If you’re okay with a little bit of cold, December makes a wonderful time to visit Hanoi. Take in the holiday charm of Vietnam’s capital city, in the weeks leading up to Christmas and the New Year.
Climate Averages in Hanoi in December
December marks the official start of Hanoi’s winter season. It’s one of the coldest and driest months of the year, with a 75% humidity and temperatures ranging from as low as 60°F (15.5°C) to as high as 71°F (21.7°C). Although these temperatures do not seem cold, Hanoi’s humidity and dampness can make this time of year feel much more frigid. The amount of direct sunlight drops to 3.5 hours over 10.9 hours of daylight. Daylight hours are primarily characterized by cloudy skies, apart from an average of 3.5 hours of sunshine.
Due to the decline in temperature and low humidity, rainfall decreases significantly to an average of 23.4 mm over six rainfall days.
| December Weather | |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 60-71°F (15.5-21.7°C) |
| Precipitation | 23.4 mm |
| Humidity | 75% |
| Rainfall | 6 days |
| Daylight | 10.9 hr |
| Sunlight | 3.5 hr |
Things To Do in Hanoi in December
Although there are no major festivals that take place during December, this month is dedicated to the celebration of the Christmas season. At the beginning of the month, streets in Hanoi are adorned in festive decorations until the end of Christmas.
Stop by Hang Ma Street in Hanoi’s Old Quarter to buy traditional Christmas decorations or ornaments for low prices. Visit the Hanoi Opera House to enjoy a ballet or musical performance on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Shopping malls in Hanoi offer some of their biggest promotional sales of the year during the Christmas season, so be sure to stop by the Parson, Plaza Tower, Ruby Plaza, or Garden Mall during this time to take advantage of these great deals.
At the end of December, join the annual Hanoi Run for Children (formerly known as the Terry Fox Run), where money is raised to support underprivileged children with cancer and heart diseases at the local hospitals.
Tips for Visiting Hanoi in December
Although colder than the fall months, December is still an excellent time to visit Hanoi to experience the traditions of Vietnamese Christmas in cool, dry temperatures.
It’s best to wear a long-sleeved shirt and jeans during the daylight hours, depending on what type of weather you are used to. As temperatures drop slightly in the evening, i’s recommended that you wear a sweater, warm pullover, or scarf to combat the chilly weather.
Many buildings in Hanoi lack central heating or are poorly heated, so keep this in mind when visiting Hanoi during this time of year.
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