

• Perfect cool climate – a refreshing break from Vietnam’s tropical heat.
• Flower season – wild sunflowers, hydrangeas, and cherry blossoms start blooming.
• Da Lat Flower Festival – the city comes alive with parades and floral displays.
• Festive vibe – cafés and hotels decorate for Christmas and New Year.

Best Things to Do in Da Lat in December

Seasonal Highlights

1. Da Lat Flower Festival – Held every two years, featuring flower exhibitions, street parades, and art shows.
2. Wild Sunflowers & Cherry Blossoms – Fields and streets glow with seasonal blooms.
3. Xuan Huong Lake – Misty mornings are magical for photography.

Year-Round Experiences

• Datanla & Pongour Waterfalls – Beautiful with strong water flow.
• Langbiang Mountain – Cool-weather hiking with panoramic views.
• Crazy House & Old French Villas – Unique architecture and history.
• Café hopping – Enjoy Da Lat’s famous coffee culture in cozy mountain settings.

Festivals & Events in December

• Da Lat Flower Festival – Usually held in late December (biennial), one of Vietnam’s biggest cultural events.
• Christmas & New Year – Churches and hotels host festive Mass and parties.

Where to Stay in Da Lat in December

• Luxury: Ana Mandara Villas – French colonial villas with mountain views.
• Mid-range: Terracotta Hotel – Lakeside retreat near Tuyen Lam Lake.
• Budget: Local homestays with fireplaces and cozy wooden cabins.

What to Eat in Da Lat in December

• Hotpot dishes – Salmon or chicken hotpot, perfect for cold nights.
• Bánh tráng nướng (Vietnamese pizza) – Famous Da Lat street food.
• Avocado ice cream – A quirky but delicious Da Lat specialty.
• Artichoke tea – Warming and healthy, grown locally.

Suggested Itinerary for December

3 Days in Da Lat

• Day 1: Explore Xuan Huong Lake, Crazy House, Da Lat night market.
• Day 2: Langbiang Mountain hike, visit flower gardens, café hopping.
• Day 3: Datanla Falls, pagodas, countryside flower fields.

5 Days (Extended Stay)

• Add Pongour and Elephant Waterfalls.
• Visit tea plantations and local farms.
• Time your trip for the Flower Festival if available.

Travel Tips for December in Da Lat

• Pack jackets, sweaters, and scarves – mornings and evenings are cold.
• Book accommodation early during the Flower Festival and holiday season.
• Sunrise and sunset are the best times for photography in December.
• Try local hotpot restaurants — perfect for chilly mountain nights.

Related Guides (Internal Links)

• Vietnam in December – Weather & Best Places to Visit
• Ho Chi Minh City in December
• Mekong Delta in December
• Phu Quoc in December
• Full Da Lat Travel Guide