Hoi An in May? Oh yes, you’re in for a real treat—if you know what to expect. This magical little town on Vietnam’s central coast has captured the hearts of travelers from around the world, and visiting in May adds a different flavor to its already vibrant charm.
Want to know if May is the right time for your Hoi An adventure? I’ve lived in Da Nang for a while and have wandered through Hoi An more times than I can count, especially in May. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: the weather, the crowd vibes, where to stay, and the happenings around town.
Let’s dive in (pool optional, but highly recommended).
Is May a Good Time to Visit Hoi An?
A small boat in the Thu Bon River in Old Town Hoi An in May
Here’s the deal: May is a pretty solid month to visit Hoi An. It’s not peak perfection—but it’s up there.
💡 On the plus side:
- It’s still the dry season, which means mostly sunny skies and minimal rain.
- The beaches are calling! Pack your swimsuit because it’s hot enough to truly enjoy them.
👎 On the flip side:
- Yep, it’s hot. Like, “could-cook-an-egg-on-the-sidewalk” hot.
- The heat can sneak up on you, especially when you’re wandering through Old Town or hopping between cafes.
☀️ Verdict: May marks the start of Hoi An’s “second-best” season (June and July fall into this category too). Worth it if you’re after poolside relaxation or beach days. Maybe not ideal if you’re looking to avoid the heat altogether.
🎒 Pro tip: Pack light and breathable clothes, but skip the ultra-revealing outfits—modesty is respected here, especially in cultural and religious sites.
What’s the Weather Like in Hoi An in May?
An Bang Beach in Hoi An in May
Imagine scorching sunshine, sweat-on-your-brow humidity, and those blissfully rare showers. That’s Hoi An in May for you.
Here’s your quick weather breakdown:
- ☀️ Average High: 33°C / 91°F
- 🌙 Average Low: 25°C / 78°F
- 🌧️ Rain: Not much (around 7 days with light rain)
This is the time of year when you’ll start craving shade by 10 AM and probably be eyeing a coconut or cool cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese iced coffee) come noon.
📊 Compare May Weather with Other Months:
| Month | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Days of Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 25°C | 20°C | 4 |
| Feb | 26°C | 20°C | 2 |
| Mar | 28°C | 22°C | 2 |
| Apr | 31°C | 24°C | 3 |
| ✅ May | 33°C | 25°C | 7 |
| Jun | 34°C | 26°C | 7 |
| Jul | 34°C | 26°C | 7 |
| Aug | 33°C | 26°C | 11 |
🕶️ TL;DR: May is hot, sunny, and a great time if you’re looking to tan or swim, but plan your outings for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak heat.
How Crowded is Hoi An in May?
Hoi An is a magnet year-round (UNESCO World Heritage status kinda does that), but May sits in the “medium-busy” zone.
💬 From my experience strolling through Old Town during mid-May:
- From 11 AM to 2 PM, things are relatively mellow—you’ll see fewer people braving the heat.
- From 2 PM onward, the streets come alive as the sun cools down a bit and the lanterns start to glow.
- After 3 PM, the Old Town becomes pedestrian-only, adding to that dreamy, stroll-worthy vibe.
🎥 Picture this: A cyclo tour cruising by charming colonial buildings, locals selling lanterns, and tourists snapping photos like it’s going out of style.
Where Should You Stay in Hoi An in May?
Crowds in Hoi An Old Town in May
Since May = hot, here’s the golden rule: Stay somewhere with a swimming pool or access to the beach.
🏨 Love Exploring Old Town?
Stay central, so you don’t have to trek through heat waves to reach those sweet yellow alleyways.
🏠 Top Picks:
- ⛲️ Hoian Central Hotel – Charming, cozy, and super close to the action.
- 💦 Allegro Hoi An – A bit more upscale, and yes, larger pool included.
🌴 Prefer a Beachy Vibe?
If daily ocean dips are your thing, head to An Bang Beach.
🏖️ Favorite Options:
- Linh Seaside Villa – Budget-friendly and steps away from the sea.
- CHiEM Hoi An – Stylishly modern with a breezy beach feel.
👉 Want more details? Check out this fuller breakdown on Where to Stay in Hoi An
Are There Any Festivals in May?
There aren’t too many major festivals in Hoi An during May, but one glowing exception is the Lantern Festival.
🕯️ Hoi An Lantern Festival:
- 🎊 Happens on the 14th day of the lunar calendar each month
- 🕕 Time: Around 6 PM to 10 PM
- 💡 Shops and restaurants dim their lights, and the streets light up with lanterns floating on the Thu Bon River
Even if you’re not into festivals, it’s worth timing your visit for this magical moment—it’s like stepping into a living postcard.
Final Thoughts: Is May the Right Time for You?
Here’s the quick rundown:
✔️ Perfect If:
- You want sunny days and minimal rain
- You plan to enjoy the beach or a hotel pool
- You can handle a little midday heat
⚠️ Not Ideal If:
- You can’t stand hot and humid weather
- You’re hoping for cooler cultural exploring without breaking a sweat
Hoi An in May is a fiery mix of tradition, sunshine, and relaxation. If that sounds like your kind of travel cocktail—cheers!
Planning your trip? Don’t forget sunblock, a hat, and maybe a plan for siestas. And when you’re standing along the lantern-lit river, just soaking it all in, drop me a mental “hello.”
Happy travels, friend 👋
Looking for more insights? Check out:
- Hoi An 3-Day Itinerary
- Getting Around Hoi An
- Visit Da Nang
Safe travels and cháo you later! 🇻🇳✨