Climate and region of Hoi An
Hoi An is located in Central Vietnam, near Da Nang and Hue, and follows a tropical monsoon climate with distinct dry and rainy seasons. However, Central Vietnam’s seasons differ from the north and south, meaning December is still the rainy season here, while Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are in their dry seasons.
- Rainy season (September – January): Marked by high humidity, frequent rain, and occasional flooding. December is still in the rainy season, but rainfall begins to gradually decrease toward the end of the month.
- Dry season (February – August): Characterized by hot temperatures, low rainfall, and mostly sunny days. February to May has the most comfortable weather, while June to August can be hot and humid.
Weather in Hoi An in December
December in Hoi An is the coldest month of the year, and while it is still part of the rainy season, rainfall starts to gradually decrease toward the end of the month. The first half of December can still see heavy showers, but by the second half, rain is less intense and occurs in shorter bursts. While it doesn’t rain all day, expect frequent cloudy skies, high humidity, and a generally damp feeling in the air.
Mornings and evenings feel much cooler than previous months, and while daytime temperatures are not cold, the combination of humidity and wind can make it feel chilly, especially at night. If you’re expecting tropical warmth, you may be surprised—December doesn’t feel hot at all.
Temperatures:
- Average: 22°C (72°F)
- Daytime highs: 23–25°C (73–77°F) (Feels mild, but not warm like earlier months)
- Nighttime lows: 18–20°C (64–68°F) (Feels cool, especially with humidity)
Rainfall & sunshine:
- Rainfall: 200–300mm (Still frequent, but much less than October & November)
- Rainy days: 15–20 days (Rain is still common, but there are some dry, cloudy days)
- Sunshine: 3–5 hours per day (Expect overcast skies most of the time)
Humidity & wind:
- Humidity: 80–85% (Feels damp but not overly hot)
- Wind: Occasionally strong, especially near the beach
Beach holiday in Hoi An in December
December is not a good month for a beach holiday in Hoi An due to the ongoing rainy season and rough sea conditions. Rainfall is still frequent, and cloudy skies make sunbathing unappealing. The sea is often too rough for swimming, with strong currents and high waves, making it unsafe for water activities. Even on dry days, the overall weather remains unpredictable, meaning a beach-focused trip is not ideal.
For those who really want a beach holiday, it’s better to head south, where destinations like Mui Ne and Phu Quoc are in their dry season, offering warm, sunny days and calm waters.
Is Hoi An worth visiting in December?
Hoi An is still worth visiting in December, especially for travelers interested in culture, history, and food experiences rather than outdoor activities. While the weather is not ideal for beaches, the town’s ancient streets, lantern-lit alleyways, and cozy cafés create a picturesque and relaxing atmosphere.
December remains part of the rainy season, but rainfall is less intense than in October and November. It does not rain all day, and when it does, it is often in short, heavy bursts rather than continuous downpours. With an umbrella or rain poncho, visitors can still comfortably explore the town, visit markets, and enjoy cultural activities.
Best things to do in Hoi An in December
December in Hoi An is still part of the rainy season, meaning outdoor activities require flexibility, while indoor experiences are some of the best options. The ancient town remains beautiful even in wet weather, and there are plenty of cultural activities, food experiences, and sightseeing opportunities that don’t rely on perfect conditions.
Hoi An when it rains
Since December is part of the wet season, travelers should expect frequent showers but shouldn’t let that ruin their trip. There are many great things to do indoors, and even when it rains, Hoi An remains a wonderful place to explore with the right preparation. What to do in Hoi An when it rains
1. Walking Through the Old Town
Hoi An’s ancient town is a UNESCO-listed site with lantern-lit streets, historic buildings, and riverside charm. December can bring rainy weather, but the town is still enjoyable to explore, especially in the mornings when the rain is usually lighter. With an umbrella or rain poncho, visitors can still experience Hoi An’s historic beauty without too much inconvenience.
2. Boat Trip Over the Thu Bon River
A boat trip on the Thu Bon River is a great way to see Hoi An’s countryside and craft villages. Many boats have covered seating, making this a pleasant activity even in light rain. The trip often includes stops at Kim Bong carpentry village or Thanh Ha pottery village, where visitors can see traditional artisans at work.
3. Join a Cooking Class
Taking a cooking class is one of the best things to do on a rainy day in Hoi An. Most classes include hands-on instruction on making Vietnamese dishes like pho, banh xeo, and fresh spring rolls. Some classes also feature market visits and farm tours, but during heavy rain, they focus on indoor lessons and cooking demonstrations.
4. Create tailor-made clothing
Hoi An is famous for its tailor shops, making it one of the best places in Vietnam to get custom-made suits, dresses, and shoes. Since fittings take a few days, a rainy day is the perfect time to visit a tailor, choose fabrics, and start the process. If the rain is heavy, ducking into a tailor shop is an easy way to stay dry and be productive.
5. My Son day trip
A half-day trip to My Son Sanctuary is still possible in December, but travelers should go early in the morning to avoid heavier rain in the afternoon. The ancient Cham ruins, surrounded by misty jungle, have a mystical atmosphere in cloudy or drizzly weather. Since there is limited shelter, a light rain jacket is recommended. More details: My Son Sanctuary Travel Guide.
Celebrating Christmas in Hoi An
Christmas is not a traditional Vietnamese holiday, but due to western influences and Hoi An’s popularity with international tourists, the town embraces the festive season with decorations and special events.
Many coffee shops, restaurants, and hotels decorate with Christmas lights, trees, and ornaments, creating a festive atmosphere in the ancient town. While locals do not widely celebrate Christmas, businesses catering to tourists make an effort to bring holiday cheer. Some hotels and restaurants offer special Christmas dinners, featuring roast turkey, ham, and festive desserts.
While there are no large-scale Christmas events, visitors can still enjoy a cozy, festive experience while exploring the town’s charming streets and lantern-lit alleys.
New Year celebrations in Hoi An
Vietnamese people primarily celebrate Tet (Vietnamese New Year) in late January or early February, based on the lunar calendar. However, Western New Year’s Eve (December 31st) is increasingly recognized, especially in tourist areas like Hoi An.
While most Vietnamese do not celebrate New Year’s Eve in a big way, many bars, cafés, and hotels in Hoi An organize special countdown parties for international visitors. With a large number of foreign tourists and expats, the town definitely feels festive on New Year’s Eve.
For fireworks celebrations, the best place to go is Da Nang, a 30-minute taxi ride away. However, since December is often windy, fireworks have been canceled in the past, so it’s best to double-check in advance. Hoi An itself does not usually have an official fireworks display, but many bars and restaurants in the old town and An Bang Beach host New Year’s Eve parties with live music, DJs, and a festive atmosphere.
Although January 1st is an official public holiday in Vietnam, most shops, restaurants, and attractions in Hoi An remain open, ensuring that visitors can still enjoy the town without disruptions.
Travel tips for December in Hoi An
December is part of the rainy season, with cooler temperatures and fewer tourists for most of the month. However, the Christmas holiday period sees an increase in international visitors, which can impact hotel availability. Being prepared for rain and occasional flooding will ensure a comfortable trip.
What to bring
Since December is both rainy and cooler, packing for comfort and unpredictable weather is essential.
- Light layers and a sweater – Temperatures drop slightly, especially in the evenings, so a light jacket or sweater is useful.
- Waterproof jacket or poncho – Rain is frequent, so having proper rain protection is important.
- Waterproof footwear or sandals – Streets may be wet or flooded, especially near the Thu Bon River.
- A compact umbrella – Useful for light rain while walking through the old town.
- Sunscreen and a hat – Despite cloudy skies, there can still be sunny breaks, especially toward the end of the month.
- Mosquito repellent – Humidity increases mosquito activity, especially in the countryside.
Accommodation availability
Most of December is low season, meaning fewer tourists and better hotel deals.Christmas and New Year attract more international travelers, so accommodation prices rise during the holiday period.Since December is not ideal for a beach holiday, it’s best to stay near the old town where restaurants, cafés, and cultural sites are within walking distance.For Christmas and New Year, booking accommodation a few weeks in advance is recommended, especially for higher-end hotels and boutique stays.
