Vietnam in December: Best Time to Visit Vietnam with Perfect Weather

Is Vietnam hot in December? Overall, the temperature in December in Vietnam is mild. For many people, the first thing that comes to mind about Vietnam is the steamy Mekong Delta or white sand beaches of the southern coast, but the country has diverse climates.

From north to south, Vietnam stretches from four-season temperate areas to classic tropical islands. You can find everything from snowy mountain landscapes to hot, sunny beaches.

1. December Is One of the Best Months to Visit Vietnam

December is an excellent time to travel to Vietnam, Southeast Asia. If you’re trying to escape the cold, everywhere from central Vietnam to the south offers warm to hot weather with clear, sunny skies. It’s a special time in the north when you can see the breathtaking snow-dusted rice terraces of Sapa and explore historic Hanoi on cool, comfortable days.

Sapa snowy days in winter.

These conditions enhance the experience of Vietnam’s many tourist attractions. Whether you want to visit ancient temples, explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or relax on a beach, December is one of the best times to visit Vietnam.

The country is always safe for tourists, offering delicious local cuisine and immersive cultural experiences. December can be a busy month, but there are still budget-friendly options to help you manage costs without missing out on a great travel experience.

2. Weather in December in North, Central, and South Vietnam

Weather conditions tend to be complicated since Vietnam stretches 1,650km from north to south. Its geography and location, with the South China Sea to the east and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest, also influence weather conditions to a large extent.

Area	Main Destinations	Temperature
North Vietnam	Hanoi Sapa	16°C/61°F to 22°C/72°F 8°C/46°F to 14°C/57°F
Central Vietnam	Da Nang / Hoi An / Hue Nha Trang	18°C/64°F to 25°C/77°F 21°C/70°C to 27°C/77°F
South Vietnam	Pleiku / Dalat Ho Chi Minh City Phu Quoc	14°C/57°F to 21°C/72°F. 20°C/68°F to 30°C/86°F. 25°C/77°C to 30°C/86°F

Northern Vietnam Weather in December: Cool & Light Rain, Cold in Northern Hilly Mountains

The area around Hanoi, the capital, and regions up to the Chinese border are part of North Vietnam. If you wish to avoid scorching in the sun during your trip, the north has what you’re looking for. But is December cold in the hilly mountains in northern Vietnam? Yes.

Average daily temperatures vary from 16°C-22°C(61°F-72°F) in Hanoi during the first winter month, while Cao Bang is somewhat cooler. Mountainous Sapa, famous for scenic Vietnam rice fields, is undeniably cool, with average air temperatures fluctuating from 8°C-14°C(46°F-57°F).

The northeast monsoon can bring light rains during this period but is unlikely to disrupt your travel plans. In December, Hanoi features several wet days, with liquids barely amounting to 25mm/1in on average.

Visit Hanoi in December.

Central Vietnam Weather in December: Mild & Abundant Rainfall

The nation's central parts extend roughly from Dong Hoi in the north to Nha Trang and Dalat in the south. December conditions are quite different from the north, with summer temperatures and abundant rainfall.

Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue feature pleasant daily temperatures, with averages varying between around 18°C-25°C(64°F-77°F). In Quy Nhon, further south, it is slightly warmer.

Nha Trang, another city by the South China Sea, is the warmest in central Vietnam. During December, temperatures average around 27°C/77°F throughout the month.

The northeast monsoon brings higher precipitation to destinations along the coastline of the South China Sea. In Da Nang, there are around 20 wet days, while Nha Trang has 10. However, the amount of rainfall is the same, around 200mm/8in in each destination.

For a lower chance of a rainy day at the beach, go to Quy Nhon, located between these holiday destinations. For still a lower chance of cloudy and rainy weather, travel inland to Pleiku or Dalat.

South Vietnam Weather in December: Warm & Dry

Areas around Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), the largest city in Vietnam, and the Mekong Delta form Southern Vietnam. This part of the easternmost Southeast Asian nation has summer temperatures even in December. Daily low temperatures barely drop to 20°C/68°F while highs tend to rise over 30°C/86°F.

In December, the sea is warm, even hot by some travelers' standards - around 28°C/82°F. As for the precipitation, there is barely any in the southern regions of Vietnam this time of year. Ho Chi Minh City has seven wet days, averaging 50mm/2in of rainfall.

Visit Ho Chi Minh in December.

3. Top 6 Places to Visit in Vietnam in December: Hanoi, Hoi Chi Minh, Phong Nha-Ke Bang, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Mui Ne

Hanoi, the nation's capital, is a sprawling city featuring centuries-old and modern buildings. Traces of French influence are present in both architecture and gastronomy, while museums and memorials evoke Vietnam’s past. Expansive lakes offer various leisure activities, while markets offer great shopping experiences. Taking a week-long round tour of Hanoi will be a great option.

The vibrant Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s most populous city, boasting excellent shopping, delicious food, and lively nightlife. You can find various museums and landmarks evoking the city’s turbulent past and foreign influences, such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the War Remnants Museum.

Ho Chi Minh City is also a gateway to the Mekong Delta, where scenes of traditional river life can be explored on insightful and entertaining Mekong River cruises.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a sprawling area of caves, underground rivers, and stunning karst geography. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in Quang Binh Province. Explore the area on relaxing nature walks, adventurous cycling tours, or overnight camping trips.

Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most popular tourist destinations. Noted for its limestone formations rising from the sea, it is a paradise for sightseeing and vacationing. Take a two or three-day Halong Bay cruise on the emerald waters and explore the beautiful islands. On board, you can enjoy freshly caught seafood and fun water activities like swimming and kayaking.

Halong Bay Cruise in December.

Hoi An is the Venice of Southeast Asia, successfully blending the architectural styles of the East and the West. Take a bike to explore the nearby countryside. Of course, don't forget to relax at the beach and take a cruise to the Cham Islands.

Mui Ne has transformed from a sleepy fishing village to a beach resort town. Located along the southeast coast, it’s a popular weekend getaway for people in Ho Chi Minh City.

It has everything you’d expect of a great beach destination and is also famous for its steady winds. The gusts coming in over the waters make it a top spot for windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, and other water sports.

Mui Ne Water Sports program in December.

4. Best 3 Beaches in Vietnam in December: Da Nang, Nha Trang & Phu Quoc

Da Nang has 60 km of coastline with beautiful sands and quiet waters. Several excellent beaches are just a short distance from the city center.

Bac My An Beach has stunning sunset views and water activities like kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Non Nuoc, 8 km southeast, was named one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet by Forbes magazine, with 5 km of pristine white sands. My Khe Beach is one of the closest to the city and one of the most popular. It’s famous for its blue skies, warm waters, and smooth sand.

Mui Ne beach in December.

Nha Trang is a coastal resort city known for its beaches, diving sites, and offshore islands. Take a short boat trip to places like Hon Noi to see its unique vertical cliffs and natural white sands. It has a double beach with the interesting feature of blue waters on one and green waters on the other. Hon Tre Island is a quiet spot with clear turquoise waters and premier beach resorts.

Nha Trang beach in December.

Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s tropical island paradise. It’s gaining popularity with its visa-free entry, making it easy for travelers to enjoy the island’s untamed nature and delicious food.

Bai Dai Beach is one of the most famous on the island. With 20 km of soft, white sand, it’s lined with beachfront resorts, cafes, and coastal restaurants. Starfish Beach is known for its diverse marine life and colorful coral reefs.

Phu Quoc Bai Dai beach in December.

5. Best Things to Do in Vietnam in December: Landscape Exploration & Beach Relaxing

December weather is a special time for some of the best landscape exploration in Vietnam. Sapa in the northwest is a mecca for trekkers and nature enthusiasts year-round. The stepped rice terraces are already picturesque, but in December, you have the chance to witness the magical sight of snow dusting the contours of mountains.

In central Vietnam, the landscapes of Dalat, the “City of Eternal Spring,” include the Lang Biang Mountains and blooming fields of sunflowers.

For people coming from colder climates, relaxing on the beach in December is especially appealing. All along the south and southeastern coast, there are pristine white sand beaches with world-class resorts. Phu Quoc is one of the best choices. The tropical island is a beach paradise.

6. Festival and Events in December: Christmas & Hoi An Lantern Festival

Christmas isn't an official holiday in Vietnam, but celebrations take place in various Vietnamese destinations. Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, and Hoi An are just a few of them. Restaurants, hotels, and pubs will organize special events and activities that families and solo travelers can enjoy.

The Hoi An Lantern Festival takes place every month during the full moon. Colorful lanterns illuminate the Ancient Town in a beautiful spectacle. Stroll through the streets, enjoying traditional performances and delicious street food. Then, head to the river to see people buying lanterns to make a wish before releasing them onto the water.

Hoi An Lantern Festival in December.

7. Recommended Vietnam in December Tour Itinerary

The 8 Days Best of Vietnam Tour is carefully planned to take you to the best highlights of Vietnam from north to south. Explore the famous cities and beautiful landscapes. You’ll experience the culture, history, and nature of Vietnam, leaving a lasting impression.

Start in Hanoi, visiting the top attractions in the city, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature. Stroll through the winding streets of the Old Quarter and sample the delicious street food. Then, head to Ha Long Bay for a cruise, seeing the limestone karsts and emerald waters.

Travel to the charming city of Hoi An `in central Vietnam to take in the charming sights of the Ancient Town, then fly to Ho Chi Minh City to experience southern Vietnam and the Mekong Delta. In the vibrant southern city, you can see the colonial architecture and visit sites from the Vietnam War tour.

Add a few more days to venture deeper into Southeast Asia on a combined Vietnam and Cambodia tour. Don’t pass up the chance to visit Siem Reap and see the awesome site of Angkor Wat. The massive temple complex is one of the wonders of the world, truly unique with ancient temples and dense jungle.

8. Mention That: Hotels and Flights in Vietnam Can Get Fully Booked in December

People escaping colder climates flock to Vietnam in December. Flights, hotels, and tours can fill up quickly, so it is essential to book early. Major tourist areas like Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City attract a lot of visitors. To secure your booking and avoid paying extra high prices, make a reservation 2-3 months in advance.

December can be a good time to explore other areas of Vietnam that receive fewer tourists. Visit the natural parks around Hanoi like Cuc Phuong or Bach Ma. Try smaller beach resort cities like Quy Nhom, Mui Ne, or Con Dao Island. You’ll still need to book ahead of time, but you can find a quieter travel experience.

Vietnam tour in December.

9. What to Wear: Detailed Packing List for Vietnam in December

If you plan to travel from the far north to the far south during your Vietnam tour, you will need everything from warm clothes to beachwear. In the northern region, including Hanoi, Sapa, and Halong Bay, be ready for cooler temperatures. A light sweater or jacket will keep you comfortable in Hanoi. For Sapa, dress in layers and bring a down jacket, hat, and gloves for the cold.

Light clothes are enough for Central and South Vietnam. Modest attire is needed when visiting temples, but, in general, lightweight, loose-fitting clothes are the best choice. Bring a raincoat or portable travel umbrella for the central regions.

Hanoi people wear in December.

10. Best Tips about Visiting Vietnam in December

- Book as early as possible for a December tour. The time around Christmas and New Year’s is particularly busy.
If you’re visiting North Vietnam, prepare for some cold weather. You’ll want a light jacket or sweater for the waters of Ha Long Bay and trekking in Sapa.
- Rain isn’t very disruptive in central Vietnam around Hoi An, but pay attention to the weather forecast and have backup plans for indoor activities just in case.
- There are great parties everywhere on New Year’s Eve. January 1st is a holiday for local people, so check out the activities being offered wherever you are visiting that day.
- Don’t forget sunscreen. Even in the colder areas, if you’re spending time outdoors, you need to wear sun protection.
- Vietnam’s e-visa is the most convenient option for traveling to the country for short stays, up to 30 days.

Conclusion

In December, you can take full advantage of the diversity of Vietnam's climate and geography. See magical, snow-dusted landscapes in the north, charming traditional markets and buildings in central Vietnam, and relax on one of southern Vietnam's beautiful beaches. The culture, history, and cuisine will add to the experience, helping to immerse you in local life.

Contact us to start planning your December holiday in Vietnam. Our dedicated travel consultants will work with you to craft a personalized itinerary to deliver an unforgettable holiday.