Ah, Hoi An. That charming little town in central Vietnam with its golden glow, ancient vibes, and lantern-lit nights — who wouldn’t want to visit? But December? Let’s talk about that. I’ve spent a few Decembers here myself, and I want to give you the honest lowdown so you know exactly what to expect.
Whether you’re dodging the crowds, dreaming of sipping Vietnamese coffee in misty weather, or wondering if December is just rain and gloom – let’s unpack everything!
Should You Travel to Hoi An in December?
You’ll hear mixed reviews about visiting Hoi An in December — and for good reason. It’s the tail end of the rainy season, and while it’s less soggy than October and November, the skies rarely flash a genuine smile. Grey is the month’s aesthetic.
But here’s the twist — some travelers actually love Hoi An in December. Why?
- Cooler, walkable weather (trust me, it beats sweat-dripping heat in July or August)
- Quieter streets and fewer selfie sticks competing for that perfect bridge shot
- A cozy, mellow vibe that feels like a throwback to a different era
So while it’s not exactly brochure-worthy weather, it can be a wonderful, more relaxed way to enjoy the town.
Hoi An Weather in December: Breezy and Bit Moody
Scooter on An Hoi Island in Hoi An Old Town
December in Hoi An is like your artsy friend who wears grey but rocks it confidently. Expect overcast skies more often than not, with around 10 rainy days scattered across the month. It won’t pour all day, every day — but umbrellas are your fashion-forward companions.
Here’s the weather cheat sheet:
- 🌡️ Daytime highs: ~25°C (77°F)
- 🌡️ Nighttime lows: ~20°C (69°F)
- ☔ Rainfall: ~140 mm across 10 days
- 💨 Humidity? Yep, still lingering… this is Vietnam after all
| Month | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🧊 Jan | 25°C (76°F) | 20°C (67°F) | 4 |
| 🌧️ Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 20°C (69°F) | 10 |
| 🔥 Jul | 34°C (93°F) | 26°C (79°F) | 7 |
So while it’s not sunbathing weather, it’s pretty great for exploring on foot, snapping foggy photos, or curling up with a bowl of cao lầu in a candlelit café.
Is December in Hoi An Busy?
Tran Phu Street Midday
In a word? Nah.
Compared to the spring surge (March, April), December is definitely on the quiet side. That said, Hoi An is never truly empty — it’s a year-round destination, after all. Still, you won’t be rubbing elbows at every lantern-lit corner.
What makes December especially nice?
- Walkable at midday (you won’t melt by 2 PM)
- Easy access to restaurants without long waits
- Photos without 87 strangers in the background
If you love slow travel and skipping queues, December is your vibe.
Where to Stay in Hoi An in December?
Cooler weather gives you options. You don’t have to obsess about shade, AC, or proximity to the beach. You’re mostly here for the town, right?
Here are a couple of tried-and-true favorites:
-
🛎️ La Siesta Hoi An – Spacious, elegant, a favorite for a reason. Feels boutique yet luxurious.
💼 Book on Booking.com -
🏡 La Charm Hoi An – A charming spot near Old Town for anyone who values location + comfort.
🛏️ Check prices on Agoda
Pro tip: This is a great time to score deals you’d never find in peak season! Upgrade that suite guilt-free.
Things to Do in Hoi An in December
Even if the beach isn’t swimmable and the sky is having a grey-day moment, there’s still magic in Hoi An. Here’s what to put on your radar:
🌕 Hoi An Lantern Festival
Happens every month on the 14th day of the lunar calendar. It’s not a blowout party, but it’s surreal — the whole Old Town glows with lantern light as electric lights are switched off. Walk the riverfront, make a wish, and soak it up.
⏰ Starts around 6 PM | Ends ~10 PM
🎉 Hoi An New Year Festival
Usually held at the end of December, this event features cultural performances, music, and a celebratory mood that transforms the Old Town. Not wild, but definitely festive.
🎭 Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day
Runs from late November into early December. Celebrates the city’s UNESCO heritage status with traditional music, arts, and community activities. Low-key yet lovely.
Final Thoughts: Is Hoi An in December for You?
So, should you pack your bags and head to Hoi An this December? Here’s the bottom line:
✅ Go if you:
- Love mild weather (seriously, it’s great walking-around temp)
- Prefer smaller crowds
- Find rain a romantic backdrop, not a dealbreaker
- Crave cultural experiences over beach bumming
🚫 Skip it if:
- You want sunny beach days
- You’re hoping for that “picture-perfect” Hoi An glow every day
- You’ve got limited time and want ideal conditions
If you ask me — December in Hoi An is an underappreciated gem. Sure, it’s not Insta-perfect 24/7, but it’s authentic, cozy, and pretty unforgettable.
Got questions or planning your trip? Come hang out in my Da Nang and Hoi An travel group — we’re a friendly bunch, and I’d love to help!
✈️ Safe travels and see you under a lantern-lit sky in Hoi An!