Hoi An is one of the most picturesque cities in all of Vietnam. Renowned for its paper lanterns, lively Old Town, and paddy fields, there are plenty of things to do in Hoi An, and you should definitely add it to your itinerary.
But visiting with the right weather is vital to make the most of your trip, be able to explore outdoors, and enjoy the city and its fabulous attractions to the fullest.
So what’s the best time to visit Hoi An, you’re wondering? In this guide, you’ll find the weather and climate of Hoi An throughout the year to help you plan your vacation around the most ideal seasons.
On top of that, check out the major festivities of the country in case you’d like to travel around big celebrations. Ready to dig in? Read on!
Table of Contents
Dry Season: February to September
The dry season in Hoi An is from February to September, and as its name suggest, it’s the time of year with the least amount of rainfall. If you want to enjoy outdoor activities and not have to worry about rain, these are the months to book a trip to Hoi An.
The average daytime temperature ranges between 25 and 30° C (77 and 86 F). In May, the hot season starts and temperatures rise even more, but we’ll cover that later!
Rainy Season: October to January
The wet or rainy season kicks off in October, the rainiest month of the year, and lasts until January. There are still some sunny days, but it’s almost certain that it will rain most days throughout the season.
On top of the increased rainfall, you can also expect the daily average temperature to drop to 23 degrees Celsius (73 Fahrenheit) or lower.
The bulk of the rain often falls between October and early December, and floodings are very common, especially in the Old Town of Hoi An, so I would advise you against visiting during these months.
By December, the rainy season loosens its grip on Hoi An, and the rainfall gradually decreases, though you should still be equipped with rain gear at all times. This is also the coldest time of year, with an average of 19°C (66.2 F) in January.
Best Time to Visit: February to April
Hoi An doesn’t really have a shoulder season when it comes to its climate, but you can find very pleasant weather at beginning of the dry season, between February and April.
This is considered the best time to visit Hoi An and enjoy its outdoor activities and benefit from the mild temperatures and sunny days.
The level of tourism is also above average in these months as the peak travel season begins, so you’re likely to find some crowds in the main tourist attractions.
Hot Season: May to September
The high season for travel in Hoi An peaks between May and September. If you’re looking to enjoy unlimited sunshine and warm temperatures, this is the season that offers it. You’ll be able to enjoy more hours of sunlight, and almost non-existent rainfall.
The temperatures, however, soar at this time of year, averaging around 32°C (90 F) during the day.
It’s a great time to relax on the beach, and enjoy all the snorkeling and diving activities, but it might be too hot for sightseeing if you’re sensitive to very high temperatures. For milder days, I recommend visiting between February and May.
We’ve covered the best and worst seasons to visit Hoi An weather-wise… But what about its festivals? If you’d rather travel to the region around some of its major festivities to delve into its culture and customs, check out the most important ones below.
Mid-Autumn Full Moon Festival
The Mid-Autumn Full Moon Festival (Tet Trung Thu) is one of the best celebrations to attend if you want to learn about Vietnam’s traditional culture.
This holiday is celebrated during the 15th day of of the 8th lunar month (late September or early October), when the moon is brighter and larger than it is at any other time of the year. The whole purpose of this festival is to honor the moon in the hopes of having better harvests.
During the night of the festival, the streets are filled with a colorful display of lights as well as children singing and doing the lion dance on the streets. Lion dances and moon cakes are two of the most common things you’ll find during this festival.
Tet (Vietnamese New Year)
Tet is the annual Vietnamese New Year Celebration, and one of the biggest holiday festivities in the country. It marks the first day of spring and also coincides with the Lunar New Year that is observed throughout the world. Tet is a shortened name for Tet Nguyen Dan, which is Vietnamese for “Lunar New Year”.
While this is a good time to travel to Vietnam due to the festivities, it’s also the busiest time of the year. Millions of tourists travel to Vietnam to celebrate the New Year in the country.
Many shops and businesses will be closed during this holiday. As a traveler, you should expect a lot of noise and celebrations, especially on the streets. You’ll hear lots of banging gongs and firecrackers and see a lot of dancing on the street.
If you like to see the holiday celebration first-hand, this is an ideal time to go to Hoi An. If you’d prefer a more laid back and relaxing vacation, you should avoid going to this city during the celebration of Tet.
