Are you planning a trip to Laos in December? Read on to learn more about December weather in Laos, clothes to wear for the weather, and best places to visit in Laos in December.
Laos Weather in December: Overview
- Daily temperature range: 16–29°C (61–83°F)
- Rainfall: 10 mm (0 inches)
- Rainy days: 2
- Sunny days: 25
December is in Laos' dry season. The weather is generally cool-to-warm with an average daily temperature range of 16°C to 29°C. Northern parts including Luang Prabang are cooler than the south, e.g. Pakse, where average highest temperatures in December reach 31°C (88°F). Rainfall is rare in December. With its cooler weather and clear skies, December is in the peak travel season for Laos.
Laos' Major Cities' Weather in December
| City | Min. Temp. (ºC) | Max. Temp. (ºC) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luang Prabang | 15 | 27 | 15 |
| Vientiane | 17 | 28 | 5 |
| Vang Vieng | 13 | 26 | 19 |
| Pakse | 19 | 31 | 3 |
Luang Prabang: The weather of Luang Prabang in December is warm during the daytime and cool at night, with minimum temperatures dropping to around 15°C (59°F), and maximum temperatures reaching an average of 27°C (80°F). Rainfall is rare in this month, with light precipitation of 15 mm (½ an inch) falling on an average of 3 days.
Vientiane: It is mild/warm in the capital in December. Temperatures range from 17°C (62°F) to 28°C (82°F) on average. It is desert-dry in Vientiane in December. Rare rain amounts to 5 mm (0.2 inches).
Vang Vieng: The weather of Vang Vieng is cool-to-warm and dry in December. The daily low temperature is around 13°C (56°F), and the daily high reaches 26°C (78°F) on average. There are about 2–3 days with a little rain, with December precipitation totaling about 19 mm (about an inch).
Pakse: As a southern city in Laos, Pakse is warmer than more northern cities. The average low temperature is a mild 19°C (66°F), and the daily high temperature reaches 31°C (87°F) on average. Precipitation in December is only dew or mist at a barely noticeable total of 3 mm (0.1"). You can expect no rain on your trip to Pakse in this month.
The Best Places to Visit in Laos in December
December is one of the best months of the year to visit Laos. With its warm weather and clear skies, many Western travelers come to Laos to spend their Christmas holidays. Here are some of the recommended places to visit if you are going to Laos in December:
1. Visit the Great Pagoda in Vientiane: Pha That Luang
The major entry city for Laos, Vientiane, is most famous for its gorgeous Buddhist temples, pagodas, and quaint buildings. If you are visiting Vientiane for the first time, then the great pagoda: Pha That Luang can't be missed. Located in the middle of Vientiane, Pha That Luang has more than 2,500 years of history. The 45-meter-high (150-foot-high) pyramid-like stupa has a main spire standing high and pointing into the sky with 30 smaller pagodas surrounding it. The gold plate on all the pagodas shines brightly under the sun, which makes it a perfect spot for photographers.
2. Buddha Park, Vientiane
If you are looking for a park to relax in and enjoy some free time, then Buddha Park in Vientiane is a good place. The sculpture park has more than 200 religious statues scattered around the park. Among them, the huge 40-meter-high (130-foot-high) reclining Buddha statues is the biggest sculpture. To take photo of the big buddha sculpture, you can climb up the giant pumpkin-shaped building nearby, which is about 10 meters (30 feet) high. Beside the buddha sculptures, there is an amazing Hindu sculpture, which shows the king of Hindu gods riding a three-headed elephant and other sacred Hindu deities.
3. Wat Xieng Thong Monastery, Luang Prabang
As one of the must-visit cities of Laos, Luang Prabang is rich in history and culture. There are many top attractions in this historic city. Well-known Wat Xieng Thong is the one you can't miss. It is considered to be a masterpiece of traditional Laotian temple architecture. Located at the northern tip of Luang Prabang, Wat Xieng Thong has become an important cultural landmark in Luang Prabang. It has numerous pavilions, shrines, gardens of flowers, and ancient residences of past Kings. You will be amazed by the architecture formed by Laotian carpentry and arts.
4. Nong Kiaw Small Town, Luang Prabang
December is a good time to visit ethnic villages in Luang Prabang. Nong Kiao is a good choice as there are festivals to welcome the New Year there. It is also a good place to refresh yourself with simple natural sights after you have visited many intricate monasteries or buddha statues in the major cities. Located about 3 hours north of the city of Luang Prabang, Nong Kiao is well-known for its paddy fields, ethnic villages, limestone mountains, and weaving villagers. You can experience the Baci ceremony there, which celebrates new year, weddings, special events, and even welcoming guests from different places! You would probably be welcomed into the community of warm-hearted villagers with a welcoming feast.
5. Luang Prabang Night Market
After a full day's touring activities, wandering around the night market could yet be a highlight of your trip to Laos. Delicious food, nice souvenirs, and amazing night views make Luang Prabang Night Market a good place to relax and experience the local life. You can buy numerous traditional handicrafts, clothing, toys, and artifacts in this market. If you are a foodie, then the night market could be your favorite place in Laos. You can try all kinds of local street food, Western food, desserts, and BBQ meals. The night market opens from 5pm to 11pm each evening, so you should be able to find a suitable time to visit.
Crowding and Costs in December
December is in the middle of the peak season in Laos. The pleasant weather and clear skies make it a good time to explore the colorful temples, medieval old towns, and beautiful countryside. You may see some long lines of people waiting to enter some of the top sites in this month. Be prepared for the crowds.
The cost of hotels and tours is much higher than in the low season (but still affordable compared to developed-world destinations). Many branded hotels book up quickly in this month. So, research early to choose the best times to come and places to stay, and book early to secure deals. You're warmly welcomed to contact us — we can do all the research and booking for your ideal trip.
What to Bring/Wear in December
December is warm in the day, but cool in the evening in much of Laos. It's advisable to pack some warm clothes — long trousers, light-sweaters, shirts, light jackets... — with some summer clothes for the warm daytime temperatures.
It is very dry in December in Laos. So, bring anything that keep you and skin moisturized and drink enough water. Rainfall is so rare and light in this month that you shouldn't need an umbrella except as a parasol.
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