The best time to visit Hoi An is when the weather is still warm but the tourist numbers are down. This city and its Ancient Town presents one of Vietnam’s most beautiful locations. It is situated on the east coast of the country. It is a delightful place with great shops, amazing restaurants and some superb cultural benefits. Like any town, some times of the year make Hoi An better to visit than others. Here are some of the reasons that make Hoi An what it is in different seasons.
The Central Coastal Region, like most other places in Vietnam enjoys year round warm weather. The tropical climate here provides an average annual temperature of 29º Celsius. This area only has two seasons each year. Even when it is cold in the winter periods between November and January, it still is a lot warmer than what Westerners are use to. Tourism numbers peak in the months of January, February and March. So the best time to visit Hoi An is normally April, May and early June.
Check out the Inseasia Weather Map here.
The Wet Season however is a factor when planning your trip to Hoi An. In between September and January the monsoons arrive. This can see long periods of very heavy rain, coupled with typhoons and some flooding. At this time of year visitor numbers decrease dramatically. The dry season on the other hand runs from February to August with the least humidity being between February and May. At this time of year the weather is perfect and your trip to the region will be superb. Long dry hot days filled with sunshine.
A big part of Hoi An’s appeal is of course, the beaches and weather. The country has some of the finest beaches in Southeast Asia. Travellers and locals alike, come to catch some rays, top up the tan and relax on the golden sands. For this the weather towards the end of May and even into June is better as the sun is less fierce. It is though still plenty hot enough, making it the best time to visit Hoi An.
The Best Time to Visit Hoi An Avoids the Crowds
Public holidays can also offer exciting times in Hoi An. Christmas and New Year, although in the rainy season, are always fun times and the city offers a romantic setting, with its illuminated lanterns and fabulous canal side restaurants. It is worth checking the lunar calendar also. On the 14th day of each lunar month, it is the full moon. Hoi An celebrates with Full Moon Festivals all year round. The famous “Old Street Nights” make visiting at this time special.
The Vietnamese New Year or Tet, is a movable celebration, following as it does the 13 month, lunar annual cycle. When it falls outside the wet season it makes for a fantastic time to be in Vietnam. This is serious party time for the Vietnamese, who flock out of the big cities to return home to be with their families. Streets and houses are decorated, special food is eaten and the whole country takes on a happy vibe.
