Hanoi in December: Weather, Festivals & Best Things to Do

1. Introduction

Hanoi in December is cool, festive, and lively. As winter sets in, the capital city comes alive with Christmas decorations, year-end celebrations, and cozy café culture. While the air is crisp and sometimes misty, the comfortable weather makes it one of the best months for walking tours, food adventures, and day trips to nearby destinations like Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay.

2. Weather in Hanoi in December

• Average daytime temperature: 15–22°C (59–72°F)
• Night temperature: 11–15°C (52–59°F)
• Rainfall: ~25–35 mm across 7–8 days (mostly drizzle or mist)
• Humidity: 75–80%

Weather verdict: December is cool and dry, with fewer rainy days compared to summer. Mornings may be foggy, and evenings are chilly — so pack light layers.

3. Why Visit Hanoi in December

• Comfortable sightseeing weather.
• Christmas lights, festive markets, and New Year countdown events.
• Ideal base to explore Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh in cool winter air.
• Fewer domestic tourists compared to summer.

4. Best Things to Do in Hanoi in December

Seasonal Highlights

1. Christmas in Hanoi – St. Joseph’s Cathedral and Hoan Kiem Lake glow with lights and decorations.
2. New Year’s Eve – Streets fill with concerts, countdowns, and fireworks.
3. Year-End Shopping – Old Quarter markets and malls buzz with festive sales.

Year-Round Activities

• Explore the Old Quarter & French Quarter on foot.
• Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Temple of Literature.
• Try street food favorites: Pho, Bun Cha, Egg Coffee.

Day Trips from Hanoi in December

• Ninh Binh – Misty boat rides at Trang An or Tam Coc.
• Ha Long Bay – Fewer crowds and mystical fog over the karsts.

5. Festivals & Events in December

• Christmas Eve & Christmas Day – Churches and hotels host masses, dinners, and parties.
• New Year’s Eve (December 31) – Fireworks and live music at Hoan Kiem Lake and city squares.

6. Where to Stay in Hanoi in December

• Luxury: Sofitel Legend Metropole – Historic charm, festive decorations.
• Mid-range: La Siesta Premium Hang Be – Stylish and cozy, perfect location.
• Budget: Nexy Hostel – Great social vibe near Hoan Kiem Lake.

7. What to Eat in Hanoi in December

• Pho – Hot noodle soup to warm up chilly mornings.
• Hotpot (Lẩu) – Shared with locals on cool evenings.
• Seasonal fruits – Oranges, pomelos, and mandarins are abundant.
• Christmas treats – Bakeries offer stollen, log cakes, and festive cookies.

8. Suggested Itinerary for December

3 Days in Hanoi

• Day 1: Old Quarter walking tour, Hoan Kiem Lake, Christmas lights at St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
• Day 2: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, evening food tour.
• Day 3: Museum of Ethnology, shopping, café hopping.

5–7 Days (Hanoi + Surroundings)

• 2–3 days in Hanoi
• 1–2 days in Ninh Binh
• 2 days in Ha Long Bay

9. Travel Tips for December in Hanoi

• Bring light jackets and sweaters — nights are chilly.
• Book early if traveling over Christmas or New Year, as hotels fill quickly.
• Enjoy the city on foot — December is ideal for walking without sweating.
• Warm up in Hanoi’s cafés with egg coffee or hot cocoa.

10. Related Guides (Internal Links)

• Vietnam in December – Weather & Best Places to Visit
• Sapa in December
• Ha Giang Loop in December
• Ha Long Bay in December
• Ninh Binh in December
• Full Hanoi Travel Guide