Hanoi in December offers cool, festive conditions with Christmas decorations and year-end celebrations. The capital’s comfortable weather makes it ideal for walking tours, food adventures, and nearby day trips to Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay.
Weather in Hanoi in December
- Average daytime: 15–22°C (59–72°F)
- Night temperature: 11–15°C (52–59°F)
- Rainfall: ~25–35 mm across 7–8 days
- Humidity: 75–80%
December features cool, dry conditions with fewer rainy days than summer. Mornings may be foggy while evenings are chilly, requiring light layering.
Why Visit Hanoi in December
- Comfortable weather for sightseeing activities
- Christmas lights, festive markets, and New Year countdown events
- Ideal base to explore Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh in cool winter air
- Fewer domestic tourists compared to summer months
Best Things to Do in Hanoi in December
Seasonal Highlights
- Christmas in Hanoi – St. Joseph’s Cathedral and Hoan Kiem Lake display lights and decorations
- New Year’s Eve – Streets feature concerts, countdowns, and fireworks
- Year-End Shopping – Old Quarter markets and shopping malls offer festive sales
Year-Round Activities
- Explore the Old Quarter and French Quarter on foot
- Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature
- Try street food: Pho, Bun Cha, Egg Coffee
Day Trips from Hanoi in December
- Ninh Binh – Misty boat rides at Trang An or Tam Coc
- Ha Long Bay – Fewer crowds and mystical fog over karsts
Festivals & Events in December
- Christmas Eve & Christmas Day – Churches and hotels host masses, dinners, and parties
- New Year’s Eve (December 31) – Fireworks and live music at Hoan Kiem Lake and city squares
What to Eat in Hanoi in December
- Pho – Hot noodle soup to warm chilly mornings
- Hotpot (Lẩu) – Shared with locals on cool evenings
- Seasonal fruits – Oranges, pomelos, and mandarins abundant
- Christmas treats – Bakeries offer stollen, log cakes, and festive cookies
Suggested Itinerary for December
3 Days in Hanoi
- Day 1: Old Quarter walking tour, Hoan Kiem Lake, Christmas lights at St. Joseph’s Cathedral
- Day 2: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, evening food tour
- Day 3: Museum of Ethnology, shopping, café hopping
5–7 Days (Hanoi + Surroundings)
- 2–3 days in Hanoi
- 1–2 days in Ninh Binh
- 2 days in Ha Long Bay
Travel Tips for December in Hanoi
- Bring light jackets and sweaters for chilly nights
- Book accommodations early if travelling during Christmas or New Year
- December is ideal for walking exploration without excessive heat
- Enjoy city cafés with egg coffee or hot cocoa