Hanoi Weather in December

🇻🇳 Vietnam

21°C

High

14°C

Low

Rain Days

Sunshine

78%

Humidity

Asia › 🇻🇳 Vietnam › Hanoi

Updated: March 2026

Is December a Good Time to Visit Hanoi?

5/10

Fair

December is a fair time to visit Hanoi (5/10). Average highs of 21°C and 5 sunshine hours daily make conditions workable, though not exceptional. Culture-focused travellers and those who prefer lighter crowds will find December a practical choice, with prices running lower than peak May without sacrificing all the good weather. January offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. The main practical note: Hanoi's popular sites are busiest between 10am and 3pm regardless of season. Arriving at opening time or after 4pm makes a significant difference to the experience. Planning tips: accommodation is generally available without long lead times, and flight prices are typically lower than peak season. Flexible travellers will find the best deals by booking 2-4 weeks ahead. Mid-week arrivals consistently unlock lower hotel rates than weekend check-ins.

vs November:25°C avg high

The single most important thing to know about visiting Hanoi in December: conditions are genuinely cooperative, with 21°C highs and only 7 wet days making this one of the more straightforward months to plan around. Precipitation totals 35mm for the month, spread across roughly 7 days, and 5 sunshine hours per day give you a reliable window for outdoor plans.

21°C

Avg High

14°C

Avg Low

7 days

Rain Days

Sunshine

78%

Humidity

Temperature in Hanoi in December

The 7°C day-night temperature range is typical for continental climates: a light jacket in the morning that you shed by midday and need again after sunset. At 78% humidity, the 21°C daytime high feels 2-4°C warmer in practice: quick-dry fabrics and shade-seeking between noon and 3pm are the sensible response. The UV index of 3 is low, meaning sun exposure is minimal concern and sunscreen is largely optional. Winds are calm at an average 12 km/h, so wind-chill is not a factor in planning your clothing. In Fahrenheit: 70°F average high, 57°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).

Temperature in December

Monthly Precipitation (mm)

What to Wear in Hanoi in December

Morning14°CBefore the day warms up

Afternoon21°CPeak daytime temperature

Evening17°CAfter sunset cools down

Packing for Hanoi in December means dressing for 21°C days and 14°C evenings. A light cotton tee with a casual overshirt works well at 21°C, the overshirt doubles as a layer for air-conditioned venues. Evening temperatures settle at 14°C, a modest 7°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. Comfortable walking trainers are the versatile choice for both outdoor sightseeing and indoor venues. For temple and religious site visits, carry a lightweight scarf or sarong to cover shoulders and knees, required at most major sites across the region. At 78% average humidity, quick-dry synthetic or bamboo fabrics dry overnight and stay comfortable longer than cotton.

💡

Local tip: Temple and religious site visits require covered shoulders and knees in most of Hanoi's heritage areas. A lightweight scarf or sarong weighs almost nothing and solves the problem instantly.

Events in Hanoi in December

December has no major festivals or public holidays in Hanoi, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.

What to Pack for Hanoi in December

Based on 21°C average highs and 7 rainy days

Light jacket or cardigan for cooler evenings
Mix of short and long-sleeve layers
Comfortable walking shoes with good arch support
Universal travel adapter
Small day pack for city exploration
Reusable water bottle

Best Activities in Hanoi in December

Explore outdoor markets and street food stallsMid-morning (10am-12pm)At 21°C, the temperature is ideal for extended walking without overheating
Guided walking tour of the historic centreMorning or late afternoonComfortable temperatures allow several hours on foot without fatigue
Visit rooftop viewpoints and observation decksGolden hour (1 hour before sunset)Warm clear evenings provide exceptional visibility for panoramic photography
Day trip to the surrounding countryside or coastFull day (depart by 8am)December is reliably dry enough for rural day trips without weather risk
Afternoon in a world-class museum or galleryAfternoon (2-5pm)Pairs well with outdoor morning activities and provides a mid-day rest from sightseeing
Coffee-house or traditional cafe culture experienceMid-morning or post-lunchA cultural ritual in this region that rewards slow appreciation regardless of weather
Evening live music, theatre, or opera performanceEvening shows typically at 7-9pmConsistent evening temperatures make getting to and from evening venues comfortable
Visit the main botanical garden or city park at seasonal peakYear-round; best light in morningDecember brings distinct seasonal changes to public green spaces worth exploring
Try the seasonal farmer's market for local produce and street foodSaturday morning markets typically 8am-1pmDecember seasonal produce is at peak availability, offering dishes not found at other times of year

Why is Hanoi mild in December?

In December, Hanoi sits in the dry season corridor, as the ITCZ shifts away from the region and trade winds bring drier, more stable air. This produces reliably sunny days reaching 21°C, with lower humidity than the wet months. Overnight lows of 14°C offer a pleasant reprieve from the midday heat. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).

Sunshine Hours

The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.

UV Index

A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate -- wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High -- hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High -- limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme -- seek shade between 10am-4pm.

Rain Days

A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.

Humidity

Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry -- skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable -- ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky -- light, breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy -- heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions: Hanoi in December

In December, Hanoi experiences average highs of 21°C (70°F) and lows of 14°C (57°F). Expect around 7 rainy days and 5 hours of sunshine per day, with humidity averaging 78%. The 7°C gap between daytime and overnight temperatures is worth planning around: light layers work for most visitors during the day, but an overshirt or cardigan handles the cooler evenings. UV exposure is moderate at index 3.

Hanoi typically sees 7 rainy days in December, with total precipitation of around 35mm. This makes December one of the drier months of the year, and a reliable window for outdoor sightseeing and day trips. Rain showers tend to be brief when they do occur. For context, the driest month in Hanoi typically sees 4-6 fewer rain days than December.

Pack light layers, a light jacket for evenings, comfortable walking shoes, and sunscreen for Hanoi in December. Daytime temperatures of 21°C are pleasant, but the evening drop to 14°C means a jacket is essential if you plan to be out after dark. Rain is infrequent with only 7 wet days, so a light rain layer is optional. Comfortable walking shoes are a priority given the amount of ground most visitors cover.

December is a reasonable time to visit Hanoi. Expect 7 rainy days, so pack a light rain layer for flexibility. Average temperatures of 21°C make outdoor exploration comfortable during the dry periods. With 5 daily sunshine hours, there are reliable windows of good weather to plan outdoor activities around, even if the month is not the driest on the calendar.

The average high temperature in Hanoi in December is 21°C (70°F), and the average low is 14°C (57°F). The mean daily temperature is approximately 18°C (64°F). The day-to-night range of 7°C is moderate, meaning a single light jacket covers most situations. These are 30-year climate normals based on the 1991 to 2020 reference period; individual years will vary, particularly in transitional months like spring and autumn.

The best month to visit Hanoi is generally April. April offers the most sunshine at 7 hours per day and only 11 rainy days. Average temperatures reach 29°C, making it comfortable for sightseeing, outdoor dining, and exploring the city. If your travel dates are flexible, planning your trip around April gives you the best chance of dry, bright weather.

December is shoulder or low season in Hanoi, meaning fewer tourists and generally lower prices than peak months. With 5 sunshine hours and 7 rainy days, the weather is less of a draw for mass tourism. This is an advantage for travellers who prefer a quieter, more relaxed experience with shorter queues and easier accommodation availability.

In December, Hanoi suits a range of activities thanks to mild temperatures around 21°C. With few rainy days, outdoor activities are highly recommended. Top options include exploring historic neighbourhoods, visiting museums and galleries, local food markets, and day trips to surrounding areas. Cosy cafes and cultural venues make ideal retreats on overcast days.

December ranks 9th sunniest of the year in Hanoi, with an average 5 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are November, December, and January. June is the hottest month (33°C avg high); January is the coolest (20°C). From here, temperatures fall 1°C into January. Compared to last month (November: 25°C high, 7 rain days), December is cooler and equally dry. December sits in the middle of the annual sunshine ranking for Hanoi, offering a reasonable balance of good weather and manageable crowds.

Year-Round Climate

Month	High	Low	Rain Days	Sun	Details
January	20°C	13°C	8	4h	View
February	22°C	15°C	8	4h	View
March	25°C	18°C	11	4h	View
April	29°C	22°C	11	7h	View
May	31°C	24°C	17	8h	View
June	33°C	26°C	19	8h	View
July	32°C	26°C	21	8h	View
August	31°C	25°C	23	8h	View
September	30°C	24°C	19	8h	View
October	28°C	21°C	12	8h	View
November	25°C	18°C	7	7h	View
December	21°C	14°C	7	5h	View

Other Months in Hanoi

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Plan Your Trip to Hanoi

Best Time to Visit Hanoi Hanoi vs Vientiane in December Hanoi vs Luang Prabang in December

Nearby Destinations with Similar Weather

These cities are within 500 km and experience broadly comparable weather conditions during the same calendar month, making them practical standalone alternatives or worthwhile additions to a longer regional itinerary.

Vientiane🇱🇦 Laos477 km away

27°C17°C low

Luang Prabang🇱🇦 Laos406 km away

26°C16°C low

Data Sources for Hanoi

Hanoi on Wikipedia Open-Meteo Climate API NOAA National Centers UK Met Office WMO GeoNames

Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.