One of the best times to visit Vietnam is none other than the month of December, when the weather is pleasant, nice, and great for sightseeing. From snowy mountains in the north to sunny beaches in the south, everything feels calm and welcoming. Many travellers enjoy Vietnam in December because the cool air is comfortable for people coming from warmer places.
It is also a lovely month to see Christmas lights in big cities, relax on warm beaches, and explore old towns when they are quieter. The soft breeze makes walking, cruising, and outdoor activities easy and enjoyable. In this blog, you will learn about the Vietnam climate in December, the best places to visit, and helpful tips for planning a smooth trip to Vietnam. If you are thinking of travelling this winter, let this guide help you plan your perfect trip to Vietnam in December.
Tourist Flow in Vietnam in December
December is a busy month for tourists in Vietnam. At this time of year, people from all over the world come to enjoy the cool weather, clear skies, and happy mood. A lot more tourists come to North Vietnam's most popular places this month. These include Hanoi, Sapa, and Ha Long Bay. Cities in the middle of the country, like Da Nang and Hoi An, are also busy all month.
December is the busiest month, so hotels, tours, and planes can fill up quickly. If you want to go to famous places in Vietnam in December, it's easier to plan your trip if you book your hotel and activities ahead of time. There are a lot of excited people in the crowds, but if you plan ahead, you can have a stress-free trip.
Vietnam Climate in December
Vietnam climate in December is very interesting because it does not stay the same throughout the country. The weather in Vietnam in December is different in different parts of the country as you go from North to South. In different parts of the country, this is how the weather feels:
North Vietnam
North Vietnam temperature in December is the coldest month of the year. In December, the weather in Vietnam is cool and dry, with days ranging from 10°C to 20°C. Hanoi is cool and nice, but Sapa can get very cold; at night, it can drop below 5°C. Ha Long Bay stays foggy and magical all winter, making for a dreamy scenery. Now is a great time to go hiking, cruising, or just strolling around towns, making December one of the best time to visit Vietnam if you are heading north.
Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang)
Early in December, Central Vietnam is still in the tail end of the rainy season, but the weather gets better quickly as the month goes on. Temperatures in cities like Da Nang and Hoi An are warm, between 18°C and 24°C, and it rains sometimes. By the end of December, the beaches in Nha Trang and Quy Nhon are warmer and brighter. There are fewer people traveling, the days are cooler, and the coast is quiet.
South Vietnam (Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta)
In December, South Vietnam has warm, sunny, and dry days. In December, the weather in Vietnam is great for going to the beach, an island trip, or going out at night. The weather stays between 24°C and 32°C, which is great for doing things outside. In December, Phu Quoc and Con Dao have some of the best beaches in Vietnam, with calm blue water. Ho Chi Minh City is a busy place.
Best Places to Visit in Vietnam in December
Vietnam in December has a lot to offer, whether you like beaches, food, history, the mountains, or city life. These places to visit in Vietnam in December must be on your list:
1. Hanoi
Hanoi feels new and lively in December. Nice and cool, it's easy to walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, see the Old Quarter, and find warm pho on every corner. Soft winter lights make the streets look lovely, and as the New Year approaches, people are getting more and more excited. Aside from that, Hanoi is a great place to stay for a day trip to towns, craft markets, and old pagodas.
Why visit in December: Pleasant weather, cultural experiences, street food, and night markets.
2. Ha Long Bay
In December, Ha Long Bay is very beautiful. Many tourists love the way the bay looks like a dream because of the limestone islands that rise out of the light winter fog. Cruising is more pleasant when the weather is cool and the seas are calm. You can kayak, go to caves, watch the sun rise over the water, and relax on the deck of the boat at night.
Why visit in December: Comfortable cruise weather, fewer storms, good visibility, calm seas.
3. Sapa
December is a great time to visit Sapa if you want to see the mountains in North Vietnam. The fields are tiered and shine in golden sunlight. The scenes are made even more beautiful by the fog that rolls over the hills. It might get cold, but that's what makes it fun. In this season, hiking through towns with different kinds of people feels peaceful and refreshing.
Why visit in December: Cool mountain weather, beautiful landscapes, trekking, and ethnic culture.
4. Da Nang
Nice and warm in December, Da Nang is a great place to stop if you like beaches without being too hot. There is peace and quiet on My Khe Beach, in the Marble Mountains, and in the city itself, where there are not as many people. This month is a great time to visit because the river and Dragon Bridge are lit up with holiday lights.
Why visit in December: Mild weather, beaches, sightseeing, and family-friendly attractions.
5. Hoi An
In December, Hoi An is even more beautiful. The nights are cool, and the streets are lit with lanterns, making them feel warm and friendly. There are lots of bars, tailor shops, and restaurants by the river in the Old Town where you can enjoy the winter air. Every month, there is also the Lantern Festival, which turns the whole town into a bright fantasy world.
Why visit in December: Lantern Festival, pleasant climate, photography, culture, and food
6. Ho Chi Minh City
In December, southern Vietnam stays warm, so Ho Chi Minh City is a great place to go if you want to be outside. The city is full of life, with busy markets, cafes on rooftops, and important sites like the War Remnants Museum. In December, there are also a lot of festivals, like Christmas lights, events at night, and music shows.
Why visit in December: Warm weather, nightlife, shopping, and Vietnamese cuisine.
7. Phu Quoc Island
As you might expect, December is the busiest month on Phu Quoc. The weather is great for the beach, with sunny skies and calm blue water. Everything feels great in December, whether you want to chill out or do water sports. In December, it's best to go to Long Beach, Starfish Beach, or Sao Beach in Vietnam, which are some of the best beaches in Vietnam in December.
Why visit in December: Best beach season, snorkelling, island hopping, sunny days.
8. Nha Trang
In December, Nha Trang is also a great place to go to the beach. The weather is nice, and the sea is quiet enough to dive and go on boat trips. There are also mud baths, churches, and long sandy beaches in the city where you can take it easy and spend the day.
Why visit in December: Warm weather, seafood, beaches, water activities.
9. Hue
In December, it gets cooler in Hue, which was the imperial capital. This is the best time to visit old palaces, citadels, and royal tombs. Winter weather that isn't too hot or cold makes long days of sightseeing more pleasant. It's also very pretty in the soft sunlight in the Perfume River area.
Why visit in December: Historic monuments, peaceful weather, culture and heritage.
Top 5 Things to do in Vietnam
December in Vietnam is packed with incredible experiences, but a few things stand out. Whether you're looking for things to do in Vietnam that feel authentically local or just want to know the must-see spots, these activities are absolute must-tries that shouldn't be missed.
1. Take a cruise through Ha Long Bay
When you're in Ha Long Bay in December, it's almost like magic. The cool air, the misty limestone hills, and the calm, green seas make the whole place feel like a dream. When you get here, you can kayak, eat fresh fish on board, or just sit on a deck and watch the sun go down behind the karst mountains. This is one of the most relaxing things to do in Vietnam in December, especially if you like to soak in peaceful vibes.
2. Explore the Lantern-Lit Streets of Hoi An
In December, Hoi An is even more beautiful. It's cold outside, and the town is all decked out for the holidays. When you walk through the lit-up streets, you feel like you're in a picture. On the famous Lantern Festival, you can eat spicy street food and ride a raft down the Thu Bon River. This is a place that brings culture, kindness, and beauty come together.
3. Go to the Rice Terraces and Mountains in Sapa
In December, the air in Sapa is fresh, the mornings are foggy, and the trekking paths are beautiful. You can stroll through terraced fields, see ethnic villages, and see views that seem too good to be true when you are here. Travelers who like to go on mountain adventures and wish to see the rural beauty of Vietnam appreciate it. The cold weather is just right for winter.
4. Enjoy Beach Days in Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is the best destination to travel in December if you want to see the sun and sparkling blue water. The weather is pleasant, peaceful, and perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and hopping from one island to another. The beaches here are incredibly relaxing. The sand is soft, the waves are moderate, and the sunsets are golden. It is one of the best beaches in Vietnam in December, perfect for a tropical break.
5. Explore the festive nights in Ho Chi Minh City
In December, Ho Chi Minh City is full of life and happiness. The streets are lit up with Christmas lights, cafés stay open late, and night markets are even more fun. You can walk around the city and feel its vibrancy, visit Nguyen Hue Walking Street, eat on the roof, or explore the neighbourhood around Notre Dame Cathedral. It's a joyful and colourful way to see modern Vietnam.
Events and Festivals to Attend in Vietnam in December
December in Vietnam brings a special mix of culture, colour, and celebration. Whether you are in the north, central, or south, you will always find an event that makes the month feel magical. Hence, if you are thinking about where to go in Vietnam in December and what to do, this is a list you should consider:
1. Hoi An Lantern Festival
The Hoi An Lantern Festival is one of the most wonderful things you can do in Vietnam in December. When the sun goes down, the ancient town comes to life with hundreds of bright lanterns that float gently down the river. The warm glow and soft music around you make you feel calm and tranquil when you come here. It's almost like stepping into a dream. People make wishes, let go of lanterns, and wander through streets that are softly lit, making it a moment they will never forget.
When: Full moon night in December
Where: Hoi An Ancient Town
2. Christmas Celebrations in Vietnam
In places like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Vietnam, Christmas is a time of joy, lights, and holiday decorations. A lot of music is played during the celebrations, even though it's not a Vietnamese holiday. There are special street fairs and churches that are decorated very nicely. The bright streets make you feel warm and happy as you walk through them. It is one of the most interesting ways to enjoy Vietnam’s climate in December, as the cool air makes the nights perfect for strolls and pictures.
When: December 24-25
Where: Major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang
3. Dalat Flower Festival
When the Dalat Flower Festival comes around the corner, the cool mountains look like a bright paradise. There are bright flower gardens, big flower shows, and works of art made out of petals all over the place. The cool air, flowery smells, and soft music in Dalat in December will make you want to come here again and again. This event is great for people who like photography, nature, or just taking in the peaceful beauty of Vietnam.
When: Late December (biennial event)
Where: Dalat, Central Vietnam
4. Phnom Penh Water Festival (near the Vietnam border)
While the main celebration happens in Cambodia, the border provinces of Vietnam also join in with smaller cultural events. It marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of cooler days. During December, you may see boat races, music, and joyful crowds near the Mekong region. If you visit the southern areas of Vietnam during this time, the mix of celebrations makes the journey feel lively and memorable.
When: Varies (late November-early December)
Where: Mekong Delta border regions
5. New Year’s Eve Celebrations
New Year’s Eve is celebrated openly across Vietnam, especially in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Fireworks, concerts, late-night food stalls, and people coming together to celebrate the new year make the streets come alive. When you come here in December, the cool nights and holiday spirit make everything feel special. The celebrations last until midnight and beyond, making it one of the most fun things to do in Vietnam in December.
When: December 31
Where: All major cities
Tips for Travelling to Vietnam in December
Bring light winter clothes: December feels different in different parts of the country. In the north, you might need warm clothing, but in the south, it stays sunny. It helps a lot to wear light jackets, scarves, and shoes that fit well.
Book flights and hotels in advance: Vietnam is active in early December. Many travellers like the cool weather, so they can face challenges with booking a stay. Booking ahead of time will save you money and worry.
Keep rain protection handy: There may still be some rain in central Vietnam. When the weather changes quickly, having a little umbrella or raincoat with you makes your travel easier.
Plan beaches in the South: In December, the South enjoys the best weather for the beach. Places like Phu Quoc are sunny, tranquil, and great for swimming.
Carry cash for local markets: Cards may not work at small stores and street booths. Having cash on hand lets you enjoy local foods, souvenirs, and minor activities without worrying.
Respect cultural traditions at temples: When you go to pagodas or other ancient monuments, it's polite to dress modestly and be quiet inside.
Be mindful of festival crowds: There are holidays in December, like Christmas and the Lantern Festival in Hoi An. You could notice that some sites are getting busy, so it's best to get there early.
Check regional weather before planning transfers: The weather is different in northern, central, and southern Vietnam. Checking the weather before you go can help you avoid delays and have a better day of travel.
Conclusion
Travelling through Vietnam in December feels like moving across three different worlds at once. The cool air in the north, warm sunshine in the south, and mild breeze in central Vietnam make December one of the most comfortable times to explore. Whether you're wandering through old towns, relaxing on sandy beaches, or joining lively festivals, December lets you enjoy the best side of Vietnam without rush or stress. From lantern-lit nights in Hoi An to misty mountains in Sapa, the moments you experience stay with you like gentle memories. If you're choosing the right time to visit, December is simply the month to fall in love with Vietnam.
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