Best Time to Visit Hoi An: Weather, Festivals & Insider Tips (2025)
Best time to visit Hoi An is a question every traveler should ask before planning their trip to this UNESCO World Heritage town. With its lantern-lit streets, beautiful beaches, and unique cultural events, Hoi An offers something special year-round. But the experience varies dramatically depending on the month you choose. In this expert guide from Heera Travel, you’ll find honest advice to help you plan the perfect visit for your style and priorities.
🌏 Why Does the Best Time to Visit Hoi An Matter?
Hoi An has a tropical climate, and its weather can shift quickly from sunny beach days to sudden monsoon rains. Choosing the right time to visit helps you enjoy outdoor adventures, festival fun, and stress-free sightseeing. We break down the pros and cons of each season—so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
☀️ Hoi An’s Climate: The Basics
- Dry Season (February–August): Expect blue skies, low humidity, and warm temperatures—perfect for exploring the Old Town and relaxing on the beach.
- Rainy Season (September–January): Frequent rain, occasional storms, lush green scenery, and thinner tourist crowds.
- Hot Months (June–August): Sunniest weather and best for swimming, but can get very hot and crowded.
- Shoulder Months (February–May, September): Great weather with fewer tourists—ideal for most visitors.
📅 Hoi An by Season: What to Expect Month by Month
🌸 Spring (February–April)
– Weather: Dry, sunny, and mild—highs 25–30°C (77–86°F), cool evenings.
– Why Go: Beautiful lantern festivals after Tet (Lunar New Year), flowers in bloom, Old Town is lively but not packed.
– Travel Tips: Book hotels early for February (Tet holiday) and check festival dates.
☀️ Summer (May–August)
– Weather: Hottest time of year (highs up to 35°C/95°F), occasional showers, great beach weather.
– Why Go: Perfect for sunbathing, water sports, and day trips to Cham Islands.
– Travel Tips: Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and avoid midday heat for sightseeing. Book accommodations with pools or AC.
🌧️ Autumn (September–November)
– Weather: Rainy season begins. Cooler days (23–29°C/73–84°F), heavy downpours possible—especially in October and November.
– Why Go: Lush scenery, dramatic skies, fewer tourists, good deals on hotels.
– Travel Tips: Pack a light rain jacket and check weather forecasts daily. Flooding may occur in late October or early November, but Hoi An quickly recovers.
🍃 Winter (December–January)
– Weather: Mild but still wet; average highs 21–24°C (70–75°F), cool evenings. Some rain, but fewer heavy storms than autumn.
– Why Go: Great for travelers seeking a quieter, more relaxed Hoi An experience. Beautiful Christmas and New Year’s lantern displays.
– Travel Tips: Bring layers for cool nights. Some beach days possible if lucky.
🏮 Hoi An Lantern Festival: A Monthly Highlight
Hoi An’s Full Moon Lantern Festival is one of Vietnam’s most magical events. On the 14th day of each lunar month, the Old Town switches off its electric lights and glows with thousands of lanterns.
What to expect:
- Streets filled with locals and visitors lighting lanterns, playing folk games, and enjoying performances
- Best to arrive before sunset and stake out a spot by the river
- Hotels fill up fast for festival dates—book early!
See festival dates: Vietnam-Guide: Hoi An Lantern Festival
🌊 Beach Season in Hoi An: When to Go for Sun & Sand
If your ideal Hoi An trip includes time at An Bang or Cua Dai Beach, plan to visit from April to August, when skies are clear and sea conditions are calm.
Tips for Beach Lovers:
- Arrive early in the day or late afternoon to avoid the harshest sun
- Check if your accommodation offers free shuttles to the beach
- Beach bars and seafood shacks are open seasonally; some close during winter rains
🎉 Festivals & Events: More Than Just the Lantern Festival
- Tet (Lunar New Year): Usually in late January or early February, Hoi An bursts into celebration—fireworks, parades, and unique foods. Note: some shops and tailors close for a few days.
- Mid-Autumn Festival: September or October, with children’s lantern parades and mooncakes.
- Quang Nam Heritage Festival: Every two years (check dates), with art, music, and traditional sports.
🔗 More Seasonal Tips & Inspiration
For an even deeper dive into what to see, do, and eat in every season, check out our Hoi An Travel Guide 2025: What to Do, Eat & Experience.
- Weather Atlas: Hoi An Climate
- Vietnam-Guide: Hoi An Weather
- Lonely Planet: Best Time to Visit Hoi An
🎒 Why Trust Heera Travel for Hoi An Travel Planning?
At Heera Travel, our local experts have lived through every Hoi An season. We provide up-to-date advice, personalized itineraries, and support—so you get the best out of your trip no matter when you visit. From choosing travel dates to booking tours and unique local experiences, we help you plan smarter and travel happier.
📆 Hoi An Weather Month by Month
Month | Weather | Pros | Cons | Events/Festivals |
---|---|---|---|---|
January | Cool, some rain (21–24°C) | Quieter, atmospheric, lantern festival | Can be wet, cool for beach | New Year’s, Lantern Festival |
February | Mild, dry (22–27°C) | Flowers bloom, great for exploring | Busy during Tet | Tet (Lunar New Year), Lantern Festival |
March | Dry, sunny (23–29°C) | Best balance weather/crowds | Hotels fill early | Lantern Festival |
April | Dry, warm (25–31°C) | Beach season begins, many activities | Can get hot late month | Lantern Festival |
May | Hot, mostly dry (27–33°C) | Ideal for beach, islands | Midday heat | Lantern Festival |
June | Very hot (28–35°C) | Peak for sea/islands | Crowds, high sun | Lantern Festival |
July | Hot, occasional shower (28–34°C) | Sea is calm, best for families | Busy, book ahead | Lantern Festival |
August | Hot, humid, some rain (28–33°C) | Sea still good | Occasional storms | Lantern Festival |
September | Cooler, wet (26–30°C) | Fewer tourists, lush scenery | Rains start, check forecasts | Mid-Autumn Festival, Lantern Festival |
October | Wettest, risk of floods (24–29°C) | Atmospheric, cheap deals | Possible floods, plan flexibly | Lantern Festival |
November | Rain tapers, cooler (23–27°C) | Green landscape, fewer crowds | Some rain lingers | Lantern Festival |
December | Cool, less rain (21–25°C) | Festive lanterns, mild temps | Beach bars close, cooler sea | Christmas, New Year, Lantern Festival |
🌟 Quick Guide: What’s the Best Month for You?
- Best for Beaches: April–August (sunny, calm seas, lively beach bars)
- Best for Sightseeing: February–April, September (pleasant weather, fewer crowds)
- Best for Festivals: February (Tet), monthly Lantern Festivals, September (Mid-Autumn)
- Best for Budget: October–November (lower prices, flexible plans needed)
👫 Real Traveler Stories: Choosing the Best Time to Visit Hoi An
Traveler Type | When They Visited | What They Loved | Advice |
---|---|---|---|
Solo Explorer | March | Blue skies, lively street life, great photos | Book hotels 2 months in advance |
Family with Kids | July | Calm beach, swimming, lantern festival | Bring sunhats and stay hydrated |
Budget Backpacker | October | Cheap hotels, lush scenery | Stay flexible in case of rain |
Culture Seeker | February | Tet festival, local celebrations | Arrive before Tet to join in |
❓ FAQ – Best Time to Visit Hoi An
Can I visit Hoi An during the rainy season?
Yes! While September–January brings rain, many travelers enjoy the relaxed vibe and lush landscapes. Just pack a raincoat, plan indoor activities, and check forecasts.
Is there a “bad” time to visit Hoi An?
No time is truly bad, but late October can bring flooding. Plan flexibly and consider travel insurance for this period.
When is Hoi An most crowded?
March–August sees the most tourists, especially on weekends and around festival dates. Book in advance if traveling then.
Are beaches always open?
Most beach bars and seafood spots close during winter and heavy rains. April–September is best for beach lovers.
How do I know festival dates?
Lantern Festival is on the 14th day of each lunar month. Tet and Mid-Autumn move each year—check updated calendars or ask your hotel/Heera Travel team.
🎒 When’s the Best Time to Book Your Hoi An Adventure with Heera Travel?
At Heera Travel, we help you make the most of Hoi An—no matter the season. Our experts match your trip dates with the perfect experiences, from beach days to lantern nights, cultural events, and secret local spots.
See our Hoi An Travel Guide 2025: What to Do, Eat & Experience for up-to-date tips and more.