Ho Chi Minh City Weather in December

December weather in the city

December is warm, with highs around 31°C and evenings near 22°C. It's much less rainy than November, though brief showers can still interrupt a walk. With humidity at 80%, afternoons can feel sticky, so save long walks around District 1 for later in the day.

The drier weather works well for visiting the War Remnants Museum, exploring Chợ Lớn's temples, or taking a boat trip on the Saigon River. It's a good month for outdoor plans, but don't expect clear blue skies all day. January is drier, so December isn't the best choice if you want the lowest chance of rain.

Christmas and New Year

Ho Chi Minh City gets festive around Christmas, especially around Notre-Dame Cathedral and nearby Dong Khoi Street, where lights and decorations draw crowds. Christmas isn't a public holiday for most Vietnamese people, but many locals enjoy the displays and evening atmosphere. New Year's Eve brings crowds to central areas, including Nguyen Hue Walking Street.

If you hate crowds, visit the decorated streets on a weekday evening rather than Christmas Eve. The centre can feel packed, and traffic gets slow.

Crowds and local tips

December is part of the popular dry-season travel period, so expect more visitors and higher hotel prices than in rainier months. Late December is especially busy around Christmas and New Year. January is also a peak month, while November is wetter and often quieter.

For a practical break from the traffic, take the waterbus from Bach Dang station to Thanh Da. You'll see the city from the Saigon River, and the ride gives your feet a rest after walking around District 1.