If you’re thinking about visiting Hoi An in December, I’ve put together this quick guide so you know what to expect. I’ve been standing on Hoi An soil for a few Decembers now, so all of the information in this article is firsthand.
Every photo in this article, including the featured image above, was taken by me during December in Hoi An.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Hoi An?
December is generally not considered a good time to visit Hoi An. But I have to say that I’ve spoken to some travelers who’ve actually preferred visiting Hoi An in December. I’ll explain.
December is at the end of the rainy season in Hoi An. It doesn’t rain nearly as much as in October or November, but rain is still common. There are also lingering gray skies throughout the month, and this usually extends into January. So if you want beautiful blue skies, this isn’t the time to visit Hoi An.
Having said that, the people I’ve spoken to who prefer visiting Hoi An in December like the cooler weather that comes with the rainy season. You’ll be able to wander around Hoi An and the Old Town throughout the day, unlike in June, July, and August, when the afternoons are brutally hot.
You’ll just have to deal with occasional rain and not the prettiest skies.
Hoi An Weather in December
December is part of the rainy season in Hoi An. This usually runs from September to December, though sometimes it starts in August and doesn’t finish until January. Expect about 10 days of rain throughout December, and a total rainfall somewhere in the neighborhood of 140 mm.
December has highs of 25°C (77°F) and lows of 20°C (69°F). As you can see from the chart below, December is one of the cooler months in Hoi An. It’s also part of a cluster of rainy months, but the positive is cooler temperatures, which is nice for exploring Old Town on foot.
| Month | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Days of Rain* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 25°C (76°F) | 20°C (67°F) | 4 (37 mm) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 20°C (69°F) | 2 (12 mm) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 (13 mm) |
| Apr | 31°C (87°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 3 (26 mm) |
| May | 33°C (91°F) | 25°C (78°F) | 7 (58 mm) |
| Jun | 34°C (93°F) | 26°C (79°F) | 7 (62 mm) |
| Jul | 34°C (93°F) | 26°C (79°F) | 7 (58 mm) |
| Aug | 33°C (92°F) | 26°C (78°F) | 11 (117 mm) |
| Sept | 31°C (88°F) | 25°C (76°F) | 16 (283 mm) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 24°C (74°F) | 19 (446 mm) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 22°C (72°F) | 14 (300 mm) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 20°C (69°F) | 10 (140 mm) |
Is Hoi An Crowded in December?
In my experience, Hoi An is comparatively quiet in December. It doesn’t have nearly the same “buzz” compared to March and April, when the weather is perfect and Hoi An becomes very busy (the temperature begins ramping up in May). Keep in mind that Hoi An attracts travelers throughout the year, so it’s never actually quiet.
If you visit Hoi An in December, you’ll notice more people out and about during the day compared to the scorching months of June through August. This is because the temperature is much cooler around midday. You can see this in my photos, which were all taken between 1 PM and 3 PM in Hoi An. Even though it’s gray and rainy, the temperature is much more pleasant.
Because of the cooler and often rainy weather, the beaches in Hoi An are usually much quieter. December is not swimming weather. If you want some alternate activity ideas, here’s my sample three-day Hoi An itinerary.
Where to Stay in Hoi An in December
Because of the cooler weather, you have a lot of flexibility with where you decide to stay. In Hoi An’s hottest months, like June, July, and August, I’d recommend staying as close to the Old Town (or An Bang Beach for swimming) as possible. But in December, it’s cool enough that walking is far more pleasant than in these borderline unbearable months.
I’m a fan of the La Siesta Hoi An (Agoda / Booking), and I’ve recommended it to many people who’ve later told me the hotel was excellent. Another great choice right on the edge of Old Town is the La Charm Hoi An (Agoda / Booking).
I can recommend tons of other great hotels in Hoi An. If you have any questions, ask me in my Da Nang and Hoi An travel planning group.
Any Special Festivals or Events in December?
Hoi An New Year Festival (end of the month) — Hoi An will have a series of events (dance and music performances) over a few days for the end of the year.
Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day (end of November to beginning of December) — This cultural event celebrates the anniversary of Hoi An Ancient Town being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Hoi An Lantern Festival is a monthly event on the 14th day of each lunar month (not calendar month!). Restaurants and shops turn off their electric lights, and the lit lanterns light up the Old Town.
It isn’t a typical “festival,” so don’t expect a ton of excitement. The event starts around 6 PM and lasts until around 10 PM.
