Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Ho Chi Minh City

High Temp

Low Temp

Rainfall

% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 5 rainy days versus 15-20 in wet season, making outdoor exploration consistently reliable
Comfortable humidity levels at 75% versus 85-90% in summer months, reducing that oppressive tropical stickiness
Perfect motorbike weather - clear roads, good visibility, and minimal flooding risks that plague other months
December is festival season - Christmas markets in District 1, Tet preparation activities, and year-end celebrations create vibrant street atmosphere

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% and popular attractions get crowded between 10am-4pm
Air quality deteriorates in December due to increased traffic and reduced rainfall to clear pollution - AQI often reaches 100-150
December is wedding season for locals, so many popular restaurants and venues get booked for private events, especially weekends

Best Activities in December

Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Tours

December's dry conditions make the tunnel crawling experience much more comfortable - no mud, better ventilation, and clearer access paths. The cooler morning temperatures (24-26°C/75-79°F) are perfect for the physical demands of exploring underground. Peak dry season also means better road conditions for the 70 km (43.5 mile) journey from city center.

Booking Tip: Book morning tours departing 7-8am to avoid both crowds and afternoon heat. Tours typically cost 800,000-1,200,000 VND including transport. Choose operators with air-conditioned vehicles and English-speaking guides. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Mekong Delta Day Trips

December offers ideal river conditions - low rainfall means clearer waterways, stable boat rides, and better wildlife spotting opportunities. The dry season reveals more islands and sandbanks for exploration. Comfortable temperatures make the 2-3 hour journey each way enjoyable rather than sweltering.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours range from 1,500,000-2,500,000 VND. Book tours that depart early (7am) to maximize daylight and avoid afternoon crowds. Look for operators including floating market visits and traditional boat transfers. Check current options in the booking widget below.

District Walking Food Tours

December evening temperatures (26-28°C/79-82°F) create perfect conditions for 3-4 hour walking food tours. The dry weather means consistent street food operations - vendors aren't shutting down for rain. December also coincides with seasonal specialties like bánh chưng preparation and holiday-themed desserts.

Booking Tip: Evening tours starting 5-6pm work best, costing 800,000-1,500,000 VND for 4-5 food stops. Book tours covering Districts 1, 3, and 5 for variety. Verify tours include vegetarian options if needed. Browse current tour options below.

Motorbike City Tours

December provides optimal motorbike touring conditions - minimal rain means safer roads, better visibility, and consistent tour schedules. The lower humidity makes wearing helmets more comfortable for extended periods. December's clear skies also offer better photo opportunities from elevated viewpoints.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost 900,000-1,800,000 VND including bike and fuel. Book with operators providing quality helmets and insurance coverage. Morning tours (8am-12pm) avoid peak traffic. Confirm your driver's English level and route preferences. See available tours in booking section.

Cao Dai Temple Day Trips

The dry season makes the 95 km (59 mile) journey to Tay Ninh province much more reliable - no flooding, clearer mountain views, and comfortable temple exploration. December timing aligns well with the temple's prayer schedule, with ceremonies at 6am, 12pm, and 6pm being more accessible due to better road conditions.

Booking Tip: Combined Cao Dai and Cu Chi tunnel tours cost 1,200,000-2,000,000 VND. Book tours arriving for the 12pm prayer ceremony - most visually impressive. Ensure transport includes air conditioning for the long journey. Check current combined tour options below.

Saigon River Evening Cruises

December's stable weather patterns create ideal river cruising conditions - calm waters, clear skies for sunset views, and minimal chance of cancellation due to storms. The comfortable evening temperatures make deck dining pleasant, and reduced rainfall means better city skyline visibility from the water.

Booking Tip: Dinner cruises range from 800,000-2,500,000 VND depending on meal quality and duration. Book 2-3 days ahead for weekend slots. Choose cruises departing 6-6:30pm to catch sunset around 6pm. Verify if drinks are included. See current cruise options in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

December 20-25

Christmas Markets in District 1

Downtown streets around Nguyen Hue Walking Street transform with holiday decorations, local vendors selling Christmas-themed Vietnamese treats, and evening performances. The fusion of Western Christmas traditions with Vietnamese culture creates unique photo opportunities and cultural experiences.

December 31

New Year's Eve Countdown at Nguyen Hue

The city's main celebration features live music, fireworks at midnight, and massive crowds. Local vendors set up food stalls throughout District 1, creating a festival atmosphere. Expect heavy crowds but vibrant energy unique to Saigon's year-end celebrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella - December still has 5 rainy days with brief but heavy downpours lasting 20-45 minutes

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 9 during peak hours 11am-3pm with little cloud cover in dry season

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid synthetic materials in 75% humidity, which still feels sticky during midday

Closed-toe shoes for temple visits - many temples require covered feet, and comfortable walking shoes for exploring Districts 1, 3, and 5

Light scarf or shawl for air-conditioned spaces - restaurants and shopping malls keep temperatures at 18-20°C (64-68°F)

Portable battery pack - using GPS, translation apps, and taking photos drains phone batteries quickly in warm weather

Cash in small denominations - street food vendors and local transport rarely accept cards, carry 20,000 and 50,000 VND notes

Mosquito repellent with DEET - December's warm evenings still attract mosquitoes, especially near rivers and parks

Lightweight pants for motorbike rides - shorts expose skin to sun and exhaust fumes during traffic jams

Insider Knowledge

December is wedding photo season - expect to see couples in elaborate gowns at popular landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office between 5-7am for golden hour shots

Local families start Tet holiday shopping in December, making Ben Thanh Market busiest on weekends. Visit Tuesday-Thursday mornings for better prices and less crowding

December rain patterns are predictable - brief downpours typically occur 2-4pm. Plan indoor activities like War Remnants Museum or shopping during these hours

Grab and traditional taxis surge price during December evenings and weekends. Download both apps and compare prices, or learn to flag down regular metered taxis for consistent pricing