The Best Time to visit Hoi An Vietnam

When is the best time to visit Hoi An? The climate in Vietnam can be divided into two, tropical and temperate. Generally, from central to southern part of the country is tropical while some parts of central to the northernmost is temperate. Hoi An, being in the Central Vietnam is considered as tropical with only two seasons, wet and dry. 

The heat and high humidity may sometimes be uncomfortable most especially for visitors who have much cooler weather. While the heavy rainfall may cause tours to be cancelled in certain days as well. Thus, knowing the best time to visit Hoi An is a must before deciding when to visit the lovely ancient Southeast Asian port town. 

Dry Season

Throughout the year, the temperature is usually warm and humid with an average temperature of 29°C. There is plenty of sunshine from February to August. The hottest months in Hoi An is normally during summer, June until August. The highest temperature can reach 38°C during day time. The perfect time to visit and get tanned on the nearby beaches like Cua Dai and An Bang, or consider going to the Cham Island for a great underwater adventure.

Hoi An peak season is around February to June, where there is an abundance of sunshine and the weather is bearable. Both local and foreign travelers flock the Hoi An old town during these months. This would be the best time to visit places like the My Son Sanctuary as it will be cooler and relaxing to walk around the Champa Kingdom’s holy land.

Wet Season

The rainy season starts around September until January. The coldest months of the year are December and January. Since Hoi An is a small town surrounded by waters, there is a high probability that it will get flooded during October and November as this usually when typhoons and heavy rains strike. On a rainy day, it is great to walk around the Hoi An Old Town and spend time on a coffee shop making great conversations with locals. Even during floods, you can still enjoy Hoi An since you can get on a sampan to tour around the area. 

July and August may be the quietest months for Hoi An due to high temperature but if you want to avoid the crowd, this is the best time to visit Hoi An Vietnam. It will be great to relax and enjoy a cold drink under a coconut tree on the beach in Cua Dai or get on a basket boat and immerse yourself to the local daily life in the water coconut village in Cam Thanh.

Hoi An Lantern Festival

No matter which month you will choose to travel to Hoi An, make sure to time it during a Full Moon Festival. Full Moon Festivals happen every 14th day of each lunar month when the moon is at its fullest and brightest and it is a time for the locals to honor their ancestors by offering fruits, flowers and incense. This is Full Moon Festival is also known as Hoi An Lantern Festival as there would be minimum usage of electricity and most of the lighting comes from the moon and lanterns around the Hoi An Ancient town. Traditional music and dance performances are also in line during this event to entertain people. Hoi An Lantern Festival dates are as follow:

Hoi An Lantern Festival on 2019