Vietnam in December is cold in the north, but dry in the south. This month will give you everything you’re looking for, as well as all the energy of a cultural festival. Therefore, travelling in December is worthwhile!
Is December A Good Time To Visit Vietnam?
Yes. December is a good time to visit when the country is celebrating and the weather is perfect. That makes for a wonderful month of sightseeing, culture, and the outdoors.
The Vietnam climate in December is one of the best things. Mountain areas in the north, like Ha Giang and Sapa, also have crisp, cool mountain air, which is perfect for trekking and admiring the mountainous landscape. And further south still, the rest of the country is hot, dry, and sunny, including Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta. Central Vietnam could still receive some rain (particularly in the early part of the month), but as the New Year gets closer, the chances of fair weather increase.
December is teeming with life and celebration. The cities are gaily decorated for Christmas and the Tet holiday. The streets are lit, markets smell fresh, and lines of cultural events in public spaces weave a sense of heritage for visitors.
But keep in mind that December is also Vietnam’s major tourist season. It can be crowded at the major sights and at many hotels, so it’s recommended to book in advance.
What’s The Weather Like In Vietnam In December?
Vietnam weather in December extends through several climate zones. From the cold mountains up north to the warm beaches down south, a selection of experiences awaits visitors, depending on where they visit.
North Vietnam In December
The weather is cool and dry. Accordingly, the temperature is between 15°C to 22°C in the cities; but in the mountains like Sapa, it may be lower than 10°C, in the morning or at night. Mists often cover the high ground and give an enigmatic appearance to the lakes and hills. For those in search of chilly stuff, there are some of the mountain tops that even report frost or a dusting of snow.
Central Vietnam In December
The weather in towns such as Da Nang and Hoi An, and even Hue can still be unpredictable. You might experience rain and clouds during the initial weeks of December as the area is in the transition to the dry season. Yet by the second half of the month, the climate has improved with less rain and temperatures ranging from 22°C to 24°C. The mystical landmarks and beachside towns that dot the area serve as good places to visit, with various holiday festivals happening.
South Vietnam In December
The region is now entering the dry season, which lasts from December into late April. The heat, as usual, is quite high with a day reading 28°C – 32°C and a chilling night of 23°C – 27°C. The clear skies could be affecting humidity levels, which are not as high as they were in earlier months. This is a perfect time for beach enthusiasts and those wishing to explore the great outdoors.
Best 10 Places To Visit In Vietnam In December
From the south to the north, each part of Vietnam has something special in December. From the misty mountains of the north to the sunny isles of the south, the following are the top destinations you shoudn’t miss.
Hanoi
The weather in December in Hanoi is so good, around 15°C -22°C, thus you can take part in all activities and visit all tourist attractions easily. During the festive period leading up to Christmas and New Year, the French colonial buildings, serene lakes, and lively Old Quarter look especially charming.
One of them is St Joseph Cathedral (Nha tho Lon), an exquisite neo-Gothic church in the city centre, opened at Christmas time. The place is completely decorated with flashing lights, a huge Christmas tree, nativity scenes, and so many locals and tourists packed into the area, all taking phone pictures and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Sapa
Sapa is an ideal nature and adventure destination for wanderlusters in December. The weather here is cold, and it hits under 10C or lower at times, and everything from the mountains is cloud and fog-covered. It makes for beautiful scenery. You might even see frost on the rice fields in the mornings. December is also perfect for hiking in the surrounding hill tribe villages, such as Lao Chai and Ta Van, to witness the unique culture of the Hmong and Dao.
Ha Giang
Among the places to visit in Vietnam in December, Ha Giang is a must. This time is the final opportunity to witness the buckwheat flower season in Ha Giang. The purple rose fields in the rocky plateau produce a view that you will not be able to see anywhere else. The exhilaration of the cool air and the defiant, clear blue sky develops at the same time as the rugged and beautiful scenery of the northern mountains. Similarly, it rained a little this month, which is ideal for a motorcycle trip to Dong Van – Meo Vac.
Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is so lovely in December. The ambience there is so tranquil, and the temperature is just perfect, between 17°C to 23°C, and the skies are so blue that it makes it the perfect day to head outdoors and explore.
One of the best ways to absorb it all is by hopping on a boat and navigating the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex or trekking to get the view from Hang Mua Cave. Think glistening sheer limestone cliffs and eerie calm waters shimmering in golden light. And don’t miss out on the Bai Dinh Pagoda! Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist complex takes on a hushed, wintry mist-shrouded air.
Hue
In Central Vietnam, Hue begins to come out of the rainy season in December. It is cooler and less humid, which is perfect for exploring the city’s ancient royal tombs, the Imperial City, and tranquil pagodas. While there is the odd sprinkling of showers, there is nothing more romantic than the mist over the Perfume River, and the lack of tourists brings an even greater atmosphere to the city.
Hoi An
Hoi An is magical in December, especially at Christmas. The charming little town is all aglow right now, with twinkling lights, colorful lanterns, and festive decorations. Cool and mostly dry weather in the months later makes it pleasant to walk the streets, visit tailors, the night market, and nearby rice paddies. If your visit coincides with the Full Moon Lantern Festival, then all the more magic.
Phu Quoc
If you’re searching for somewhere warm in December, when the dry season hits, Phu Quoc is a great option. The sky and the sea are incredibly blue, the sun is golden, and the temperature is about 28-30°C, meaning it’s the perfect time for diving, sea and sunbathing, and of course a luxury holiday! Besides, the end of the year is also the time for vibrant music festivals and countdown parties on the island, especially in Bai Truong sea and the Grand World area.
Moc Chau
On the Moc Chau plateau, from the end of November to the middle of December of each year, white mustard flowers will bloom throughout the hills to create a romantic picture. This would have been an ideal time for sightseers who love nature, who want to take wedding photos, or just lie down and enjoy some fresh air in a serene, fresh space. Apart from mustard flowers, wild sunflowers and poinsettias are also being sown in some places, adding to the beautiful milieu of the plateau.
Mekong Delta
December is the best time to visit the Mekong Delta. The weather is dry and cool, with a temperature of 25 – 30 ° C after the flooding season, time for the rice harvest and fruit seasons all year in Can Tho, Ben Tre, Vinh Long, and An Giang. This is also the time of the year-end festivals of the locals.
Among the unmissable experiences is the Cai Rang floating market in the morning. Hundreds of boats sell produce to a raucous backdrop of honking boats and river traffic. They may even taste traditional food such as grilled snakehead or Western pancake or row when row a boat when cool along among green coconut trees.
Ho Chi Minh City
December is Ho Chi Minh City’s dry season, so it’s warm and sunny and has the conditions you’d want to have for sightseeing and nightlife. December is also one of the busiest holiday months in the city. Christmas lights line the streets, and shopping centers are covered with fantastic displays, interspersed with the occasional local concert. Visits to war memorials like the War Remnants Museum or sunset rooftop cocktails restore and energise during the year-end festivity.
What To Pack For Vietnam In December
It’s an exciting adventure to Vietnam, but you should consider what you pack a bit more carefully. You might encounter the differences in Vietnam temperature in December from one area of this country to another:
- In the north, places like Hanoi and Sapa can get pretty cold, especially at night. So make sure to pack some warm layers: sweaters, light jackets, scarves, and long pants. Trust me, in these mountainous areas, you’ll be glad you did after sunset.
- Central Vietnam is a bit of a hit-and-miss with the weather. Both light clothes and something waterproof in case of rain are good items to have with you. Opt for breathable fabrics, with maybe even a light sweater for when the sun goes down and the cold starts to roll in. And do not forget a small umbrella or a jacket.
- If your travels take you south, get ready for some heat! Think comfortable, airy clothing such as light cotton T-shirts, shorts, loose summer dresses, and sandals. And don’t forget to take a wide-brimmed hat, some chic sunglasses, and some good sunscreen (especially as you might want to recline on the beach).
- And a few more essentials: insect repellent if you’re heading into rural or tropical parts of the country, comfortable walking shoes will be your best friends, and a reusable water bottle is always great to keep hydrated.
Travel Tips For Visiting Vietnam In December
With a few tricks up your sleeve, you can fully take advantage of the one-of-a-kind weather, colorful culture, and holiday experience. Here’s what you need to know for a memorable visit.
- Make a booking in advance: December is the top tourist season, particularly during Christmas and then the New Year. The best hotels and tours can fill up quickly, so book early to get your spot.
- Get ready for crowds: The big city’s most popular tourist destinations can be quite crowded during the holidays. If you don’t like the crowds and are after a more serene experience, then consider an early morning visit.
- Participate in local celebrations: Places such as St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi or Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica are bustling with Christmas cheer. Decorations and cultural events that immortalize the charm of the season.
- Try street food: It’s chilly there, so it’s the perfect weather to nibble on some warm street food such as grilled corn, scrumptious bowls of Pho, Bun Rieu, and you can’t leave without trying the famous egg coffee!
- Prepare cash: In small towns and markets, you should use cash. It’s a good idea to have some for payments and charges.
Final Thoughts: Why December Is A Great Month To Explore Vietnam
With cool weather and festive vibes, December in Vietnam is a wonderful time to travel the country. Are you ready to start planning your trip? Get all that and more with a privately created itinerary by SeniWorld with your preferences in mind. From finding adorable accommodations to planning unforgettable guided tours, we’ve got your back. Get in touch with SeniWorld, and we’ll make your Vietnam dream getaway come true.
