When to Visit Hoi An: A Month-by-Month Weather Guide

Hoi An has two broad seasons - a long dry stretch and a shorter, wetter one - but conditions shift enough month to month that "just go in the dry season" isn't always the most useful advice. This guide breaks the year down month by month, so you can match your visit to what you actually want: beach days, quiet streets, festival timing, or simply the least chance of rain interrupting your plans.

For the bigger picture on planning a first trip, see The Complete Hoi An Travel Guide.

The two seasons, in brief

Hoi An's climate splits into a dry season running roughly from February to July or August, and a rainy season from around September through January. Sources vary slightly on exactly where the dry season ends - some put the cutoff in July, others in August - which reflects a real transition period rather than a sharp switch. Within the dry season, the hottest, most humid stretch is June through August; within the rainy season, October and November bring the heaviest rain and the highest chance of localized flooding in low-lying parts of the Old Town.

Weather patterns below reflect current seasonal averages compiled from multiple climate sources. Always check short-range forecasts closer to your actual travel dates. Last verified: July 2026.

Month by month

January

Average temperatures run cool for the tropics, roughly 19-24°C, with about 11 hours of daily sunshine and occasional light, scattered rain rather than sustained downpours. This is one of the more comfortable months for walking the Old Town, since the heat and humidity of summer haven't arrived yet. It also tends to be quieter than the surrounding rainy months, since the worst of the November-December rain has usually passed.

February

Weather turns drier and warmer, generally 23-27°C, with clearer skies becoming more consistent. February is also when Vietnam's Lunar New Year (Tet) usually falls - in 2026, the main holiday period is expected in mid-February, though exact public holiday dates are set by government decision each year and should be confirmed closer to your trip. Tet is a major domestic travel period: expect some shops and family-run businesses to close for several days, and book transport and accommodation well in advance if your dates overlap.

March

Temperatures climb further, typically 25-30°C, with increasing sun and lower rainfall. This is a strong month for combining Old Town sightseeing with early beach time, before the peak heat of summer sets in.

April-May

These months sit in the ramp-up to peak dry season: warm, increasingly humid, and drier than the months on either side of the year. They suit visitors who want reliable weather for day trips to My Son or the coast without the most intense heat of June through August.

June-July

This is the hottest, driest stretch of the year. Daytime highs commonly reach the low-to-mid 30s°C, with July regularly seeing highs in the low 30s and overnight lows staying warm. Sunshine hours are at their annual peak. Some travelers find this period uncomfortably hot and humid for extended walking, especially at midday; if you visit now, plan Old Town walks for early morning or late afternoon and treat midday as pool, riverboat, or indoor time.

August

Typically the most humid month of the year, still within the dry season but with noticeably "muggy" conditions. Heat and humidity peak together, which can make this the most physically demanding month to explore on foot.

September

The rainy season begins here. Average lows sit around 24°C, with rain becoming more frequent, though usually still in shorter, heavier bursts rather than continuous days of rain. Crowds start to thin out compared to the July-August peak.

October

A transition month: temperatures ease to roughly 25-30°C, humidity stays high, and rainfall increases further. This is a reasonable window for travelers who want a quieter Old Town and don't mind planning around occasional rain days.

November

Rain intensifies, and this is the month most associated with the risk of short-term flooding in low-lying streets of the Old Town, driven by a combination of heavy rainfall and upstream reservoir releases into the Thu Bon River. Average temperatures drop to around 27°C and continue falling through the month. If you travel in November, build flexibility into your itinerary and check local conditions on the ground, since some riverside streets can become temporarily impassable after heavy rain.

December

The coolest, wettest month of the year, with temperatures often in the 20-25°C range and the least sunshine of any month. Some visitors prefer this quieter, moodier version of Hoi An; others find the combination of cool temperatures and persistent rain limits outdoor plans.

Choosing your window by priority

No single month is objectively "best" - it depends on what matters most to you. A traveler prioritizing beach days will make a different choice than one prioritizing quiet, walkable streets or budget-friendly off-season rates.

Planning around the weather

A few practical notes that apply across seasons:

• Book accommodation and transport early around Tet (typically mid-February), since this is Vietnam's biggest domestic travel period and prices and availability shift accordingly.

• If traveling June-August, plan strenuous activities (walking tours, cycling, day trips) for morning or late afternoon rather than midday.

• If traveling October-November, check for flood advisories in the days before arrival and keep at least one day of your itinerary flexible.

• Pair your seasonal choice with Hoi An Itineraries: How to Spend 1, 2, 3, or 4 Days to build a schedule that matches the conditions you're likely to encounter.

Weather is only one factor in when to visit - see How to Get to Hoi An: Transportation Options Explained and Hoi An Travel Budget: What Things Actually Cost for how season affects pricing and travel logistics as well.

Fact-check log in July 2026