What the weather is like in December
December is excellent in the north and south. Hanoi is cool and dry (21°C highs, 14°C lows, 20mm of rain), while central Vietnam is still wet. Hoi An flooding usually clears by mid-December. HCMC warm and dry. Christmas/New Year sees a price spike, particularly in Hoi An and Phu Quoc.
Against November, December runs 6°C cooler with 41mm less rain.
These December averages are station normals for Hanoi (Lang) (Vietnam Institute for Building Science and Technology, via Wikipedia, 1991-2020); other parts of Vietnam vary. Full sources below.
Vietnam in December, on the ground
December is cool and dry in Hanoi, cold in the northern mountains, still wet on the central coast, and hot and dry in the south. It is a good month to combine the north and the south.
Crowds and prices in December
Prices rise toward Christmas and New Year, especially at beach resorts in the south and on Phu Quoc. The north stays good value through most of the month.
What to do in December
- Spend time in Hanoi’s Old Quarter in the cool, dry weather.
- Head to Phu Quoc or Con Dao for beach time in the southern dry season.
- See Christmas in Ho Chi Minh City, where the cathedral area fills with lights and crowds.
Before you book: Nights in Sapa and the northern mountains can approach freezing; pack warm layers.
What to pack for Vietnam in December
- Layers — warm afternoons, cool evenings
- A mid-weight jacket
What's on in December
- Hoi An Lantern Festival (Hoi An — central coast) — Held on the 14th day of every lunar month — Hoi An's Old Town turns off electric lights and lights with silk lanterns. The defining Hoi An experience.
Is December the right month?
Vietnam's best month, March, is three months after December; the toughest, September, is three months before. If December does not fit, November is the closest month in the same best-season window. For the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds, aim for April. See the full month-by-month breakdown for Vietnam, or where else to go in December.
Where to stay in December
December is peak season in Vietnam, so prices are at their highest. Book early for the best choice of rooms.
- Hanoi (Old Quarter)$$Northern arrival, history + street foodCapital, gateway to Halong Bay + Sapa. Stay in the Old Quarter (36 Streets) for walking-distance street food and the Hoan Kiem Lake area.See hotels in Hanoi for 12–18 Dec 2026
- Hoi An (Old Town fringe)$$Central coast, lantern atmosphere, tailoringBest base for central Vietnam — lantern-lit Old Town + An Bang beach + Da Nang day trips. See our Hoi An best-time guide.See hotels in Hoi An for 12–18 Dec 2026
- Da Nang (My An / An Thuong)$$Beach + infrastructure, modern hotelsBeach base 30 min north of Hoi An, with airport, Marble Mountains, and Ba Na Hills. See our Da Nang best-time guide.See hotels in Da Nang for 12–18 Dec 2026
- Ho Chi Minh City (District 1)$$Southern arrival, food, Mekong Delta launchpadVietnam's commercial heart. District 1 puts you near Ben Thanh Market and the Reunification Palace. Mekong Delta day trips depart from here.See hotels in Ho Chi Minh City for 12–18 Dec 2026
Links open a hotel search for 12–18 Dec 2026; you can change the dates there. We may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Before you go
Book the rest of your December trip
Tours and tickets
Day trips, attraction tickets and guided tours in Vietnam.
Browse Vietnam on KlookAirport transfer
A fixed-price car from your arrival airport to your hotel, booked before you land.
Book a transfer on KiwitaxiMobile data
An eSIM for Vietnam installs before you fly, so you have data when you land. Check your phone supports eSIM first.
See Vietnam plans on Airalo
Partner links. We may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Is December a good time to visit Vietnam?
How warm is Vietnam in December?
Does it rain in Vietnam in December?
What should I pack for Vietnam in December?
How far ahead should I book Vietnam for December?
Sources: Vietnam National Administration of Tourism · Vietnam Institute for Building Science and Technology: Hanoi (Lang), 1991-2020 · U.S. State Department Vietnam Travel Advisory · NOAA Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Full provenance on the Vietnam guide.
Keep planning