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Weather Comparison

Hanoi vs Vientiane

Side-by-side weather comparison for December

Hanoi: 21°CVientiane: 27°C477 km apart

December Weather: Hanoi vs Vientiane

MetricHanoiVientianeBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer21°C (70°F)27°C (81°F)Vientiane
Average LowHigher is milder14°C (57°F)17°C (63°F)Vientiane
Rain DaysFewer is drier7 days1 daysVientiane
PrecipitationLess is drier35 mm8 mmVientiane
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier5h/day10h/dayVientiane
HumidityLower is more comfortable78%78%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer33Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better12 km/h11 km/hVientiane

Which City is Better in December?

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Vientiane edges ahead as the better destination in December. Vientiane offers 10 hours of daily sunshine with only 1 rain days, while Hanoi sees 5 sunshine hours and 7 rain days.

Hanoi sits in the comfortable travel range at 21°C. Vientiane is also comfortable at 27°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Vientiane is the stronger choice in December. Vientiane receives 5 more hours of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Temperature Comparison in December

Hanoi reaches an average high of 21°C (70°F) and drops to 14°C (57°F) at night during December. The daily temperature range is 7°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Vientiane averages 27°C (81°F) for the high and 17°C (63°F) for the low, with a daily range of 10°C. There is a notable 6°C gap between the two cities, so expect a very different feel.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in December.

Rainfall Comparison in December

Hanoi receives approximately 35 mm of rainfall across 7 rain days during December. Rain is occasional, so a light rain jacket should suffice.

Vientiane sees 8 mm over 1 rain days. That makes Vientiane the drier option by 6 rain days and 27 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 78%.

What to Pack: Hanoi vs Vientiane

Packing for Hanoi in December

Highs of 21°C, lows of 14°C, 7 rain days

  • light layers
  • a light jacket for evenings
  • sunscreen
  • a packable rain jacket
  • an umbrella
  • moisture-wicking fabrics

Packing for Vientiane in December

Highs of 27°C, lows of 17°C, 1 rain days

  • light layers
  • a light jacket for evenings
  • sunscreen
  • moisture-wicking fabrics

Pack for both: light layers, a light jacket for evenings, sunscreen, moisture-wicking fabrics. These items are useful in either destination during December.

Year-Round Comparison: Hanoi vs Vientiane

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.December is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthHanoiVientiane
HighRainHighRain
Jan20°C8d27°C2d
Feb22°C8d30°C2d
Mar25°C11d32°C6d
Apr29°C11d34°C11d
May31°C17d32°C23d
Jun33°C19d30°C26d
Jul32°C21d30°C28d
Aug31°C23d30°C28d
Sep30°C19d30°C24d
Oct28°C12d29°C11d
Nov25°C7d29°C3d
Dec21°C7d27°C1d
21°

Hanoi Weather in December

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

27°

Vientiane Weather in December

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hanoi warmer than Vientiane in December?
No. In December, Vientiane is warmer with an average high of 27°C (81°F) compared to Hanoi at 21°C (70°F), a difference of 6°C.
Which city gets more rain in December, Hanoi or Vientiane?
Hanoi gets more rain in December with 7 rain days and 35 mm of precipitation. Vientiane is the drier option with 1 rain days.
Is it better to visit Hanoi or Vientiane in December?
It depends on your preferences. Hanoi averages 21°C and 5 hours of daily sunshine with 7 rain days. Vientiane averages 27°C with 10 sunshine hours and 1 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose Vientiane. For fewer rain days, Vientiane is the better pick.
How far apart are Hanoi and Vientiane?
Hanoi and Vientiane are approximately 477 km (296 miles) apart. Hanoi is located in Vietnam (Asia) while Vientiane is in Laos (Asia).
What is the best month to visit Hanoi and Vientiane?
For Hanoi, October tends to be the best month with 8 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 28°C. For Vientiane, April is typically ideal with 11 sunshine hours and 34°C highs.

Compare Hanoi and Vientiane in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Hanoi coordinates: 21.03°N, 105.83°E | Vientiane coordinates: 17.98°N, 102.63°E