Winter in Nha Trang feels different from much of Vietnam. Northern cities can get chilly, but this coastal spot stays warm and comfortable.
Average temperatures hover around 24–25°C (75–77°F), so it’s a great time to hit the beaches or try outdoor activities. Nights might dip into the high teens °C, but frost and cold snaps don’t reach this part of the country.
Rainfall drops sharply compared to autumn, and skies often clear up from December through February. You’ll notice more sunshine, less humidity, and the sea stays warm enough for swimming.
These conditions attract travelers looking for mild winter warmth and locals who want quieter days by the coast.
If you visit during this season, you’ll see how the mix of warm days, lighter rain, and inviting sea temperatures makes winter a great choice. Whether you’re exploring the city or just relaxing on the sand, the climate supports both adventure and rest without the extremes of heat or storms.
Overview of Nha Trang Winter Climate
Nha Trang’s winter is warm compared to many other places. You’ll get mild temperatures, moderate humidity, and calm winds.
Rainfall is lighter than in the wet season, though some showers still pop up, especially in early December.
Typical Temperature Ranges
During winter, daytime highs usually land between 23°C and 28°C (73°F–82°F). At night, lows stay around 17°C to 22°C (63°F–72°F), so you probably won’t need heavy clothing.
January feels like the coolest month, with an average of 24°C (76°F). February warms up a bit, while December still carries some leftover humidity from the rainy season.
The sea stays comfortable for swimming, with water temperatures ranging from 25°C to 26°C (77°F–79°F). Nha Trang really is a year-round beach spot, even in its coolest months.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Humidity in winter averages 75–80%. That can feel a little muggy, but it’s not overwhelming.
Compared to the peak rainy months, the air is lighter, and less rain makes outdoor activities easier to enjoy.
You might notice some dampness in December, since showers can still happen. By January and February, things dry out, and you get clearer skies and longer sunny spells.
Light, breathable clothes work best in this weather. Evenings can get a bit cooler, so tossing a light jacket in your bag is a good idea if you’re out late.
Wind and Atmospheric Pressure
Winds in winter usually stay gentle, averaging 10–15 kph (6–9 mph). They tend to come from the northeast, thanks to the seasonal monsoon.
These breezes help moderate humidity and keep the coastline feeling fresh.
Atmospheric pressure stays steady, with only minor changes. This stability means you don’t have to worry about sudden weather shifts like you might during stormy months.
Stronger gusts sometimes show up near the coast, especially in December, but they don’t usually disrupt most activities.
Travelers can expect steady, predictable weather for enjoying Nha Trang’s beaches and outdoor attractions.
Monthly Breakdown: Winter Weather in Nha Trang
Winter in Nha Trang brings mild temperatures, moderate humidity, and less rain than the peak wet season.
You’ll get comfortable days with warm sunshine, cooler evenings, and fewer storms than in late autumn.
December Weather Patterns
December marks the shift from rainy season to drier days. Daily highs reach about 80°F (27°C), and lows stick near 73°F (23°C).
Rainfall drops compared to October and November, but you might still see around 3–4 inches of rain spread over several days.
Humidity lingers, though it’s not as intense as in summer. Cloud cover stays pretty common, and skies are clear or partly clear only about 30% of the time.
You’ll get around 11.4 hours of daylight, which leaves plenty of time for outdoor fun.
Early in the month, the sea can be choppy, but things calm down as December goes on, making beach visits more appealing.
January Weather Conditions
January feels like the coolest month in Nha Trang. Highs average around 80°F (27°C), and lows dip to about 71°F (22°C).
The air feels comfortable compared to the sticky summer months, and evenings can get a bit cooler, especially by the water.
Rainfall is light, averaging less than 1 inch for the month. Only a few rainy days pop up, making this one of the driest times to visit.
Cloud cover drops compared to December, and skies are clear about 40% of the time.
With 11.5 hours of daylight, you’ll have steady sunshine for sightseeing, swimming, and island trips.
February Weather Overview
February keeps the dry trend going with some of the year’s most stable weather. Highs rise a bit to about 82°F (28°C), and lows stay near 72°F (22°C).
The climate feels warm but not too hot, so it’s ideal for outdoor exploring.
Rainfall drops to its lowest point, averaging only 0.2 inches for the whole month. Most days stay dry, and rain is rare.
Cloud cover is at its lowest, with skies clear or partly clear almost 45% of the time.
Daylight stretches to about 11.7 hours, and the sea is calm and inviting. February is one of the best months for beach activities in Nha Trang.
Rainfall and Precipitation Trends
Winter in Nha Trang brings a big shift from the rainy autumn months. Rainfall drops off steadily from December through February.
You’ll see fewer wet days and lighter showers than the rest of the year.
Average Rainy Days per Month
Winter means fewer rainy days than the monsoon season. December still has some leftover rain, averaging around 8–10 days.
By January, it drops to about 6–7 days, and February is the driest, with only 4–5 rainy days.
This pattern gives you more dry days for outdoor plans.
Unlike the heavy, frequent downpours of October and November, winter showers are shorter and less disruptive. When it does rain, it usually clears up quickly, so much of the day stays dry.
Here’s a simple overview:
| Month | Avg. Rainy Days |
|---|---|
| December | 8–10 days |
| January | 6–7 days |
| February | 4–5 days |
These numbers show how winter offers a more reliable stretch of dry weather compared to other times of year.
Precipitation Totals and Patterns
Rainfall amounts drop sharply in winter. December still gets moderate totals, averaging around 150–200 mm.
By January, it falls to about 200 mm, and February hits the lowest levels at just 40–50 mm.
This seasonal drop signals the end of the northeast monsoon rains.
Late autumn storms can bring flooding, but by mid-winter, the risk is minimal.
February, in particular, stands out as one of the driest months in Nha Trang’s calendar.
For context, the wettest month, November, averages over 300 mm of rain.
Comparing that to February’s totals shows just how quickly things dry out.
Sunshine, Cloud Cover, and Daylight Hours
Winter in Nha Trang brings a mix of cloudy skies, shorter daylight, and fewer hours of direct sunshine than the dry months.
You’ll still get some bright days, but cloud cover and seasonal rains limit sunlight during this time.
Sunny and Cloudy Days
Skies in Nha Trang often shift between partly cloudy and overcast in winter.
December has the most cloud cover, with sunshine averaging only 4.7 hours per day.
By February, things improve, and you might see 6–7 hours of daily sunshine.
Cloudiness can affect both outdoor activities and beach conditions. If you want to swim or dive, expect fewer clear-sky days than in spring.
Rain increases cloud cover, especially in November and December, when the wet season peaks.
Here’s a quick look at average sunshine hours:
| Month | Avg. Sunshine Hours/Day | Cloud Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| December | ~4.7 | Mostly cloudy, frequent rain |
| January | ~5.5 | Mix of clouds and sun |
| February | ~6–7 | More clear days, less rain |
Plan indoor activities or sightseeing on days with heavier cloud cover. Outdoor tours work better in late winter when clearer skies return.
Day Length and Sunlight Duration
Day length in Nha Trang barely changes during winter because it’s tropical. In December, daylight lasts about 11.3 hours, and by February, it’s closer to 11.7 hours.
The difference isn’t huge, but shorter days and thicker clouds cut down usable sunlight.
The sun rises around 6:10–6:30 AM and sets near 5:20–5:40 PM in mid-winter. That gives you enough daylight for sightseeing, though evenings come earlier than in summer.
Cloud cover limits actual bright hours, so you might get long stretches of gray skies even during the day.
Mornings and early afternoons are usually your best bet for outdoor plans.
If you want to catch the most natural light, schedule activities soon after sunrise. That way, you can enjoy the clearest part of the day before afternoon clouds and showers roll in.
Sea Temperatures and Beach Conditions
Winter in Nha Trang brings slightly cooler sea temperatures than peak summer, but the water stays warm enough for swimming.
Beach conditions remain inviting, with calmer seas as rainfall drops off from December into February.
Average Sea Water Temperature
The sea in Nha Trang stays comfortable for most swimmers during winter.
In December, the average water temperature sits at about 25.8°C (78°F). By January, it dips a little to around 24.6°C (76°F), and in February, it rises again to about 24.9°C (77°F).
These temperatures are warm compared to many other coastal destinations in winter.
While it’s not as hot as summer, the water rarely feels too cold for a swim.
The gradual warming from January to February makes late winter especially nice for beach activities. Even at its coolest, the sea stays well above the point where swimming gets uncomfortable.
Swimming and Water Activities in Winter
You can swim in Nha Trang all winter. The water is warm enough for long swims, snorkeling, or just floating near the shore.
Many visitors actually prefer the slightly cooler sea compared to the hotter months.
Rainfall drops sharply after December, so you’ll see fewer stormy days and calmer seas. This creates safer and clearer conditions for snorkeling and diving.
If you like water sports like paddleboarding or kayaking, January and February are good choices. Winds are present, but not too strong, and less rainfall means better visibility in the water.
Beach time is still enjoyable in winter, though you might notice fewer sunny days in December.
By February, sunshine is more common, making it easier to spend full days by the sea.
Travel Tips for Visiting Nha Trang in Winter
Winter in Nha Trang is warm compared to lots of other places, with average daytime temperatures around 24–25°C and cooler evenings.
Rainfall is lower than in autumn, but short showers can still happen, especially in December.
The sea stays comfortable for swimming, so outdoor activities are possible all season.
Best Activities for Winter Weather
You can spend plenty of time outdoors since the weather is mild and humidity is lower than in summer.
Beach activities like swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing are popular because the sea temperature sits near 25–26°C.
Boat trips to nearby islands like Hon Mun or Hon Tam are also good picks in winter. You’ll get a chance to explore coral reefs, relax on quieter beaches, and try fresh seafood.
If you’d rather avoid the stronger sun, you can visit cultural sites such as Po Nagar Cham Towers or Long Son Pagoda. Both spots are less crowded in the cooler months.
Walking along Tran Phu Beach promenade feels nice in the evenings when the air cools down. You could also take short trips inland to check out waterfalls or hot springs, which feel especially relaxing in the slightly cooler winter air.
Packing Recommendations
Bring light clothing like cotton shirts, shorts, or dresses for daytime. Evenings can get cool, dropping to 17–18 °C, so toss in a light jacket or sweater just in case.
If you’re heading out on the water, you’ll definitely notice the breeze feels cooler.
Grab comfortable sandals or breathable walking shoes—they’ll make city walks and temple visits a lot easier.
Planning some island time? You’ll want swimwear, a sun hat, and reef-safe sunscreen in your bag.
Rain doesn’t show up much in winter, but honestly, a compact umbrella or a light rain jacket can still come in handy in December.
Don’t forget sunglasses, since sunshine sticks around, especially from January to March.
For longer trips inland, pack closed shoes and some insect repellent. These will make hikes or rural adventures much more pleasant.