Things to Do in Hanoi in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Hanoi
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect temperature range 15-22°C (59-72°F) - cool enough for walking all day without sweating through your clothes, warm enough to eat street food outdoors comfortably
- Minimal rainfall with only 5 rainy days and light 20mm (0.8 inches) total - when it does rain, it's brief morning mist rather than heavy downpours
- Crystal clear air quality - December's cool, dry winds from the north clear Hanoi's usual haze, giving you stunning visibility for photography and rooftop dining
- Peak season for local specialties like bánh chưng (traditional sticky rice cake) and warming street food broths that locals only serve when temperatures drop below 18°C (64°F)
Considerations
- Accommodation prices surge 40-60% above normal rates, especially around Christmas and New Year when Western expat families visit
- Popular restaurants and cafes get crowded between 11am-2pm and 6pm-8pm as locals extend their outdoor dining time in the pleasant weather
- Cool mornings (15°C/59°F) can feel surprisingly chilly in Hanoi's humid environment - many tourists underpack for the temperature drop
Best Activities in December
Old Quarter Walking Food Tours
December's cool weather makes extended walking tours through Hanoi's dense Old Quarter actually enjoyable. You can sample multiple street food stops without the exhaustion of Vietnam's typical heat. The dry conditions mean street vendors set up their full displays, and cool evenings keep broths and grilled foods at perfect serving temperature. Tourist crowds peak, but locals also eat outdoors more, creating authentic bustling atmosphere.
Halong Bay Day Cruises
December offers the best weather window for Halong Bay with minimal rainfall and clear skies for photography. Cool 18-22°C (64-72°F) temperatures make deck time comfortable, and low humidity means less haze obscuring the limestone karsts. December winds are gentle, reducing seasickness risk. However, this is peak tourist season, so boats fill up quickly.
Temple and Pagoda Cycling Routes
Cool December weather transforms cycling in Hanoi from a sweaty ordeal into a pleasant way to cover the 15-20km (9-12 miles) needed to see major temples. Morning temperatures around 15°C (59°F) are perfect for pedaling, and reduced rainfall means temple courtyards aren't muddy. The dry season also means clearer views from elevated temples like Temple of Literature.
Sapa Valley Trekking Tours
December brings Sapa's most spectacular weather - clear mountain air, minimal fog, and comfortable hiking temperatures of 8-15°C (46-59°F). Rice terraces show their winter golden color, and visibility extends across the entire valley. However, nights drop to near freezing, requiring proper gear. This is peak season for the region's most challenging and rewarding treks.
Mekong Delta Day Trips
December's dry season makes Mekong Delta boat trips significantly more comfortable. River levels are stable, boat rides are smooth, and the 22-25°C (72-77°F) temperatures make floating market visits pleasant rather than stifling. Cool mornings are perfect for cycling through rice paddies without heat exhaustion. Tourist season peaks, but local harvest activities create authentic experiences.
Red River Evening Cruises
December evenings on the Red River offer perfect conditions - cool 18°C (64°F) temperatures, clear visibility of Hanoi's skyline, and minimal chance of rain cancellations. The dry season means stable water levels and smooth sailing. Evening timing (5pm-7pm) captures golden hour light while staying warm enough for outdoor deck seating.
December Events & Festivals
Dong Da Hill Festival
Commemorates the 1789 victory over Chinese invaders with traditional performances, martial arts demonstrations, and historical reenactments at Dong Da Mound. Local families gather for picnics, making it an authentic cultural experience rather than a tourist-focused event.
Christmas Celebrations in Cathedral Quarter
While Vietnam isn't majority Christian, Hanoi's French colonial history creates beautiful Christmas displays around St. Joseph's Cathedral. Local cafes extend hours, street decorations line Nha Tho Street, and special Christmas Eve markets sell unique Vietnamese-French fusion holiday treats.
Tet Preparation Markets
Though Tet falls in January-February, December markets begin selling traditional decorations, specialty foods, and ceremonial items. Dong Xuan Market and weekend night markets expand significantly, offering insight into Vietnam's most important cultural celebration preparation.