The short answer
- Month
- December
- Verdict
- Good
- North (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay)
- Cool and dry, highs around 22°C
- Centre (Hue, Hoi An)
- Rain easing
- South (Saigon, Mekong)
- Dry, sunny
December is the start of the dry season in the south, with sunny days in Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc. The north is cool and dry, and central Vietnam's rains ease through the month.
Where to go in December
- Phu Quoc: Calm seas and sunshine.
- Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong: Dry season.
- Hanoi and Ha Long Bay: Cool and dry, sometimes misty.
What to avoid in December
- Sapa late in the month if you dislike the cold.
Festivals and events in December
- Christmas and New Year: Celebrated with lights and parties in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi; book beach hotels early.
Weather in December
Average highs, lows and rainfall, with December highlighted. Compare it with the months either side if your dates are flexible.
Average daily high / low and monthly rainfall
| Month | HanoiHa Long is similar | Sapamountains, 1,500 m | Hue | Hoi AnDa Nang is similar | Ho Chi Minh CityMekong is similar | Phu Quoc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 20° / 14°18 mm | 12° / 5°60 mm | 24° / 18°160 mm | 25° / 19°95 mm | 32° / 22°14 mm | 30° / 23°30 mm |
| Feb | 21° / 15°26 mm | 14° / 7°70 mm | 25° / 19°60 mm | 26° / 20°30 mm | 33° / 23°4 mm | 31° / 24°20 mm |
| Mar | 23° / 18°44 mm | 18° / 10°110 mm | 28° / 21°50 mm | 28° / 22°20 mm | 34° / 24°12 mm | 32° / 25°60 mm |
| Apr | 28° / 22°90 mm | 21° / 13°190 mm | 31° / 23°50 mm | 31° / 24°25 mm | 35° / 25°42 mm | 33° / 26°100 mm |
| May | 32° / 25°188 mm | 23° / 16°270 mm | 33° / 25°90 mm | 33° / 25°60 mm | 34° / 25°220 mm | 32° / 26°250 mm |
| Jun | 33° / 27°240 mm | 24° / 17°350 mm | 34° / 25°90 mm | 34° / 26°80 mm | 33° / 25°330 mm | 31° / 26°350 mm |
| Jul | 33° / 27°288 mm | 24° / 18°420 mm | 34° / 25°70 mm | 34° / 26°85 mm | 32° / 25°315 mm | 30° / 25°400 mm |
| Aug | 32° / 27°318 mm | 24° / 17°450 mm | 34° / 25°140 mm | 34° / 26°105 mm | 32° / 24°270 mm | 30° / 25°450 mm |
| Sep | 31° / 26°265 mm | 22° / 16°300 mm | 31° / 24°430 mm | 32° / 24°350 mm | 32° / 24°330 mm | 30° / 25°350 mm |
| Oct | 29° / 23°130 mm | 20° / 13°170 mm | 29° / 23°800 mm | 30° / 23°610 mm | 31° / 24°270 mm | 30° / 24°250 mm |
| Nov | 26° / 19°43 mm | 17° / 10°80 mm | 26° / 21°590 mm | 27° / 22°370 mm | 31° / 23°110 mm | 30° / 24°130 mm |
| Dec | 22° / 15°23 mm | 13° / 6°50 mm | 24° / 19°300 mm | 25° / 20°200 mm | 31° / 22°50 mm | 30° / 23°50 mm |
Rounded long term averages. Blue shading marks the wetter months. Individual years can be hotter, colder or wetter.
A 14 day trip for December
Our suggestion for December: Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong and Phu Quoc. Every trip can be made private and changed to suit your dates.
Tip: Pack layers: a warm jacket for Hanoi and summer clothes for the south.
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Other months
Thinking about November or January? See Vietnam in November and Vietnam in January, or compare every season in our guide to the best time to visit Vietnam.
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Frequently asked questions
Is December a good time to visit Vietnam?
Yes, especially for the south and Phu Quoc. The north is cool and dry, and central Vietnam is drying out.
Sources we checked
Vietnam month by month
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