Research checked 13 October 2026 · RoamDecide Editorial Team
April is our top pick for visiting Da Nang and Hoi An together. Late March to May offers a good balance for Hoi An’s historic streets and time on the coast. Beach-focused travelers may prefer May–July, when conditions are warmer. September–December requires more flexible plans, particularly around Hoi An’s riverside.
Place-name note: Since July 2025, the former Quang Nam Province has been incorporated into the expanded Da Nang municipality. We still use Da Nang and Hoi An as distinct travel destinations.
Da Nang and Hoi An weather by month
The figures below are long-term monthly rainfall averages for Da Nang meteorological station from QCVN 02:2022/BXD, Appendix A, Table A.25, row 108. They describe historical climate, not observed 2026 rainfall or a 2027 forecast.
| Month | Average rainfall (mm) | What it means for your trip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 81.9 | Cooler; rain and rough seas remain possible |
| February | 23.6 | Drier on average; check sea conditions |
| March | 25.0 | Excellent for Old Town walks; swimming depends on waves |
| April | 35.3 | Best overall balance for both destinations |
| May | 81.1 | Warmer; good beach potential |
| June | 82.6 | Hot, with domestic summer travel |
| July | 92.5 | Hot and humid; plan midday breaks |
| August | 141.2 | Beach options remain; rain increases |
| September | 350.7 | Storm and flood-season precautions matter |
| October | 628.0 | Wettest monthly average; avoid rigid plans |
| November | 448.2 | High rainfall and river-flood exposure |
| December | 218.4 | Rain and rough seas possible; keep plans flexible |
Source: Ministry of Construction, QCVN 02:2022/BXD, issued with Circular 02/2022/TT-BXD on 26 September 2022. Data note: Table A.25 prints an annual figure of 2,205.0 mm while its 12 displayed monthly values add to 2,208.5 mm. We reproduce the published monthly figures without adjusting them. Da Nang station data should not be mistaken for rainfall measurements in Hoi An’s streets.
Choose your month by travel style
| Your priority | Recommended starting point |
|---|---|
| First trip combining both destinations | April |
| Hoi An heritage walks and photos | Late March–April |
| Beach swimming and relaxation | May–July, subject to daily lifeguard advice |
| Mix of beaches and sightseeing | April–May |
| October–November with fixed dates | Flexible accommodation and indoor alternatives |
Hoi An also has An Bang Beach, while Da Nang offers cultural attractions as well as beaches. If accommodation choice is your next question, compare Da Nang vs Hoi An: Where to Stay.
Late March to May: best for a combined trip
April’s average rainfall at Da Nang station is 35.3 mm, compared with 628.0 mm in October. This makes spring a practical starting point for mixing outdoor sightseeing with beach time. Early March can still bring rougher sea conditions following the winter monsoon; by May, afternoon heat is more noticeable. For Ba Na Hills, check the mountain forecast separately because cloud and fog can obscure the views even when the coast looks pleasant.
June to August: beaches, heat and summer crowds
Summer can work well for travelers who mainly want the beach, but plan Old Town walks or Marble Mountains for cooler hours. June–August overlaps with Vietnamese school holidays, so check actual hotel availability and prices instead of assuming a fixed seasonal surcharge.
Sea safety: Water conditions matter more than air temperature. Swim in lifeguarded areas, follow flags and official restrictions, and ask about dangerous currents. Rough seas can affect the coast during the northeast-monsoon period, particularly from autumn into early spring; conditions vary by day.
September to December: rain, storms and two different risks
The official Vietnam Tourism page for Da Nang describes September–October favorably for some beach activities and places the rainy season around November–February. Its Hoi An guidance warns of heavier rain and flooding during September–November. Rather than hide that tension, we give greater weight to station rainfall and Hoi An’s river exposure for a trip combining both.
Why we take the cautious view: Da Nang station’s rainfall increases to 350.7 mm in September, 628.0 mm in October and 448.2 mm in November. QCVN 02:2022/BXD, section 3.3.2, also identifies 1 September to 15 December as the typical river-flood season for the region extending from former Quang Binh to Ninh Thuan, including the Thu Bon catchment. December therefore remains a caution month.
Hoi An: Extended upstream rain can raise the Thu Bon and inundate low-lying riverfront streets. Da Nang: Strong winds, rough seas and local urban flooding can disrupt beach and transport plans. Neither place is automatically safe just because the other is experiencing different conditions.
October 2025: an extreme flood, not a normal October
At the Cau Lau river gauge, the Thu Bon reached 5.62 metres at 02:00 on 30 October 2025, exceeding its 1964 record by 0.14 m. AHA Centre separately reported 3.39 metres at the Hoi An gauge at 03:00, just below that gauge’s 1964 record of 3.40 m. Those are river-gauge readings, not the depth of water on individual Old Town streets.
The flooding severely affected Hoi An, as documented in the Government’s 31 October 2025 photo report. It is useful evidence of extreme consequences, but not a prediction of flooding at the same level each year.
If October or November dates are fixed
| If you are planning… | A more resilient choice |
|---|---|
| A riverside hotel in Hoi An | Ask about flood access, past disruption and refunds |
| A beach holiday | Keep swimming-dependent activities flexible |
| Ba Na Hills | Recheck weather, visibility and operations |
| Airport transfers | Confirm routes near departure; allow for disruption |
| Many outdoor excursions | Keep indoor alternatives and follow official warnings |
A hotel away from the river is not automatically flood-safe. Ask about road access in heavy rain and never enter flooded streets or moving water. For travel logistics, see Da Nang Airport to Hoi An.
What changes for travel in 2027?
Tet: The public-sector holiday is scheduled for 4–10 February 2027; private businesses may follow different arrangements. Confirm restaurants, transport and accommodation near the holiday. Official announcement.
Da Nang International Fireworks Festival: Past editions have taken place during summer. The 2027 festival dates should be checked against the organizer’s official calendar before booking a trip around the event.
Hoi An lantern evenings: The Old Town is atmospheric year-round. Check the actual lunar-calendar event program rather than assuming fixed lighting or activity hours.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Da Nang and Hoi An?
April is our preferred overall choice for combining cultural sightseeing and beach time.
Is March a good month for Hoi An?
Yes, particularly for Old Town walks and cycling. Sea conditions may still be rough at times, especially early in March.
When is Hoi An’s flood season?
The regional river-flood season is typically September to mid-December under QCVN 02:2022/BXD. Actual flooding depends on individual weather events and river levels.
Can you swim in Da Nang in December?
Sometimes conditions allow it, but rough seas and winds can make swimming unsafe. Follow lifeguard guidance on the day.
Is October always a bad month?
No. Some trips proceed without major disruption, but October has the highest monthly average rainfall in this Da Nang station dataset. Flexible bookings are especially valuable.
Our verdict
Choose April when you can. May–July suits beach-first trips, while late March is especially good for Hoi An sightseeing. For September–November, prioritize cancellation terms, road access, and alternatives. Use short-term official forecasts and warnings for the actual travel dates.
Planning more of the country? Start with Best Time to Visit Vietnam (2027).
Evidence and editorial notes
Sources checked: 13 October 2026. QCVN 02:2022/BXD, Table A.25 and section 3.3.2; Government News flood report; AHA Centre flood update; Government photo report; Vietnam Tourism seasonal guidance; Tet 2027 announcement.
Evidence boundary: Historical station averages are not individual forecasts, and the 2025 flood was exceptional. Recommendations are editorial judgments, not firsthand travel-test claims. No affiliate booking links are included.