Northern Vietnam is forecast to enjoy two or three warm days before welcoming a fresh cold front right at the start of 2026. The upcoming northeast monsoon is expected to arrive with moderate to strong intensity.

According to the Southern Hydrometeorological Center, the current cold air mass is weakening and shifting eastward. However, it is likely to strengthen again around January 1–2, 2026, and once more around January 5. These waves will bring with them brisk northeast winds and a noticeable drop in temperature.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) predicts that from the night of December 28 to December 30, light rain will fall in parts of northern and north-central Vietnam, with fog in the early mornings. The weather will remain cold, especially in mountainous areas where severe cold or even frost is possible.

Cold drizzle likely around New Year’s Day

From December 30 to January 7, light rain is forecast across the North, Thanh Hoa, and Nghe An provinces, especially on the nights of December 31 and January 1. These areas may experience widespread drizzle, with early morning fog and persistent cold. In higher elevations, conditions could turn severely cold.

In central Vietnam, light showers are expected from Quang Tri to Da Nang and from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak until December 30. Temperatures will remain cool in the northern parts of this region.

From December 30 to January 7, areas from Ha Tinh to Da Nang, eastern Quang Ngai to Dak Lak, and Khanh Hoa will continue to see occasional showers. Between January 2–4, moderate rain and thunderstorms may occur, with isolated heavy downpours possible. Northern portions will remain chilly.

In the Central Highlands and Southern Vietnam, the weather pattern will stay mostly stable: sunny days followed by scattered evening and overnight thunderstorms.

Hanoi: Cloudy skies, drizzle, and fog to ring in the new year

The Northern Weather Station notes that due to the weakening and eastward-shifting cold air, Hanoi will see mostly cloudy skies with light drizzle and patchy fog from December 30 to January 1. On January 1 specifically, light scattered rain is expected, along with southeastern winds at level 2. Temperatures will remain low at night and in the early morning.

Another wave of cold air is forecast to strengthen around January 2 and again on January 5. During these days, Hanoi will experience overcast mornings with light rain, but sunshine may return by the afternoon. Northeast winds will reach level 2–3, and the weather will stay cold.

New Year’s Holiday Weather Forecast (December 31, 2025 – January 4, 2026)

Northern Vietnam: From December 31 to January 1, scattered rain and morning fog are expected, especially in the northeast, where light rain may persist. Daytime highs will range from 20–24°C (up to 24°C in some areas), with the northeast peaking at just 19–22°C. Nighttime temperatures will drop to 14–18°C, with some mountainous areas falling below 13°C.

From January 2–4, scattered rain continues, with severe cold likely in the mountains. Daytime temperatures will hover around 18–22°C (some areas above 22°C), with lows of 12–16°C and under 11°C in higher terrain.

From Thanh Hoa to Hue: From December 31 to January 1, light rain and morning fog are expected. On January 1, light drizzle is forecast in northern parts of the region. Northern areas will be cold, while southern areas remain cool. Highs will range from 21–24°C (some above 24°C), with lows from 16–20°C.

From January 2–4, the north will see light rain, while the south may experience heavier showers and isolated thunderstorms. Temperatures will range from 19–23°C during the day, and drop to 13–16°C in the north and 17–20°C in the south.

South-Central Coast: From December 31 to January 1, expect sunny days and occasional showers at night. Highs will reach 23–27°C in the north and 27–31°C in the south, with lows of 20–24°C.

From January 2–4, scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast, with heavy rain possible in some areas. Northern parts will turn cooler. Highs range from 23–26°C in the north and 27–30°C in the south, with lows of 19–22°C and 22–24°C respectively.

Central Highlands: From December 31 to January 4, expect sunny days with isolated thunderstorms in the evening and at night. Daytime temperatures will range from 24–28°C, with some areas exceeding 28°C. Nighttime lows will be 15–19°C, and could drop below 15°C in some places.

Southern Vietnam: From December 31 to January 4, the region will remain sunny during the day with a few scattered evening showers or storms. Daytime highs will range from 29–33°C, with some areas topping 33°C. Overnight lows will sit between 21–25°C, with some inland eastern regions dipping below 21°C.

Bao Anh