Thinking about spending Christmas in Ho Chi Minh City? You’ll get warm, comfortable weather instead of the chilly winter you might expect elsewhere. Around Christmas, average temperatures hover between 22°C at night and 31°C during the day, with lots of sunshine and just a bit of light rain. Honestly, it’s one of the nicest times to be in the city.
Humidity drops compared to the rainy season, so wandering the busy streets or browsing outdoor markets feels much easier. Sometimes a quick shower rolls through, but it rarely puts a damper on holiday plans.
Warm days, cooler evenings, and festive city lights make the city feel inviting for sightseeing or celebrations. You might want to check out cultural landmarks, rooftop dining, or the Christmas decorations downtown, and the weather usually cooperates.
Overview of December Weather in Ho Chi Minh City
December brings steady warmth, less rainfall, and more sunshine than the wet months. The season shifts, making daily life and outdoor adventures a lot more comfortable.
Typical Weather Patterns
Daytime temperatures usually range from 23°C (73°F) at night up to 31°C (88°F) during the day. The average lands near 26°C (79°F), so it’s warm but not sweltering.
Rainfall drops off a lot compared to the monsoon. December typically gets 25–70 mm of rain, spread out over 6–10 days. Showers are short, so they don’t usually ruin your plans.
Humidity sticks around 70–75%, which feels a lot better than earlier in the year. Mornings and evenings in particular feel less sticky. Sunshine averages 8–9 hours a day, so there’s plenty of daylight for exploring.
Start of the Dry Season
December kicks off the dry season in southern Vietnam. Skies clear up, and the weather becomes much more reliable.
After months of heavy monsoon rain, the city dries out in December. Streets are less likely to flood, and walking around feels more comfortable.
You’ll get about 11.5 hours of daylight, with sunsets between 5:30 and 6:00 pm. Evenings cool off, making outdoor dining or night markets a breeze. Events and festivals pop up all over the city during the holidays, and the stable weather helps make them possible.
Comparison to Other Regions in Vietnam
If you compare December in Ho Chi Minh City to northern Vietnam, you’ll notice a big difference. Hanoi and Ha Long Bay usually see temperatures between 15–20°C (59–68°F), with gray skies and mist. Sometimes, it gets even colder at night.
Central Vietnam, like Da Nang and Hue, can still get lingering rains and cooler weather. Flooding sometimes happens along the coast.
Southern Vietnam’s largest city stays warm and mostly dry. Ho Chi Minh City is honestly one of the best spots in the country for travelers who want steady sunshine and fewer weather hassles in December.
Average Temperatures During Christmas
Ho Chi Minh City keeps things warm around Christmas, with steady daytime highs and mild nights. Its southern location keeps the climate tropical, but December falls in the dry season, so you’ll see less rain and more comfortable air than earlier in the year.
Average High Temperature
Late December highs usually hit 30°C to 32°C (86°F to 89°F). These temps stay pretty similar whether you’re in the city center or out in the suburbs.
The air feels lighter than during the hottest months, thanks to lower humidity. That makes sightseeing, walking tours, and rooftop dinners much more enjoyable.
Don’t forget about the sun, though. Midday gets pretty warm, so breathable clothes and sun protection are a must. Even if it feels comfortable, the UV index can still be high.
| Time of Day | Typical High |
|---|---|
| Midday | 31–32°C |
| Afternoon | 30–31°C |
Average Low Temperature
At night, temperatures dip to 22°C to 24°C (71°F to 75°F), which is downright mild compared to northern Vietnam. You won’t need a heavy jacket, but a long-sleeve shirt or light layer might feel good if you’re out late.
Cooler evenings are perfect for wandering outdoor markets, riverside walks, or grabbing street food. Many hotels and restaurants open their windows because the air feels fresh enough without blasting the AC.
It almost never drops below 21°C, so you can count on a mild climate at night.
| Time of Day | Typical Low |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | 22–23°C |
| Late Night | 23–24°C |
Daily Temperature Range
During Christmas, the daily temperature range sits at about 8°C to 10°C between the warmest and coolest times. That’s a pretty moderate swing, so you won’t need to change clothes much throughout the day.
Mornings start off warm and comfortable. Afternoons hit their peak, and evenings ease off just enough for a relaxed dinner or walk.
The average for the day lands around 26°C to 27°C (79°F to 81°F). That balance of warmth and mildness is a big reason why December is such a great time to visit Ho Chi Minh City.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Temperature | 26–27°C (79–81°F) |
| Daily Range | 8–10°C |
Rainfall and Precipitation Trends
December signals the start of the dry season in Ho Chi Minh City, so rain is pretty minimal compared to the wet months. You’ll see the occasional light shower, but most days are dry and clear.
Average Rainfall in December
Rainfall drops off sharply in December. The city usually gets about 26–27 mm of rain, way less than the wettest months like September, when totals can top 300 mm.
That makes December one of the driest months of the year. Rain comes in quick bursts and clears up fast. You can plan outdoor activities without worrying much about getting soaked.
Here’s a quick look at how the months stack up:
| Month | Avg Rainfall (mm) | Rainfall Days |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~321 mm | ~20 days |
| November | ~89 mm | ~12 days |
| December | ~27 mm | ~7 days |
| January | ~7 mm | ~2–3 days |
Number of Rainy Days
Expect about 7 rainy days in December. These are usually brief showers and not all-day storms. Rain mostly falls in the late afternoon or evening, so mornings and midday hours are often dry.
Compared to the peak rainy season, when it can rain more than half the days in a month, December feels much more predictable. You’ll find it easier to plan day trips, walking tours, and evening outings without much worry.
Even when it rains, showers tend to be scattered. Sometimes it’s raining in one neighborhood and dry just a few blocks away.
Precipitation Patterns Throughout the Month
Rain in December spreads out lightly, with no real peak in the month. Showers are quick and passing, not long stretches of wet weather.
Humidity averages around 74–75%, lower than the rainy season but still noticeable. The air feels warm, but not as heavy as mid-year.
Because rainfall is so light, the ground dries quickly, and flooding is almost unheard of. Most days are sunny or just partly cloudy, which is great for sightseeing or outdoor events.
Humidity Levels and Comfort
Humidity in Ho Chi Minh City changes a lot during the year, but December brings some of the most comfortable conditions. You’ll notice the air is less sticky than during the rainy season, making it much easier to enjoy being outdoors.
Average Humidity in December
In December, average humidity drops compared to the wetter months. It usually sits between 70% and 75%, quite a bit lower than the city’s peak of about 85% in September.
This is thanks to the dry season, which runs from late November to April. With less rain and clearer skies, the heavy, damp feeling of the monsoon season fades away.
By global standards, it’s still humid, but it’s not nearly as oppressive as in the summer. You might notice mornings and evenings feel fresher, with less moisture on your skin.
Here’s a quick overview:
| Month | Avg. Humidity | Season |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~85% | Wet |
| December | ~70–75% | Dry |
| February | ~70% | Dry |
Impact on Comfort and Activities
Moderate humidity in December makes sightseeing, walking tours, and outdoor markets much more enjoyable. You won’t sweat as much, and your clothes dry quicker, so overall comfort improves.
Evenings are especially nice, with lower temperatures around 22°C (72°F) and less dampness in the air. You can eat outside or walk along the Saigon River without feeling sticky.
Most hotels, shops, and restaurants use air conditioning, which helps keep things comfortable indoors. Both inside and outside, conditions feel a lot more balanced than during the rainy months.
If you’re into cycling or day trips out of town, the lower humidity makes it less tiring. You can stay outside longer without needing to duck into air-conditioned spaces as often.
Daylight and Sunshine Hours
Ho Chi Minh City feels warm and bright around Christmas, with lots of sun and just a few rainy days. Daylight lasts for almost half the day, and the sun stays strong, so you won’t get the short, gloomy winter days you might find further north.
Average Daily Sunshine
December usually brings 8 to 9 hours of sunshine each day. That’s a solid amount, even compared to other tropical cities, and it’s technically the dry season.
Rain is limited, averaging less than 30 mm for the month, so clouds don’t block the sun for long. Most mornings start clear, with only quick afternoon showers.
You can count on most daylight hours for sightseeing, walking, or just hanging out outdoors. The steady sunshine is also great for taking photos or eating outside.
Length of Daylight
You’ll get about 11.5 hours of daylight per day in late December. Sunrise is just after 6:00 a.m., and sunset is just before 6:00 p.m.
Unlike places farther north, daylight hours don’t change much through the year. The gap between the longest and shortest days is less than 90 minutes.
This makes planning easy—you won’t lose daylight early in the afternoon. You can fit in activities from morning until early evening without rushing.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
Around Christmas, the sun rises close to 6:10 a.m. and sets around 5:40 to 5:50 p.m. These times shift a little, but only by a few minutes.
Early sunrise gives you a cool start to the day, with morning temps in the mid-20s °C. By late afternoon, the sun sets and you get a break from the heat.
If you like evening walks or rooftop dinners, the fading light feels just right before night falls. Festive lights and fireworks pop up soon after sunset, adding to the holiday vibe.
Weather-Related Travel Tips for Christmas Visitors
December in Ho Chi Minh City usually brings dry air, steady sunshine, and warm daytime temperatures. You can look forward to comfortable sightseeing, outdoor dining, and evening walks without having to worry much about rain.
Recommended Clothing
Daytime temperatures typically hover between 25–30°C (77–86°F). Pack light, breathable clothes—cotton shirts, shorts, or dresses are all solid picks.
Since the humidity drops compared to the rainy season, walking around the city feels a lot easier. Evenings get a little cooler, but they’re still pretty mild.
If you’re planning to stay out late, just bring a light jacket or cardigan. You’ll want comfortable walking shoes, too, since exploring markets, museums, and busy streets can take up most of your day.
Don’t forget sun protection. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen really help during midday, when the sun can get intense. You probably won’t need an umbrella in December, though tossing a small foldable one in your bag for shade isn’t a bad idea if you’re sensitive to sunlight.
Best Outdoor Activities
The dry season gives you perfect conditions for outdoor sightseeing. You can check out landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market, and the War Remnants Museum without thinking about sudden showers.
Parks and riverside spots are great for walking or cycling. December’s weather makes day trips to the Mekong Delta or the Cu Chi Tunnels a lot easier, since you won’t have to deal with muddy paths like you would in the wet season.
Evenings are honestly one of the best times to get out. Street food tours and rooftop dining are super popular because the air feels cooler after sunset.
You could also hop on a boat ride along the Saigon River at night. The city skyline lights up, and the temperature stays comfortable—pretty hard to beat, honestly.
Festive Atmosphere and Local Events
Even though Christmas isn’t an official holiday here, the city still gets into the spirit with decorations and public displays. Shopping centers and hotels put up big Christmas trees, light shows, and all sorts of themed events.
You’ll spot the brightest displays along Nguyen Hue Walking Street and in District 1. Crowds gather there every year to take in the festive lights.
Many restaurants and cafes roll out special holiday menus, mixing Western and Vietnamese dishes in creative ways.
Catholic churches like Tan Dinh Church and Notre Dame Cathedral hold Christmas Eve services, and they welcome visitors. Even if you skip the service, the areas outside these churches light up with decorations and draw plenty of locals snapping photos and joining the celebration.