Fall in Hoi An brings warm tropical air, but also heavy seasonal rains. From September through November, temperatures usually sit between the upper 70s°F and high 80s°F (about 24–31°C), so the climate stays warm even as the monsoon season really kicks in.
You’ll see the heaviest rainfall of the year during these months, especially in October, when storms often cause flooding and crank up the humidity.
Even with all that rain, fall has its own charm. The ancient streets seem to glow against dark clouds, and the countryside turns lush, with rice fields and rivers at their fullest.
Sometimes the sun breaks through between showers, giving you chances to explore lantern-lit evenings or try seasonal foods. Those brief sunny spells can feel like a gift.
Knowing what to expect makes trip planning easier. You’ll notice how rainfall shapes daily routines, how daylight changes, and when it’s actually pleasant to get outside.
With a bit of timing and prep, fall in Hoi An can offer a lot of cultural depth and some truly memorable moments.
Overview of Hoi An’s Fall Climate
During fall, Hoi An shifts from the hot summer into its wettest season. Rainfall jumps up, temperatures slowly cool off, and humidity stays high, which really affects how you spend your time outdoors.
Temperature Trends During Fall
From September to November, Hoi An moves from late-summer heat into more moderate weather. In early September, daily highs often reach 31°C (87–88°F).
By November, highs usually drop to around 27°C (80–81°F). Nights get cooler too, falling from about 24°C (75°F) to 22°C (72°F).
Summer heat sticks around at the start of fall, but things cool down by late October and November, making it easier to walk or bike around the old town. Warm, sticky days still happen, but you’ll notice the change, especially after a heavy rain.
Hoi An keeps its tropical feel, unlike northern Vietnam, where autumn gets crisp. The seasonal shift is really about balancing warmth with all that rain.
Humidity and Air Quality in Autumn
Humidity in Hoi An stays high during fall, often above 80%. Monsoon rains peak in October, and the city can get over 500 mm of rain.
The damp air makes the heat feel even more intense, especially in September. But all that rain actually helps clear out dust and pollution, so air quality is usually good.
If you have respiratory sensitivities, you might find the air easier to breathe. On the other hand, mold and dampness can be a problem in places with poor ventilation.
Pack light, breathable clothes and definitely bring waterproof gear. Rain showers can last hours, so it’s smart to have indoor activities lined up for when storms hit.
Comparisons with Other Vietnamese Destinations
Hoi An’s fall weather doesn’t really match other parts of Vietnam. In Hanoi, temperatures drop more sharply by November, and the rain tapers off, making things drier and cooler up north.
In Ho Chi Minh City, fall is still rainy, but things start to dry out by November. Down south, it stays hotter, averaging 28–30°C, and humidity is high there too.
Hoi An stands out because its heaviest rains hit in fall, unlike the north or south. If you compare regions, Hoi An is the wettest major spot during this time, which really affects how you plan sightseeing and travel.
Rainfall Patterns and the Rainy Season
The tropical monsoon shapes Hoi An’s fall weather. Rain starts ramping up in September, then October and November bring the heaviest downpours and the biggest risk of flooding.
These months can disrupt travel, but they also create the lush scenery that draws a lot of visitors.
Monthly Rainfall Amounts
Rain in Hoi An climbs steadily through the fall. September usually kicks things off with moderate rain, so you can still get out for sightseeing.
By October, rainfall often goes over 400 mm, making it one of the wettest months. November usually peaks around 450 mm of rain.
Temperatures stay warm, around 25–28°C, but it’s the heavy rainfall that dominates.
For a quick look:
| Month | Average Rainfall | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| September | Moderate (~250–300 mm) | Start of rainy season |
| October | Heavy (>400 mm) | Frequent storms |
| November | Very heavy (~450 mm) | Wettest period |
Fall is much wetter than spring or summer, when rain is lighter.
Frequency and Intensity of Wet Days
You’ll get rain on a lot of days in fall, but it’s not nonstop. September brings shorter showers, while October and November bring longer, heavier bursts.
October often has 15–20 rainy days, and November averages 7–10 rainy days, though it varies. When it rains, it pours—think sudden tropical downpours, not just drizzle.
Even so, you’ll still catch some sun. November, for example, averages about 120 hours of sun, so outdoor activities are possible between storms.
Carry light rain gear and keep your plans flexible. That way, you can roll with whatever the weather throws at you.
Flooding and Weather-Related Travel Considerations
Flooding is a real concern in Hoi An during fall. The town sits low near the Thu Bon River, so heavy rain can quickly flood the Ancient Town.
Sometimes, boats become the main way to get around when the streets go underwater.
Typhoons sometimes pass through central Vietnam from September to November. Not every year brings a storm, but it’s something to keep in mind for your travel plans.
If you visit during this season, check local weather updates and build in extra time for transport. Staying in hotels on higher ground can help, and many places have backup plans for flooding.
Sunlight, Daylight, and Cloud Coverage
In fall, you’ll notice shorter days, lots of cloud cover, and less direct sunlight. All these changes affect how much time you get for sightseeing, photos, or just being outside.
Average Hours of Sunshine
Hoi An’s tropical climate gives a mix of sun and overcast skies in fall. You’ll usually get 4 to 6 hours of sunshine per day, with September being brighter than November.
October’s heavy rain cuts back on clear skies, so sunshine hours drop. Even on cloudy days, you get some filtered light, but it can feel pretty dim compared to the dry season.
If you’re planning outdoor trips, mornings are usually your best bet for clearer skies. Late afternoons tend to get cloudier or rainy.
Keeping your plans loose lets you jump on those brighter windows when they pop up.
Daylight Duration Changes
Fall means the days get shorter. In early September, Hoi An gets about 12 hours and 26 minutes of daylight.
By late November, that’s down to around 11 hours and 16 minutes. You lose more than an hour of usable daylight over the season.
Sunrises get later, from about 5:33 AM in early September to 5:57 AM by late November. Sunsets come earlier too, moving from almost 6:00 PM down to 5:12 PM.
With shorter days, plan sightseeing earlier. Beach trips, cycling, and boat rides work better before late afternoon.
This pattern repeats every year, so you can count on it for future trips.
Cloud Cover and Visibility
Cloud cover in Hoi An stays high during fall but drops as the season goes on. In September, skies are overcast or mostly cloudy about 92% of the time.
By late November, that drops to 58%. The clearest days usually show up at the end of November, when you might see more partly cloudy skies.
October still gets heavy cloud layers, especially during the rainiest stretches. Visibility is usually fair, but mist and humidity can blur the views.
If you’re hoping for sharp photos of the old town or rice fields, late fall gives you a better shot at clearer skies.
Best Time to Visit Hoi An in the Fall
Fall in Hoi An brings comfortable temperatures, local celebrations, and, of course, plenty of rain. Your experience really depends on when you show up, since early fall is different from the wetter months that follow.
Ideal Months for Travel
If you want balanced weather, September is usually a good pick. Daytime highs average around 34°C (93°F), and nights cool down to about 26°C (79°F).
Rain picks up, but you still get sunny stretches for sightseeing.
By October and November, the rain ramps up. October is the wettest month, with over 600 mm of rain and more than 20 rainy days on average.
Flooding sometimes hits the Ancient Town, which can limit walking tours and river activities.
On the upside, cooler temperatures—around 27–29°C (80–84°F)—make these months easier to handle than the summer heat. If you like fewer crowds and lower hotel prices, late fall can work, as long as you’re ready for unpredictable weather.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | 34°C | 26°C | 15 | Warm, festival season |
| October | 29°C | 23°C | 21 | Heaviest rainfall, floods |
| November | 27°C | 22°C | 20 | Cooler, quieter tourism |
Weather Impact on Festivals and Events
Hoi An’s Mid-Autumn Festival usually happens in September. The weather is still warm and often dry enough for you to catch lantern displays, lion dances, and evening markets.
You might get a shower or two, but it rarely stops the main events.
In October and November, heavy rains can overlap with local festivals. The Ancient Town sometimes floods, which brings both hassles and some unique photo ops.
Sometimes, boat rides replace walking in certain areas, which gives you a new view of the historic streets.
Don’t forget about the monthly lantern festivals on the full moon. These happen all year, but in fall the vibe changes with the wetter weather.
When the skies clear, lantern reflections on rain-soaked streets or high river waters can be stunning—though you can’t always count on it.
Travel Tips for Autumn in Hoi An
Autumn in Hoi An means warm but wetter conditions, with more rain and the odd flood. You’ll want to plan for comfort and flexibility, especially if you’re hoping to enjoy outdoor attractions or take day trips to Da Nang.
Packing and Clothing Recommendations
Rain is common in October and November, so bring light, quick-drying clothes and a waterproof jacket or poncho.
Footwear matters—skip heavy shoes and go for sandals or waterproof walking shoes that handle puddles and slick streets.
Carry a small umbrella for quick showers, but a poncho works better for biking or longer walks. Hoi An’s evenings cool down a bit, so a light sweater can come in handy.
Humidity stays high, so pack breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent too, since the sun can still be strong and mosquitoes love the post-rain weather.
For electronics or valuables, use waterproof pouches or dry bags. This is especially useful if you’re planning boat rides on the Thu Bon River, where a sudden downpour can surprise you.
Outdoor Activities and Attractions
Autumn weather might limit some beach days, but you can still enjoy Hoi An’s cultural and historical sites. The Ancient Town is quieter in this season, so it’s easier to explore temples, old houses, and lantern-lit streets.
If the rain is light, you can bike through the rice paddies in Cam Thanh or visit the Tra Que vegetable village. These places get even greener after rain and offer a look at local farming life.
Boat trips on the Thu Bon River are possible, but check water levels first. Flooding can happen in October and November, so it’s smart to ask locals about current conditions.
When rain gets heavier, cooking classes and craft workshops are great indoor options. You can learn about Vietnamese food or try lantern-making without worrying about the weather outside.
Nearby Destinations: Exploring Da Nang
Da Nang sits less than an hour from Hoi An, so it’s easy to add to your trip. The city offers both indoor and outdoor spots that work well in autumn’s unpredictable weather.
You might want to check out the Marble Mountains. They’ve got caves and pagodas that give you some shelter if the rain starts up.
The Ba Na Hills resort could be fun too. Sure, fog and rain show up more often in autumn, but when the skies clear, that cable car ride and the views from the top are honestly pretty special.
If you’d rather stay indoors, Da Nang has a bunch of museums. The Cham Museum stands out with its ancient sculptures—definitely worth a look.
The Han Market draws people in for local food and gifts. It’s lively, a bit chaotic, and a good place to pick up something unique.
When the weather decides to play nice, you can walk or just relax at My Khe Beach. Even in autumn, you might get those calm days that make the sea inviting.
How Hoi An’s Fall Weather Compares Year-Round
Hoi An’s fall brings in cooler air, more rain, and shorter days. These changes affect how you plan, whether you’re wandering the Ancient Town or thinking about the beach.
Differences Between Fall and Other Seasons
Fall in Hoi An, roughly September to November, marks the start of the wet season. You’ll notice daytime highs around 26–30°C (79–86°F). That actually feels pretty nice compared to the hot summer months, where it can hit 33–34°C (91–93°F).
Rain really picks up in fall. November averages over 400 mm, so it’s easily one of the rainiest times of the year. Meanwhile, April only gets about 70–80 mm. Heavy downpours sometimes cause flooding, especially in the old town’s lower areas.
Humidity climbs too, often reaching 80–85% in fall, while July sticks closer to 76%. So, even with mild temperatures, the air feels thick and damp.
Sunshine drops off, with just 3–4 hours a day in late fall. In midsummer, you’d get 7–8 hours.
Spring (February to April) feels mild and brings lighter rain. Summer turns up the heat and sunshine. Fall lands somewhere in the middle, with comfortable temperatures but a lot more storms and cloudy skies.
Long-Term Weather Trends
Hoi An’s tropical climate keeps things warm all year, but honestly, it’s the rainfall that really changes things up. Over decades of records, the annual average rainfall tops 2,400 mm, and most of that pours down between September and December.
Cyclones sometimes sweep across the central coast in October and November. These storms aren’t a sure thing, but when they show up, they bring strong winds and heavy rain.
This seasonal risk really only pops up in fall and early winter. Spring and summer usually feel a lot more stable by comparison.
Temperature stays pretty moderate all year. January’s cooler 25°C (77°F) days feel different from June’s hotter 34°C (93°F) highs, but the shift isn’t dramatic.
What actually changes most is the mix of sun and rain.
If you look at fall versus other seasons, you’ll notice rainfall and cloud cover make the biggest impact, not temperature. This pattern sticks around year after year in central Vietnam, shaping how people plan their trips and go about their daily lives.