There is no single best month to visit Hoi An. The town has a long dry season and a shorter, intense rainy season, and each part of the year suits a different kind of traveller. Here is what to expect, including the drawbacks.
February to April: the most comfortable months
After the winter drizzle clears, the weather turns mild and dry, with warm days and little humidity. This is the easiest time for walking the Ancient Town, cycling through the rice fields and day trips to My Son. The sea can still be cool early in the season. Because the weather is so pleasant, these months are popular, so book accommodation ahead.
May to August: hot, bright and best for the beach
Summer brings strong sun, high temperatures and calm seas. It is the best period for An Bang and Cua Dai beaches and for boat trips to the Cham Islands. The trade-off is the midday heat, which can be tiring in the old streets. Plan sightseeing for early morning and late afternoon and rest in the middle of the day. This is also the main holiday season for Vietnamese families, so weekends are busy.
September to December: the rainy season
Rain becomes frequent from September, and October and November are the wettest months. Storms can pass through the region, boat services to the islands often stop, and the Ancient Town floods in some years when the Thu Bon River rises. Floods usually recede within days, but they can disrupt plans. In return, the town is quieter, rooms cost less and the streets have a different, moody beauty. Come with a flexible schedule and travel insurance.
January: cool and changeable
January is cooler, often grey, with light rain on some days and clear spells on others. It is fine for sightseeing and food, less so for the beach. The Lunar New Year, Tet, falls in late January or February: the town is beautifully decorated, but many family businesses close for several days and transport is crowded.
Quick guide
- Best all-round weather: February to April.
- Best for beaches and islands: May to August.
- Quietest and cheapest: September to early December, with a real risk of rain and flooding.
- For the lanterns: any month, on the 14th day of the lunar calendar. See our lantern festival guide.
