Climate of Hoi An
Before determining the best time to visit, it’s important to understand Hoi An’s climate. The town is located in Central Vietnam, near Da Nang and Hue, and shares the same weather pattern as these cities. Unlike northern or southern Vietnam, which have four seasons or a year-round tropical climate, Hoi An has two distinct seasons: a dry season and a rainy season.
Dry Season (February – August)
Hoi An’s dry season brings sunny skies, warm temperatures, and minimal rainfall. The weather is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities, with temperatures ranging from 25–35°C (77–95°F). The first part of the dry season (February to April) is pleasantly warm without being too hot, while the later months (May to August) can become very hot and humid, especially in the afternoons.
Rainy Season (September – January)
The rainy season in Hoi An is marked by high humidity, frequent rainfall, and occasional storms. While rain is common, it does not always last all day—showers often come in bursts, with some dry periods in between. The wettest months are October and November, when heavy rain can lead to localized flooding in the old town.
Aside from rain, December and January also see a drop in temperature, making them cooler months compared to the rest of the year. Although it’s not a typical winter, temperatures can drop to 18–20°C (64–68°F) in the evenings, which feels noticeably cooler than the rest of the year.
Hoi An’s climate compared to other regions in Vietnam
Many travelers visiting Hoi An will explore other parts of Vietnam, so it’s useful to understand that Hoi An’s seasons do not match the north or the south.
- Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa): Has four seasons, with a hot, humid summer (May–August) and a cool, dry winter (November–March). In July, for example, Hoi An is sunny and dry, while Hanoi is hot and rainy.
- Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc): Has a tropical climate, with a rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April. This means that while December is still rainy in Hoi An, it’s already dry in Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc.
Best time to visit Hoi An
The best time to visit Hoi An is during the dry season, from February to September, when you can enjoy sunny weather and outdoor activities.
- March and April are the most comfortable months, as temperatures are warm but not too hot, and rainfall is low.
- May to August is hot and humid, but still a great time to visit if you can handle the heat.
If you want to avoid the intense summer heat while still experiencing dry weather, the best time to visit is March and April.
Travel tip: The great thing about March and April is that Northern and Southern Vietnam also experience their best weather at this time. This makes it not only the best time for Hoi An but for traveling across the entire country, from the mountains in the north to the beaches in the south.
Beach season in Hoi An
The start of the dry season in February does not automatically mean the beach season begins. While the weather is generally dry, the early months (February to beginning of April) can still feel a bit cool, especially in the mornings and evenings. Additionally, stronger winds make the sea rougher. The less hot temperatures are ideal for some, but not for most beachgoers.
For most travelers, the best beach season in Hoi An is from late April to early September, when the sea is calm, temperatures are high, and the sun is strong.
Traveling during rainy season in Hoi An
The rainy season in Hoi An lasts from September to January, bringing frequent showers, high humidity, and occasional storms. While this period is less ideal for outdoor activities and the beach, it does not mean the town is off-limits for travelers. Rainfall patterns vary depending on the month, and there are still plenty of dry periods for sightseeing.
What to expect
Rain in Hoi An during the rainy season does not usually last all day. Instead, it often comes in short but heavy bursts, followed by drier periods. The rainiest months, October and November, bring the highest rainfall, while December and January see a gradual decrease in showers.
Humidity remains high, and cloudy skies are common, meaning the town has fewer bright, sunny days. The air is still warm, but December and January feel cooler, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Typhoons and flooding
Hoi An is occasionally affected by typhoons, which can bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and rough seas. Typhoon season in Vietnam typically runs from August to November, but September and October have the highest chance of storms. While direct hits are not very common, when a typhoon does approach, it can cause several days of heavy rain and disrupt travel plans.
Flooding in Hoi An is most common in October and November, often caused by heavy rainfall or typhoon-related storms. The Thu Bon River overflows, leading to ankle-deep or, in some cases, knee-deep water in parts of the old town near the river. While flooding is usually not dangerous for tourists, it can limit movement, with some streets becoming inaccessible by foot. However, when flooding occurs, locals quickly adapt by using boats to navigate the streets, which some visitors even find a unique experience.
Flooding is not common in December and January, but heavy rains can still lead to short-term high water levels, especially early in December.
Hoi An worth visiting in rainy season?
Visiting Hoi An in the rainy season can still be enjoyable, especially in September, late December, and January, when rainfall is less intense. Since Hoi An is primarily a cultural and historical destination, a bit of rain does not interfere much with sightseeing the way it would for a beach destination. The town’s cozy cafés, markets, and indoor activities make it a good place to explore even in wet conditions.
However, October and November are less ideal, as there is a higher chance of flooding. Although flooding only lasts a few days at most, if you happen to be there during that time, it can be inconvenient.
Beach conditions in rainy season
Hoi An is not a good beach destination during the rainy season. The sea is rough with high waves, and strong winds reduce the size of the beach, sometimes making it unsuitable for sunbathing or swimming.
Travel tip: If you’re visiting Vietnam in November or December and want a beach holiday, it’s better to head south to Phu Quoc or Mui Ne, where the dry season brings warm temperatures and calm seas.
Events & Festivals in Hoi An
Monthly lantern festival
Hoi An’s Lantern Festival takes place every month on the full moon night, when the town turns off electric lights, and the streets and river are illuminated by lanterns. The festival is a beautiful sight, but it is not a large-scale event—it is mainly a time when locals and visitors release floating lanterns on the river.
For exact dates and more details, visit: Hoi An Lantern Festival Guide.
Tet – Vietnamese New Year
Tet, or Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is Vietnam’s biggest and most important holiday, usually falling in late January or early February. It is a time when locals travel home to their families, and many businesses close for several days.
Hoi An is one of the better places to visit during Tet, as some restaurants, shops, and hotels remain open, unlike in smaller cities where everything shuts down. Leading up to the holiday, the town is decorated with red banners and flowers, and on New Year’s Eve, there are fireworks and performances in the town center.
Reunification Day
While not a local festival, this national holiday period is one of the busiest times in Vietnam for domestic travel. Many Vietnamese take time off to travel, and Hoi An becomes especially crowded with local tourists. The holiday period typically lasts four to five days, and hotel prices can be higher.
If you are planning to visit during this time, expect crowded streets and higher demand for accommodation and transport.
Da Nang Firework Festival
This is not in Hoi An, but it is a major event just 30 minutes away in Da Nang. The Da Nang International Fireworks Festival is held annually in June and July, featuring firework competitions between different countries.
For more details: Da Nang International Fireworks Festival.
Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival takes place in September or early October, depending on the lunar calendar. While not as big as Tet, it is a time when families celebrate with lanterns and mooncakes.
Hoi An’s old town and riverfront become especially beautiful at night, with lanterns, drum performances, and lion dances. The atmosphere is lively, but not as overwhelming as other major Vietnamese festivals.
Christmas & New Year
While not traditional Vietnamese holidays, Christmas and New Year are increasingly recognized, especially in tourist areas like Hoi An.
- Christmas: Many hotels, restaurants, and cafés put up decorations, and some offer special Christmas dinners. While locals do not celebrate, the town has a cozy, festive atmosphere for international visitors.
- New Year’s Eve: Vietnam’s main celebration is Tet (Lunar New Year), but Western New Year’s Eve (December 31st) is widely celebrated in Hoi An’s bars and restaurants.
- Fireworks: Hoi An does not usually have official fireworks, but there are celebrations and parties. If you want fireworks, Da Nang (30 minutes away) is the best option. However, check in advance, as December’s windy weather has caused cancellations in previous years.
Monthly weather in Hoi An
Hoi An’s weather changes significantly throughout the year, shifting between a hot and dry season and a cooler, wetter rainy season. Depending on when you visit, you may experience long sunny days ideal for the beach or rainy periods that bring a different atmosphere to the ancient town. Below is a month-by-month breakdown of what to expect, helping you choose the best time for your trip.
January
January is part of the rainy season, but rainfall is less frequent than in previous months. Temperatures are cooler, especially in the mornings and evenings, making it a comfortable time for sightseeing. The beach is not ideal due to rough seas and cooler winds, but the town itself is still a good place to explore. Check the full guide for Hoi An in January: Hoi An January weather
February
February marks the end of the rainy season, with dry weather returning and temperatures gradually rising. It is a good month to visit, though the sea can still be a bit rough, and mornings may feel cooler than expected. Rain is unlikely, making it a great time for sightseeing. Check the weather in February: Hoi An February weather
March
March is one of the best months to visit Hoi An, with warm but comfortable temperatures, almost no rain, and clear skies. The beach season starts improving, and conditions are perfect for both outdoor activities and cultural sightseeing. See what to expect in March: Hoi An March Weather
April
April is one of the hottest months but still a great time to visit, as it remains dry with long sunny days. The beach season is in full swing, and it’s a perfect time for relaxing by the coast or taking boat trips. Read more about April’s weather in Hoi An: Hoi An April weather
May
May brings high temperatures and increasing humidity, but it is still part of the dry season. If you can handle the heat, it’s a good month for visiting Hoi An, with ideal conditions for beach activities. Check out the full guide for May: Hoi An May weather
June
June is hot and humid, with temperatures often above comfortable sightseeing levels during midday. However, the beach is at its best, and early mornings and late afternoons are great for exploring. See what to expect in June: Hoi An June weather
July
July remains very hot, but it is still a good time to visit, as rain is minimal, and the beach conditions are excellent. The old town can feel quite warm in the afternoons, so sightseeing is best early or late in the day. Check the weather guide for July: Hoi An July weather
August
August is the last month of the dry season, but humidity increases, and occasional rain showers start appearing. It’s still a good time for the beach, but by the end of the month, the weather starts transitioning toward the rainy season. Find out more about Hoi An in August: Hoi An August weather
September
September marks the beginning of the rainy season, with more frequent showers and higher humidity. While there are still some dry days, the chance of rain increases throughout the month. The beach is no longer a great option, but sightseeing is still possible with some flexibility. See what to expect in September: Hoi An September weather
October
October is one of the wettest months, with heavy rainfall and a risk of flooding in the old town. It is not an ideal time to visit, as stormy conditions can disrupt travel plans. If you do visit, expect frequent rain, cloudy skies, and limited outdoor activities. Read about the conditions in October: Hoi An October weather
November
November is still a very rainy month, with a high risk of flooding in the first half. Toward the end of the month, rain starts decreasing, but conditions remain unpredictable. The beach is not a good option, but Hoi An’s old town can still be enjoyable if you prepare for wet weather. Check out the weather for November: Hoi An November weather
December
December is cooler than previous months, and while it is still part of the rainy season, rainfall is less intense compared to October and November. The beach is not ideal, but the town itself is still a nice place to explore. Find out what to expect in December: Hoi An December weather
