When you picture winter in Vietnam, maybe you imagine chilly air and thick coats. But Hoi An doesn’t really fit that image. This coastal city stays warm, even during its coolest months, so you get a mild and comfortable escape instead.
Average winter weather in Hoi An brings daytime temperatures around 25°C, and nights rarely dip below 20°C.
You’ll see a mix of sunshine, some cloud cover, and occasional rain, especially since the wet season lingers into early winter. Flooding sometimes disrupts travel, but most days are pleasant enough for wandering the Old Town, cycling in the rice fields, or hitting the beach.
What really stands out about Hoi An’s winter climate is how it mixes warmth, higher humidity, and softer sunlight than you’ll get in the summer. This blend slows everything down, letting you enjoy the city’s charm without battling the intense heat of peak season.
Overview of Hoi An’s Winter Climate
Hoi An’s winter months bring cooler temperatures and more rainfall than other times of year. Days feel mild, evenings cool down, and you’ll notice a real difference from the hot, dry summer stretch.
Location and Climate Classification
Hoi An sits on Vietnam’s central coast in Quang Nam Province, right by the South China Sea. Its low elevation and coastal spot expose it to monsoon winds that shape winter weather.
The city has a tropical monsoon climate (Am classification), so you get two main seasons: a dry one from February to August, and a wet one from September to January. Winter falls squarely in the wet season.
During winter, average daytime temperatures usually stay between 18°C and 24°C (64°F to 75°F). Nights can cool off to around 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F), which feels noticeably cooler than the rest of the year.
Rain falls often, with many days getting light to moderate showers. Humidity stays high, usually above 80%, and clouds are a common sight. Storms aren’t as rough as in autumn, but winter still brings damp conditions that might change your outdoor plans.
Comparison to Other Destinations in Vietnam
Hoi An’s winter really isn’t like the north or the south of Vietnam. Up north, places like Hanoi have a true winter with colder temperatures that can drop below 10°C (50°F). Down south, Ho Chi Minh City stays warm and mostly dry.
Da Nang, just 30 km away, feels very similar to Hoi An in winter. Both share that coastal weather pattern—frequent rain, cooler nights. But Hoi An’s smaller size and riverside setting can make the dampness feel more intense.
If you head inland to the Central Highlands, like Da Lat, you’ll find it cooler but drier. That’s what makes Hoi An unique: it’s not as cold as the north, not as dry as the south, and wetter than the highlands.
So, if you’re planning a trip, expect moderate temperatures, high humidity, and regular rainfall—that’s what sets Hoi An’s winter apart from other places in Vietnam.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Hoi An
Winter in Hoi An cools down compared to the hot summer, but it never gets truly cold. You’ll find mild days and cooler nights, making it a comfortable time to explore both the historic streets and the beaches.
Average High and Low Temperatures
From December to February, daytime highs usually land between 18°C and 24°C (64°F to 75°F). Nights drop further, often down to 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F).
That’s pretty mild compared to northern Vietnam, where winter can feel much colder. In Hoi An, you probably won’t need heavy winter clothes, but a light jacket or sweater is handy, especially after dark.
Cooler weather makes walking and cycling a breeze. You can spend more time outside without worrying about the heat or humidity. Locals and visitors often take this chance to bike through the countryside or visit nearby ruins without sweating through their shirts.
Temperature Variations Throughout Winter
December usually starts out a bit warmer, with highs near 23–24°C (73–75°F). By January, things hit their coolest, with daytime highs closer to 18–20°C (64–68°F) and nights that might dip to 10°C (50°F).
February brings a gradual warm-up. Highs climb back to 22–24°C (72–75°F), and nights get more comfortable. This is when you start to feel the shift toward the dry season and warmer spring days.
Mornings can feel crisp, and afternoons are mild and really pleasant. The difference between day and night temperatures is more noticeable inland than by the coast, where the sea keeps things a bit steadier.
Rainfall and Humidity Patterns
Winter in Hoi An means cooler air, but also some of the heaviest rain of the year. You’ll notice lots of wet days, high humidity, and a big difference between the start and end of winter.
Monthly Rainfall Amounts
Most of Hoi An’s winter rain falls between October and December, with November usually seeing the highest totals. During these months, you can expect 350–600 mm (14–24 in) of rain on average.
By January, rainfall drops to about 160 mm (6 in), and February gets even less at around 80 mm (3 in). That’s the shift from wet season to drier months.
| Month | Average Rainfall |
|---|---|
| October | ~533 mm (21 in) |
| November | ~596 mm (23.5 in) |
| December | ~355 mm (14 in) |
| January | ~161 mm (6.4 in) |
| February | ~84 mm (3.3 in) |
Early winter is much wetter than late winter in central Vietnam.
Chance of Rain and Wet Days
October and November bring the most rain in Hoi An, with 23–25 rainy days each month. Showers often arrive in heavy bursts, and flooding can happen during these peak months.
In December, rainy days drop a little, but you’ll still see plenty of showers. By January, expect about 19 wet days, and February drops to 12, so you get more dry spells.
If you want to do outdoor activities, be ready for frequent rain early in winter, but things get easier toward the end of the season.
Humidity Levels in Winter
Humidity in Hoi An stays high all winter. From October to December, relative humidity usually sits above 85%, making the air feel heavy and damp.
In January and February, humidity lowers a bit to around 80%, but you’ll still notice the moisture, especially after rain. Nights can feel cooler, but the humidity keeps the air from getting crisp or dry.
High humidity means clothes dry slowly, and you might feel sticky even when it’s not that hot. It’s smart to pack lightweight, breathable clothes and plan for indoor breaks to stay comfortable.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
Winter in Hoi An means more cloud cover and less sunshine than the dry season. You’ll get shorter days, fewer bright hours, and a good chance of overcast skies.
Cloudiness Trends
During winter, Hoi An’s skies often stay overcast or mostly cloudy. From November through January, clouds thicken as the wet season peaks, cutting down on direct sunlight.
Most days in December and January feel gray, with only the occasional break in the clouds. Rain just adds to the gloom, making the air feel heavier and more humid.
This level of cloud cover is pretty normal for central Vietnam’s coast. If you love outdoor activities that need bright skies, keep in mind you might not see much sun.
Average Daily Sunshine
Hoi An gets some of its lowest sunshine hours in winter. December usually brings about 3.5 hours of sun per day, and January isn’t much brighter.
In summer, by comparison, you can see over 8 hours of sunshine daily. The reduced sunlight in winter helps keep things cool, even though it’s still mild compared to the north.
If you’re exploring town or the beaches, expect shorter sunny stretches. Early mornings and late afternoons are often dim, while midday offers the best shot at brighter weather.
Daylight Duration Changes
Daylight in Hoi An doesn’t swing much through the year. In winter, you still get about 11 to 11.5 hours of daylight daily, compared to almost 13 hours in summer.
That’s because of Hoi An’s tropical location. While daylight length doesn’t change much, the light itself feels different—clouds and less sunshine make it feel dimmer.
You’ll have plenty of daylight for sightseeing, but expect most of it to come filtered through clouds. If you want the brightest conditions, plan your activities for the middle part of the day.
Wind and Other Weather Conditions
In winter, Hoi An feels cooler and more humid than during the dry months. Winds, fog, and seasonal storms can all shape your experience, especially if you’re near the coast or heading outdoors.
Wind Speeds and Directions
Winter winds in Hoi An usually blow from the northeast, thanks to the northeast monsoon. These winds bring cooler air and more humidity, especially from November through January.
Average wind speeds are moderate, often between 10–20 km/h. Some days, gusts hit higher, especially along the coast or during passing storms.
You’ll definitely notice stronger breezes near the Thu Bon River or on beaches like An Bang. Inland, winds calm down a bit but are still there. These steady breezes can make cool evenings feel even cooler.
If you’re cycling or boating, expect some headwinds or crosswinds that might slow you down. For most people, the wind isn’t a big problem—it just adds to the winter vibe.
Chance of Fog and Snow
Fog can show up in Hoi An during winter, but it doesn’t happen often. It usually forms early in the morning when humidity is high and temperatures drop, especially in December and January. The fog tends to clear up quickly after sunrise, but it can make roads tricky for a bit.
Snow? Not a chance in Hoi An. The tropical climate keeps temperatures way above freezing, even in the coolest months. Lows stay around 19–21°C (66–70°F), so you won’t see any flakes.
If you’re out early, be ready for mist or haze, especially near rivers and rice fields. It helps to wear layers that resist moisture.
Notable Weather Events
Winter lines up with the end of the rainy season in central Vietnam. November and December can still bring heavy rain and occasional flooding, especially if tropical depressions or late-season typhoons move in from the South China Sea.
These storms happen less often than in autumn, but they’re still possible. Streets in the old town sometimes flood, and boats might become the best way to get around for a day or two.
By late January, rain gets lighter, and flooding risks drop off. Still, it’s smart to keep an eye on local weather updates if you’re visiting early in winter. Even with all this, plenty of days stay calm and perfect for sightseeing.
Winter Weather in Hoi An Compared to Nearby Cities
Winter in Hoi An brings mild temperatures, steady humidity, and fewer extremes than a lot of other spots in Vietnam. If you look at nearby coastal or northern cities, you’ll see clear differences in temperature, rainfall, and comfort that can really shape your travel experience.
Differences with Da Nang
Da Nang sits about 30 kilometers north of Hoi An, so they share a similar coastal climate. Both cities get cooler, wetter weather from December to February.
Da Nang usually sees a bit less rain in late winter, especially as February rolls around. Hoi An, on the other hand, often gets heavier showers during this time.
Daytime temperatures hover between 20°C and 24°C in both places. Da Nang feels breezier, thanks to its wide coastline and gusty winds.
That breeze makes Da Nang’s beaches kind of chilly for swimming in winter. Hoi An’s smaller An Bang Beach might still be okay on milder days, if you don’t mind a little chill.
Humidity stays high in both cities, often over 80%. Cloud cover hangs around longer in Da Nang though.
If you’re after clearer skies, Hoi An might give you a few more sunny moments in January and February.
Differences with Hanoi
Hanoi sits up north, and its winter feels pretty different from Hoi An’s. Hoi An stays mild, but Hanoi can dip to 10°C at night and only hit 15–18°C during the day in December and January.
You’ll want warmer clothes in Hanoi. In Hoi An, you can usually get by with light layers.
Rainfall doesn’t follow the same pattern either. Hanoi’s winter is fairly dry, with fewer rainy days than Hoi An.
Instead of heavy rain, Hanoi gets light drizzle and long stretches of gray skies. It’s not exactly cheery, but at least you won’t get soaked.
Air quality is another thing to consider. Winter haze and pollution sometimes settle over Hanoi, mainly because of temperature inversions.
Hoi An’s coastal breeze keeps the air fresher. If you like milder temperatures and cleaner skies, you’ll probably feel more comfortable in Hoi An during winter.
Travel Tips for Visiting Hoi An in Winter
Winter in Hoi An brings cooler temperatures, frequent rain, and quieter beaches. You can still enjoy the town’s culture and food, but you’ll want to pack for damp weather.
Best Activities for Winter Weather
Walking through Hoi An Ancient Town actually feels better in winter, since the heat backs off. You can wander the narrow streets, check out historic houses, and cross the Japanese Covered Bridge without breaking a sweat.
Rain showers pop up often, but they usually don’t last long. Carrying a small umbrella makes it pretty easy to keep exploring.
Cooking classes get really popular this time of year. Many schools offer half-day sessions where you hit the market, then cook up some traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Indoor activities like this are perfect when the weather turns wet. You won’t feel like you’re missing out.
The Lantern Festival, which happens on the 14th day of the lunar month, is a real highlight. Lanterns light up the streets and rivers, and the cool air makes evening walks surprisingly nice.
If you want some peace and quiet, winter is also a great time to check out places like My Son Sanctuary or local craft villages. Fewer tourists show up, and the mild weather makes it easier to explore outside than during the hot months.
What to Pack for Your Trip
Pack lightweight clothes for the daytime. Toss in a few warmer layers too, since evenings can get chilly.
Bring a light jacket or a sweater, just in case the temperature drops to around 20°C (68°F).
Don’t forget your rain gear. I’d suggest a compact umbrella or a thin waterproof jacket, because sudden showers can really catch you off guard.
Quick-dry clothing is a good idea, and you’ll want comfortable walking shoes with decent grip.
If you’re planning to visit temples or pagodas, wear modest clothing. A small backpack makes it easier to carry water, a rain cover, and anything you might grab from the local markets.
You probably won’t need beachwear in winter, since the sea usually gets too rough for swimming. Still, you might appreciate sandals for a casual walk along the shore.