The dry season: February to August
This is the easy window. February to April brings warm days, low humidity and pleasant evenings, ideal for walking the old town and sitting out by the river. May to August turns hotter and more humid, with strong sun, so plan beach mornings and shaded or indoor activities like a cooking class for the middle of the day.
The wet season and floods
From September the rains build, peaking in October and November. These months can be genuinely wet, and the low-lying old town sometimes floods when the Thu Bon rises, occasionally to the point where boats replace bikes on the streets. December eases off. If you travel then, keep plans flexible and have indoor backups ready.
Time it with the lanterns
Whatever the season, try to be in Hoi An for one full-moon evening so you catch the monthly lantern festival, when the old town dims its electric lights. It happens every month, so it is easy to plan around.
Book a wet-day backup
Indoor and rain-friendly, a cooking class is the safest bet in any season.
Frequently asked questions
February to April offers warm, dry and comfortable weather before the summer heat peaks. The full dry window runs roughly February to August. October and November are the wettest and carry a real flood risk in the low-lying old town.
The wet season is short but heavy, mainly from September to December, peaking in October and November when the Thu Bon can flood parts of the old town. Rain often comes in intense bursts rather than all day.
It is held monthly, on the 14th day of each lunar month, the eve of the full moon. Try to align one night of your trip with it whatever the season.
