Nha Trang in December: Rain Easing, Rough Sea & Christmas

Rain eases through December in Nha Trang, but it isn’t dry yet. The long-term average is about 165 mm, and the sea stays choppy, so island trips are still hit and miss. What December does have is Christmas at the cathedral and a busy New Year’s Eve on the beachfront. My Nha Trang travel guide covers the dry season, which really starts in January. Here’s what December is actually like and how to plan around it.

Weather in Nha Trang in December

• Temperature: highs around 28°C (82°F), lows around 21°C (70°F), the coolest evenings of the year
• Rainfall: about 165 mm, much less than October and November but still wet
• Sea: about 25°C and choppy, with boat trips cancelled on rough days

Early December is usually wetter than late December, but the reliable dry season doesn’t start until January. Expect some showers and a strong sea breeze on the beach.

For calmer water this month, compare Phu Quoc in December and Mui Ne in December.

Events in December

• Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (24–25 December): Nha Trang has a sizeable Catholic community. The cathedral is decorated and holds midnight Mass, and the city centre puts up lights.
• New Year’s Eve (31 December): the beachfront along Tran Phu fills with people for fireworks and live music. Arrive early to get a spot on the promenade.

Best Things to Do in Nha Trang in December

The things that work whatever the weather come first. Island trips are last because the sea can still cancel them.

Nha Trang Cathedral (Mountain Church)

The stone cathedral on the hill above the train station is the place to be at Christmas. It’s decorated for the season, and midnight Mass on Christmas Eve draws a big local crowd. Visitors are welcome, but dress respectfully. Outside the holidays it’s a short stop, worth combining with Long Son Pagoda nearby.

Po Nagar Cham Towers

The Cham towers above the Cai River take about an hour to see, and December’s cooler air makes the hilltop pleasant. The shrines are busy with end-of-year offerings. Cover your shoulders and knees. Entry: 30,000 VND.

Long Son Pagoda

December mornings are among the most comfortable of the year for the 152-step climb to the white Buddha. On a clear day you can see across the city to the bay. The steps are slippery after rain. Free entry.

Oceanographic Museum

The museum at Cau Da port is mostly indoors, with aquarium tanks, a whale skeleton and preserved sea life. It’s the best plan for a wet afternoon. Allow an hour or two. Entry: 40,000 VND.

Mud baths and hot springs

Thap Ba Hot Springs and I-Resort, both just north of town, are at their most pleasant in December’s cooler weather. Go on a weekday, because Christmas and New Year weekends get busy.

Dam Market

The main local market is largely covered, which makes it a good stop on a showery morning. Go for dried seafood, snacks and everyday shopping.

Nha Trang Night Market

The night market has Christmas lights up and busy seafood stalls in December. It gets crowded in the last week of the month.

VinWonders

The theme park on Hon Tre has Christmas and New Year decorations up in late December, and much of it doesn’t depend on the sea. The cable car can feel gusty on windy days.

Hon Mun Island and Island Hopping

Island trips run on calm days in December, but the sea is still often choppy and visibility around Hon Mun varies. Boats only run reliably from January. If snorkelling is the main reason for your trip, come then. In December, book refundable tours and check the forecast the night before.

Practical Tips for December

• Book early for the holidays: hotels and restaurants fill up for Christmas and New Year week.
• Island tours: keep them refundable and book close to the day.
• Bring a layer: evenings around 21°C feel cool with the sea breeze.
• Seafood: the night market and local seafood restaurants are good value.

FAQ

Is December a good time to visit Nha Trang?

It’s mixed. The rain eases to about 165 mm, and Christmas and New Year are lively, but the sea is still choppy and island trips are unreliable. For beach and snorkelling, January to April is better.

Is it rainy season in Nha Trang in December?

Yes, it’s the tail end. December is much drier than October and November, but showers are still common, especially early in the month.

Can you swim in Nha Trang in December?

On calm days, yes. The sea is about 25°C. It’s often choppy, though, so stay near the lifeguard stations on Tran Phu Beach and stay out when the waves are up.