Hoi An in February is a delightful combination of cooler weather, a lively atmosphere, and fewer tourists. The pleasant temperatures are great for wandering Hoi An’s lantern-filled streets, strolling along the river, and enjoying the cultural festivals in this vibrant town.
Where Is Hoi An?
Hoi An is a stunning ancient town in central Vietnam, on the banks of the Thu Bon River and about 30 km south of Da Nang. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is famous for its preserved architecture, streets illuminated with colorful lanterns, and a blend of influences from Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese cultures.
February is a very popular month to visit Hoi An because of the weather and relaxed amount of rain- you are almost guaranteed perfect conditions to explore the Ancient Town in the warm spring sunshine! February also might include some exciting local cultural events (especially around Tet or Vietnamese Lunar New Year), so that although weather conditions are relaxing, it is also a great time to experience some celebration!
What Is The Weather Like In Hoi An In February?
In Hoi An, February is a lovely, mild month that will ease you out of winter and into the beginning of spring. Expect daytime temperatures around 23-25 °C, with evening temperatures dropping to around 19-20 °C.
There is very little rain, and expectations will usually be 1-2 days of rain per month! and about 6-7 hours of sunshine each day. While humidity is still fairly low, the feeling of fresh air makes February an excellent time for visitors to explore the area around the Ancient Town and countryside, without the crowds or heat of the months before.
| Weather Aspect | Details |
| Temperature | Daytime: 23 – 25 °C
Nighttime: 19 – 20 °C |
| Humidity | High, around 85 – 87%, but manageable with mild temperatures |
| Rainfall | Low, around 60 mm total, with only about 4 – 5 rainy days |
| Cloud Cover | Partly cloudy; expect around 6.5 hours of sunshine per day |
| Weather Pattern | Mild, mostly dry, and pleasant, great for outdoor exploration |
What To See And Do In Hoi An In February?
February is one of the most magical months to visit Hoi An with the nice weather. The town becomes cheerful in cultural festivities, pushing tourists to eat local delicacies, play folk games, local tunes, and attend dance performances. This is the perfect time to enjoy very local traditions and appreciate the romance of the beauty of the Ancient Town. Here are a few must-have experiences.
Enjoy the Lantern Festival on the Hoai River
Tet Nguyen Tieu, or the Lantern Festival, is one of the cutest things to witness in Hoi An during February. The days are lit up by thousands of lanterns, temples do solemn rituals, and that has always been incredible games that bring the community together.
The most special experience you will have is taking a wooden boat at night on the Hoai River, and releasing colourful paper lanterns into the water, a gesture of hope for peace, prosperity, and happiness. A part of what the festival means is that not only are you witnessing beautiful things, but you are engaging with centuries of Hoi An tradition and spirituality.
Wander Around Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An Ancient Town is a living museum of Hoi An dressed in its finest for February. Wandering through the cobblestoned streets of this gorgeous town, you will come across beautiful yellow houses draped in moss, ornately built merchant homes of wood, and uncanny cultural relics of the nation’s Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese roots.
During the day is a fantastic time to take photos, shop for handicrafts, or have a coffee at a riverside cafe. At night, the whole town is a spectacle to behold, every alley lit in paper lanterns, and the reflections on the Thu Bon River sparkle like a fairytale. You won’t forget it.
Visit Pagodas And Pray For Good Fortune
February is an ideal time of year for spiritual contemplation as locals flock to pagodas to welcome positive energy for the new year. The two stops that may interest you in the heart of the old town are the Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau) and Ba Mu Pagoda. The Japanese Bridge, a 17th-century bridge (still standing strong), is the only architectural relic symbolizing peace and protection from worldly woes.
And, Ba Mu Pagoda, with its large Tam Quan gate and finely carved details, is equally of interest. Visiting these places allows you to experience the artistic talents of Hoi An’s religious sites, and while you admire their beauty, you can even join in the locals’ prayers for a year of health, happiness, and wealth.
Explore Cam Ha Flower Village
A short bicycle ride away from the town center, Cam Ha Village is alive in February as farmers prepare to plant their colourful flower gardens and kumquat orchards for Tet. The village is known for ornamental plants, which symbolize good luck and wealth for the upcoming year. While walking through the plots, you can breathe in the fragrant scents of chrysanthemums, marigolds, and gladiolus, and you can also see farmers tending to their plants. Not only is this a photographer’s delight, but it is one of the few opportunities you will have to see real rural life and festive events in central Vietnam.
Savoring The Culinary Delights Of Hoi An
If you’re a food lover, Hoi An is a perfect spot of deliciousness, and February is the best month to enjoy it. The cool nights of February invite you to enjoy hot bowls of Mi Quang or try famous cao lau noodles unique to Hoi An. A meal of Cao Lau may be accompanied by chewy noodles and smoky pork. You are also able to try Hoi An Banh Mi, which is known as one of the best sandwiches in the world, or Hoi An chicken rice.
In February, the Tet Festival will mean you will find stalls and stalls of all sorts of festive goodies. Flavorful green bean cakes, sesame candies, or Banh Phu The (Vietnamese conjugal cake), all of which will transport you to the day of seeing locals celebrate traditional Tet New Year’s celebrations. Exploring Hoi An’s food legacy is as much about culture as it is about eating. Therefore, don’t miss sampling Hoi An’s unforgettable food on your trip!
What To Pack For Hoi An In February?
Being smart about what to pack for Hoi An during February will ensure that you maximize your experience while you enjoy the warm days and cooler evenings. Here’s what you simply can’t do without:
Clothing layers
When packing warm-weather clothing for the day, keep in mind that you should pack light and breathable tops such as T-shirts, blouses, or dresses. It may be worth bringing along a thin jacket, cardigan, or light sweater as mornings and evenings can be a little chillier than the daytime.
Comfortable shoes
Exploring Hoi An means many hours on your feet walking ancient streets and through markets, so you will need to pack comfortable shoes such as sneakers or sandals. Don’t bring a brand-new pair of shoes. You do not want to get used to a new pair of shoes by ending up with blisters after having to walk for an extended period of time!
Rain gear and sun protection
Keep in mind that there will be occasional showers in February, so bring a small umbrella or a light, packable raincoat. The sun will still be very strong around midday, so don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a broad-brimmed hat to protect against UV rays.
Other personal care items
Consider carrying travel-size toiletries and hand sanitizer, and wet wipes for convenience. If you will be spending time outdoors, lip balm and moisturizer can keep your skin feeling comfortable. Bring personal medication that you may need while traveling (painkillers, allergy medication, digestive tablets, etc.).
Electronics and other items
Make sure to bring your phone or an excellent camera to capture the gone bys’ lantern-lit nights, temples, and active streets. A portable charger can be beneficial if you are out all day exploring. A small bag for laundry or wet clothes can keep your suitcase tidy.
Travel Tips For Visiting Hoi An In February
While it’s fair to say that February is about as good as it gets for weather in Hoi An, especially when taking travel needs into consideration, you can make your trip even more enjoyable with a few smart preparations. The following travel tips may prove helpful.
- It is still possible for light rain to fall, so bringing along a small umbrella or thin raincoat is best.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat are must-have items! You’ll want to capture pictures of the beautiful pastel buildings on the lantern-lit streets, and you’ll need a good camera to do it!
- Visit traditional craft villages, historical sites, and temples during the day, then take part in the magical lantern-lit atmosphere and the bustling night market in the evening.
- February is peak season, so you will want to book your accommodation and flights at least 2 weeks in advance to avoid inflated rates and a lack of options.
- Hoi An can easily be combined with trips to Da Nang or Hue to enhance your cultural and scenic experience.
- Traveling with a guided tour does provide an easier option, but traveling by yourself does provide better flexibility. Either way presents a unique opportunity that’s well worth considering!
FAQs About Visiting Hoi An In February
If you are visiting Hoi An in February, then you may be wondering about the weather, what events are happening, and what to reasonably expect during this festival period. Below are some helpful answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
Can I experience Tet Festival in Hoi An?
Yes! Tet happens between late January and February, as the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. During Tet in Hoi An, the well-decorated ancient town is decorated with thousands of colourful lanterns and flowers, and residents celebrate the festival with traditional performances, food, and cultural rituals.
Are tourist attractions open during Tet in Hoi An?
Most tourist attractions and shops are open in Hoi An, but not all local accommodation and businesses will operate during Tet as they may have a few days off to celebrate Tet with family. However, popular tourist attractions, most restaurants, and hotels are functioning, especially in the ancient town.
Does Hoi An get busy in February?
Yes, it can get busy in February (especially during Tet), as many visitors flock to the town to get a taste of its festive atmosphere, so it’s best to book accommodation and tours in advance. That said, the festive spirit makes the busy crowds worthwhile.
What is special in Hoi An in February?
In addition to roaming the ancient town by lantern light, you’ll be able to join in the Tet festivities, sample seasonal dishes, and take part in cultural activities like lantern-making workshops. You’ll also be fresh for night markets and local performances.
Final Thoughts: Is February A Good Time To Visit Hoi An?
Absolutely yes! February is certainly one of the best months to travel to Hoi An, with its lovely and neutral climate, lively festive vibes, and the opportunity to celebrate the Lunar New Year and Lantern Festivals. The styles and colors of Hoi An make every bit of your traveling experience super colorful and joyful, from touring the romantic ancient town and flower villages to sampling delicious local Quang Nam cuisine. If you are planning your adventures around Vietnam, ensure you experience this enchanted month in Hoi An with Seni World.
