Nha Trang in December: the last rainy month — the sea, surfing and planning a winter stay
December in Nha Trang is the last month of the rainy season: the monsoon holds on, boat trips and diving are often cancelled, but it is surf season. Where to go in the rain, where to avoid, and what to do when the river rises — as in December 2025.
December in Nha Trang is the last month of the rainy season. The monsoon holds on until the end of the year, so boat trips, fishing and diving are often cancelled because of the swell. It is surf season, and the city — pagodas, market, museums, mud baths — carries on in the rain. If you arrive for a winter stay in December, leave room for the weather in the first weeks and save the sea for February onwards.
What is on in December and what is not?
| Activity | In December | More |
|---|---|---|
| Boat trips, islands by yacht | often cancelled, monsoon until end of December | boat trips |
| Diving | off season: swell and murky water | diving |
| Sea fishing | trips often cancelled | fishing |
| Surfing | in season: schools run September to May | surfing |
| Mud baths | open, they are on land | mud baths |
| Pagodas, cathedral, market, museums | open in the rain | what to see |
| Ba Ho Waterfalls, Yang Bay Park | risky or closed in rain | Ba Ho, Yang Bay |
| Bai Dai Beach | big waves until end of December | Bai Dai |
Can I go out to sea in December?
Yes, but expect cancellations. The monsoon in Nha Trang runs from October to December: wind and swell, and agencies cancel boat trips, fishing and dives. If you really want the islands in December, book a tour with a free change of date and ask in advance what happens if it is cancelled. The sea in Nha Trang is calm from February to August, with the clearest diving water usually in April–June.
Is December surf season?
Yes. Nha Trang surf schools run from September to May; in summer there are hardly any waves near the city. Lessons are mostly at Bai Dai — the city beach rarely gets waves. Ask the school beforehand what happens if there are no waves on the day: a new date, theory or a refund. Schools are listed in surfing in Nha Trang.
Where can I go in Nha Trang when it rains?
Long Son Pagoda and the White Buddha, the hilltop cathedral, Dam Market, the Oceanography Museum and the mud baths all carry on in the rain. A route through the centre is in what to see in Nha Trang. In the rain, Grab or Xanh SM beats a motorbike (taxis in Nha Trang).
Where should I avoid in December?
The Ba Ho Waterfalls: in the rainy season the streams rise without warning, swimming is dangerous, and it is best to leave by 14:00–15:00. After the floods of late 2025 only the walking trail at Ba Ho was open — check before you go. Yang Bay Park closes some areas in heavy rain. Bai Dai Beach gets big waves from September to December.
Does it flood in December?
It can. On the morning of 4 December 2025 the Khánh Hòa hydro-meteorological centre issued an urgent flood warning for the Cái river: after heavy rain in the hills the water rose above the first alarm level, people living along the river were moved out, and in Bắc Nha Trang police helped dozens of families move their belongings. That came two weeks after the big flood of 19–20 November. If you are renting in the north or west of the city near the river, ask the landlord whether the street floods, and keep water, food and a charged power bank for a day or two. Don’t ride a motorbike through a flooded street.
What should I pack for Nha Trang in December?
A light raincoat or umbrella, shoes you don’t mind getting wet, a waterproof phone pouch and a light top for the evening. Long-term temperature and rainfall averages by month are on the weather page — they also show how much drier it gets after December. If you are arriving earlier, see Nha Trang in November.
Frequently asked questions
Is December a good time to visit Nha Trang? For a winter stay, surfing and the city — yes, just leave room for rain in the first weeks. For the sea, islands and diving, February to August is better.
Is the rain over by December? December is the last month of the rainy season (September to December). The long-term rainfall for December is in the weather block above.
Do boat tours run in December? Agencies sell them, but the monsoon often cancels them. Ask about rescheduling and refunds before paying.
Is there diving in December? Centres are open, but it is off season: swell and murky water. The season is February to August.
Is it surf season? Yes, schools run September to May.
Does it flood in December? It can: on 4 December 2025 an urgent flood warning was issued for the Cái river and people along the river were moved out.
What to do when it rains? Long Son Pagoda, the cathedral, Dam Market, the Oceanography Museum and the mud baths all work in the rain.
Sources and checks
Monsoon and cancelled sea trips — our guides to boat trips, diving and fishing (sources in each). Surf season — from the schools’ pages in our surfing guide. Ba Ho, Yang Bay and Bai Dai — from our “How to get there” pages, checked on 18 October 2026. The 4 December 2025 flood warning — Đại biểu Nhân dân and PLO (links below). Weather averages — Nha Trang weather station (QCVN 02:2022/BXD), on the weather page. Packing and planning tips are ours. Updated 21.10.2026.