Month guide · Ho Chi Minh City · Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City in December
What December is really like in Ho Chi Minh City: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
December is one of the best months to visit Ho Chi Minh City. Expect average highs of 31°C (88°F), lows of 23°C (73°F), about 5 rainy days and roughly 11.5 hours of daylight. Dry, breezy and pleasant with Christmas lights along Đồng Khởi and Nguyễn Huệ.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 31°C (88°F) / 23°C (73°F)
- Rainy days
- About 5
- Daylight
- About 11.5 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in December
December is the coolest month in Ho Chi Minh City: days average 31°C (88°F) against a yearly average high of 32°C (90°F), and nights fall to about 23°C (73°F). Rain falls on roughly 5 of its 31 days. Compared with November (31°C (88°F)), December is about as warm; by January highs stay near 32°C (90°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 06:04
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 17:34
- Daylight
- About 11.5 hours
Late rains (November). Rain eases through the month as the dry season starts; a pleasant time with fewer crowds.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 4 for crowds (the peak is January at 4) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in December
- Christmas Eve crowds around the cathedral and along Đồng Khởi (24 December)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Zoo · District 1 (Đồng Khởi)
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Founded in 1864, one of the oldest zoos in the world combines shaded botanical gardens, animal enclosures, playgrounds and the Museum of Vietnamese History, which covers prehistory to the Nguyễn dynasty and stages short water puppet shows.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Nature
- History
Park · District 1 (Đồng Khởi)
Tao Đàn Park
Arrive around 6–7am to see the park at its liveliest, then have breakfast nearby.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Off the beaten path
- Kids
Experience · District 1 (Đồng Khởi)
Saigon River by waterbus
Public waterbuses leave from the Bạch Đằng pier at the end of Nguyễn Huệ and run up the Saigon River past Thủ Thiêm, Landmark 81 and Thảo Điền, giving river views of the skyline for a low fare.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours return
- Cost
- Low cost
- Views
- Kids
- Couples
- Outdoors
Museum · District 3
War Remnants Museum
Start on the top floor with the photojournalism galleries, and allow time to recover afterwards; some images are very distressing.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- History
- Rainy day
What to pack
For highs near 31°C, lows near 23°C and 5 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Ho Chi Minh City?
One of the best months to visit Ho Chi Minh City, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are January–March. Compare every month.
Ho Chi Minh City in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Ho Chi Minh City?
It is one of the best months to visit Ho Chi Minh City. Dry, breezy and pleasant with Christmas lights along Đồng Khởi and Nguyễn Huệ.
+How warm is Ho Chi Minh City in December?
Average highs are around 31°C (88°F) and lows around 23°C (73°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Ho Chi Minh City in December?
Expect rain on about 5 days of the month.