New Year in Vietnam: where it’s warm, where to go and how it differs from Tết
New Year in Vietnam is 1 January, one day off; the main holiday is Tết, 6 February 2027. Where it’s warm and dry over New Year (Phu Quoc, Mui Ne, Ho Chi Minh City), what Nha Trang and Da Nang are like, when to book.
Short answer: New Year in Vietnam is 1 January, a public holiday but just one day off; in 2027 it falls on a Friday. The big new year for Vietnamese people is Tết, the Lunar New Year — 6 February in 2027. Over the New Year holidays it's warm and dry in the south: Phu Quoc, Mui Ne and Ho Chi Minh City. In Nha Trang the rainy season ends in late December, while Da Nang and Hoi An are cool and damp in winter.
Where is it warm in Vietnam over New Year?
| Where | Weather | Sea |
|---|---|---|
| Phu Quoc | highs around 30 °C, dry: 4–6 rainy days a month | calm on the west coast, water around 28 °C |
| Mui Ne | highs around 29–30 °C, almost no rain | windy — peak kitesurfing season |
| Ho Chi Minh City | average around 27 °C, dry season | — |
| Nha Trang | December ends the rainy season, much drier from January; highs around 27 °C | waves in December, water 25–26 °C |
| Da Nang and Hoi An | highs around 25 °C, nights around 19–20 °C, frequent rain | rough |
| Da Lat | nights around 12–13 °C | — |
Figures are long-term weather station averages (QCVN 02:2022/BXD); city by city — Vietnam in December and Vietnam in January.
Where to go in Vietnam for New Year?
For sun and sea — Phu Quoc: the west coast has a calm sea and water around 28 °C at this time. For kitesurfing — Mui Ne, the windiest spot. For city life and food — Ho Chi Minh City in the dry season. Nha Trang over New Year: the city is open, but December is the last month of its rainy season and boat trips still get cancelled; the calm sea starts in February. Compare resorts in Vietnam's beach resorts.
How is New Year celebrated in Nha Trang?
1 January is an ordinary public holiday, as across the country. New Year weather in Nha Trang: highs around 27 °C, water 25–26 °C; the last days of December can still bring rain and waves, and from January there is much less rain. Swim on calm days and watch the beach flags. What to expect — Nha Trang in December and Nha Trang in January.
Is Christmas or 1 January celebrated in Vietnam?
1 January is a public holiday, one day (Article 112 of the Labour Code). Christmas isn't a public holiday — it's a working day. The country really stops for Tết — in 2027 civil servants are off from 4 to 10 February. All dates — holidays in Vietnam.
When to book New Year trips to Vietnam?
Early: direct flights from Russia and resort accommodation for the New Year dates are booked weeks ahead. Flight times and direct routes — how long is the flight from Moscow to Vietnam and direct flights to Nha Trang. Staying all winter? — wintering in Vietnam.
New Year or Tết — which to choose?
On 1 January the country goes about its normal life, everything is open and the weather in the south is good. Tết is the real celebration, with streets full of flowers and lanterns, but many family cafés and shops close for days, government offices shut, and train and bus tickets sell out early. More on Tết in February — Nha Trang in February and Vietnam in February.
FAQ
When is New Year in Vietnam? 1 January, one day off. The main holiday is Tết, the Lunar New Year — 6 February in 2027.
Where to go in Vietnam for New Year? South: Phu Quoc, Mui Ne or Ho Chi Minh City — dry and warm.
What's the weather in Vietnam over New Year? In the south, highs around 27–30 °C and dry. Nha Trang is at the end of its rainy season, Da Nang and Hoi An are cool and damp, and Da Lat nights drop to 12–13 °C.
Can you swim over New Year? On Phu Quoc, yes — the west coast sea is calm. In Nha Trang on calm days; December can bring waves.
What's the weather in Nha Trang at New Year? Highs around 27 °C, water 25–26 °C; late December is the tail of the rainy season.
Is Christmas a day off? No, it isn't a public holiday.
When is Tết in 2027? 6 February; civil servants are off 4–10 February.
Sources and checks
Weather — long-term averages from the Phu Quoc, Phan Thiet, Nha Trang, Da Nang and Da Lat stations (QCVN 02:2022/BXD); Ho Chi Minh City — Tan Son Nhat station. Phu Quoc sea — Vietnam Tourism; Mui Ne wind season — vietnamtourism.com; sea temperature — World Sea Temperatures, weather2travel and Climates to Travel (checked 12 November 2026). Public holidays — Article 112 of the Labour Code (LuatVietnam); Tết 2027 — VietnamPlus and Báo Lào Cai (October 2026). Advice on where to go and when to book is ours.