Hoi An Weather in January

Hoi An experiences its coolest climate all year round in January, with daily high temperatures below 30℃ (86℉). It falls at the start of the dry season, with moderate rainfall. The UV index is at its lowest level of the year, yet intense but not extreme. With overall pleasant weather, it is undoubtedly one of the best months to visit.

Temperature

Hoi An generally experiences minimal diurnal temperature variation in January. Daytime highs hover around 23 degrees Celsius (73 degrees Fahrenheit), while nighttime lows stay at roughly 21℃ (70℉), bringing consistently agreeable weather all day long. Early mornings and evenings are mild enough to admire sunrise and sunset on An Bang Beach without heavy layers, while midday offers pleasant conditions for hours of strolling through the ancient town without breaking a sweat. Occasionally, temperatures may drop to around 13℃ (55℉), which can leave you feeling quite chilly in just a T-shirt. This time, you need to add more clothing accordingly.

Note that the seawater temperature sits at approximately 20℃ (68℉) during this period, making it a bit cold for offshore activities. If you’d like to swim, we suggest hotels that feature indoor heated pools.

Precipitation

Hoi An in January holds a faint lingering touch of the rainy season, so rainfall is not too sparse: the average monthly precipitation stands at 92 mm, with around 10 rainy days throughout the month. Rain here takes on distinct moods: at times it drifts as a gentle drizzle that hardly disrupts your plans, letting you wander beneath an umbrella by the Japanese Covered Bridge in a soft, misty atmosphere; at others, heavy downpours arrive abruptly but fade quickly, allowing you to pause at a sidewalk cafe briefly before resuming your exploration.

Sunrise, Sunset & Length of Day

In Hoi An, the sun rises at around 6:17 and sets at about 17:35 in January, with daylight lasting only roughly 11 hours, less than half the day. Yet with infrequent rain and no extreme heat to steer clear of, you can enjoy nearly the full day for sightseeing.

In addition, the local average daily sunshine lasts around 7 hours, offering excellent light for photography. However, note that the UV index reaches level 9 at this time. Although it is relatively low compared with other months, it remains intense. If you plan to sunbathe on the beach, be sure to avoid the strongest midday sunlight. At other times, remember to apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses.

Packing List for Visiting Hoi An in January 2027

For the upper body: Pack short-sleeved T-shirts, long-sleeved tees, lightweight hoodies, and shirts as base layers. For cooler, rainy days or when the sea breeze picks up, simply add a trench coat or light jacket over your outfit. In addition, we recommend avoiding yellow-toned clothing. Hoi An’s Old Town is lined with bright yellow walls, so wearing similar shades will make you blend into the background and stand out far less in photos.

For the lower body: Opt for thin pants and jeans as your main bottoms. If you prefer a cool, breathable feel, you can also pack a pair of shorts or a midi skirt. For those planning to explore the old town extensively, flat shoes, casual shoes or sneakers are the most practical choice. If you want to walk along the beach, bring beach shoes, flip-flops, or sandals.

Top Things to Do in Hoi An in January

1. Stroll Through Hoi An’s UNESCO World Heritage Old Town

It is cool and comfortable in Hoi An in January, making it ideal for a full day of walking and exploring the old town at a leisurely pace. With no need to deliberately avoid the scorching sun or worry about frequent downpours, you can check off the old town’s iconic landmarks, browse distinctive shops, and taste local street snacks all in a single day. You can wander along the main streets to explore the Japanese Covered Bridge thoroughly, step into the Quang Trieu Assembly Hall and Fujian Assembly Hall to admire their exquisite wood carvings and elegant courtyards, then turn into small alleys to visit century-old ancient houses. Along the way, feel free to browse handmade lantern shops, try a cup of authentic local coffee, or pick up a serving of mango sticky rice or a baguette sandwich from the market to enjoy as you walk by.

2. Cruise the Thu Bon River and Release Lanterns at Night

Rainfall in January is just right, keeping the Thu Bon River at a full and steady water level while rarely disrupting boat trips as heavy downpours are rare. Drifting along the river at dusk, you can watch the red lanterns on both banks light up one after another. Their warm yellow glow reflects on the water, spreading into a continuous and gentle shimmer. You can also release a lotus lantern with your own hands and watch it drifting gently away with the current.

Tips

1. January is the peak tourist season in Hoi An, with large crowds and price hikes for some activities. It is recommended to book boat tours, popular restaurants, and special experiences in advance to avoid unavailability when you arrive last-minute.

2. January sees a relatively early sunset. If you wish to take atmospheric photos capturing both the dusk glow and the lanterns, we recommend arriving at the Thu Bon River before 17:00 to secure the best shooting spots.

3. Temperatures are relatively low in January, and coupled with the constant sea breeze, those dressed lightly are prone to catching a cold. It is recommended to keep warm promptly and carry cold medicine just in case of needs.