As of December 31, 2025, the cold air mass was moving southward. Northern provinces were already experiencing light rain, with average temperatures ranging from 18 to 21°C.

On January 1, 2026, this cold front is expected to affect the northeastern region first before spreading to the north-central, northwestern, central, and some parts of south-central Vietnam. Inland, winds will shift to the northeast at levels 3–4, with coastal areas seeing gusts of up to level 6.

From the night of December 31 to January 1, northeastern areas will experience scattered rain and possible thunderstorms. On January 1, the northwestern region along with Thanh Hoa and Nghe An will also see rain and storms, which may be accompanied by lightning, hail, and strong gusts.

From January 1, the eastern mountainous areas of northern Vietnam will begin to feel the cold. By the night of January 1, the cold will expand to include the midlands, northern plains, and north-central provinces. From January 2 to 3, deep cold and potentially frost will cover the northern mountains and midland areas.

Lowest temperatures during this cold spell are expected to range from 11–14°C in the northern region, 8–11°C in mountainous and midland areas, and below 7°C in some high-altitude regions. In north-central provinces, temperatures will drop to around 13–16°C.

In Hanoi, rain is forecast on the night of December 31 and during January 1, 2026. From the night of January 1, the capital will turn colder, with temperatures dipping to between 12–14°C.

Affected by this cold front, areas from Ha Tinh to Da Nang, as well as eastern provinces from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak and Khanh Hoa, will experience rain or heavy showers with possible thunderstorms between January 2–3. Risks include lightning, hail, and strong winds.

On December 31, the National Committee for Civil Defense also issued an official notice to provincial governments in northern Vietnam urging proactive measures in response to the coming cold and potential frost.

Forecast for the four-day New Year holiday (January 1–4, 2026)

Northern Vietnam
January 1: Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms. Cold conditions set in from evening, with potential for severe cold in northeastern mountains.
Highs: 19–22°C (mountains: 17–19°C)
Lows: 13–16°C (mountains: 10–13°C)

January 2–4: Light rain in some areas. General cold conditions, with severe cold and frost possible in mountainous and midland areas.
Highs: 16–20°C
Lows: 11–15°C (some areas below 8–11°C)

From Thanh Hoa to Hue
January 1: Scattered rain in the north, light rain in the south. Showers and thunderstorms expected in the early hours of January 2. Northern part to turn cold at night.
Highs: 23–26°C
Lows: 16–19°C

January 2–4: Light rain and cold in the north. The south will see more rain, including localized heavy downpours and storms.
Highs: 18–22°C (north), 23–25°C (south)
Lows: 13–16°C (north), 17–19°C (south)

South-Central Coast
January 1: Sunny during the day, light showers and possible storms at night.
Highs: 26–29°C
Lows: 19–22°C

January 2–4: Rain, heavy in some northern parts. Southern areas may see isolated thunderstorms.
Highs: 24–27°C (north), 27–29°C (south)
Lows: 20–24°C

Central Highlands
January 1–4: Sunny days, light evening and nighttime showers or thunderstorms.
Highs: 24–27°C
Lows: 14–18°C, with some areas below 14°C

Southern Vietnam
January 1–4: Sunny days with isolated evening and nighttime showers.
Highs: 29–32°C, with some areas exceeding 32°C
Lows: 19–22°C (eastern region), 22–24°C (western region)

Bao Anh