Hoi An Weather in December

The weather of Hoi An in December becomes relatively pleasant: the climate is cool, with strong but no longer extreme UV radiation, abundant yet not excessive rainfall, and minimal typhoon risk. With proper rain preparedness and flexible schedule adjustments, you can expect a fine travel experience.

Cool Climate

Hoi An weather in December stays comfortably cool, with temperatures rarely exceeding 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities.

Daily highs generally range from 24 to 27℃ (75 - 81℉), and nightly lows typically stay between 20 and 23℃ (68 - 73℉). Specifically, at noon, you can sunbathe on An Bang Beach in comfortable warmth, never feeling overly hot; in the early morning and evening, you can wander through the ancient town for hours without breaking a sweat.

Bear in mind that temperatures can occasionally fall below 20℃ (68℉). Coastal and Thu Bon River areas tend to be windier, making the apparent temperature lower. Wearing only short sleeves or a thin shirt outdoors can easily lead to a cold.

Sunbathe on An Bang Beach

Night Tour in Ancient Town

End of Rainy Season

Sheltering from Rain in Cafe

As the rainy season comes to an end, Hoi An climate in December leaves behind the rainiest conditions, with an average monthly precipitation of 206 mm and about 5 rainy days all month. With a bit of luck, you may well enjoy a fully rain-free trip and arrange your schedule as you wish - whether it’s taking the iconic coconut basket boats or exploring the ancient ruins at My Son Sanctuary, you won’t have to worry about rain interrupting your plans.

Nevertheless, even if it rains during your trip, there’s no need to worry too much. Rain in Hoi An usually falls into two types, neither of which will seriously disrupt your plans. One is light drizzle. Though it may last long, the rain is gentle, with barely any standing water on the streets to block your way. With an umbrella or raincoat, you can keep exploring outdoor sites as normal. The other is short downpours. While they make outdoor sightseeing inconvenient for the moment, they pass by quickly, usually ending within one to two hours. You can take shelter in a nearby shop until the rain stops, then continue your tour.

Low Typhoon Risk

The climate of Hoi An in December features an extremely low typhoon risk. Data from the past decade shows that no typhoon has ever made direct landfall or directly impacted Hoi An in December. Only the outer bands of Typhoon Pabuk in 2024 brought scattered showers to the area, with no severe consequences such as strong winds and heavy downpours. You can therefore rest assured that your itinerary will hardly be affected by extreme weather.

Shortest Daylight Duration of the Year

In December, Hoi An sees sunrise at around 6:06 and sunset at about 17:18, with roughly 11 hours of daylight, the shortest throughout the year. Yet, prolonged heavy downpours are rare, and scorching midday heat is absent, leaving you with relatively plenty of time for outdoor activities. More pleasantly, the town enjoys an average of about 7 hours of sunshine per day in December. The bright, clear light is ideal for admiring the intricate details of the iconic gate of the Chinese Assembly Hall and capturing the unique charm of the Japanese Covered Bridge.

Chinese Assembly Hall in Bright Sunlight

Also note that the UV index in Hoi An this month falls to 9. While no longer in the extreme range, sun protection is still essential. Many people mistakenly assume there is no UV risk on cool, overcast days with thick cloud cover. In fact, ultraviolet rays can easily penetrate clouds and cause lasting damage to the skin. Therefore, always apply sunscreen properly before going out, no matter what’s the weather like.

Packing List for Visiting Hoi An in December 2026

Clothes: We recommend packing mainly short-sleeved T-shirts, shirts, long-sleeved T-shirts, shorts, thin pants, and thin jeans. Given the occasional drop in temperature, it’s best to bring one or two light jackets, trench coats or thin cardigans. Girls want to take atmospheric photos amid the sea of lanterns in the ancient town can also pack a couple of light-colored long dresses.

Shoes: If you plan to wander in and explore the ancient town for long stretches, bring sneakers, flat shoes, or casual shoes to stay comfortable on your feet. For dirt-path areas such as My Son Sanctuary and the rice paddies, we recommend packing non-slip hiking shoes. For trips to the beach, you can bring sandals, flip-flops, or slippers.

Others:
1. Winds from sea and river can be strong in the morning and evening, so we recommend bringing fisherman hats, baseball caps or beach hats with built-in wind straps to shield against the wind and avoid headaches.
2. Pack a compact folding umbrella for both rain protection and sun protection.
3. Prepare waterproof pouches to store your paper documents and electronic devices separately, protecting them from moisture and water damage in rainy conditions.

Vibrant Festive Atmosphere in December

Hoi An in December comes alive with the festive spirit of Christmas and New Year, making your travel experience truly one-of-a-kind.

During the Christmas, the ancient town is full of locally inspired festive ingenuity. Snowflake-shaped lanterns light up the streets, and “coffee Christmas trees” made with strung coffee beans, cinnamon sticks and dried orange slices adorn shop windows and balconies throughout the town. You can stroll along the stone-paved lanes, admire the striking contrast between traditional lanterns and Christmas lights, and experience the town’s unique festive creativity.

New Year’s Eve on December 31st brings the festive atmosphere to a climax. A grand communal lantern launch takes place along the Thu Bon River, where you can release your own river lantern and make a wish. The ancient town hosts nonstop song and dance performances, and at midnight, a dazzling firework show and a collective countdown begin. You can welcome the New Year surrounded by glowing lights and joyful cheers.

Travel Tips

1. Hoi An sees a sharp rise in visitors during the Christmas and New Year’s Eve festive period. It is recommended to book popular restaurants in the ancient town and scenic spots along the Thu Bon River at least 1 to 2 days in advance. For the river lantern release and fireworks show on New Year’s Eve, you are advised to arrive at the riverbank one hour earlier to secure a better viewing spot.

2. Hoi An gets dark early in December, with the town’s lanterns lighting up one after another from around 17:30 on. If you want to take quiet, crowd-free photos of the lantern-lit streets, plan to arrive at the riverside spots a bit early, like 17:20 to avoid the evening rush.

3. When taking an evening boat tour on the Thu Bon River, strong winds and lower temperatures can make you feel chilly and increase the risk of catching a cold. It is recommended to bring a supply of common cold medicine for emergencies.