Hcmc in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Hcmc

32°C (90°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

45 mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season means only 45 mm (1.8 inches) of rain spread across 10 days - perfect for outdoor exploration without the heavy downpours of rainy season
Christmas and New Year atmosphere transforms guide to District 1 with elaborate decorations on Nguyen the city this destination and premium hotel displays, creating unique photo opportunities
Cooler evening temperatures of 24°C (75°F) make night markets and rooftop bars comfortable from 6pm onwards, extending your exploring hours
the city tours run at optimal conditions with clear skies and calm waters, offering 12+ hours of daylight for full-day excursions to floating markets

Considerations

Peak tourist season drives accommodation prices up 40-60% compared to low season, with guide to District 1 hotels often fully booked by November
Popular attractions like guide to Cu Chi Tunnels and the city tours fill up quickly, requiring bookings 2-3 weeks in advance vs same-day availability in other months
Afternoon temperatures reach 32°C (90°F) with 70% humidity, making outdoor sightseeing between 11am-3pm uncomfortable for many visitors

Best Activities in December

Mekong Delta Floating Market Tours

December's dry conditions create perfect visibility and calm waters for early morning floating market visits. Cai Rang and Cai Be markets operate at full capacity during dry season, with vendors arriving by 5am. The 24°C (75°F) morning temperatures make the 2-3 hour boat rides comfortable, while clear skies provide excellent photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead as December is peak season. Full-day tours typically cost ฿2,200-3,500 including transport from HCMC. Look for operators offering early 5am departures to catch markets at their busiest. Reference booking widget below for current tour options with licensed operators.

Cu Chi Tunnels Underground Experience

December's lower humidity makes the claustrophobic tunnel crawling more bearable than humid season months. The 24°C (75°F) underground temperature feels refreshing compared to 32°C (90°F) surface heat. Dry ground conditions mean tunnels are cleaner and safer to navigate, with less mud and standing water.

Booking Tip: Morning tours (7am-12pm) avoid peak afternoon heat. Half-day tours cost ฿1,500-2,500. Book 2 weeks ahead in December. Choose tours that include both Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc sites for the complete experience. See current options in booking section below.

Street Food Walking Tours in District 1

Cool December evenings from 6pm onwards create ideal conditions for multi-hour food walks. Lower humidity means you'll actually want to eat hot pho and grilled meats. Christmas decorations along Nguyen the city provide unique backdrop for food photography, while vendors extend hours for holiday crowds.

Booking Tip: Evening tours (5pm-9pm) are most comfortable in December heat. Group tours cost ฿1,200-2,000, private tours ฿3,000-4,500. Book through operators with food safety protocols and insurance. Check booking widget for current food tour options.

Saigon River Evening Cruises

December's clear skies offer unobstructed city skyline views during golden hour. Comfortable 24°C (75°F) evening temperatures make 2-3 hour dinner cruises pleasant without the stifling heat of hot season. Christmas light displays from the city and Bitexco Tower create spectacular reflections on calm dry-season waters.

Booking Tip: Sunset cruises (5:30pm-8:30pm) book out quickly in December. Dinner cruises cost ฿2,500-4,500 depending on vessel and meal quality. Reserve 10-14 days ahead. Look for boats with air-conditioned lower decks as backup. See current river cruise options in booking section.

War Remnants Museum and Independence Palace Tours

December's dry weather eliminates rain delays for outdoor sections of these historical sites. Comfortable morning temperatures of 26-28°C (79-82°F) allow 3-4 hours of detailed exploration without heat exhaustion. this destination gardens are particularly photogenic with clear December light.

Booking Tip: Visit between 8am-11am to avoid peak afternoon heat and crowds. Entry fees: this destination ฿40,000, this destination ฿65,000. Audio guides cost additional ฿80,000-120,000. Book guided tours ฿1,800-2,800 for historical context. Check booking widget for combination historical tours.

Ben Thanh Market and Shopping District Exploration

December's status as gift-buying season means maximum vendor selection and extended hours until 10pm vs 8pm other months. Morning shopping from 7am-10am avoids both crowds and heat, with indoor market staying cool. Nearby Saigon Square and Diamond Plaza offer air-conditioned relief during peak afternoon heat.

Booking Tip: Early morning visits (7am-9am) offer best selection and prices before tour groups arrive. Budget ฿500-2,000 for souvenirs, ฿200-500 for street food. Guided shopping tours with cultural context cost ฿1,500-2,500. See current cultural walking tours in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

December 15-31

Christmas Light Displays on Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Elaborate Christmas installations transform the pedestrian street into a festive wonderland with photo opportunities unique to HCMC's blend of Vietnamese and French colonial architecture

December 31

New Year Countdown at Landmark 81 SkyBar

Vietnam's tallest building hosts the city's premier New Year celebration with panoramic views and fireworks, though tickets sell out by early December

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella - December showers are brief but intense, lasting 15-30 minutes

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester which traps sweat in 70% humidity

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even during 'cooler' dry season

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - marble floors in malls and temples get slippery when wet

Portable fan or cooling towel - afternoon temperatures of 32°C (90°F) require active cooling

Light scarf or shawl for air-conditioned restaurants and malls - temperature differences of 10°C (18°F)

Quick-dry clothing - humidity means clothes take 2-3 times longer to dry than temperate climates

Electrolyte packets - you'll lose more salts than expected in 70% humidity

Waterproof phone case - protect electronics during sudden December downpours

Cash in small denominations - street vendors rarely have change for ฿500,000 notes

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations in Districts 3 or 7 instead of touristy guide to District 1 - save 30-40% on hotel costs while staying within 2 km (1.2 miles) of major attractions

Use Grab bikes instead of taxis during peak traffic (7-9am, 5-7pm) - cut travel time by 60% and costs by 70%

Visit popular restaurants between 2pm-4pm when locals take afternoon breaks - avoid hour-long waits that are common during December dinner rush

Metro Line 1 from guide to District 1 to Thu Duc opens fully in 2025, offering air-conditioned transport to eastern districts for ฿15,000-25,000 vs ฿200,000+ taxi rides

Avoid These Mistakes

Wearing heavy jeans or dark colors - cotton pants and light-colored shirts keep you 3-4°C (5-7°F) cooler in December heat

Planning outdoor activities during 11am-3pm peak sun hours instead of early morning or late afternoon when temperatures drop 6-8°C (11-14°F)

Not booking the city and guide to Cu Chi Tunnels tours at least 2 weeks ahead - December is peak season with limited daily capacity