LOTUS EATERS TRAVEL

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VIETNAM IN DECEMBER: WHAT TO EXPECT.

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We arrived in Vietnam in early December and stayed through to the middle of January, travelling from north to south. I’d just flown in from Bali after a month there — my skin still warm from island sunshine — so Northern Vietnam’s December weather came as quite a shock.

Luckily, the weather changes dramatically as you move through the country. From freezing mountain air in Sapa, to misty, moody Hanoi, through the rain-soaked streets of Hoi An, and finally to the golden warmth of Ho Chi Minh City — it felt as if we’d passed through three seasons in one country.

In this blog post, I’ll set out everything I learnt about visiting Vietnam in December – including what to expect from the weather and what to pack.

What’s the weather like in Vietnam in December

Vietnam stretches for over 1,600 kilometres so there’s no broad brush answer here. Instead, the change in climate as you travel is striking. In the north, it’s winter in December — cool, sometimes very cold. Central Vietnam can still be damp and unpredictable, while the south should be basking in sunshine and heat.

If you’re planning to travel through the country in December, be prepared to experience it all. I went from layering on electric blankets in Sapa, to hiding out in air-conditioned rooms in Ho Chi Minh City – all in the space of one month.

Christmas in Vietnam

Christmas is not a national holiday in Vietnam but that definitely doesn’t mean that it’s not celebrated. Christmas Eve is the biggest event – and you’ll see celebrations in big cities.

It’s also common to see Christmas decorations – lit up Christmas trees outside the church in Hanoi for example. Or, little touches of decorations in hotel lobbies or restaurants.

For our part, we spent Christmas Eve in Sapa and Christmas Day in Hanoi. It felt really quite odd that we could do anything we wanted in the city on Christmas Day, rather than sitting indoors gathered around a Turkey as we would be at home. We opted for a lazy morning involving coffee, a couples massage at a spa, a walk around the lake and then lunch with cocktails.

It’s worth noting that buses and transport also runs like normal – even on Christmas Day. We actually boarded a nigh bus in the 25th December.

New Years in Vietnam

New Years Eve is such a fun time to be in Vietnam. Celebrations are a lot of fun – in Hanoi, head to the lake for fireworks. In Ho Chi Minh City, the various breweries, speakeasy bars or rooftop spaces would be a lot of fun.

We spent the night in Hoi An and the vibe was genuinely electric. We don’t often stay up late partying, but we had no excuse to miss out in Hoi An – it was a fireworks at midnight and dancing in the streets sort of night. Followed by quite a wobbly cycle ride back to our hotel.

What to pack to visit Vietnam in December

Packing for December in Vietnam is all about versatility. I learned this the hard way. When I arrived, I had only a light jacket — completely unprepared for the cold of the north. Within a day, I’d bought a woolly hat in Sapa just to survive the evenings – and John had very kindly loaned my some layers.

Here’s what I’d suggest bringing:

• A warm jumper or fleece for the north, as well as a woollen hat
• Warmer layers – leggings, lightweight trousers
• Walking shoes if you plan to go hiking
• A raincoat or packable waterproof and windproof layer – a little puffer jacket would be ideal
• A poncho could come in handy for torrential rail
• Comfortable shoes for walking and exploring as well as flip flops or sandals if you plan to hit the beach
• A few light outfits for the south (think T-shirts and shorts, linen dresses etc)

Of course, one of the great things about Vietnam is clothes shopping! If you forget anything, heading out to market stalls or shops and bartering for something new is always a lot of fun.

Northern Vietnam in December

Here’s our guide to visiting some of the most popular place in Northern Vietnam in December.

Sapa

Typical December Weather in Sapa:
Temperatures range from 5–15°C, but it can drop close to freezing at night. Expect 15–20 days of light rain or mist, with average rainfall around 60mm. Snow is rare but possible on the highest peaks.

I didn’t expect to ever be so cold in Southeast Asia. Sapa in December is chilly, damp and often misty. At night time temperatures drop even further – there’s a reason that there are so many Hot Pot restaurants and a penchant for drinking rice wine in Sapa.

If you come prepared for the cold, Sapa is wonderful in winter. Spend your days hiking through terraced fields, visiting villages, and warming up with tea by the fire at your homestay. The landscape has a moody but atmospheric feel at this time of year.

Tip -Pack (or buy) some thick socks and a woollen hat if you visit Sapa at this time of year.

Find our detailed guide to visiting Sapa here.

Hanoi

Typical December Weather in Hanoi:
Expect daytime highs around 19–22°C and lows near 14°C. Rainfall is relatively low — about 30–50mm across 6–8 days of light rain or drizzle. The humidity remains high, making it feel a little cooler.

Hanoi in December does feel like winter, just a mild version.

The air is cool enough for a light coat, especially in the morning and evenings. Normally by afternoon, the layers can peel off a little. It’s a great time to explore the city on foot — the Old Quarter, the markets, and the winding alleyways all feel romantic – tinged with a bit of grey.

When you need a break, duck into a café for Vietnamese coffee. Or, if the weather turns, spend an afternoon wandering through museums, get a massage, or simply people-watch by Hoan Kiem Lake.

Halong Bay

Typical December Weather in Halong Bay:
Temperatures hover between 17–22°C, and rainfall is low — around 25–40mm across 5–7 days. The water is cool but still calm enough for cruising.

Halong Bay in December can be quite dramatic. The sky can be grey, almost blending in with the sea.

Eastern Vietnam in December

Here’s our guide to visiting some of the most popular place in Eastern Vietnam in December.

Hue

Typical December Weather in Hue:
Expect 19–23°C during the day, with 13–17 rainy days and about 280mm of rainfall. Heavy downpours are common early in the month, easing gradually by January.

Hue in December is cool and often overcast. And, it possible you’ll get rain too. The mild temperatures do make it a little easier to explore the Imperial Citadel without the glare of summer heat.

We were warm enough to spend some time exploring on a bike by day.

But the evenings required a few extra layers! When it rains, head indoors — to pagodas, markets, museums, or a cosy café.

You can find our detailed guide to Hue here.

Hoi An

Typical December Weather in Hoi An:
Temperatures range between 20–25°C, with 14–18 rainy days and 250–350mm of rain. Flooding can occasionally occur early in the month, though it usually recedes quickly.

Hoi An greeted us with rain, and lots of it. It rained almost every day we were there. That full on rain where you need to hide inside or don a poncho.

That said, there’s a certain charm to it. The grey contrast with the colour of lanterns and yellow walls. And in all honesty, I absolutely adore Hoi An – so no amount of rain could ruin my parade.

When it rains, Hoi An becomes all about slow travel: mornings hiding in coffee shops, afternoons taking a cooking class, or cycling through the countryside between showers. And when that glorious sunshine comes out – then, it’s all to play for.

You can find our full guide to visiting Hoi An here.

Southern Vietnam in December

Here’s our guide to visiting some of the most popular place in Eastern Vietnam in December.

Ho Chi Minh City

Typical December Weather in Ho Chi Minh City:
Expect sunshine and warmth — daytime highs of 30–33°C, lows around 23–25°C, and just 2–4 rainy days with less than 30mm of rain. December marks the start of the dry season, so humidity drops and skies stay mostly clear.

By the time we arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, I felt like I’d stepped back into summer. The air was warm, the skies bright, and it was glorious. After weeks of wearing an odd mix of layers and always having a poncho to hand, I was back to shorts and iced coffee.

December is one of the best times to be in the south. The days are dry and sunny, perfect for wandering parks, exploring the city’s colonial architecture, and people-watching at street cafés. In the evenings, dine outdoors, take in a show at the Opera House, or sip cocktails at a rooftop bar.

You can find our detailed guide to visiting Ho Chi Minh City here.

Phu Quoc and the Mekong

Typical December Weather in the South:
Phu Quoc averages 26–32°C with 3–6 rainy days and about 40mm of rainfall — clear skies dominate. The Mekong Delta enjoys similar temperatures and dry conditions, with river levels steady and ideal for cruising.

If you have time to spare, December is ideal for heading to Phu Quoc or the Mekong Delta. Phu Quoc’s beaches are mostly calm and sunny — perfect for a winter escape — while the Mekong is lush and full of life.

Find our guides to visiting Phu Quoc here.

Written by Emma

Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.

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