December is part of the cool, dry season with comfortable days and cooler nights in the north. This is a popular period for travel, with reliable road and river access across much of the country.
SeasonHigh SeasonTemperature 16-28°C (61-82°F)Crowds HighPrices High
High seasonShoulderLow season
Weather by City in December
CityLow / highRain
Vientiane
Mild
16°28° 5 mm
Savannakhet
Mild
16°28° 3 mm
Pakse
Warm
19°30° 4 mm
Thakhek
Mild
16°27° 5 mm
Ban Khoan
Mild
14°27° 17 mm
Ban Napè
Cool
13°22° 11 mm
Luang Prabang
Mild
14°26° 20 mm
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Temperature map
-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Average temperature across Laos in December.
Where to Go in Laos in December
Northern Highlands
Luang Prabang, Phongsaly, Oudomxay
December is cool and dry with chilly mornings in the uplands that sometimes demand a hat or sweater, especially at higher elevations on multi-day treks. Festive lights appear in towns, and travel conditions are excellent for long-distance road travel and sightseeing without the interruption of rain. Expect higher prices and fuller buses as both international and regional tourists come for comfortable trekking and the cultural attractions of Luang Prabang.
Xiangkhouang Plateau / Plain of Jars
Phonsavan
December is cool and dry, with some of the clearest air of the year giving wide views across the plateau and excellent conditions for walking between jar fields. Tourist levels pick up modestly, and local guesthouses are comfortable with heating rarely required beyond layers at night. Roads are reliably passable, making December a safe month for self-drive exploration and archaeological visits.
Central Lowlands & Vientiane Region
Vientiane, Vang Vieng, the Mekong plain
December is cool and dry with clear skies along the Mekong; this is one of the most pleasant months for outdoor dining, cycling and boat trips around the river islands. Popular routes fill up, so reserve tickets for any river cruises or long-distance buses ahead of time. Nights can be surprisingly fresh, particularly in riverside towns, so include a warm layer for early-morning or late-night outings.
Bolaven Plateau & Southern Highlands
Pakse, Tad Fane, coffee country
December is pleasantly cool and dry with calm mornings and comfortable daytime temperatures - ideal for walking plantation trails and visiting Tad Fane and other cascades at leisure. The plateau’s higher elevation offers a welcome break from any coastal heat further south, and services run fully for visitors. Expect clear skies and pack a warmer layer for chilly early starts.
Lower Mekong & 4000 Islands
Si Phan Don, Khong, Don Det/Don Khon
December is warm by day with cool riverside evenings and excellent conditions for exploring the 4000 Islands by bike or boat; the river is low and many sandbanks appear, creating interesting walking and wildlife-spotting opportunities. This is one of the busiest months on the islands, so expect higher prices and fuller ferries. Pack light layers and sun protection for daytime and a thin sweater for after-dark gatherings on the deck.
Events & Festivals in December
There are no major festivals or events in Laos during December to be aware of.
Planning a trip to Laos?
See how December compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.
