Saigon in December
Dry season perfection, Christmas lights, rooftop bar season, and the best weather of the year — everything you need to know about visiting Saigon in December
December marks the heart of Saigon's dry season — and it is arguably the single best month to experience Vietnam's southern capital. The skies are clear, the humidity is manageable, and the temperature sits in a sweet spot of 25-32C that makes exploring on foot a genuine pleasure rather than an endurance test.
What makes December in Saigon especially appealing is the Christmas atmosphere — a uniquely Vietnamese take on the holiday that sees District 1 draped in lights, thousands of locals gathering near Notre-Dame Cathedral on Christmas Eve, and a festive energy that blends Buddhist tradition with Western celebration. Add world-class rooftop bar conditions, the best street food weather of the year, and fewer crowds than the Tet period that follows, and December is hard to beat.
25-32\u00B0C
Temperature
Dry Season
Minimal Rain
High
Crowd Level
High
Price Level
December Weather in Saigon
What to Expect
- Daytime highs: 30-32\u00B0C with clear, sunny skies. The heat is warm rather than oppressive — December is one of the more comfortable months thanks to lower humidity compared to March-April. Plan outdoor activities throughout the day.
- Morning lows: 22-25\u00B0C in the early morning — pleasantly cool by Saigon standards. Early risers will find the streets comfortable for walking tours and market visits. The cooler mornings are perfect for exploring District 1 on foot.
- Rainfall: Virtually none. December averages just 50mm of rain across the entire month (compared to 300-350mm in September). You can confidently leave the umbrella at the hotel. Perfect conditions for the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta day trips.
What to Wear
- Clothing: Light summer wear — shorts, t-shirts, cotton or linen shirts, and sundresses. Saigon is casual; there is no need to dress up for most restaurants
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or sandals. Closed-toe shoes for the Cu Chi Tunnels. Flip-flops are acceptable almost everywhere
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for midday walking. The tropical sun is strong even in December — reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours
- Light layer: Bring one light cardigan or thin jacket for aggressively air-conditioned malls, restaurants, and Grab cars. The contrast between outdoor heat and indoor AC can be dramatic
- Evening wear: Smart casual for rooftop bars and upscale restaurants in District 1. Most places have no strict dress code but covered shoes and a collared shirt are appropriate for high-end venues
December Events & Celebrations
Christmas in District 1
The area around Notre-Dame Cathedral transforms with elaborate light installations, decorations, and a carnival-like atmosphere on Christmas Eve. Thousands of Saigonese gather to take photos, enjoy street food, and celebrate in a uniquely Vietnamese way. The crowds and energy on December 24 evening are remarkable — it feels like a massive street festival. Churches hold midnight masses with beautiful singing. Bui Vien and the backpacker area throw Christmas parties. Despite being a non-Christian majority country, the celebration is genuine and joyful.
New Year's Eve
Nguyen Hue Walking Street and the area around the Saigon River become the centre of New Year's Eve celebrations. Fireworks light up the sky at midnight — the best views are from rooftop bars along the river or from the Bitexco Financial Tower area. Street parties, live music, and a festive atmosphere fill District 1. Many hotels and restaurants offer gala dinners (500,000-2,000,000d per person). Alternatively, celebrate on Bui Vien with plastic chairs and 15,000d beers for the quintessential Saigon experience.
Rooftop Bar Season
December's dry weather and comfortable evening temperatures make it prime rooftop bar season. Saigon has some of Southeast Asia's best rooftop venues: Chill Skybar (26th floor of AB Tower), Social Club Saigon (Hôtel des Arts), Saigon Saigon Bar (Caravelle Hotel, a classic since the war), and Air 360 (Ben Thanh Tower). Sunset cocktails with clear skies over the city's skyline are a December highlight. Book ahead for weekend evenings, especially around Christmas and New Year.
Tet Preparations Begin
Toward the end of December, early preparations for Tet (Vietnamese New Year, usually late January or February) begin to appear. Flower nurseries in Binh Chanh and Sa Dec start cultivating their displays. Markets begin stocking Tet decorations — red and gold banners, lucky money envelopes, and preserved fruits. While the full Tet festivities are still a month away, the anticipation is palpable and gives a preview of Vietnam's most important cultural celebration.
Top Things to Do in December
Street Food Safari
December's dry weather makes this the perfect month for extended street food exploration. Start with pho at a morning sidewalk stall (40,000-60,000d), grab a banh mi for lunch (20,000-30,000d), and end with a com tam dinner on plastic stools (35,000-50,000d). The cooler evenings (by Saigon standards) mean you can walk between food spots without melting. Join a street food tour for a guided introduction to the city's culinary geography.
War Remnants Museum
One of the most powerful museums in Southeast Asia, telling the story of the Vietnam War through photographs, military equipment, and deeply moving personal testimonies. The outdoor exhibits include helicopters, tanks, and artillery from the conflict. Allow 2-3 hours. The content is confronting but essential for understanding Vietnam. Entry: 40,000d. Open daily 7:30 AM - 6 PM. Air-conditioned interior galleries provide relief from the midday heat.
Cu Chi Tunnels
December's dry weather is ideal for the Cu Chi Tunnels — the network of underground passages used by the Viet Cong during the war. The tunnels are 70km northwest of Saigon. You can crawl through widened sections, see booby traps, and learn about guerrilla warfare tactics. Half-day tours cost 300,000-500,000d including transport. Go early morning to beat the heat and the crowds. The dry ground makes the tunnel experience more comfortable than during rainy season.
Rooftop Bars at Sunset
Saigon's rooftop bars are at their absolute best in December. Clear skies mean unobstructed views over the sprawling city as the sun sets and the neon lights come alive. Chill Skybar (26th floor) offers 360-degree views. Saigon Saigon Bar at the Caravelle Hotel has historical significance and stunning views. Cocktails run 150,000-300,000d. Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset (around 5:30 PM in December) for the best seats and the full golden-hour-to-nightscape experience.
Cholon (Chinatown)
Saigon's Chinatown in District 5 is a world within a world — Chinese-Vietnamese pagodas (Thien Hau Temple is stunning), bustling wholesale markets (Binh Tay Market), traditional medicine shops, and some of the city's best Chinese-Vietnamese food. December's dry weather makes walking Cholon's chaotic streets much more enjoyable. Come hungry — hu tieu (clear noodle soup), dim sum, and che (sweet dessert soups) are highlights.
Mekong Delta
December is perfect for a Mekong Delta day trip — dry weather means comfortable boat rides through the canals and floating markets. Visit My Tho or Ben Tre for fruit orchards, coconut candy workshops, and life along the waterways. Day tours from Saigon cost 400,000-800,000d including transport, boat rides, and lunch. The dry season means clearer water, less mud on walking paths, and a generally more pleasant experience than visiting during the rainy months.
December Price Guide
Accommodation
- Budget hostels: 200,000-400,000d/night (vs. 150,000-250,000d in Sep)
- Budget hotels: 500,000-800,000d/night
- Mid-range hotels (District 1): 800,000-1,500,000d/night
- Premium hotels: 1,500,000-3,000,000d/night
- Luxury (5-star District 1): 3,000,000-8,000,000d+/night
- Book 4-6 weeks ahead for Christmas/New Year stays
Activities & Dining
- Street food meal: 30,000-60,000d (unchanged year-round)
- Restaurant dinner: 150,000-350,000d per person
- Rooftop bar cocktail: 150,000-300,000d
- Cu Chi Tunnels tour: 300,000-500,000d per person
- Mekong Delta day trip: 400,000-800,000d per person
- NYE gala dinners: 500,000-2,000,000d per person
December Travel Tips
Book Ahead for Christmas & New Year
The period from December 20 to January 3 is Saigon's busiest window. Hotels in District 1 and District 3 fill up quickly, especially popular mid-range options. Rooftop bars and upscale restaurants require reservations for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Book accommodation 4-6 weeks ahead. Day tours (Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta) also see higher demand — book 3-5 days ahead to secure your preferred timing.
Beat the Heat: Morning Exploration
While December is cooler than March-April, midday temperatures still reach 30-32C. Plan outdoor activities for the morning (7-11 AM) when temperatures are comfortable. Use the heat of midday (11 AM - 3 PM) for air-conditioned museums, shopping malls, or a leisurely lunch. Late afternoon and evening are ideal for street food exploration, market visits, and rooftop bars. The city comes alive after dark.
Christmas Eve Is Not Quiet
Unlike in Western countries where Christmas Eve is a quiet family affair, in Saigon it is a massive street celebration. The area around Notre-Dame Cathedral becomes extremely crowded on December 24 evening — expect motorbike gridlock, thousands of selfie-taking locals, and a carnival atmosphere. It is exciting but overwhelming. Go early (6-7 PM) to enjoy it before the peak crush, or watch from a nearby rooftop bar for a more relaxed experience.
Budget Tip: Early December
December 1-15 offers the same excellent dry season weather at lower prices than the Christmas/New Year period. Hotels can be 20-30% cheaper than the last two weeks of December. You still get the dry weather, the rooftop bar conditions, and the early Christmas decorations without the peak-season premium. If your dates are flexible, early December is the sweet spot.
Saigon in December - FAQs
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