Vietnam travel guide
Vietnam in December is pleasant and dry for the north and south, with highs near 30°C, lows near 18°C and about 35 mm of rain. Central Vietnam may stay cloudy or showery. It is a peak month around Christmas and New Year, so book early and expect higher prices.
Facts checked 2 Nov 2026
Good for north and south, with pleasant dry conditions; central Vietnam may remain cloudy or showery.
This guide explains what Vietnam is like in December: the weather, how busy it is, what to plan and who the month suits. Figures are typical values from our destination research, so check a forecast before you travel. Weather differs sharply by region, so read the notes for the north, centre and south.
December brings dry, pleasant weather to most of the country. Highs reach about 30°C and lows about 18°C, with about 35 mm of rain and humidity near 73 percent. The north is cool in the evenings and dry, and the south is comfortable. Central Vietnam may stay cloudy or showery, so Hoi An and Da Nang are less reliable than Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
December suits families on school breaks, couples and groups who want dry, comfortable weather and are happy to pay peak prices. It is a good month for Hanoi's street life and a Ha Long Bay cruise. Travellers who dislike crowds should avoid the Christmas to New Year week.
December is slightly cooler than November at the low end and drier, at about 35 mm compared with about 75 mm. It is similar in rainfall to March, but cooler. January is a degree cooler at the low end and equally dry. The key difference is price and crowds. See also November and January.
Demand is strongest around Christmas and New Year, so book earliest for those dates. Outside those weeks, early December is calmer and can be a better value. The dry north is excellent for Ninh Binh's waterways and for Ha Long Bay, though mornings on the water can be cool. Fix the route and the north-centre-south order before choosing domestic flights. Our packages are land-only, so flights are booked separately, and Indian travellers need an e-visa, covered in the Vietnam visa guide for Indians.
This guide is compiled from published tourism and weather information and traveller reports about Vietnam, and was last checked on 2 November 2026. Weather, prices and schedules change, so confirm details before you book.
See the full best time to visit Vietnam guide, plan your days with places to visit in Vietnam and things to do in Vietnam, and browse our Vietnam tour packages.
Ready-made trips
Hanoi 2N · Ha Long Bay 1N · Hoi An 2N · Ho Chi Minh City 1N
Hanoi 2N · Ha Long Bay 1N · Hoi An 2N · Da Nang 2N
Hanoi 2N · Ninh Binh 1N · Ha Long Bay 1N · Hoi An 2N · Da Nang 1N · Ho Chi Minh City 2N
*Approximate price per person, excl. GST. Contact us for exact pricing.
Packages cover stays, transfers, sightseeing and meals as listed. Flights are not included. Prices are per person, excl. GST.
FAQs
Short answers to what travellers ask about Vietnam.
December has highs near 30°C and lows near 18°C, with about 35 mm of rain and humidity near 73 percent. It is good for the north and south with pleasant dry conditions, while central Vietnam may stay cloudy or showery.
Yes for the north and south. It is dry and comfortable, but also a peak month, so book early and expect higher prices. Central Vietnam can be cloudy or showery.
Demand is strongest around Christmas and New Year, with higher prices and busier attractions. Book cruises, flights and central hotels early, and keep plans light on the busiest days.
Yes. December, January, March and April suit families. Use private transfers, avoid too many one-night changes and confirm child meal and cabin policies for the cruise.
It is cool rather than cold, with lows near 18°C. Evenings and mornings on the water can feel chilly, so pack a light jacket for Hanoi and a Ha Long Bay cruise.
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