Hoi An Weather in May

May weather and your day

May is hot and sticky in Hoi An, with highs around 32°C and nights that stay warm. Rain falls on 13 days, but showers don't usually take over every day. April is a little cooler and drier; June is hotter, with less rain.

You'll enjoy the Ancient Town's shaded lanes and riverside cafés more in the morning or evening. Save the beach for a breezy spell, and don't count on a comfortable afternoon walk through the open fields around Tra Que. The humidity makes sightseeing tiring, so build in a break.

Holidays and crowds

Reunification Day on April 30 and Labour Day on May 1 bring Vietnamese holiday crowds, especially when days off join up. Hoi An's monthly lantern night falls on the 14th day of the lunar month, so its date shifts each year. You'll see lanterns around the Ancient Town and boats on the Hoai River.

If you hate crowds, avoid the holiday stretch and check the lunar calendar before choosing your dates. Outside those busy days, May is generally quieter than the popular February and March period. Prices can be lower than in those peak months, though holiday demand may push them up.

Make the heat work for you

Keep the middle of the day for a long lunch and a rest, then return to the Ancient Town as the light softens. Try cao lau, Hoi An's chewy noodle dish, at lunchtime; it's a satisfying pause from the heat.

Travelling with kids? The short riverside stroll is easier than a long outing in the midday sun. For a local tip, take a small boat from the Hoai River landing near the old town at dusk, when lantern reflections are easier to enjoy than in the bright afternoon.