Quick answers for those who don't want to read a lot:
- Is it worth going in December? – Yes, but best of all to the south. The center is still rainy, the north is cool.
- Where is the weather good in December? – The south (Phu Quoc, Mui Ne, Vung Tau) and, with reservations, Nha Trang in the second half of the month.
- Nha Trang in December? – At the beginning of the month there are still rains and waves; by the end of December it gets better.
- Da Nang and Hoi An in December? – Not for the beach. Rains are still there, the sea is rough.
- What to do if it starts raining? – Don't sit in your room. Museums, spa, cafes, shopping malls, and water parks – there are plenty of options.
- Water temperature in December? – In the south +27…+28 °C, in the center +25…+26 °C, in the north +22…+24 °C.
Who December Suits and Who It Doesn't
December in Vietnam is the month when the south finally becomes a "postcard," while the center still reminds you of itself with rains. There's no universal advice here, but we can honestly say who this kind of trip will suit and who should choose a different time.
- For those going for the beach in the south. December is perfect. On Phu Quoc, in Mui Ne, and Vung Tau the dry season is in full swing. Sea +27…+28 °C, air +28…+30 °C. Rain is rare, the sea is mostly calm.
- For those who want to celebrate New Year by the sea. Phu Quoc and Mui Ne are great options, but prices for New Year dates rise by 20–50%. You need to book in advance.
- For fans of Nha Trang and Da Nang. At the beginning of December it's still rainy there, but by the end of the month Nha Trang gets noticeably better. Da Nang and Hoi An are still a big stretch for the beach in December.
- For those going north for excursions. Hanoi, Sapa, and Halong are cool and foggy in December. For walking around the city and temples – it's fine; for Halong cruises – not the best month.
- For families with small children. You should choose only the south. On Phu Quoc or in Mui Ne there's all the infrastructure, warmth, and sun. In the center in December it's still risky with children.
If you're dreaming of a beach vacation and want to minimize risks, in December confidently buy tickets to the south – Phu Quoc, Mui Ne, Vung Tau. This is the most reliable destination this month.
Weather in Vietnam in December
Vietnam stretches from north to south for more than 1,500 kilometers. In December, the picture by region is like this: in the north it's already winter-cool and foggy, in the center the rains are on the decline but the sea is still rough, and in the south the dry season is in full swing.
Here's what happens in December in different regions:
- North (Hanoi, Sapa, Halong, Cat Ba): +17…+22 °C during the day in Hanoi, colder in Sapa – +10…+15 °C, at night it can drop to +5 °C. Rain is rare, but Halong has frequent fog.
- Center (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang, Cam Ranh): +22…+27 °C, rains still occur, especially in the first half of the month. In Da Nang and Hoi An there are about 19 rainy days, the sea is often rough. In Nha Trang it gets drier by the end of the month.
- South (Phu Quoc, Mui Ne, Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City): +28…+32 °C, rain is rare. On Phu Quoc the sea is calm and clean; in Mui Ne it's windy but dry. This is high season.
Water temperature in December: from +25…+26 °C in the center to +27…+28 °C in the south. In the north the water is already +22…+24 °C – cool for swimming, especially in Halong and on Cat Ba.
As for precipitation, the picture is like this:
- Nha Trang: 230–280 mm per month, rains on more than half the days, but by the end of December it gets drier.
- Da Nang and Hoi An: about 200–350 mm, 19–20 rainy days. The sea is often rough.
- Phu Quoc: 50–130 mm, rain is rare. Dry season.
- Mui Ne: about 15–20 mm, 3–4 rainy days. Dry and windy.
Separately about fruit. In December at Vietnam's markets:
- Pomelo and citrus fruits: peak season, low prices.
- Persimmon: still available in Dalat and on the Moc Chau plateau.
- Mango and dragon fruit: the season is coming to an end, but they're still sold in the south.
- Pineapples and bananas: abundant all year round.
In the south in December, rain is already rare. In the north, take a warm jacket: in the evening in Hanoi it can be +14…+15 °C, and in Sapa – around +5 °C. In Halong, due to fog, visibility can be poor, especially in the morning.
What to Do If It Starts Raining
The question that worries everyone: what if I come and it pours all day? Relax, in Vietnam rain isn't a reason to sit in your room. Here are some ideas by region.
- In Nha Trang. Go to a mud bath or spa, visit the oceanographic museum, stop by shopping malls. You can take an excursion to Hon Tre Island with the cable car – there are covered pavilions of the amusement park.
- In Da Nang and Hoi An. Museums, cafes, spa. In Hoi An there are many covered workshops where clothes are sewn, and cafes with river views. You can watch the water puppet theater, go to the My Son ruins, the Marble Mountains, to imperial Hue.
- On Phu Quoc. Visit a pearl farm, the fish sauce museum, a pepper tasting. You can go to the market or a water park.
- In Mui Ne. Cafes, massage, kite school (it's uncomfortable to swim in the wind anyway), windsurfing centers.
- In the north. In Hanoi, see the Hanoi Opera House, museums, the Old Quarter. In Sapa – sit in a cafe with a mountain view. In Halong in fog, it's better to stay at the hotel or on the cruise ship.
Where to Go in December: A Breakdown by Resort
To save you from guessing, we've gathered all the popular resorts of Vietnam into one table. By the colors you can immediately see where December is good and where it's better to avoid. And below we've broken down each resort in detail: weather, sea, prices, and what to do if the rain does catch up with you.
| Resort/month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | ||||||||||||
| Sapa | ||||||||||||
| Halong Bay | ||||||||||||
| Hue | ||||||||||||
| Da Nang | ||||||||||||
| Hoi An | ||||||||||||
| Nha Trang | ||||||||||||
| Phan Rang | ||||||||||||
| Dalat | ||||||||||||
| Phan Thiet and Mui Ne | ||||||||||||
| Ho Chi Minh City | ||||||||||||
| Phu Quoc Island | ||||||||||||
| Con Dao Island | ||||||||||||
| Vung Tau | ||||||||||||
| Lang Co | ||||||||||||
| Cat Ba Island |
Legend:
- 🍀 green – ideal (sun, warm sea)
- 🞬 olive – acceptable (possible brief rains)
- 🔴 red – not recommended (high risk of rain/typhoons).
In December, there are more green zones on the Vietnam map: the south finally transitions to the dry season. And now let's figure out what happens at each specific resort.
Nha Trang and Cam Ranh in December
In December in Nha Trang, the situation is better than in November, but still not ideal. At the beginning of the month, rains are frequent, and the sea is rough. By the end of December it gets noticeably drier, the waves subside, but the water remains cooler than in the south – around +25…+26 °C.
The air temperature stays at +25…+28 °C. Precipitation for the month is about 230–280 mm, there are many rainy days, but they're no longer as prolonged as in November.
The main plus of Nha Trang in December is low prices in the first half of the month and improving weather in the second. If you're going for New Year, book in advance: prices start to rise by the end of December.
If you find yourself in Nha Trang at the beginning of December, choose a hotel with a pool and plan more time for cafes, spa, and excursions. Cam Ranh is in the same climate zone, so the weather there is similar.
In the first half of December in Nha Trang and Cam Ranh, waves and rains are still possible. In the second half of the month, the situation usually improves.
Da Nang and Hoi An in December
Da Nang and Hoi An in December are still not for a beach vacation. The rainy season is on the decline, but in the first half of the month the rains are frequent and prolonged. In Hoi An, the old town can flood, especially if the rains are heavy. The sea is rough, swimming is often uncomfortable or dangerous.
Air temperature +22…+25 °C, water +25…+26 °C. Precipitation is about 200–350 mm per month, rainy days – about 19–20. By the end of December the weather usually gets better, but for a full beach vacation, Da Nang in December is still not suitable.
If you do end up in Da Nang in December, here's what you can do:
- Visit museums and cafes in the city.
- Go to Hoi An – the old town is beautiful even in the rain, and the tailor shops work all year round.
- Try the local cuisine – in central Vietnam it's one of the best in the country.
- Go to hot springs or a spa center.
Hotel prices in December in Da Nang and Hoi An are still low. But for a beach vacation, that doesn't compensate for the weather. In December, Hoi An hosts the Lantern Festival (December 3–6) – a beautiful event worth staying an extra day or two for.
If your flight to Vietnam arrives in Da Nang in December, it's better to plan a transfer to the south right away. Don't stay in the center hoping for a beach – in December it's still not there.
Phu Quoc in December
Phu Quoc in December is one of the best options for a beach vacation in Vietnam. The dry season is in full swing: rain is rare, the sea is calm and clean, air +28…+30 °C, water +27…+28 °C. This is high season, and the weather usually pleases.
Precipitation in December is low – about 50–130 mm, few rainy days. Humidity is lower than in the rainy season, and there are fewer mosquitoes too.
The main downside of December on Phu Quoc is prices. This is peak season, and it's especially expensive on New Year dates. Hotels that cost 2,000,000–3,000,000 dong in November (97.34 USD) can cost one and a half to two times more at the end of December. Air tickets are also getting more expensive. You need to book in advance, 2–3 months ahead.
If you're going to Phu Quoc in December, choose your hotel in advance and don't count on "last-minute" tours. In high season, they almost never happen.
Phu Quoc is the best option for a beach vacation in December. If you're choosing between the south and the center, definitely the south.
Phan Thiet and Mui Ne in December
Mui Ne and Phan Thiet in December are a great option for those who like active recreation and don't mind the wind. The kitesurfing season is in full swing: average wind speed is about 28 km/h, gusts can be strong. It's not ideal for lying on the beach with a book, but for kiting and windsurfing – it's the best time.
Weather in December: +28…+30 °C, water +26…+27 °C. Rain is rare – about 3–4 rainy days per month, little precipitation. There are many sunny days.
Prices in Mui Ne in December are higher than in November, but still lower than on Phu Quoc. There are many hotels and restaurants with a Russian menu. If you're going for a budget vacation and aren't afraid of the wind, this is a good option.
Among the attractions: the Red Dunes, the White Dunes, the Fairy Stream. In December, they're less crowded than during the New Year holidays.
Northern Vietnam: Hanoi, Sapa, Halong
Northern Vietnam in December is already winter. In Hanoi +17…+22 °C, rain is rare, but humidity is high, and it feels cool in the evenings. In Sapa it's colder – +10…+15 °C during the day, at night it can drop to +5 °C, and in the mountains above 1,500 meters there's sometimes snow. In Halong Bay +15…+20 °C, frequent fog, visibility can be poor.
For excursions around Hanoi, December is fine: the Old Quarter, temples, museums. For trekking in Sapa, you need to be prepared for cold and fog. For Halong cruises, December is not the best month: fog can ruin the views, and it's cool on the water.
If you're going to Vietnam in December for culture and nature, not for the beach, the north is your choice. But be sure to take warm clothes.
What to Take with You in December
The list of things for a December trip to Vietnam depends on the region. In the south it's all tropical, but in the north you already need warm clothes. Here's what will come in handy:
- A warm jacket or sweater. For the north – definitely, especially for Sapa and Hanoi. In the evenings it can be +14…+15 °C, in Sapa – around +5 °C.
- A raincoat, not an umbrella. In the center, rains are still possible, and in the north in Halong there's fog.
- A waterproof phone case. Humidity and rains in the center can kill your gadgets.
- Shoes with non-slip soles. Wet asphalt and tiles are slippery.
- Mosquito repellents. In the south there are fewer than in the rainy season, but there are still some.
- Sunscreen. In the south the sun is active even in cloudy weather.
- A swimsuit and light clothing. For the south – definitely.
If you're going north, take warm socks and a hat: in Sapa at night it can be +5 °C. If you're going south – T-shirts and shorts are enough, but put in one warm sweater in case of a cool evening.
Pros and Cons of a December Vacation
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✅ Pros of a December vacation:
- The south is in its best form: Phu Quoc, Mui Ne, and Vung Tau – dry season, calm sea.
- You can celebrate New Year by the sea – warm and sunny.
- In the south there's less rain and lower humidity than in November.
- The north is suitable for excursions, but you need warm clothes.
- Fruit season: pomelo, citrus fruits, persimmon, pineapples.
- December has festivals: the Lantern Festival in Hoi An (December 3–6), the flower festival in Dalat (December 19–31).
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❌ Cons of a December vacation:
- The center of the country is still rainy, especially in the first half of the month.
- Nha Trang and Da Nang aren't suitable for a beach vacation at the beginning of December.
- In the north it's cool, and Halong has fog.
- New Year prices in the south rise by 20–50%.
- Hotels and air tickets for the holidays need to be booked in advance.
So Is It Worth Going to Vietnam in December?
Yes, if you choose the right place. Want a beach and warmth without surprises – go to Phu Quoc or Mui Ne. Want excursions and nature – go north, but with warm clothes. Nha Trang and Da Nang in the first half of December are better postponed, and in the second half – you can go if you're ready for a compromise.
And if you're planning New Year by the sea – book hotels and tickets in advance. In December, it's high season in the south, and good options get snapped up quickly.
How to Organize Your Trip: Useful Links
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Where to Look for Tours?
Nowadays it's most convenient and cheapest to buy tours online. You can do this on one of these trusted sites:
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Where to Buy Tickets?
You can find flights to Vietnam, including with transfers, on reliable sites:
Minimum ticket prices from Russia to Vietnam:ЦЕНА МАРШРУТ ПЕРЕСАДКИ Купить от 55959 ₽ Москва ⇄ Дананг 3 Купить от 57105 ₽ Москва ⇄ Фукуок 3 Купить от 49322 ₽ Москва ⇄ Хошимин 1 Купить от 55407 ₽ Москва ⇄ Нячанг 3 Купить от 58103 ₽ Санкт-Петербург ⇄ Нячанг 2 Купить от 50033 ₽ Новосибирск ⇄ Нячанг 2 Купить от 61741 ₽ Екатеринбург ⇄ Нячанг 3 Купить от 41686 ₽ Иркутск ⇄ Нячанг Прямой -
Where to Book Hotels?
For our travels, we use these sites and always compare prices. All sites accept Russian cards and SBP, have bonus systems that allow you to save decently:
- 🛌Hotels on Trip.com (👍 MIR cards accepted)
- 🛌 Hotels on Yandex.Travel
- 🛌 Hotels on Ostrovok.ru
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Where to Find Tours?
You can buy tours on the spot from hotel guides (expensive), at street agencies (cheaper, but sometimes poor quality), or online on aggregator sites (cheap and with reviews):