Vietnam is a special country with three different weather systems and December is the time when you can see these differences precisely. Here is everything you need to know about the Vietnam Weather in December, a list of major events in this month and some places you should visit.
Vietnam Weather conditions in December
December is the coldest month of the year, with the average temperature is about 23ºC. There is almost no rain throughout the country at this time, but the monsoon comes from the north and carries moisture, which lowers the temperature throughout the region.
Although it is chilly throughout the country, the weather in Vietnam in December is still when you can clearly see the difference in the climate of each region here. Please see the details below!
The North: Coldest time of the year
This is the coldest time of the year in the North Vietnam. In December, the average temperature in northern Vietnam is only 17°C and sometimes the lowest temperatures can drop to -2 °C in the high mountains, resulting in drizzle and snow.
Winters in northern Vietnam are cold, with temperature from 15 °C to 20 °C. If you move further north or into the mountainous northwest and northeast, the temperature drops considerably. And this month is also the driest month of the year, with minimal rain and low humidity of 68%.
Northern Vietnam in December
The Center: Weather changes in each small region
According to the different climatic characteristics, the Central Vietnam is divided into 3 smaller regions: the North Central Coast, the South Central Coast and the Central Highlands.
The climate of the north central coast is more like the north, it is cold and quite dry with low temperatures. On the other hand, December in the south central coast is rainy with high humidity at about 82% and the rain is not as heavy as in November.
At the same time, the weather condition of the Highlands in December is perfectly ideal for travel around. During this month, you can experience all 4 seasons in one day, waking up in spring and going to bed in winter. In general, it is always sunny and cool in the Highlands during this time. Although the nights are very cold, it is warm during the day with clear skies and a light sun.
The South: Most beautiful season of the year
Southern Vietnam enters the most beautiful season of the year, as December is the beginning of the dry season. Warm weather prevails in the region, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 31°C and an average annual temperature of about 27ºC. It hardly rains during this month in southern Vietnam and there are many sunny days, which allows you to travel around in the region.
Vietnam Festivals in December
December marks the end of a year so like everywhere in the world, it is a festive month. Many major cities and tourist destinations are illuminated with decorations, lights and Christmas trees to welcome a new year.
Christmas Eve
Christmas, like all Vietnamese holidays, is celebrated with enthusiasm, even though our country is largely influenced by Buddhism and Taoism. The Christmas Eve lasts two days. However, weeks before the holiday, buildings and streets are lit up with fairy lights, glittering decorations and Christmas trees. The big cities – Hanoi and Saigon – offer a spectacular view of St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1. Hoan Kiem and Nguyen Hue Walking Streets also offer tourists a joyful experience.
Christmas Decoration at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi’s Old Quarter
New Year
The transition period between the old and new year also leaves wonderful experiences for first-time visitors. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness a fascinating New Year’s Eve countdown, with sophisticated show scenes and huge crowds in the major cities!
Vietnam’s top destinations to visit in December
Our country has many beautiful destinations worth visiting in December. If you have a plan to go to Vietnam in December, you can consult and choose according to your interests this list of the best places to visit. Don’t hesitate to contact us too if you have any questions!
Sapa (Lao Cai): Various shades
Sapa is a beautiful town with a cool weather and many different shades. When visiting Sapa in December, visitors will discover this small town with dense fog, hazy landscape and full of mysteries. It can be foggy and snowy when the temperature reaches 0°C or event below, and the snowfall makes the landscape of Sapa more wonderful than ever.
Sapa covered with snow in December
Hanoi: Cold and dry winter
Hanoi enters officially in a cold and dry winter in the final month of the year. The capital becomes quieter with the fall of red leaves, thick fog, and gray sky. But December arrives with Christmas and New Year, so you can see a lot of colorful decorations, twinkling lights hanging in the streets, or even in the small alleys.
Hanoi’s December is also famous for its many delicious street foods that can warm you up on a cold and numb day. From hot noodle soups like Pho/Bun/Mien, many types of hot pot, fried and grilled snacks, or hot sweet soups, you will find a surprisingly tasty world of winter cuisine in Hanoi.
Ha Long Bay: Fine time for a cruise
In Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temperature ranges from 15°C to 23°C, with an average rainfall of only 22 mm. In this month, the huge area of Ha Long Bay is covered by a thick and mysterious fog. All the big limestone pillars are wrapped in a thin layer of fog in the early morning. Cruises in the bay are unable to move quickly in these weather conditions, but it is so amazing to sail slowly through the fog, passing through the towering limestone pillars and discovering the landscape before you.
Ha Long Bay
>>> Book a Ha Long Bay Cruise now and enjoy the mysterious beauty of the bay in winter.
Ho Chi Minh City: Transition between dry season and rainy season
December is a transition phase between the dry and wet seasons: it rains less frequently, and the weather remains cool and humid. This is one of the best times to visit Ho Chi Minh City, as Christmas comes at the end of the month and Vietnam’s most important national holiday – Tet or Lunar New Year – is a month away. The whole city is vibrant with the festive atmosphere, with colorful decorations everywhere that give the city a splendid look.
Christmas celebration in Ho Chi Minh City
Mekong Delta: Nice weather
The Mekong Delta in December has nice weather, with many sunny days and clear sky. The temperature hovers around 30℃ and the wind is slightly breezy. During this month, the Mekong Delta has many activities suitable for all types of travelers. The special floating markets, vast tropical fruit gardens and typical Mekong island villages under the beautiful December weather will certainly leave you with unforgettable memories.
Phu Quoc Island: Ideal for a beach holiday
If you want to enjoy a warm winter, besides Con Dao, Phu Quoc is also an ideal destination for a beach holiday. It is an attractive destination for domestic and foreign tourists. In this month, Phu Quoc Island is influenced by the northeast monsoon with relatively strong intensity, the average humidity is 78%, and the average temperature is about 27°C – 28°C. December in Phu Quoc is less rainy, the waves are calm, and the boat can easily go from Rach Gia to Phu Quoc. Coming to this beautiful island in December, you can sunbathe, snorkel and swim at Long Beach and Ong Lang Beach. Phu Quoc National Park and Suoi Tranh Waterfall are perfect for picnics, jungle walks, camping and bird watching.
Phu Quoc Island
Vietnam in December is ideal for exploring both the sea and the mountains. If you are planning a trip to Vietnam, December is always a good time! Contact us now for more details on a trip to Vietnam!
