Timing a visit to Hoi An matters more than almost any other destination in Vietnam. The town's charm depends on weather, water levels, and the lunar calendar. Get the timing right and the ancient town delivers one of Southeast Asia's most photogenic experiences. Get it wrong and you may spend your holiday wading through knee-deep water or hiding from typhoon rain.
This guide breaks down Hoi An's weather by season, explains the flood risk months, lists the 2026 full moon lantern festival dates, and identifies the best windows for photography.
Hoi An's climate: the basics
Hoi An has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons. Unlike Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, the dry and wet seasons here are sharply defined.
The dry season runs from February through August. February to April is the sweet spot: low humidity, warm days, cool evenings, and minimal rain. May through August turns hotter and more humid, with temperatures climbing toward 35°C (95°F) and afternoon thunderstorms becoming common by late summer.
The wet season runs from September through January. September brings increasing rain, October and November are the wettest months, and December through January sees rain taper off but temperatures drop noticeably.
Central Vietnam also sits directly in the path of typhoons. The official typhoon season runs June through November, with the highest risk concentrated in September, October, and November. When a typhoon makes landfall near Da Nang or Hoi An, expect torrential rain, strong winds, and possible flooding for several days.
Month-by-month weather breakdown
| Month | Avg. High (°C) | Avg. Low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Flood Risk | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24 | 18 | 95 | Low | Medium |
| February | 26 | 19 | 32 | None | Medium |
| March | 28 | 21 | 38 | None | Medium |
| April | 31 | 23 | 48 | None | High |
| May | 33 | 25 | 98 | None | High |
| June | 34 | 26 | 118 | None | High |
| July | 34 | 26 | 104 | None | Very High |
| August | 34 | 26 | 142 | Low | Very High |
| September | 31 | 24 | 314 | Moderate | Medium |
| October | 28 | 22 | 655 | High | Low |
| November | 26 | 20 | 438 | Very High | Low |
| December | 24 | 18 | 185 | Moderate | Medium |
Data reflects long-term averages for Hoi An and the Da Nang region. Individual years vary significantly.
The flood months: October and November
Flooding in Hoi An is not a hypothetical risk. It happens nearly every year, and in bad years it happens multiple times. The mechanism is simple: heavy rain upstream in the Vu Gia and Thu Bon river basins sends water rushing downstream, and the low-lying ancient town absorbs the overflow.
The worst floods typically occur between mid-October and late November. In November 2023, water levels reached 2.5 meters in parts of the old town. Boats replaced bicycles on Nguyen Hue and Bach Dang streets. Shops on the ground floor of riverside buildings lost stock. The town closed to visitors for several days.
Flooding in Hoi An is not subtle. Water rises quickly, often overnight, and recedes just as fast. A street that is dry at sunset can be under a meter of water by morning. The old town's drainage system cannot cope with the volume of water that arrives during a major flood event.
What does this mean for travelers? If your dates are flexible, avoid mid-October through November. If you must travel during this window, book accommodation on the second floor or higher, pack quick-dry clothing, and check the weather forecast daily. The Hoi An government issues flood warnings through local news and hotel notice boards.
Pro tip: If you arrive during a flood event, don't panic. The water typically recedes within 24 to 48 hours. Hotels in the Cam Nam and An Hoi areas stay dry more often than the old town itself. Many travelers report that a flood day is memorable, just not in the way they planned.
Full moon lantern festival dates for 2026
The Hoi An Lantern Festival runs on the 14th day of each lunar month. On this night, the old town switches off electric lights, and the streets glow with hundreds of colored lanterns. Locals release paper lanterns onto the river, and the atmosphere shifts from daytime tourist buzz to something quieter and more reflective.
The festival is not a tourist invention. It has roots in Hoi An's tradition of honoring ancestors on the full moon. The town council formalized the event for visitors, but the ritual remains genuine.
Here are the full moon lantern festival dates for 2026:
| Lunar Month | Date (Gregorian) |
|---|---|
| 1st month | March 2 |
| 2nd month | March 31 |
| 3rd month | April 30 |
| 4th month | May 30 |
| 5th month | June 29 |
| 6th month | July 28 |
| 7th month | August 27 |
| 8th month | September 26 |
| 9th month | October 25 |
| 10th month | November 24 |
| 11th month | December 23 |
| 12th month | January 21, 2027 |
The festival runs from 6 PM to around 9 PM. The old town closes to motorbikes during these hours, and access to some areas requires a ticket. Arrive by 5 PM to watch the transition from daylight to lantern light.
Note: The 7th lunar month (August 27 in 2026) is the Ghost Festival, also called Trung Nguyen. This is the largest lantern festival of the year in Hoi An, with additional ceremonies and a more intense atmosphere.
The best window for photography
Photographers get two distinct windows in Hoi An.
February through April offers the best daylight conditions. The sky is often clear or lightly clouded, humidity is low, and the light on the yellow walls of the old town is warm without being harsh. Morning light between 7 AM and 9 AM is particularly good, when the streets are quiet and the river has a glassy surface.
The lantern festival evening is the second window. The 45 minutes between sunset and full darkness, roughly 5:30 PM to 6:15 PM in spring and autumn, gives you the famous blue-hour shots with lanterns glowing against a deep blue sky. This window is short and crowded. Position yourself on the An Hoi side of the Thu Bon River for wide shots of the old town skyline, or on the Nguyen Hoang bridge for the classic canal perspective.
For the iconic "lantern street" photos on Nguyen Hue and Tran Phu streets, arrive before the festival crowds build. The lanterns are already lit by 5:30 PM, but the street vendors and tour groups multiply quickly.
Pro tip: The Japanese Covered Bridge is most photogenic at sunrise, not sunset. The morning light hits the bridge's front facade directly, and you will have the structure nearly to yourself. By 8 AM, tour groups start arriving.
When to visit for different priorities
Best for weather: February to April
These three months deliver the most comfortable conditions. Daytime temperatures hover between 26°C and 31°C (79°F to 88°F), nights stay pleasant at 19°C to 23°C (66°F to 73°F), and rain is rare. Humidity levels are the lowest of the year, which makes walking the old town genuinely enjoyable.
Best for beaches: May to August
An Bang Beach and Cua Dai Beach are at their best from May through July. The water is warm, the sun is strong, and the sea is calm. The trade-off is heat and humidity. Afternoon temperatures regularly exceed 34°C (93°F), and midday sun makes beach time unbearable for some. Go early or late in the day.
Best for budget travelers: September and December
September and December sit on either side of the flood peak. Rain is common but not constant, and prices for hotels drop by 30 to 50 percent compared to peak season. The old town is quieter, and you may have famous corners to yourself. Just check the forecast before booking.
Best for festivals: March, August, and October
March 2 (first lunar month) starts the festival year with Tet decorations still in place. August 27 (Ghost Festival) is the largest lantern celebration. October 25 falls in the flood season, so it is a gamble, but the combination of floodwater reflections and lanterns creates surreal photo opportunities if conditions align.
What to pack by season
February to April: Light long-sleeve shirts for sun protection, a thin jacket for cool evenings, comfortable walking shoes, and a hat. The sun is stronger than it feels.
May to August: Lightweight breathable clothing, swimwear, high-SPF sunscreen, and a water bottle. The heat is relentless, and the old town has limited shade.
September to January: Rain jacket or poncho, waterproof shoes or sandals that can get wet, quick-dry clothing, and a dry bag for electronics. A small towel and a change of clothes in a backpack will save you if you get caught in a downpour.
Any season: The old town is pedestrian-only in the central zone, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. Dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas. See the dress code guide for specifics.
How Hoi An weather compares to nearby destinations
Hoi An shares its weather pattern with Da Nang, 30 kilometers north. If you are planning to visit both, the same seasonal logic applies. The Da Nang weather in October guide covers the wettest month in detail.
Hue, 100 kilometers north, has a similar but slightly cooler climate. The Phong Nha weather guide covers the cave region further north, which also follows the central Vietnam pattern.
For travelers planning a multi-city trip, the Vietnam weather by month guide provides a region-by-region overview.
Practical planning notes
Getting there: Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is the closest gateway, 30 minutes north of Hoi An. Direct flights connect Da Nang with Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and several Asian hubs. From the airport, taxis and Grab rides cost 250,000 to 350,000 VND ($10 to $14) into Hoi An.
Where to stay: The old town is the atmospheric choice but floods first. An Hoi and Cam Nam are quieter and slightly higher. An Bang Beach is 15 minutes away and offers a different pace entirely. For a full breakdown, see the Hoi An travel guide.
Budget: A budget traveler can manage on 800,000 VND ($33) per day with hostel accommodation and street food. Mid-range travelers should plan for 1.5 to 2.5 million VND ($62 to $103) per day. Luxury stays at riverside resorts run significantly higher.
Visas: Vietnam requires visas for most nationalities. The e-visa system is the standard route for most travelers. Check visa exemptions to see if your passport qualifies.
Festival etiquette: When releasing lanterns on the river during the full moon festival, use the biodegradable paper lanterns sold by vendors. Plastic lanterns end up in the Thu Bon River and the ocean.
The verdict: when should you go?
For most travelers, March and April are the best months to visit Hoi An. The weather is close to perfect, the lantern festivals run on schedule, and the crowds are manageable. March 2026 offers the Tet decorations, the first full moon festival of the year, and rising temperatures that are warm but not oppressive.
If you want beaches and don't mind heat, June and July deliver. The water is warm, the days are long, and the evening sea breeze makes the old town bearable.
If you are on a budget and can handle rain, September and December offer the best value. Just avoid late October and November unless you are prepared for the possibility of flooding.
The worst time to visit Hoi An is late October through November. The combination of typhoon risk, flood potential, and relentless rain makes this the one window to avoid if you have any flexibility in your schedule.
FAQ
Q: How many days should I spend in Hoi An? Two full days is the minimum: one for the old town and one for the surrounding attractions. Three days allows for a beach day and a trip to My Son sanctuary. The Hoi An travel guide has detailed itinerary suggestions.
Q: Is Hoi An worth visiting during the rainy season? Yes, if you accept the trade-offs. September and December offer lower prices and fewer crowds. The rain is often heavy but intermittent. The risk comes in October and November, when flooding can disrupt plans entirely.
Q: How do I know if Hoi An is flooding before I arrive? Check the Vietnamese National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting website for flood warnings. Hotel staff are also reliable sources. If water levels are rising in the old town, hotels will typically contact guests with advice.
Q: Can I visit Hoi An during Tet (Lunar New Year)? Tet falls on February 17 in 2026. The town is decorated extensively, and the atmosphere is festive. However, many shops and restaurants close for several days, and transport can be chaotic. See the Tet survival guide for details.
Q: What is the difference between the full moon lantern festival and the regular nightly lanterns? The old town has electric lanterns and decorative lighting every night. On the full moon festival, electric lights are turned off, and the town relies entirely on paper lanterns. The effect is significantly more atmospheric.
Q: Is the lantern festival crowded? Yes, especially during peak season. The old town becomes extremely busy between 6 PM and 9 PM on festival nights. Arrive early, eat before 5 PM, and expect to move slowly through the main streets.
Q: What should I do if I get caught in a flood? Stay in your hotel if the water is rising. Do not attempt to walk through floodwater unless absolutely necessary, as the water can hide open drains and electrical hazards. Most floods recede within 48 hours. Local authorities coordinate evacuation if conditions become dangerous.