Every year from about September to December, central Vietnam gets most of its rain. Travel forums are full of worried questions: Will it rain all day? Does the Old Town flood? Can you still go to the beach?

We’re the family behind Nam Gia Seafood Restaurant on An Bang Beach, and we’ve lived through more than 25 rainy seasons here. The short answer: it’s wetter, the sea is rougher and you need a flexible plan – but Hoi An is still lovely, quieter and greener. Here’s what to expect.

Hoi An weather from September to December

September: the start of the rainy season. Still warm, with a mix of sunny days and heavy afternoon showers.
October: usually the wettest month, and the peak of the storm season. Expect several days of steady rain in a row.
November: still very wet, especially in the first half, with cooler, breezy evenings.
December: lighter showers and the coolest weather of the year – evenings by the sea can feel around 20 °C, so bring a light jacket.

Rain often comes in bursts, with dry hours in between, and no two years are the same. Check the forecast a few days ahead and keep one or two flexible days in your plan.

Does Hoi An Old Town flood?

In some years, yes. After days of heavy rain in October or November, the Thu Bon River can rise into the riverside streets of the Old Town for a day or two, and you may see boats where you would normally walk. Locals are used to it: shops move goods upstairs and life carries on in the streets further from the river.

Ask your hotel about flooding before you book if you plan to stay right by the river.
Follow the local news and your hotel’s advice when heavy rain is forecast, and keep away from fast-moving water.
When the Old Town is wet, An Bang Beach and the area around it are a good place to spend the day.

Can you swim at An Bang Beach in the rainy season?

Often not. From September to December, storms bring big waves and strong currents, and the red flag goes up on many days. Never swim when it is flying. The beach is still beautiful for a walk, and the waves are a sight in themselves. For the calm swimming months, see our An Bang Beach guide.

Guests dining under blue umbrellas and red lanterns on Nam Gia's beachfront terrace — Our covered terrace faces the sea.

What to do in Hoi An on a rainy day

Explore the Old Town on foot with a rain jacket – the old houses, assembly halls and museums are mostly indoors.
Take a cooking class and learn to make the dishes you’ve been eating.
Visit a tailor – rainy days are perfect for fittings.
Linger in a café with a Vietnamese coffee or coconut coffee and watch the rain.
Have a long lunch by the sea – the sound of rain and waves under a roof is surprisingly relaxing.

What to eat when it’s cool and wet

Rainy evenings call for hot, comforting food. These dishes from our menu are guest favourites when the weather turns:

Lobster, crab or grouper porridge – soft rice porridge cooked with fresh seafood.
Sour soup with grouper or clams – the light, tangy Vietnamese soup known as canh chua.
Braised fish in a clay pot – rich, savoury and great with steamed rice.
Steamed lobster with lemongrass or steamed clams with lemongrass – warm and fragrant.
Grilled seafood straight from the charcoal: prawns, scallops, oysters with scallion oil.

Live seafood is sold by weight at the day’s price – we weigh it at your table and confirm the price before cooking (see the full menu). First time? Here’s how to choose the best seafood in Hoi An.

Whole fish in a dark savoury sauce topped with chili and fresh herbs — A whole fish cooked to order – perfect on a cool evening.

Eating by the sea when it rains

Our terrace at Nam Gia is covered, so you can still eat facing the sea while the rain passes. We’re open every day from 08:00 to 22:00. On days with a storm warning, send us a message on WhatsApp before you set off and we’ll tell you how the beach looks.

Book a table Ask us on WhatsApp Get directions

Plate of crab with herbs on a table under Nam Gia's covered terrace, An Bang Beach — Hot seafood under the roof while the rain passes.

Rainy-season travel tips

Pack a light rain jacket, quick-dry clothes and sandals rather than canvas shoes.
Use a Grab car rather than a motorbike in heavy rain.
Keep your passport and phone in a zip bag or dry bag.
Sunset is around 5:15–5:30 pm in November and December, so the evenings start early. See our sunset dinner guide for the best time to arrive.
Flying in or out of Da Nang? Allow extra time for the drive on rainy days. Our Da Nang to Hoi An guide compares the options.
Here for the holidays? December evenings fill up early. Read our Christmas and New Year’s Eve tips.

FAQ

Is it worth visiting Hoi An in the rainy season?

Yes, if you keep your plans flexible. There are fewer crowds, the rice fields are green and the Old Town is quieter. Just don’t plan a beach-swimming holiday between September and December.

Which month has the most rain in Hoi An?

October and November are usually the wettest months. December is cooler with lighter showers.

Does Hoi An flood every year?

Not every year, but floods in the riverside streets of the Old Town are fairly common after heavy rain in October or November. They usually last a day or two.

Is An Bang Beach open in the rainy season?

The beach and its restaurants stay open, but swimming is often unsafe because of big waves and currents. Always follow the flags.

Rain or shine, we’ll keep the kitchen warm for you.
– The Nam Gia family

About this guide
Written by the family behind Nam Gia Seafood Restaurant, who have cooked seafood at Lot 2, An Bang Beach since 2000. These are the tips we give our own guests every day. Opening hours, prices and links were last checked on 27 October 2026.
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