Is December the best time to visit Vietnam for tourists? You can find the answer in this reading with Ftrip. In addition to providing temperature and weather information in Vietnam in December, we will suggest suitable places to visit in Vietnam.
Read more: 26 Best Things To Do In Hanoi That You Cannot Miss [2023]
Vietnam weather in December
You will see a flawless Vietnam in December because this is the ideal time to travel to any part of Vietnam. Vietnam has left consecutive rains behind before entering December. Therefore, you will not have to worry about weather problems when traveling throughout the countryside of Vietnam.
Overview
- North Vietnam: Cool temperature (average: 19°C). Little rainfall. Temperatures in high geographical areas can drop much as night approaches.
- Central Vietnam: Average comfortable temperature is 24°C, possibility of storms.
- Southern Vietnam: clear blue sky, warm air. December is one of the best months to visit Ho Chi Minh City.
In high-altitude and mountainous regions, the weather conditions are most favorable for walking and trekking. The beaches in Vietnam have also chased away the rain, inviting the early morning sun to welcome guests.
In detail
The average temperature in Vietnam in December is around 26°C to 30°C, but it can fluctuate depending on the region.
North Vietnam weather in December
In the North, high humidity is around 85%, and the average temperature is 19°C. Tourists should bring warm clothes to Northern region mountains because there are many areas that can be covered with snow. Occasionally there will be drizzle. The phenomenon of fog may appear at Ha Long Bay. Visitors may be affected by the fog during their trip there. The degree of the temperature difference between day and night is quite large. In general, the best places to visit in North Vietnam in December are often covered in the cold winter air.
- What to wear in North Vietnam in December weather: clothing with long sleeves, which can keep warm: sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, coats and trousers are essential winter wear in northern Vietnam. You can bring wool hats, gloves, and scarves in case of cold, windy days. If you’re planning on going on a hike, pack comfortable hiking shoes and a waterproof jacket.
Read more: 9 Days In Vietnam Itinerary: Highlights Of The Region
Central Vietnam weather in December
The temperature gradually increases toward central Vietnam. In early December, there will be many continuous spots of rain in this area. Even storm possibilities are expected. Sunny days will appear more in the second half of the month. Hue and Hoi An reach the coolest temperatures of the year, averaging about 24°C.
- What to wear in Central Vietnam in December weather: During the day, the weather is quite hot, you can choose light and airy clothes. But at night, the temperature will drop. Therefore, you should wear layered clothing, bring a jacket and coat. In addition, you should prepare an umbrella to deal with sudden rains.
Read more: 10 Days In Vietnam Itinerary – Best Vietnam 10 Day Itinerary For You
South Vietnam weather in December
For the South Weather in Vietnam, temperatures can range from 30°C to 32°C. On the other hand, evenings are more pleasant, with temperatures dropping to 22°C on average. Vietnam December’s southern beaches are at their best. Warm rays of sunshine are everywhere, but the air is also not too hot with low humidity, clear blue sky, and rarely rain.
- What to wear in South Vietnam in December: Southern Vietnam in December is the land of sunshine. You can wear typical summer clothes, T-shirts, short-sleeved shirts and flip-flops. In addition, please prepare a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and drink water often during your exploration.
Read more: Best Vietnam 6 Day Itinerary – How To Discover Vietnam In 6 Days
Average Temperatures and Rainfall in Vietnam in December
For Vietnam, the weather in December is the best of the year because it receives the lowest temperature of each region: the north is coldest with an average temperature of 18.5°C (65.3°F), gradually warming to the center, about 24°C (75.2°F) and the hottest in the south with an average of 25.5°C (77.9°F). The common feature is that all these areas have a pleasant chilly atmosphere when night comes.
The North and the South are least affected by the rains, suitable for outdoor activities while the number of rainy days accounts for one third of the month in the central region.
| Location | Average Temperature | Average Rainfall (mm) | Average Rainy days |
| North Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ha Giang) | 18.5°C | 19 | 2.9 |
| Central Vietnam (Danang, Hoi An) | 24°C | 175 | 11 |
| Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, Mekong Delta) | 25.5°C | 19.9 | 2.9 |
Read more: Vietnam 12 Day Itinerary: Visit Highlights Of Vietnam In 12 Days
Crowds & Costs Rise
December is considered the peak season for domestic tourism. Prominent areas such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, and Hoi An will be crowded, with countless tourists pouring in.
However, experiencing a winter break to welcome a warm Christmas or Tet in Vietnam and the nearby countries is the perfect choice. Therefore, booking the services in advance is necessary if you want a detailed trip plan.
We would love to receive any concerns about vacation planning for you and your family. In addition, you can see more Vietnam itinerary and travel guide here.
Where to go in Vietnam in December
| Regions in Vietnam | Destination | Why you should visit |
| North | Sapa | Watch the snowfall in Sapa and hunting clouds from the top of Fansipan |
| North | Moc Chau | Whisper at the poetic beauty of the fields of white canola flowers |
| North | Hanoi | Enjoy Hanoi cuisine in cold weather |
| North | Ha Giang | Take pictures of the buckwheat flowers season dyeing the sky pink |
| North | Ban Gioc | Admire the bold beauty of Ban Gioc waterfall |
| North | Bach Ma National Park | Get close to a dreamy and romantic natural scene |
| Central | Hoi An | Catch the moment that the old town glow with hundreds of lanterns |
| Central | Mui Ne | Watchthe sunset in the mini desert |
| South | Ho Chi Minh City | Join the history journey in Ho Chi Minh City |
| South | Mekong Delta | Integrate into the traditional culture of the Southern Vietnamese |
| South | Phu Quoc island | Get lazy and sunbathe on Phu Quoc beach |
Read more: The Ultimate 3 Week Vietnam Itinerary: From South To North 2023
Sapa
Sapa in December can be one of the only places to welcome the first snow of the season in Vietnam. Fansipan peak will put on a white robe made from snow. The journey to conquer the highest mountain in Indochina in winter will be quite arduous. An easier option, you can see Sapa from the hill of ethnic minority villages
Related tour: Sapa And Y Ty, Lao Cai – The Scenic & Tribal Loop 3 Days 2 Nights
Moc Chau
Moc Chau Plateau is 200 km west of the capital of Vietnam. With an average altitude of more than 1.050m above sea level, the winter here has a mild and cool climate, suitable for growing tea plants. Tourism services in this area have yet to be fully developed, so Moc Chau retains rustic natural beauty for many generations.
Moc Chau is also a great answer to the question Where to visit in Vietnam for the first time? Visitors will be able to see beautiful mountains. In addition, You will be amazed at the splendor when the vast forests are covered with white color from the plum trees in full bloom.
Save yourself a fun experience here by visiting tea farms and learning how to pick tea leaves from the locals. Get yourself a bag of freshly picked tea leaves to take home. Other places to visit here include the picturesque village of Ban Ang and the famous Dai Yem Waterfall.
Read more: The Ultimate Vietnam Itinerary One Month And Travel Guide
Hanoi
The best time to visit Hanoi is the end of the year when you can participate in the culinary discovery journey. There are countless must try food in Hanoi and of course, one of them is the famous pho.
On Christmas day, have a cup of egg coffee Hanoi and enjoy the bustle of Hanoi’s Old Quarter eagerly welcoming the most prominent Christian holiday of the year.
Ha Giang
Pass roads lying messy like boneless snakes are places to conquer for adventurous riders. December winds in Ha Giang will blow away all your worries and buckwheat flower beds are blooming everywhere. The weather will be quite harsh when you have to spend most of your time riding the cold wind on a motorbike. Therefore, wearing warm clothes during this time is necessary.
Related tour: Ha Giang Loop Tour & Excursion By Motorbike 2023 (3 Days & 2 Night)
Ban Gioc
Northwest Vietnam is a treasure trove of majestic vistas. Here, Ban Gioc Waterfall, which is located in Trung Khanh, is the fourth-largest waterfall in the world. Fall into Vietnam in December weather, visitors will fully view the breathtaking natural scenery.
December step into the flower blossoming season. You can see sunflowers and buckwheat flowers in full bloom throughout the valley. As a result, the above factors ensure that your trip to Ban Gioc brings a different feeling than other places cannot.
Related tour: The Unseen Landscapes And Cultures Of Northeastern Vietnam (10 DAYS)
Bach Ma National Park
In case you want a road trip in the warmer mountains, visit Bach Ma National Park, located between Da Nang and Hue. This park shelters the Bach Ma mountain range, which is known as the lane dividing the northern and southern climate zones of Vietnam.
Weather in Vietnam in December, right in Bach Ma National Park, is parched with little rain. Moving and participating in outdoor activities such as trekking and swimming is convenient.
Mention the diversity of the Bach Ma national forest, there are more than 2000 species of plants, and many rare species are listed in the Red Book preserved in Vietnam.
Hoi An
Hoi An is back to being a peaceful city after the peak season in summer. In December, the city reaches the lowest temperature of the year (~24°C), which is relatively calm for visitors to stroll around the classic street corners as night falls and is lit by traditional lanterns.
Hoi An is still under the influence of the rainy season until mid-December and the amount of rain will gradually decrease towards the end of the month. Overall, this is the right time to celebrate Christmas in central Vietnam due to the number of tourists not too crowded.
Related tour: Magnificent Da Nang & Hoi An
Mui Ne
Mui Ne is a fishing village in the Southeast of Vietnam. Mui Ne has a dry and sunny climate. This place is also famous for its many beautiful sparkling sand dunes that visitors can sandboard, ride off-road motorcycles or sit on to watch the sunset.
In addition, there are many luxury hotels and resorts in this area to make sure this is the great destination in Vietnam in December for you.
Related tour: Da Lat To Mui Ne – An Epic Motorbike Trip (3 Days /2 Nights)
Ho Chi Minh City
December is a great month to explore Ho Chi Minh City when the usual heat has been washed away by the showers of the previous month. One of the must-have experiences in Saigon is enjoying local coffee in the area of District 1. Also, the top attractions for your trip include Cao Dai Temple, Binh Tay Market, and Bitexco Tower.
Vietnam in December takes place in some memorable holidays in history. Visitors can learn about the country’s history through the Vietnam War legacies at the Reunification Palace. Afterward, head to the War Remnants Museum, which is filled with war memorabilia.
Read more: Best Place To Get Tailored Clothing In Ho Chi Minh City
Mekong Delta
There is no better time than Vietnam in December to visit the Mekong Delta. Common activities in this area include boating, visiting the floating market, taking a cooking class, and enjoying the local cuisine. The weather in December is suitable for so much outdoor activities in the South.
Read more: South Vietnam 1 Week Itinerary: 7 Days In Saigon To Mekong Delta
Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc in winter will be the warmest beach you will ever see. The climate in Phu Quoc is mild all year round, the average temperature is about 24-27°C. At the end of the year, the dry season in Phu Quoc begins, so restaurants and hotels can become overloaded with a huge number of guests.
In Phu Quoc, you can swim and snorkel to find colorful coral reefs or bask in the warmth of the sun on the beach. In addition, you can kayak on Cua Can River or enjoy delicious seafood at coastal restaurants.
What to do in Vietnam in December
Explore Cu Chi Tunnels: Move another 70km from Ho Chi Minh City to the northwest. Cu Chi has a network of defensive tunnels about 250 km long. This underground system is fully equipped with war needs such as field hospitals, weapons factories and, kitchens, storage.
Visit Ho Chi Minh City in the Vietnamese way: Use a motorbike to explore tourist highlights while being told by locals about the history and development of this country.
Vietnam in December is decorated with the Christmas theme. The street will become busier than ever, and there is nothing more wonderful than seeing the beautiful scenery of Xom Dao areas while riding a motorbike. Whether religious or not, you can go to Hanoi Cathedral or Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City to appreciate the joyful atmosphere.
Vietnam in December Itinerary
Below is a suggested itinerary for your trip to Vietnam 14 day itinerary North to South for you. You can adjust your desired destination according to preference
| Day | Activities |
| Day 1 | Hello Hanoi |
| Day 2-3 | Go to Sapa, Moc Chau or take a motorbike trip to Ha Giang |
| Day 4-6 | Fly to Da Nang and vis, move to Hoi An to get tailored clothes or visit Bach Ma National Park in Hue |
| Day 7-8 | Mui Ne is the next place for you to rest by the clear beach and participate in water sports. The alternative place is Dalat to enjoy the cool air and wander the night market |
| Day 9-10 | Explore the bustling Bui Vien area at night and spend the next morning learning about Vietnam’s history at historical places in Vietnam |
| Day 11 | Have a trip to Mekong Delta and enjoy traditional food at the floating market. |
| Day 12-13 | Fly to Phu Quoc Island to enjoy Vietnam’s famous beaches |
| Day 14 | Depart for home |
December Events & Holiday
Founding Day of the Vietnam People’s Army
- Time: 22nd Dec
On 22nd Dec 1944, the Vietnam Liberation Army Propaganda Team was born under the direction of President Ho Chi Minh. This was the first revolutionary army and the forerunner of the Vietnamese People’s Army today, which was established to speak up and fight for the ideal goal of the nation.
National Resistance Day
- Time: 19th Dec
National Resistance Day commemorates the call of President Ho Chi Minh to the whole nation to resist the oppression of the colonial army at that time. This event is an essential milestone in establishing an independent foundation for the country. With that crucial historical significance, 19th Dec was taken as the National Day of Resistance.
Christmas
- Time: 24th-25th Dec
In fact, Christmas is not counted as a Vietnamese holiday but was imported from the West by Christians. As Vietnam approaches December, Christians will decorate the cave with symbols featured on this special day. Large squares like the center of Saigon will also be refurbished and put on a sparkling Christmas coat.
Frequently asked questions about Vietnam in December (FAQs)
Which part of Vietnam is best in December?
South Vietnam in December is the best to travel because of its best weather. Overall, other sites across the country are also worth seeing such as Moc Chau Plateau, Ban Gioc Waterfall in the North and Hoi An and Bach Ma National Park in Central Vietnam.
Where to travel in Vietnam in December
Best places to visit in Vietnam in December: Moc Chau, Bach Ma National Park, Ban Gioc waterfall, Ho Chi Minh City, Con Dao, Halong Bay, Hoi An, and Sapa.
How cold is Vietnam in December?
The average temperature in Vietnam in December is about 28°C. Temperature fluctuations depend on the region. In the South, temperatures will rise to about 30°C during the day. There is a warm air in the central area, averaging 24°C. And the north will be more relaxed with an average temperature of 29°C. Rainfall will be significantly reduced, leaving many sunny days in the month.
Is Vietnam expensive in December?
The most expensive travel months in Vietnam are December and January when many Vietnamese enjoy their holiday at the end of the year. At the same time, December is one of the most pleasant months, suitable for traveling.
Is December a good time to visit Hanoi?
December is not a good time to visit Hanoi because the temperature here can drop to 11°C at night with biting fog. In addition, December is the high season. If you do not have an appointment in advance, you may encounter running out of tables and rooms.
Vietnam in each month
Learn about detailed weather information for each area in Vietnam for 12 months & seasonal tourist destinations.
Vietnam in December is an enchanting land. It’s not an exaggeration to say that this country has brought a lot of great experiences for tourists. Therefore, traveling to Vietnam in December is a feeling that you should experience in your life. Find out more Vietnam travel guides with Ftrip.
