The best time to visit Hoi An is from February to April, when the weather is cool, dry, and ideal for sightseeing or cycling through the ancient town. During this period, you’ll enjoy gentle sunshine and fewer chances of rain, perfect for exploring beaches and lantern-lit streets.
Hoi An’s tropical monsoon climate divides the year into two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season, each offering a different travel experience. This guide will help you understand the weather patterns throughout the year and choose the perfect time to plan your trip.
Hoi An is located in Quang Nam province in Central Vietnam and has a tropical monsoon climate. This means the weather is divided into two distinct seasons: a dry season and a rainy season. Understanding these two seasons is key to planning your trip.
The dry season in Hoi An starts in February and ends in August. From February to April, the weather is mild and beautiful with light sunshine and minimal rainfall. This period is ideal for outdoor activities like exploring the ancient town.
From May to August, the weather gets hotter with warm sunshine and little rain. Temperatures can reach a high of nearly 40°C during this time. This makes it the best time to visit the famous beaches in Hoi An.
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Peaceful streets of Hoi An during the dry season (Sources: Collected) |
The rainy season takes place from September to January. This period brings heavy rains, typhoons and sometimes floods. This is the off-peak season in Hoi An, so you will encounter fewer crowds.
From November to January, the temperature is cooler and ranges from 19 to 24°C. If you plan to visit during the rainy season, you should check Hoi An's weather forecast regularly.
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Flooding in Hoi An on rainy season (Source: Vnexpress) |
The best time to visit Hoi An is from February to April.
During these months, the weather is cool and pleasant. You can expect minimal rainfall, moderate temperatures, and sunny weather. This period is ideal for all outdoor activities, from sightseeing and leisurely strolls to beach trips. It is also not the peak tourism season, which means Hoi An is less crowded.
If you want to travel on a budget or prefer even fewer tourists, you can consider visiting during the rainy season. The price of flights, hotels, and restaurant services are often more reasonable at this time.
The main time to avoid visiting Hoi An is during the peak of the rainy season, specifically from October to December.
During this period, the town can experience heavy rains and typhoons, which can lead to serious flooding. In some years, the water in the Ancient Town has reached 1-2 meters deep, covering most of the area. For this reason, it is best to avoid traveling to Hoi An in October and November.
While December and January are also in the rainy season, they are generally cooler. You can still expect rainy days, which may limit outdoor and beach activities.
From January to March is an ideal time to visit Hoi An. The weather is cool, dry, and comfortable with average temperatures varying from 18 to 23°C. This period is suitable for outdoor activities like exploring the Japanese Bridge or spending a day at Tra Que Vegetable Village.
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Experience the daily life of a farmer on Tra Que Village (Sources: Collected) |
There is more sunshine in Hoi An from April to June, but the weather is not too hot. Temperatures are around 26-31°C. This is the peak tourism season, the weather is good for visiting An Bang Beach or going diving and snorkeling at the Cham Islands.
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Cham island is a place to visit on summer period (Sources: Collected) |
July to September marks the beginning of the rainy season in Hoi An. There is more rainfall, and temperatures might drop to 21°C at night. The number of tourists also starts to decline in this period of time. This makes it a good time to visit cultural and historic sites like My Son Sanctuary with fewer crowds.
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My Son Sanctuary, unique historic sites in Hoi An (Sources: Collected) |
From October to December, the weather turns cooler and rainier. This is also the peak of the rainy season, when typhoons can cause flooding. In this weather you still can visit the historical sites in Hoi An such as Tan Ky Old House or Cantonese Assembly Hall. It might not be the best time to visit Hoi An due to the weather, but you can still appreciate the beauty in these historical sites
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Tan Ky old house, a historical sites you should visit (Sources: Collected) |
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Cantonese Assembly Hall presents old architecture style (Sources: Collected) |
Besides weather patterns, festivals are another highlight that can make your trip to Hoi An even more special.
Tet is the most important festival in Vietnam. It usually falls right in late January or early February, which is the ideal time to visit Hoi An. The days leading up to Tet are a vibrant time to be in Hoi An, as the streets are filled with decorations. Many shops and restaurants may close or are too packed with tourists for a few days during the actual holiday, so it is important to plan ahead.
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Decorations on Tet festival |
The Hoi An Lantern Festival is held on the 14th day of every lunar month, coinciding with the full moon. On this night, the lights in the Ancient Town are turned off, and the streets are illuminated only by thousands of colorful silk lanterns. Locals release paper lanterns on the Hoai River, creating a beautiful scene you must-not miss when visiting Hoi An
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Hoi An lantern festivals |
The Mid-Autumn Festival, usually held on the 15th day of the 8th month (usually in late September or early October), is another enchanting time to be in Hoi An. The streets are filled with lion dances, children carrying lanterns, and stalls selling mooncakes. The entire Ancient Town has a joyful and festive atmosphere.
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Colorful traditional lanterns in Hoi An (Sources: Collected) |
The dry season in Hoi An is perfect for outdoor exploration and beach activities. The weather is defined by warm sunshine and very little rain, creating ideal conditions for walking through the town or cycling in the countryside.
Tips when visiting in dry season:
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Essentials for dry season (Sources: Collected) |
The rainy season in Hoi An offers a unique charm with a cooler atmosphere and fewer crowds. The rain can enhance the mossy, ancient appearance of the architecture, creating a peaceful and picturesque backdrop for photos.
Tips when visiting in rainy season:
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Essentials for rainy season in Hoi An (Sources: Collected) |
December isn’t the worst time to visit Hoi An, but it is important to know what to expect. It is the end of a long rainy season, so you will likely still experience a lot of cloudy and rainy days.
Temperatures are cooler, around 20-22°C, which can be pleasant for walking around. However, if there has been heavy flooding in the previous months like October or November, some places in the town might still be closed or making repairs
The period to be most cautious about is the peak of the rainy season, specifically October and November.
During these months, Hoi An can experience heavy rainfall and typhoons, which sometimes lead to flooding in the Ancient Town. While it doesn't happen every year, the risk is highest during this time and can disrupt travel plans.
The ideal duration for a stay in Hoi An depends on your priorities. Most tourists find that three days is the perfect amount of time to enjoy the town at a comfortable pace without feeling rushed.
A two-day stay is suitable for tourists with a tight schedule. It allows you to explore the Ancient Town and a nearby beach. A longer stay of five days or more is designed for those who wish to experience Hoi An deeply, with opportunities to connect with locals and discover off-the-beaten-path areas.
Yes, Hoi An can experience flooding. This typically happens during the peak of the rainy season, from October to November.
The Ancient Town is located in a low-lying area next to the river, which makes it prone to flooding after heavy rains or typhoons. It doesn’t flood severely every year, but there have been years where the water level was high.
If you travel during these months, you should check the weather forecast regularly. While some travelers find the sight of boats navigating the flooded streets unique, it can also disrupt travel plans.
You’ll experience hot, sunny weather, so pack light and breathable clothing like t-shirts, shorts, and dresses. Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against strong sunlight. Bring your swimsuit for beach days or hotel pools, and wear comfortable shoes or sandals for walking around the Old Town.
Rain is common, so always bring an umbrella or a raincoat for sudden showers. A light jacket or sweater is useful for cool evenings. Waterproof shoes will help keep your feet dry on slippery streets, and a waterproof bag is recommended to protect your phone and camera.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Hoi An depends on what you value most in your journey. The dry season from February to April brings the most pleasant weather for sightseeing, cycling, and outdoor adventures. Meanwhile, the rainy season offers a quieter atmosphere and more affordable travel costs, ideal for those who enjoy a slower pace and fewer crowds.
By understanding the city’s seasons and planning your itinerary wisely, you can enjoy a truly memorable experience in this charming ancient town. If you need help designing the perfect trip, our local travel experts at YourVietnam Travel can craft a personalized Hoi An itinerary tailored to your style and schedule.
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