When to visit Hoi An? City-Trip Guide

Between the golden Old Town and verdant rice fields, Hoi An reinvents itself each season under enchanting lights and atmospheres.

0.12 M population
Vietnamese language
130 days/year rainy days/year
February to April best time to visit
3 to 5 days recommended stay

Climate of Hoi An

Understanding the tropical and seasonal climate of Hoi An

Reflection of a historic building on a pond on a beautiful sunny day in Hoi An

by Ethan Hu on Unsplash

Hoi An enjoys a tropical monsoon climate, influenced by its location on the edge of the South China Sea and the Annamite Range to the west. The city experiences two main seasons: a bright dry season (February to August) and a formidable rainy season (September to January), with a risk of typhoons and flooding in October and November.

Historic Center: Dense urban area with a moderate heat island effect
An Hoi District: Riverside proximity, slightly cooler and more humid
An Bang Beach: Coastal area with refreshing sea breezes

Month	Min Temp. (°C / °F)	Max Temp. (°C / °F)	Precipitation (mm)	Sunshine (h/day)	Tourist Traffic	Recommended Activities
January	17°C / 63°F	24°C / 75°F	80	5	★★★	Old Town, lanterns, museums
February	17°C / 63°F	27°C / 81°F	30	6	★★★★	Cycling, beach, Tết festival
March	20°C / 68°F	29°C / 84°F	20	7	★★★★★	An Bang Beach, Old Town, excursions
April	22°C / 72°F	32°C / 90°F	35	8	★★★★★	Water sports, night market, My Son
May	24°C / 75°F	34°C / 93°F	80	8	★★★	Morning beach, shopping, local cuisine
June	25°C / 77°F	35°C / 95°F	60	9	★★	Early morning beach, daytime museums
July	25°C / 77°F	35°C / 95°F	55	9	★★	Water sports, rooftop bar, lanterns
August	25°C / 77°F	35°C / 95°F	80	8	★★	Beaches, street food, Independence Day
September	24°C / 75°F	32°C / 90°F	180	6	★★	Museums, craft workshops (typhoon risk)
October	22°C / 72°F	28°C / 82°F	350	4	★	Indoor activities, lanterns (if no flooding)
November	20°C / 68°F	26°C / 79°F	200	4	★★	Lantern festival, quiet Old Town
December	18°C / 64°F	24°C / 75°F	120	5	★★★	Old Town, market, gastronomy

Located at sea level, Hoi An has minimal climatic variations related to altitude. The main influences come from maritime proximity and seasonal monsoon winds.

The seasons in Hoi An

🌸 Cool Dry Season — February to April

This is the queen period of Hoi An. The sky is a clear blue, temperatures remain pleasant, and the alleys of the Old Town compete in color. Multicolored lanterns shine under the sun, cyclos roam the cobbled streets, and restaurant terraces are full from sunset. The surrounding rice fields turn a tender green: a postcard setting accessible by bike.

Temperatures: 17°C–32°C / 63°F–90°F

Precipitation: Low (20–35 mm/month)

Ideal weather for exploring the Old Town on foot all day
An Bang and Cua Dai beaches are usable and uncrowded
Excursions to My Son and Da Nang in good conditions
Tết and lantern festivals in February
Artisanal workshops and indoor cooking classes are very lively

High traffic in March–April: book well in advance
Accommodation prices rise in high season

Ideal for: First-time visitors, couples, families, photographers, gastronomy enthusiasts

Atmosphere: The golden city radiates light, scents of flowers and lemongrass fill the alleys, a near-magical softness floats in the air.

☀️ Hot and Humid Season — May to August

Summer brings intense heat to Hoi An, tempered by the sea breeze at the end of the day. The city wakes up very early to enjoy the morning coolness on the beaches of An Bang. Tailor shops work at full capacity, street food restaurants stay open late, and the night market's evening entertainment is in full swing. The golden evening light on the yellow houses offers stunning shots.

Temperatures: 24°C–35°C / 75°F–95°F

Precipitation: Moderate to intermittent (55–80 mm/month)

Beaches accessible and less crowded than in high season
Very lively night market and intense nightlife
Tailor shops, cooking classes, and boat excursions available
Accommodation prices more accessible

Suffocating heat in the middle of the day (35°C / 95°F and above)
Need to adapt: beach in the morning, nap, outings in the evening

Ideal for: Budget travelers, beach lovers, night owls, fashionistas (tailors)

Atmosphere: Hoi An is lived at night: lanterns, music, scents of grilled lemongrass, and children's laughter in the alleys.

🌧️ Rainy Season and Typhoons — September to November

This is the most unpredictable and spectacular season. Torrential rains can cause flooding in the Old Town — an annual phenomenon that has forged Hoi An's unique identity. Locals bring out the boats, lanterns float on the rising water, and the photos are of striking beauty. That said, October remains the riskiest month with rainfall that can exceed 350 mm.

Temperatures: 20°C–32°C / 68°F–90°F

Precipitation: Very high (180–350 mm/month)

Flooded Hoi An offers unique and unforgettable images
Very few tourists: authentic experience guaranteed
Lowest prices: excellent deals on accommodation

Real risk of typhoons and blocking floods
Some attractions and excursions closed or canceled
Transport disrupted, road cuts possible

Ideal for: Adventurous travelers, photographers, budget travelers, lovers of radical change of scenery

Atmosphere: A timeless Hoi An, between tropical mists and lanterns reflecting in the flooded streets.

🌤️ Cool and Mild Season — December to January

Winter in Hoi An is a nice surprise for European travelers: mild temperatures around 20°C–24°C (68°F–75°F), gradually decreasing humidity, and a city that regains its intimate charm after the floods. The improvised Christmas markets and Tết preparations in January give the Old Town a warm and colorful atmosphere. Lanterns illuminate the alleys every evening without the crowds of March.

Temperatures: 17°C–26°C / 63°F–79°F

Precipitation: Moderate to decreasing (80–120 mm/month)

Very pleasant temperatures for walking in the Old Town
Festive year-end atmosphere and Tết preparations
Fewer people than in March–April, more accessible prices
Night market and outdoor cultural entertainment

Still some showers in December, beaches less usable
Some days in January very busy around Tết

Ideal for: Couples, cultural travelers, families outside French school holidays, seniors

Atmosphere: A bright and peaceful city, scented with Tết incense, between yellow houses and red lanterns.

Must-sees according to the weather

In Hoi An, every weather condition opens the door to a different experience. Sun or rain, the UNESCO-listed Old Town always holds treasures for those who know where to look.

Traditional fishing boats on the Thu Bon River in the old town of Hoi An

by RE Walsh on Unsplash

☔ In cloudy or rainy weather

Indoor and sheltered spaces in Hoi An

On rainy days, Hoi An reveals its cultural and artisanal soul through its museums, house-museums, and workshops nestled under the arcades of the Old Town.

🏛️ Museum of Trade Ceramics — 1h — $2 — open all year, especially recommended Oct. to Nov.
🏠 Tan Ky Ancestral House — 45 min — included in the Old Town pass ($5) — visit in the morning
🎭 Hoi An Memories Show — 2h — $30–$50 — in the evening, covered, online booking recommended
🕌 Fujian Assembly Hall — 45 min — included in pass — remarkable architecture in bad weather
🧵 Old Town Tailor Workshops — 1–2h — free (purchase possible) — unique indoor experience
🍜 Vietnamese Cooking Class (Morning Glory) — 3h — $30–$45 — book in advance, very popular on rainy days

Practical Tip: The Old Town pass ($5) grants access to 5 sites of your choice out of 22 — buy it online to avoid the queue.

Tip: Link Tan Ky House → Ceramics Museum → Fujian Hall in less than 2 hours on foot under the arcades.

☀️ In good weather

Open-air outdoor sites

Under the Hoi An sun, the city and its immediate surroundings offer landscapes of rare beauty, between yellow houses, rice fields, and white sand beaches.

🌾 Cycling in the Tra Que rice fields — 2–3h — $10–$15 — ideal in the morning before 10:00 AM
🏖️ An Bang Beach — half-day — free — best before 9:00 AM and after 4:00 PM
🛶 Boat ride on the Thu Bon — 1h — $5–$10 — sunset at 5:30 PM recommended
⛩️ My Son Sanctuary — 3–4h — $15 — early morning departure (7:00 AM) to avoid the heat
🌅 Japanese Bridge (Lai Vien Kieu) — 30 min — included in pass — perfect photo at golden hour (6:00 AM or 6:00 PM)
🚴 Countryside and fishing village bike tour — half-day — $8–$12 — ideal from March to April

Best time: Sunrise on the Thu Bon (6:00 AM–7:00 AM) for golden reflections and an Old Town still asleep.

Seasonal Tip: Avoid outdoor activities between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM from May to August — prioritize the months of February to April.

🌤️ All-weather versatile

Flexible sites, sun or rain

These places combine indoor and outdoor spaces, ideal for adapting your visit to the whims of the tropical sky.

🏮 Old Town at night — 2h — Old Town pass — alleys covered with arcades, protected lanterns
🍽️ Hoi An Central Market — 1h — free — mostly covered, lively in all weather
🎨 Art Gallery Street (Tran Phu) — 1h30 — free — indoor workshops, picturesque alleys

Weather Tip: If it rains, move from covered galleries to house-museums; if the sun returns, head to the Thu Bon for sunset.

Typical itinerary: Market in the morning → Tan Ky House → Tran Phu Street galleries → sunset boat ride → night market.

💰 Free or budget-friendly

Exploring Hoi An without breaking the bank

🌉 Japanese Bridge (exterior) — free viewing from the Cau Hoi An bridge
🕌 Facades and alleys of the Old Town — free roaming outside paid sites
🌅 An Bang Beach — totally free access, sunbeds and drinks for rent $1–$2
🏘️ Kim Bong Village (view from the quay) — free panorama from the banks of the Thu Bon

Free days: Some sites open their doors for free during the Lantern Night (14th lunar day each month).

Budget tips: Buy one Old Town pass ($5) and supplement with free alleys, markets, and sunsets from the banks.

Practical Guide

In Hoi An, the weather dictates the rhythm of the day: cool mornings ideal for walking through the Old Town, afternoons sheltered during the hot season, and evenings always magical under the lanterns. Adapt your wardrobe and budget to the season to fully enjoy this extraordinary city.

People riding motorcycles on a sunny street, a typical means of transport in Vietnam

by WL Rai on Unsplash

👕 Seasonal packing

Cool Dry Season (Feb–Apr): • Light cotton clothing • Small cardigan or sweater for cool mornings • Comfortable closed walking shoes • Lightweight foldable raincoat • Sunscreen is essential

Hot Season (May–Aug): • Ultra-light breathable clothing • Wide-brimmed hat or cap • Walking sandals • Small portable fan • Reusable water bottle

Rainy Season (Sep–Nov): • Raincoat or poncho (warm tropical downpours are sudden) • Waterproof shoes or sandals with non-slip soles • Change of clothes in a waterproof bag • Compact umbrella

Mild Winter (Dec–Jan): • Light mid-layer for cool evenings (18°C / 64°F minimum) • Jeans or light trousers • Comfortable closed shoes

💰 Seasonal budget

Period	Center Accommodation (€/night)	Transport (€/day)	Restaurants (€/day)	Attractions (€)	Traffic
High Season (Mar–Apr)	50–120	5–10	15–35	10–20	★★★★★
Tết Festival (Feb)	60–140	5–10	15–30	5–15	★★★★
Shoulder (May, Dec–Jan)	35–80	4–8	10–25	5–15	★★★
Summer (Jun–Aug)	30–60	4–8	10–20	5–15	★★
Low Season (Oct–Nov)	20–45	3–6	8–18	5–10	★

💡 Money-saving tips

The Old Town pass ($5) grants access to 5 sites: make it worth your while with a well-planned half-day.
Eat lunch at local street stalls on Tran Phu Street (less than €2 for Cao Lau or Banh Mi) rather than at tourist restaurants in the evening.
Rent a bicycle ($1–$2/day) instead of a scooter to reach the beaches and rice fields.
Book your accommodation 2 to 3 months in advance for March–April and save up to 30% on the best Old Town hotels.
Choose guesthouses in the Cam Chau or Son Phong districts, slightly off-center but much cheaper than the historic heart.

🏥 Health and precautions

☀️ Heatstroke: Hydrate every 30 minutes from May to August; avoid going out between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM
🦟 Mosquitoes: Repellent is essential at dusk, especially near the Thu Bon River
💧 Tap water: Not potable — prefer bottled water or filtered bottles
🌧️ Flooding (Oct–Nov): Check local weather alerts daily
👟 Intensive walking: The uneven cobblestones of the Old Town are tiring on the ankles — prefer closed walking shoes
🏥 Pharmacies: Several pharmacies open until 10:00 PM in the Old Town

Events in Hoi An

Calendar of must-see events in Hoi An

In Hoi An, events are not just visited: they are experienced. Each festival turns the Old Town into a living painting, amplifying the unique atmosphere of this city of lanterns.

Colorful illuminated Chinese lanterns hanging on a rope, symbol of Hoi An night festivals

by Steven Wilcox on Unsplash

🏮 Lantern Night — Every 14th lunar day (monthly)

On the evening of the 14th day of each lunar month, Hoi An turns off its lights and glows. Electricity is cut in the Old Town, and candles and silk lanterns take over. Locals place flower and candle boats on the Thu Bon River, creating a magical reflection on the dark water. The atmosphere is enchanting, spiritual, and infinitely photogenic.

Location: Entire Old Town, Thu Bon riverbanks, Japanese Bridge

Note: Free and accessible to all — some sites open their doors for free that evening

Impact: High attendance that evening; restaurant reservations should be made 48 hours in advance

Access: Walking distance from any Old Town accommodation; bicycle/scooter parking on the outskirts is recommended

Tip: Book your Old Town accommodation well in advance if your stay coincides with this night.

🎆 Tết Nguyên Đán — Late January / Early February (variable dates)

The Vietnamese New Year is the most emotionally charged time in Hoi An. The Old Town is covered in peach blossoms and kumquat trees, temples burn incense continuously, and streets fill with families in traditional attire. Fireworks light up the Thu Bon River at midnight. In 2027, Tết will fall around January 17th.

Location: Entire city, central market, Quan Cong Temple

Note: Some shops and restaurants close for 2 to 5 days — plan your meals in advance

Impact: City transformed, prices increase by 20% to 40%, roads are very busy

Access: Local transport disrupted — plan for tuk-tuks or bicycles

Tip: Book your accommodation 3 months in advance for this exceptional period.

🎭 Quang Nam Heritage Festival — June (even years)

Held every two years, this regional festival celebrates the intangible cultural heritage of Central Vietnam. Traditional theater performances (tuong), period costume parades, craft exhibitions, and folk music concerts take over the Old Town. In 2026, it will take place in June — a rare opportunity to see Hoi An in all its cultural depth.

Location: Main stage at Nguyen Hoang Square, Old Town, Thu Bon riverbanks

Note: Unique biennial event in Central Vietnam

Impact: Influx of Vietnamese and international visitors, hotels fully booked — plan 2 months in advance

Access: From Da Nang by bus or taxi (30 min) — arrange a shuttle from the airport

Tip: Book as soon as reservations open, as Old Town hotels fill up in hours.

Seasonal events

Winter (Dec–Jan): • December Lantern Night (festive year-end atmosphere) • Tết preparations in markets (decorations, flowers, specialties) • Outdoor cultural performances on the Thu Bon riverbanks

Spring (Feb–Apr): • Tết Nguyên Đán (Lunar New Year, Jan/Feb) • Hoi An Flower Festival (March) • High-traffic monthly Lantern Nights

Summer (May–Aug): • Vietnam National Day (September 2 — concerts and fireworks) • Summer Lantern Nights in tropical heat • Weekend night craft market

Autumn (Sep–Nov): • Quang Nam Heritage Festival (June, even years — spilling into Sept.) • November Lantern Night: the most poetic, sometimes celebrated on floodwaters

Responsible Hoi An

Hoi An is one of the cities in Vietnam most affected by seasonal overtourism. Choosing your visit period with awareness means contributing to preserving the authenticity of this UNESCO-listed Old Town and supporting its inhabitants on a daily basis.

Two people wearing traditional conical hats overlooking the historic city and its rooftops

by Khoi Tran on Unsplash

The Old Town of Hoi An is pedestrianized in the evening, which makes it naturally favorable to gentle travel. Prioritize cycling to reach the beaches and rice fields, support family craft workshops rather than industrial souvenir shops, and respect residential areas where real Hoi An families still live. Waste management remains a major challenge: carry your reusable water bottle.

🌱 Low-season advantages

Visiting Hoi An in the low season (June to August, December to January) helps reduce tourist pressure on the Old Town, benefit from more accessible prices, and truly interact with the locals in an authentic setting.

♻️ Sustainable travel tips

🚴 Rent a local bicycle ($1–$2/day) rather than a combustion scooter to explore the surroundings
🍜 Eat in family-run street stalls outside tourist streets to support the local economy
🏨 Choose eco-friendly certified guesthouses (labels displayed at the entrance)
♻️ Refuse plastic straws and bags — carry your own reusable containers
🚶 Walk in the Old Town rather than taking electric tuk-tuks for short distances
📅 Avoid peak traffic in March–April if possible and opt for February or May, which are just as beautiful

🏙️ Local sustainable initiatives

Hoi An has implemented extended pedestrian zones in the evening in the Old Town, is developing self-service bicycle circuits, and encourages local artisans through official labels. The city is also experimenting with improved waste management systems and supports the organic rice fields of Tra Que, which are labeled for sustainable tourism.

Our Recommendations

Recommendations for your city-trip to Hoi An

Outdoor cafe shaded by trees with motorcycles parked in front, relaxed atmosphere

by Juup Schram on Unsplash

After a complete analysis of the climate, tourist traffic, cultural events, and prices, the ideal period to visit Hoi An is between February and April. These months combine mild skies, pleasant temperatures, a lively Old Town, and significant cultural events like Tết. For a more adventurous or budget-conscious traveler, May and December offer an excellent quality-price compromise with moderate traffic and an authentic atmosphere.

✅ Optimal Period: February to April

Recommended Months: February, March, April

Ideal weather: clear skies, temperatures from 17°C to 32°C (63°F–90°F), low rainfall
Old Town at the peak of its activity: markets, lanterns, terraces
An Bang and Cua Dai beaches are accessible and usable
Tết Festival in February: unique and unforgettable atmosphere
Excursions to My Son and Da Nang in perfect conditions

Key Events: Tết Nguyên Đán (Feb), monthly Lantern Nights, Flower Festival (March)

Drawbacks: High traffic in March–April, accommodation to be booked 2–3 months in advance, higher prices

Ideal Profile: First-time visitors, couples, families, photographers, gastronomy and culture enthusiasts

Recommended Duration: 4 to 5 days to explore the city, surroundings, and beaches

🔄 Interesting Alternative: May and December

Alternative Months: May, December, January

May offers an excellent balance between still-mild weather, accessible beaches, and a clear drop in traffic. December is ideal for enjoying the city in a festive year-end atmosphere with very mild temperatures. These months allow you to negotiate better rates and live a more authentic experience with the locals.

Specific Advantages: Fewer tourists, accommodation prices down by 30% to 50%, more local atmosphere, less crowded Lantern Nights

For whom: Independent travelers, budget travelers, authenticity seekers, couples looking for tranquility

👥 Tips for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Family: March–April for perfect weather, calm beaches, cooking workshops for children in the Old Town. Accommodation with a pool in Cam An. Prioritize mornings for sightseeing.

💰 Budget: May or December — guesthouses in Son Phong (€20–€35/night), bicycle rentals, street food on Cam Nam Street. Old Town pass to be maximized over 2 days.

🎭 Culture: February for Tết, June of even years for the Heritage Festival. Base yourself in the Old Town, walkable everywhere.

💑 Romantic: February or December — Lantern Night, sunset boat dinner on the Thu Bon, boutique hotel with rooftop views.

🗓️ Long Weekend: March or April — 4 days are enough: Old Town D1, My Son D2, beaches D3, rice field cycling D4.

✈️ First Trip: March — perfect weather, everything open, many excursions available. Arrival via Da Nang (30 min by taxi).

⚠️ Periods to Avoid: October and November

Not Recommended: October, November (with caution)

Reasons: High risk of typhoons, flooding that can block the Old Town for several days, rainfall up to 350 mm in October, many excursions and attractions closed, transport disrupted

Nuance: Adventurous travelers and photographers may find unique images of the flooded city under the lanterns — provided you are flexible with your itinerary and ready to cancel outdoor activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about planning your stay in Hoi An? Here are the essential answers to help you travel with peace of mind and enjoy every moment.

What is the best month to visit Hoi An?

March is often considered the best month to visit Hoi An. The sky is clear, temperatures range between 20°C and 29°C (68°F–84°F), rainfall is almost non-existent (only 20 mm), and the Old Town is buzzing with energy. February is also excellent if you want to experience Tết Nguyên Đán — an unforgettable cultural experience, provided you book your accommodation well in advance. April remains very pleasant but marks the beginning of the heat.

How many days should I plan for Hoi An?

Plan for at least 3 days to explore the essentials: Old Town, beaches, and an excursion to My Son or Da Nang. If you want to take the time to soak up the atmosphere — cooking classes, cycling in the Tra Que rice fields, night walks to the sound of lanterns, shopping at tailor shops — 4 to 5 days are ideal. Beach lovers or travelers who wish to explore the surroundings can stay up to 7 days without getting bored.

What to do in Hoi An when it rains?

Rain in Hoi An is not a dealbreaker! Take the opportunity to visit the Tan Ky ancestral house, explore the Museum of Trade Ceramics, or dive into the atmosphere of a Vietnamese cooking class (Morning Glory or Red Bridge). Tailor shops on Tran Phu Street also welcome visitors for custom-made clothing. In the evening, even in the rain, the lanterns of the Old Town create a magical atmosphere. Always carry a compact raincoat.

What events should not be missed in Hoi An?

The Lantern Night (14th lunar day each month) is Hoi An's signature event: unforgettable and accessible to all. Tết Nguyên Đán (January or February) offers a unique cultural immersion with flowers, fireworks, and ceremonies. In even-numbered years, the Quang Nam Heritage Festival (June) showcases all the crafts and traditional arts of Central Vietnam. Finally, the weekend night markets are lively all year round.

What budget should I plan according to the season?

In high season (March–April), plan for €80–€160/day for a comfortable stay (boutique accommodation, restaurants, excursions). In the shoulder season (Feb, May, Dec), this budget drops to €55–€110/day. In low season (June–August), you can get by on €40–€80/day. A very budget-conscious traveler (basic guesthouse, local street food, bicycle) can live in Hoi An for €25–€40/day off-season. Remember to include the Old Town pass ($5) and excursions to My Son ($15) in your budget.