Asia
February to May is the best window — dry, warm (25 to 35 degrees), and the town is lively without being overwhelmed. The full moon lantern festival, held on the 14th of each lunar month, transforms the Old Town — electric lights switch off, candles and lanterns take over.
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Summer (June to August) is hot — 35 to 38 degrees — and humid but still dry. The beach is excellent. Peak season for domestic tourists, weekends busy.
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The wet season (September to December) is challenging. October and November bring heavy rainfall and the Old Town floods regularly. Genuinely disruptive but oddly atmospheric — locals paddle boats through the streets.
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January is transitional — cooler (18 to 24 degrees), occasionally grey. Tet (Vietnamese New Year) in January or February brings festive atmosphere but many businesses close for days.
