Laos Vientiane Weather in December — Climate Guide
December in Vientiane is very-high
December is very-high for Vientiane.
December is full dry-season recovery + the year's second peak tourist crush (lighter than Bangkok or Luang Prabang). Christmas-New Year week (Dec 22-Jan 2) brings elevated hotel pricing (+30-40% above shoulder, vs +50-100% in Luang Prabang). Vientiane never reaches the holiday-crush levels of Bangkok across the river.
Weather conditions return to near-peak January quality: 1 rainy day, 7mm rainfall, sunshine 8.5 hours daily, Mekong calm and clear. That Luang stupa morning light at peak. Patuxai rooftop visibility at peak.
Travel score
Dry season peak + moderate Christmas-NYE bump
December Weather at a Glance
December averages 82°F / 28°C highs and 63°F / 17°C lows with 1 rainy day and 7mm of rain — full dry season. Humidity 70%. UV 8. Sunshine 8.5 hours. Sea/swim 22°C cool but swimmable. Evenings noticeably cool (17°C).
December Travel Advice
Christmas-NYE week (Dec 22-Jan 2): book 6-8 weeks ahead, expect +30-40% premium. Dec 1-19 is the smart window — same weather, normal pricing. Mekong NYE celebration: small fireworks + Crowne Plaza rooftop bar + Spirit House restaurant packages $50-150. Quieter than Bangkok or Luang Prabang holiday week. Lao National Day (Dec 2) — government offices closed but tourist sites operate normally.
Flying In from Overseas
Year's second peak inbound — Australian summer vacation, UK + Europe Christmas escape, Korean winter vacation, East Asia broadly. Direct via Bangkok $400-750 NYE week. Second-most expensive flight window after Pi Mai Lao April.
December Pricing Trends
Year's second peak pricing Dec 22-Jan 2: boutique $100-200/night, Crowne Plaza $300-550, Settha Palace $200-400. Buddha Park tuk-tuk $8-10. Flights $400-750 via Bangkok. Dec 1-19 is 35-45% less expensive than holiday week.
Vientiane December Weather Stats
Avg High
28°C
Avg Low
17°C
Rainy Days
1
7mm total
Sunshine
8.5h
Daily avg
Humidity
70%
comfortable
UV Index
8
Very high
Wind
6 km/h
Gusts 14
Sea Temp
22°C
swimming Mekong tributary
Crowds
Busy
At attractions
December Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
28 μg/m³
PM10
48 μg/m³
Status
moderate
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
29°C
Nighttime
16°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
6 km/h
Max gust 14 km/h
Activities Recommended for December
December Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Dry season peak weather
- Mekong River fully calm + clear
- Christmas + NYE moderate festive atmosphere
- Cheaper than Bangkok or Luang Prabang holiday week
Cons
- Elevated pricing Dec 22-Jan 2 (+30-40%)
- Year's second tourist crush
- Lao National Day Dec 2 closes government offices
December Events & Festivals
- Christmas-New Year secondary peak (Dec 22-Jan 5 elevated prices but not Bangkok-level crush)
- Western winter escape destination
- Lao National Day (Dec 2) — small parades
- Year's second-busiest tourist period
Vientiane in December — Full Picture
December is full dry-season recovery + the year's second peak tourist crush (lighter than Bangkok or Luang Prabang). Christmas-New Year week (Dec 22-Jan 2) brings elevated hotel pricing (+30-40% above shoulder, vs +50-100% in Luang Prabang). Vientiane never reaches the holiday-crush levels of Bangkok across the river.
Weather conditions return to near-peak January quality: 1 rainy day, 7mm rainfall, sunshine 8.5 hours daily, Mekong calm and clear. That Luang stupa morning light at peak. Patuxai rooftop visibility at peak.
The trade-off is real but modest: moderate pricing premium + moderate crowds in exchange for ideal weather + festive atmosphere. December 1-19 is the smart-money window — dry-season weather at pre-Christmas pricing, before the holiday crush. For winter escapers and Christmas vacationers wanting Asia tropical at moderate prices, Vientiane is the canonical pick. The Mekong waterfront New Year's Eve is calm compared to Bangkok — small fireworks + quiet hotel celebrations.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Dry season peak + Christmas/New Year secondary peak. Days 28°C / 82°F + nights 17°C / 63°F — diurnal range 11°C. Short sleeve days + light jacket and long sleeves nights. Pack like a temperate spring/autumn destination. SPF 30-50 + sunglasses + hat. December 22-31 honeymoon + business expat travel peak.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
33.7°C
23.3°C
7.3/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
31.3°C
24°C
18/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
30°C
21.3°C
11/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current29°C
17.7°C
1/mo
Vientiane Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January (Best) | 28° | 17° | 1d·7mm | 8.5h | 70% | 8 | Busy | Peak |
| February (Best) | 31° | 19° | 1d·15mm | 9h | 65% | 9 | Busy | Peak |
| 33° | 22° | 2d·30mm | 8.5h | 60% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 35° | 24° | 6d·90mm | 8h | 65% | 11 | Busy | Peak | |
| 33° | 24° | 14d·200mm | 6.5h | 75% | 10 | Moderate | Low season | |
| 32° | 24° | 16d·240mm | 6h | 80% | 10 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 31° | 24° | 19d·280mm | 5.5h | 82% | 10 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 31° | 24° | 19d·300mm | 5h | 83% | 9 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 31° | 23° | 19d·320mm | 5h | 83% | 9 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 30° | 22° | 11d·150mm | 7h | 78% | 9 | Moderate | Low season | |
| November (Best) | 29° | 19° | 3d·25mm | 8.5h | 70% | 8 | Very busy | Peak |
| December (Best) | 28° | 17° | 1d·7mm | 8.5h | 70% | 8 | Busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Vientiane December Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Vientiane?
Vientiane in December is very-high. Tourist crowds are busy and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in Vientiane in December?
Vientiane December averages a high of 28°C and a low of 17°C.
Does it rain much in Vientiane in December?
Vientiane December averages 7mm of rainfall over about 1 rainy days.
What should I wear in Vientiane in December?
Dry season peak + Christmas/New Year secondary peak. Days 28°C / 82°F + nights 17°C / 63°F — diurnal range 11°C. Short sleeve days + light jacket and long sleeves nights. Pack like a temperate spring/autumn destination. SPF 30-50 + sunglasses + hat. December 22-31 honeymoon + business expat travel peak.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Vientiane in December?
Vientiane December sunrise is 06:30 and sunset is 17:35, with 11h 05min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Vientiane in December?
Vientiane December air quality (AQI) averages 55, rated Moderate. PM2.5 averages 28μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Vientiane in December?
In December, Vientiane is great for New Year's Eve Mekong waterfront (Dec 31), Pha That Luang stupa, Patuxai rooftop.
Is December peak season in Vientiane?
Vientiane December crowds are busy and prices are peak. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Months to Visit Vientiane
View Other Months
Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.