Hoi An in December
Rainy but magical — cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, Christmas atmosphere, and the cosy charm of the Ancient Town in winter
December in Hoi An is the tail end of the rainy season — and it is more atmospheric than you might expect. While rain is still possible (especially early in the month), the worst of the monsoon has passed. What you get instead is Hoi An at its most intimate: cool temperatures of 20-25C that make walking and cycling a genuine pleasure, fewer tourists than the March-April peak, lower hotel prices, and a cosy festive atmosphere as Christmas lights blend with the Ancient Town's silk lanterns.
December is not Hoi An's best-weather month — that honour goes to March and April. But for travelers who appreciate a quieter, more atmospheric experience, who enjoy rainy-day cooking classes and cafe culture, and who want to see the Ancient Town without the summer crowds, December has a charm all its own. The lanterns glow warmer against grey skies, the riverside cafes feel cosier, and the town reveals a more local, less tourist-driven character.
20-25\u00B0C
Temperature
Rainy (easing)
Moderate Rainfall
Moderate
Crowd Level
Moderate
Price Level
December Weather in Hoi An
What to Expect
- Daytime highs: 22-25C — the coolest month in Hoi An. This is actually ideal for walking, cycling, and exploring the Ancient Town without the oppressive heat of May-August. Evenings can feel genuinely cool by Vietnamese standards — bring a light jacket.
- Rainfall: Moderate and decreasing through the month. Early December sees more rain than late December. Showers tend to come in bursts rather than all-day drizzle. Some years, late December is largely dry. Pack waterproof gear but expect dry periods between showers.
- Flooding risk: Low to moderate in early December, minimal by late December. The worst of the monsoon flooding (October-November) has passed. Brief, minor flooding is possible after heavy rain but major events are unlikely. The Ancient Town is well-prepared and recovers quickly.
What to Wear
- Layers: December is the coolest month — mornings and evenings at 20C feel fresh. Bring a light sweater, cardigan, or hoodie for evenings. A light jacket is essential for rainy days when the combination of rain and cool air can feel chilly.
- Waterproof jacket: More important than an umbrella in Hoi An where you may be cycling. A packable, breathable waterproof layer keeps you dry without overheating. Alternatively, buy a local poncho for 20,000-30,000d.
- Waterproof shoes: Closed-toe waterproof shoes or sandals with grip are ideal. The Ancient Town's narrow lanes can be slippery when wet. Avoid leather shoes.
- Scarf: A light scarf serves double duty — warmth for cool evenings and shoulder covering for temple visits. December evenings by the river can feel surprisingly cool.
December Events & Celebrations
Full Moon Lantern Festival
The December Full Moon Festival is one of the most intimate of the year. With fewer tourists than peak season, the Ancient Town feels less crowded and more authentic during the celebration. Electric lights are switched off, silk lanterns and candles illuminate every corner, and paper lanterns float down the Thu Bon River. The cool December air adds a cosy atmosphere that the hot summer festivals cannot match. Check the lunar calendar for the exact date — it falls on the 14th day of the lunar month.
Christmas in the Ancient Town
Hoi An's Ancient Town embraces Christmas with a charming Vietnamese twist. Christmas lights and decorations blend with the traditional silk lanterns, creating a unique fusion of East and West. Hotels and restaurants offer special Christmas dinners and events. The riverside comes alive on Christmas Eve with celebrations, music, and a festive atmosphere. Unlike in larger cities, Christmas in Hoi An feels intimate and charming rather than commercial. A lovely time to be in the Ancient Town.
New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve celebrations centre on the Ancient Town and the Thu Bon River. Restaurants offer special dinner menus, bars host parties, and the riverside becomes a gathering point for the midnight countdown. The atmosphere is celebratory but relaxed — this is Hoi An, not a big city. Many hotels organize their own events. Book restaurants and accommodation well in advance for the New Year period.
Cosy Cafe Culture
December's cool, occasionally rainy weather transforms Hoi An's cafe scene into something special. The town's many riverside cafes and converted heritage house coffee shops become cosy havens — perfect for watching the rain fall on the Ancient Town while sipping Vietnamese coffee (ca phe sua da or a warming ca phe trung egg coffee). Reaching Cafe, Rosie's Cafe, and The Espresso Station are popular spots with atmosphere to spare.
Top Things to Do in December
Cooking Class
Hoi An's cooking classes are one of Vietnam's best activities — and they work perfectly in December's weather. Morning classes start with a Central Market tour (usually dry), followed by hands-on cooking in a covered riverside kitchen. Learn to make cao lau, spring rolls, banh xeo, and more. Red Bridge Cooking School, Thuan Tinh Island, and Morning Glory are top choices (500,000-800,000d including market tour and lunch). An ideal rainy day activity.
Tailor Fitting
December is excellent for tailoring — cooler weather makes fabric selection and fitting sessions more comfortable, and tailors are less rushed than during peak season. Start fittings on day one to allow 2-3 days for production and adjustments. A custom suit costs 2,000,000-5,000,000d, dresses from 500,000d. Yaly Couture, BeBe, and A Dong Silk are well-established options. The cooler weather also means you might actually wear that custom blazer.
Ancient Town Heritage Walk
December's cool temperatures (20-25C) are ideal for extended walking tours of the Ancient Town. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, Fujian Assembly Hall, Tan Ky House, and the Central Market without the heat exhaustion of summer months. Buy the Ancient Town ticket (120,000d) which covers 5 heritage sites. Between showers, the narrow lanes and colourful facades are beautifully moody for photography.
Lantern-Making Workshop
Learn to make Hoi An's iconic silk lanterns in a hands-on workshop — a perfect rainy afternoon activity. Several workshops in the Ancient Town teach you to create your own lantern from bamboo frames and silk fabric (150,000-300,000d per person, 1-2 hours). Take your creation home as the most authentic Hoi An souvenir. Some workshops also offer pottery and leather craft classes.
My Son Sanctuary
My Son Sanctuary — the Cham temple ruins 40km from Hoi An — is atmospheric in December. The lush green countryside after the rainy season provides a stunning backdrop for the ancient brick towers. Fewer tourists mean a more contemplative experience. Half-day tours cost 300,000-500,000d including transport. The temples are partially covered, providing shelter during light showers. Depart early morning for the best conditions.
Spa & Wellness
December's cool, rainy days are perfect for indulging in Hoi An's affordable spa culture. A 60-minute Vietnamese massage costs 200,000-350,000d at quality spas. Palmarosa Spa, La Luna Hoi An, and The Spa at Four Seasons Nam Hai (for a splurge) offer excellent treatments. Combine a morning cooking class with an afternoon spa session for the perfect December rainy day itinerary.
December Price Guide
Accommodation
- Budget homestays: 200,000-400,000d/night (vs. 300,000-500,000d in Mar)
- Mid-range hotels: 400,000-800,000d/night
- Boutique heritage hotels: 800,000-1,500,000d/night
- Premium resorts: 1,500,000-4,000,000d/night
- Luxury (Four Seasons, Anantara): 5,000,000d+/night
- Book 4-6 weeks ahead for Christmas/New Year stays
Activities & Dining
- Street food meal: 20,000-50,000d (unchanged year-round)
- Restaurant dinner: 100,000-300,000d per person
- Cooking class: 500,000-800,000d per person
- Ancient Town ticket: 120,000d (covers 5 heritage sites)
- My Son Sanctuary tour: 300,000-500,000d per person
- Custom suit tailoring: 2,000,000-5,000,000d
December Travel Tips
Early December vs Late December
Early December (1-15) tends to be wetter but offers the best prices — hotels may be 20-30% cheaper than the Christmas-New Year period. Late December (16-31) is drier as the rainy season winds down, but prices rise for the holiday period. If your dates are flexible, mid-December offers a sweet spot: improving weather, festive decorations appearing, and prices that have not yet peaked.
Rainy Day Strategy
Have a Plan A and Plan B for each day. Plan A: outdoor activities (Ancient Town walk, cycling to Tra Que Village or An Bang Beach if dry). Plan B: indoor activities (cooking class, tailor fittings, lantern workshop, spa, cafe hopping, museum visits). Check the weather forecast each morning and adapt. Hoi An's best rainy day activities — cooking classes and tailoring — are genuinely world-class, not consolation prizes.
Bring Waterproof Gear for Cycling
Cycling is the best way to explore Hoi An, and December rain should not stop you. A lightweight waterproof jacket keeps you dry, and getting caught in a warm tropical shower on a bicycle through rice paddies is actually a wonderful experience. Buy a cheap poncho locally (20,000-30,000d) that fits over you and the bicycle handlebars. Avoid cycling on the main road to Da Nang during heavy rain — stick to quieter lanes.
December Evenings Are Special
The cool December evenings (20-22C) are some of the most atmospheric of the year. The Ancient Town's lanterns glow warmer against the dark, cool sky. Riverside restaurants feel cosy rather than sweltering. Hot Vietnamese coffee and warm pho hit differently at these temperatures. Bring a light jacket and enjoy Hoi An's evening magic at its most intimate. The coolness adds a dimension to the experience that the hot months simply cannot offer.
Hoi An in December - FAQs
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