Hoi An Weather in December: Weather & Activities

Hoi An weather in December is often considered the “green season”, when visitors can enjoy the ancient town with a less crowded, more affordable and much more relaxing atmosphere than the peak season. If you are looking for a different Hoi An experience, December is definitely the ideal choice.

1. What to Know About Hoi An Weather in December

December is the green season in Hoi An, the rainy season. The weather is usually cool, sometimes with sudden rain, but there are still many beautiful days to walk around. Visitors should bring a light umbrella or a neat raincoat to make the trip more comfortable.

1.1. Temperature & Rainfall

According to the experience of local people, the Hoi An temperature in December usually fluctuates between 20–26°C. During the day, the weather is cool and pleasant, very suitable for walking in the old town or cycling to the countryside.

In the evening, the air becomes chilly, creating a feeling similar to autumn, just wearing a light coat is enough to enjoy the outdoors.

The December rains sometimes slow you down, but that is also the time when Hoi An reveals its own beauty: ancient tiled roofs glisten with drops of water, the Hoai River is quiet under a thin layer of rain, and the streets seem to be wearing a romantic coat. It is in that moment that you can fully feel the true breath of Hoi An.

1.2. Is December a Good Time to Visit Hoi An?

Many visitors often wonder whether December is the right time to visit the old town. In fact, Hoi An’s weather in December brings a very unique experience: the air is chilly, the rain is sudden, but it is less noisy and crowded than the peak season.

The best thing is that you can leisurely stroll in the old town when there are few visitors, watch the lanterns light up in the quiet evenings, or enjoy the warm feeling with a cup of hot coffee while it is drizzling outside.

This is also the season when airfares and hotels are more affordable, giving an advantage to those who want to experience Hoi An at a reasonable cost.

>>> You can also check out Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa for a relaxing and affordable beach holiday this December.

2. Best Things to Do in Hoi An in December

2.1. Join the Hoi An Lantern Festival (December 2025)

If you had to choose one of the best things to do in Hoi An, it would definitely be to participate in the lantern festival. On the night of the full moon night (December 14th of the lunar calendar), Hoi An ancient town turns off all the electric lights, leaving only the gentle light from thousands of colorful lanterns.

The street suddenly becomes magical, sparkling like a living painting. Locals and tourists together release flower lanterns on the Hoai River, sending wishes for peace and luck in the new year.

The small, pretty flower lanterns are sold right on the riverbank, only from 10.000 – 20.000 VND, but bring an unforgettable experience for every visitor. 

2.2. Cooking, Lantern Making & Mask Painting Experiences

Reu Cooking Class and Market Tour

In the cool atmosphere of Hoi An weather in December, when Hoi An is quiet, taking a cooking class is a great way to immerse yourself in the daily life of the locals. The journey begins at the colorful local market, where the cries of vendors mingle with the strong aroma of spices.

You choose fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, then follow the chef back to Tra Que vegetable village. In a peaceful space, you will learn how to prepare Vietnamese dishes while listening to everyday stories. It is not just a meal, but a memory of a simple and sincere connection.

Lantern Workshop

On rainy days in December, when the old town becomes quiet, the lantern-making class is like a warm space inviting you to light up Hoi An in your own way. Each bamboo frame and silk fabric is carefully and skillfully attached by your hands to form a separate lantern.

In the cozy space, with soft yellow light, you work and imagine the sparkling old town nights. The result is a small, pretty lantern to bring home, but the echo is a memory of a poetic Hoi An. This is an experience for you to feel more clearly the pace of life of artisans – slow, patient and full of love for traditional crafts.

Traditional Mask Painting

If you want to find a different perspective on culture, try a traditional mask painting class. Before your eyes are rustic masks, each one carrying a story and a meaning associated with the Vietnamese classical theater.

Under the guidance of the artisan, each brushstroke you paint is not only a color, but also a connection to history and cultural memories. When completed, your personalized mask becomes a unique gift – a part of the soul of Hoi An that you can take with you.

2.3. Café Hopping & Spa Day

In the list of things to do in Hoi An in December, café hopping is always a poetic experience. In the space of the old town in December, where Hoi An’s weather during the rainy season brings a cool atmosphere, you just need to sit in an ancient wooden cafe, watching the lanterns reflect on the wet brick road.

Each cup of hot coffee is a moment of silence, for you to listen to the slow pace of life in Hoi An. And if you want to pamper yourself more, a spa session with natural herbs will be like a gift for your body and soul – warm, peaceful, very Hoi An.

2.4. Attend a Cultural Show

If you are still wondering what to do in Hoi An in December, try an evening of enjoying Hoi An’s bai choi, a folk art form recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. Within the ancient town’s space, the bustling bai choi chants resonate with traditional musical instruments, creating a joyful atmosphere that also unites the community.

This is not only one of the most unique things to do in Hoi An in December, but also a great way for you to feel the breath of traditional culture, close and lively, right in the heart of Hoi An.

3. Travel Tips for December

Traveling in Hoi An weather in December will be much more enjoyable if you prepare a thin coat for the chilly evenings and bring a small umbrella in case of light rain. Choose comfortable, non-slip shoes to make walking around the old town easier, even after sudden rains. This is also a quiet tourist season, so you can leisurely enjoy Hoi An without having to jostle. In particular, don’t forget to mark the Hoi An Lantern Festival December 2025 date – the moment the old town turns off the lights and sparkles in the lantern light.

December brings Hoi An a different rhythm: quiet, chilly, sometimes a little rainy, but also full of romance and poetry. It is this peace that makes Hoi An in December a special time for those who love different experiences.

From the sparkling lantern festival, slow coffee sessions, to inspiring craft classes. All create a Hoi An that is both familiar and new. If you are looking for a slow, delicate and emotional journey, December is the time to let Hoi An touch your heart.

>>> Let Victoria Voyages guide you through Hoi An in December, where cool weather, lantern festivals, and timeless charm await.