Hoi An Weather in July: A Guide to Sun and Summer Heat

The Peak of Summer Brightness

July in Hoi An represents the vibrant peak of the dry season. While the rest of Vietnam often grapples with the full force of the summer monsoon, the central coast remains shielded by the Truong Son mountain range. This creates a unique weather window characterized by intense sunshine, deep blue skies, and a landscape that feels electrified by light. It is one of the sunniest months of the year, averaging over 12 hours of daylight, making the yellow walls of the Ancient Town appear particularly radiant.

Daily Rhythm: Heat and Relief

In July, the climate follows a predictable and intense daily cycle.

• Morning (5:00 AM – 9:00 AM): Locals are most active during these early hours to beat the heat. The air is warm but manageable, and there is often a gentle breeze coming off the Thu Bon River.
• Midday Peak (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM): This is the "baking" period. Temperatures regularly climb to 34°C (93°F) or higher. The sun intensity is at its maximum, and the streets of the Ancient Town can feel like a heat trap as the stone and brick absorb the solar energy.
• Late Afternoon (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM): As the day transitions, the heat remains, but the arrival of the "golden hour" brings a softer light. Occasionally, short, sharp "convectional" rain showers may occur—brief 15-minute downpours that provide a fleeting sense of refreshment without disrupting plans.
• Evening (7:00 PM Onwards): Even after sunset, the air remains balmy, hovering around 26°C (79°F). The humidity starts to rise, but the lack of direct sun makes it the preferred time for both locals and travelers to emerge into the lantern-lit streets.

Seasonal Context: The Calm Before the Storm

July is a transitional period, sitting at the end of the dry season. While August and September begin to see more frequent rain and the potential for typhoons, July remains largely stable. Historically, this is a dry month, but the increasing humidity signals that the wet season is approaching.

What the Weather "Feels Like"

Don't be fooled by the thermometer—the "real feel" in July is often significantly higher due to the humidity, which averages around 75–80%. While it’s not as suffocatingly sticky as the peak monsoon months in the North or South, the combination of high UV and humidity means you will feel the heat the moment you step outside. The coastal location provides a saving grace: the Marine Layer. Coastal breezes near An Bang and Cua Dai beaches offer a much-needed cooling effect that is less present in the sheltered, narrow alleys of the inland town.

Local Adaptation

You will notice the town’s rhythm adapts to the climate. In the heat of the afternoon, shops often go quiet as owners retreat into the shade of their thick-walled heritage homes, which were cleverly designed centuries ago for natural ventilation. Life returns to the streets only as the mercury dips, with the riverside coming alive with activity, food stalls, and the cooling influence of the water.