Hoi An Weather in May

The weather of Hoi An in May is far from ideal: scorching heat, high humidity and strong UV rays. All make outdoor activities quite challenging. Fortunately, rainfall is low and sunny days prevail, so overall conditions are not too bad. With proper itinerary planning, you can still enjoy a fine travel experience.

Temperature

As May arrives, temperatures in Hoi An gradually rise, bringing oppressive heat. Even in the early morning and late evening, there is little noticeable coolness.

Daytime high temperatures often reach around 34 degrees Celsius (93 degrees Fahrenheit). To make matters worse, the humidity level climbs to nearly 90%, making people feel even hotter. Walking along the An Bang Beach at noon for just ten minutes will leave your clothes soaked with sweat. In extreme cases, temperatures can soar to around 40℃ (104℉), which may even trigger a high-temperature warning on your phone.

Nighttime low temperatures typically range from 26 to 28℃ (79 - 82℉), but don’t assume it cool. The humid air can raise the apparent temperature by 3 - 5℃ (37 - 41℉), leaving you feel hot and sticky still. This is especially pronounced in the ancient town, where there is hardly any wind and the oppressive humidity lingers. Even if a light breeze does blow, it is a warm breeze and offers no cooling relief at all.

An Bang Beach in Hot Weather

Muggy Evening in Old Town

Precipitation

Rainfall in Hoi An in May remains relatively low overall, with an average monthly precipitation of just 56 mm and around 14 rainy days. Although the rain is a bit frequent, it is usually short-lived and stop within an hour. You could conduct indoors sightseeing when it rains, only to step outside into clear skies without even realizing it had rained. Therefore, there is no need to worry that rain will disrupt your travel plans.

However, do note that rain here arrives suddenly and intensely. One moment you may be taking photos at the Japanese Covered Bridge, the next heavy raindrops come crashing down. At such times, you should quickly take shelter in the nearest shop or cafe, then resume your sightseeing once the rain eases.

Japanese Covered Bridge Before Rain

Daylight / Sunshine Duration

In May, daytime in Hoi An grows significantly longer, lasting nearly 13 hours: sunrise is at around 5:17, and sun sets at approximately 18:09. However, the scorching midday heat also lingers longer as a result, making you reluctant to venture out between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Effective daylight hours for sightseeing are therefore reduced. Yet there is no need to worry - Hoi An is at its most stunning during the evening and night. As dusk sets in, colorful lanterns illuminate one by one, and glowing flower lanterns drift along the Thu Bon River. The entire ancient town is enveloped in a classic, tranquil atmosphere.

It’s worth noting that the UV index in Hoi An in May is extremely high, exceeding Level 11. Without proper sun protection, just 10 - 15 minutes outdoors can leave your skin red and stinging, while sunburn and peeling may set in within half an hour. In severe cases, it can even cause eye damage. So be sure to take full sun protection measures and never neglect them.

Is May a Good Time to Visit Hoi An?

May is not the best time to visit Hoi An, but it is by no means the worst. While it has its drawbacks, it also offers unique advantages. You can make your own decision based on the following information.

Drawbacks

The weather of Hoi An in May is relatively unfavorable, with oppressively hot and humid conditions and an extremely high UV index. As a result, quite long periods of the day, especially those around noon are unsuitable for outdoor activities.

Core Advantages

May falls within the low tourist season. Except for 3 - 4 days around Labor Day at the beginning of the month, visitor numbers are very low.

Firstly, popular attractions such as Ancient Town and the Chinese Assembly Hall are free from overcrowding, and you can take photos with almost no passers-by blocking the frame. There is no need to queue long for activities including Ao Dai rentals, river cruises and diving, giving you a far better travel experience.

Quiet Quang Trieu Hall

Secondly, the low season brings down prices across most services. Flights and hotel accommodation are 30% - 50% cheaper than during the peak season. Additionally, there is no need to rush to book in advance, allowing for more flexible and unrestricted travel arrangements.

Packing List for Hoi An Trip in May

Clothes: We recommend packing mainly lightweight, breathable clothing, such as short-sleeved T-shirts, cotton-linen shirts, tank tops, dresses, skirts, shorts, and thin pants. To protect you against strong UV rays, you’d better bring a sun-protective jacket and a sun hat.

Note: Try to choose clothes made of quick-drying, heat-dissipating and easy-to-wash fabrics.

Shoes: Sports sandals are the optimal choices for your trip. They are highly breathable to keep your feet from feeling stuffy, deliver excellent support for extended walking, and are perfectly suited for water-based activities with their quick-drying properties. They also fit securely, so they won’t slip off when you board or disembark from boats. That said, if you plan to visit hilly valley destinations such as My Son Sanctuary, you should still pack a pair of sneakers or hiking shoes.

Tips

1. Hoi An in May has a hot and humid climate, where mosquitoes breed rapidly and significantly increase the risk of dengue fever transmission. It is recommended to carry mosquito repellent with you. If you develop a fever after being bitten, seek medical attention promptly.

2. Most street-side shops in Hoi An lack air conditioning. If you plan to explore the town at midday, we suggest pre-searching online for air-conditioned cooling spots you can retreat to whenever you feel overheated. This avoids wasting time searching on the spot, which can lead to fatigue and discomfort.

3. Hoi An sees a 3 - 5-day travel peak in early May, as International Labor Day on May 1 coincides with Vietnam’s Reunification Day on April 30. If you prefer a quiet, crowd-free experience, we recommend avoiding the period from May 1 to 5.