Hoi An Weather in November: Cool Breezes, Lanterns & Rainy Charm

Hoi An Weather in November brings mild temperatures, occasional rain, and a romantic atmosphere. Discover top things to do, packing tips, and why this month is perfect for exploring lantern-lit streets, local cuisine, and cultural charm without the crowds.

When it comes to Southeast Asia getaways, Hoi An never goes out of style. But have you ever thought of visiting this charming lantern town in the rainier shoulder season? If not, let this be your guide. Because Hoi An weather in November is more than just cloudy skies - it’s a poetic backdrop for unforgettable adventures.

Whether you're from Singapore seeking a cozy cultural escape or an American traveler chasing authenticity beyond the usual tourist crowds, November offers a unique, almost cinematic version of Hoi An. Let’s discover what makes this month special and how to make the most of your visit.

Temperature and Rainfall in November

Hoi An Weather in November offers a refreshing break from Vietnam’s sweltering summer heat, making it a surprisingly pleasant time to explore the ancient town. Temperatures typically range from 23°C to 27°C (73°F to 81°F), creating comfortably warm days that are ideal for sightseeing, outdoor dining, or riverside strolls. In the evening, the air cools slightly, which adds a touch of crispness to the lantern-lit ambiance of the Old Town.

Rainfall is a defining feature of this month, with an average of 15 - 20 rainy days and around 250 - 300 mm of precipitation. However, this doesn’t mean constant downpours. Most rain comes in short, scattered bursts, often in the late afternoon or evening, allowing plenty of dry hours during the day. The showers tend to be light to moderate - enough to moisten the air and freshen the colors of Hoi An’s iconic yellow walls, but rarely enough to disrupt travel plans completely.

Humidity levels remain high, typically hovering around 80 - 90%, but they’re far more tolerable than in the peak summer months thanks to the coastal breeze from the nearby Thu Bon River. The air feels cleaner, cooler, and surprisingly breathable. This mild and misty climate gives Hoi An an added layer of charm: think foggy mornings, romantic reflections on wet cobblestones, and the gentle sound of rain tapping on tiled roofs.

“When I visited Hoi An in November, I didn’t expect to fall in love with the rain,” shared Julia from New York. “It gave everything a softness. I remember sipping tea in a quiet cafe while watching the rain turn the alley outside into a watercolor painting.”

So don’t let the thought of a little rain discourage you. In fact, pack a light rain jacket, quick-drying shoes, and a compact umbrella, and you’ll be fully equipped to enjoy all the beauty that Hoi An Weather in November has to offer - rain or shine.

Should You Visit Hoi An in November? A Resounding Yes!

If you’re the kind of traveler who values elbow‑room, wallet‑friendly rates, and unhurried exploration, November is a sweet spot - largely thanks to Hoi An Weather in November. You’ll share the ancient streets with roughly 40 % fewer visitors than in peak season, which translates into hotel discounts of 15–25 % and near‑empty sunrise strolls across the Japanese Covered Bridge. While you won’t get wall‑to‑wall sunshine every day, you will get something better: mood. Picture soft, mist‑laced mornings where lantern colors glow richer, and hushed alleyways that feel like private film sets waiting for your camera.

Because November sits just ahead of Vietnam’s holiday surge, the town runs on “local time.” Café owners linger over robust drip coffees, tailors at famed shops like Yaly Couture can perfect your fittings without the usual queue, and shopkeepers greet you with genuine conversation rather than a sales rush. Even the Thu Bon River traffic slows - fewer tour boats mean quieter reflections of yellow facades rippling on the water. Simply put, Hoi An Weather in November wraps the UNESCO‑listed streets in a calm, cinematic atmosphere that lets you savor every lantern, every noodle bowl, and every smile without the crowd‑induced hurry.

What to Pack for the Weather

Thoughtful preparation is the secret to enjoying Hoi An Weather in November - a month that blends pleasantly warm days (23 °C – 27 °C / 73 °F – 81 °F) with sudden, photogenic rain showers. Here’s a detailed checklist to keep you comfortable, camera‑ready, and stylish:

• Light, breathable clothing: Prioritize linen shirts, moisture‑wicking T‑shirts, and airy cotton trousers that dry fast after a drizzle. Pack one warmer layer (a thin merino sweater or lightweight fleece) for cooler evenings by the Thu Bon River.
• Compact rain gear: A foldable rain jacket or poncho is essential; choose one with under‑arm vents so humidity (often 85 %+) doesn’t trap heat. Tuck it into an exterior pocket of your daypack for quick access when afternoon clouds roll in.
• Water‑resistant footwear: Quick‑dry sneakers or sturdy trekking sandals handle puddled alleys without slipping. Add a pair of flip‑flops for beach runs to An Bang or casual wear inside your hotel.
• Small, windproof umbrella: Perfect for temple‑hopping or crossing the Japanese Bridge without soaking your backpack. Bright‑colored canopies pop in photos against Hoi An’s mustard‑yellow walls.
• Daypack with dry bags: A 20‑ to 25‑liter pack is ideal for carrying a camera, reusable water bottle, and souvenirs. Use waterproof stuff sacks or zip‑seal pouches to protect electronics from sudden downpours and high humidity.
• Extra essentials: Mosquito repellent, Rain‑refreshed gardens mean active mozzies at dusk; a DEET lotion lasts longer than spray. Multipurpose scarf, Works as sunshade, light shawl in air‑conditioned cafés, or impromptu towel after a drizzle. Power bank, fold‑flat hat, and travel‑size hand sanitizer round out a smart kit.

Pack these items and you’ll glide through lantern‑lit streets, riverside cafés, and coconut‑boat canals no matter how quickly Hoi An Weather in November decides to change its mood.

Hoi An Adventures That Shine in November

Hoi An Weather in November paints the Old Town in a soft watercolor wash, turning every drizzle into an invitation rather than an obstacle. Here’s how to let that gentle rain elevate your itinerary:

• Stroll the UNESCO‑Listed Lanes Under Rain‑Kissed Lanterns: Wander down Tran Phu Street or duck into the mossy alleys near Phung Hung Old House as raindrops deepen the mustard‑yellow walls and set tile roofs glistening. Puddles become pocket‑sized mirrors that double the lantern glow - perfect for dreamy photos without the summer crowds.
• Slow‑Sip Coffee With a Soundtrack of Raindrops: Settle by the wooden windows at Reaching Out Tea House, where silence is golden and the only music is rain tapping the shutters. Order a traditional drip coffee or cinnamon‑infused tea and watch silk lanterns sway. “The drizzle made time stretch like caramel,” remembers Mei Lin from Singapore, who filled two blissful hours journaling here.
• Join a Market‑to‑Table Vietnamese Cooking Class: Rainy mornings start with a covered‑market tour alongside a chef from Vy’s Market Restaurant & Cooking School. Back in the kitchen, you’ll master spring rolls, fragrant pho, and chewy cao lau noodles while showers patter on the roof - culinary therapy at its finest.
• Craft Your Own Silk Lantern: At The Lantern Lady workshop, clip bamboo ribs, choose a silk shade, and bring home your personal beacon of Hoi An. The rhythmic snip of scissors and soft background music feel especially meditative on a gray November afternoon.
• Drift Along the Thu Bon River in the Mist: When showers fade to a sprinkle, board a wooden sampan for a river cruise. Mist curls off emerald banks, fishermen flick nets in slow motion, and the rain’s gentle hiss blends with the boat’s creak. Keep a light jacket handy: sunset cruises still sail in November and deliver postcard‑worthy reflection shots.

With these experiences, every raindrop becomes a brushstroke on your holiday canvas - proof that a little moisture only enhances the magic of Hoi An in late autumn.

Hoi An weather in November - Cozy Corners for Rainy Days

When Hoi An Weather in November wraps the town in gentle showers, the right hotel turns every raindrop into part of the experience:

• Little Riverside Hoi An: Nestled on the banks of the Thu Bon River, this boutique gem features private balconies made for storm‑watching. Picture yourself curled up with a book while river mist drifts past, then slipping down to the rooftop infinity pool once the sky clears. Heated towel racks and complimentary ginger tea keep the post‑rain chill at bay.
• Ha An Hotel: Housed in a 19th‑century French‑colonial mansion, Ha An surrounds you with jasmine‑scented gardens and shuttered verandas that glow under lantern light. Rooms include oversized windows for rain‑soaked courtyard views, and the on‑site restaurant serves steaming bowls of cao lau perfect for cooler evenings.
• An Villa: A ten‑minute taxi ride from the Old Town, this eco‑chic hideaway offers open‑air stone baths, bamboo canopies, and lily‑pad ponds serenaded by soft rainfall. Yoga decks face a mangrove‑lined creek, and staff deliver hot lemongrass tea right to your villa whenever clouds gather.

Each property pairs warm lighting, snug indoor lounges, and attentive teams who’ll arrange everything from ponchos to private lantern‑making workshops, ensuring that Hoi An Weather in November feels like a delightful feature - not a travel hurdle.

Rainy Day, No Problem: Best Indoor Activities

When showers drift across town, Hoi An Weather in November transforms indoor spaces into intimate cultural sanctuaries rather than mere rain shelters:

• Dive into Heritage at Rehahn’s Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum: Wander five themed halls showcasing more than 200 portraits and traditional costumes of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minorities, all photographed by French artist Rehahn. Touch‑screen captions reveal language facts, courtship customs, and music traditions; a short documentary loops in a cozy screening corner - perfect while rain patters on colonial shutters.
• Soothe Body and Soul at Palmarosa Spa: The jasmine‑scented lobby welcomes you with warm ginger tea before therapists blend fresh lemongrass, cinnamon, and local sea salt into an herbal compress massage. As thunder rumbles softly outside, slip into the wooden steam room or try a Vietnamese cupping session; post‑treatment, lounge beneath softly glowing lanterns with a bowl of lotus‑seed porridge.
• Unleash Creativity at a Painting or Calligraphy Workshop: At Thanh Dong Art Studio, an English‑speaking artist guides you through bamboo‑ink calligraphy strokes that spell your name in Hán‑Nôm characters. Prefer colors? Join a watercolor class capturing rainy street reflections - materials, rain‑proof aprons, and hot chrysanthemum tea included. You’ll leave with a framed keepsake and a deeper appreciation of patience, brushwork, and the town’s moody palette.

Thanks to the mellow rhythm of Hoi An Weather in November, each of these experiences feels more personal: crowds thin, conversations deepen, and raindrops become the gentle percussion that underscores your cultural adventure.

A Local Day Trip to Remember: Cam Thanh Coconut Village

Just a 15‑minute taxi or Grab ride from the Old Town, Cam Thanh Coconut Village offers an emerald labyrinth of nipa‑palm canals that feels custom‑made for Hoi An Weather in November. Recent rains swell the waterways, turning every frond a richer shade of jade, while soft morning mists add a dreamy, folktale ambiance. Slip on a traditional conical hat, climb into a circular bamboo basket boat, and let your local skipper paddle you through narrow channels once used by wartime couriers. As light drizzle patters on the palm leaves overhead - a common yet gentle hallmark of Hoi An Weather in November - the boatman might break into a folk song such as “Ly Qua Cau,” his voice echoing across the still water and enhancing the village’s storybook mood.

Expect the excursion to cost around 150,000 VND (≈ 6 USD), which typically includes a fresh coconut drink and a quick lesson on weaving palm‑leaf rings for souvenirs. Mornings between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. are ideal: the light is soft for photography, showers are brief, and the tidal level is perfect for navigating the narrower creeks. Pack a lightweight rain jacket, waterproof phone pouch, and insect repellent - essentials that keep you comfortable when a sudden sprinkle turns the canals into shimmering mirrors. Whether you’re spinning in playful circles on the water or gliding quietly beneath arching palms, Cam Thanh provides a lush, intimate counterpoint to Hoi An’s lantern‑lit streets and proves that a little November rain can amplify - not dampen - Vietnam’s natural magic.

Weather Tips to Travel Smarter in November

While Hoi An Weather in November brings romance and ambiance, it also requires a bit of flexible planning. With occasional tropical showers and high humidity, knowing how to adapt will turn any forecast into a chance for discovery. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Check the daily weather forecast first thing in the morning: Rain in November often arrives in short bursts, especially in the late afternoon. Planning outdoor activities - like lantern tours, cooking classes, or coconut boat rides - in the morning increases your chances of staying dry and enjoying clearer skies.
• Invest in travel insurance with weather-related coverage: Since November is part of the rainy season, it’s wise to protect your trip against unexpected delays or cancellations. A sudden downpour shouldn’t mean losing your deposit or missing a key excursion.
• Book accommodations with flexible cancellation policies: Whether you decide to stay an extra night in Hoi An or switch to a coastal retreat if the weather worsens, having the option to adjust your lodging without penalty adds peace of mind.
• Use the Grab app or call a metered taxi: When the skies open up, avoid long walks through puddled alleys by using ride-hailing apps like Grab. They’re cheap, reliable, and especially helpful during evening showers or when returning from the outskirts like An Bang Beach or Cam Thanh Village.
• Stay hydrated and pack electrolyte sachets: Even though the air feels cooler, the humidity - often 85% or higher - can sneak up on you. Drinking enough water and replenishing minerals will keep your energy up during temple visits or shopping strolls.

By planning around the rhythm of Hoi An Weather in November, you’ll turn rainy moments into cozy interludes, not inconveniences. From well-timed outings to warm, dry evenings in lantern-lit cafés, smart prep transforms the weather into part of the charm.

Venturing to Hoi An in the eleventh month may require a lightweight poncho and quick‑dry shoes, yet those small preparations unlock an entirely different Vietnam - one scented with rain‑damp frangipani and illuminated by lanterns reflected in glistening streets. Hoi An Weather in November trades scorching sunshine for a softer, almost cinematic glow: morning mists rolling off the Thu Bon River, steam rising from bowls of cao lau, and tailor shops lit like jewel boxes against pewter skies. Crowd numbers drop, room rates ease, and conversations with locals stretch longer over syrup‑slow drip coffee.

Rather than rushing between beaches, you’ll linger in hidden courtyards where history hums louder in the hush, discover impromptu lantern workshops that open when showers start, and capture photos imbued with watercolor light no filter can imitate. Hoi An Weather in November is unpredictable, yes, but so are the best travel memories—those serendipitous moments when a sudden drizzle leads you into a tea house, a closed umbrella sparks a chat with a silk vendor, or a misty sunset paints the Japanese Bridge in subdued gold.

Come armed with curiosity, a raincoat, and an open itinerary. Let November’s gentle showers choreograph slower mornings, spontaneous detours, and the kind of scenes that stay vivid long after your passport stamp fades. In Hoi An, even a drizzle becomes a spotlight, guiding you through alleyways where old-world charm thrives in the quiet and every lantern feels lit just for you.