Halong Bay Weather: Which Is The Best Time To Visit?
Where is Halong Bay
Halong Bay, located in the Gulf of Tonkin (the Northeast of Vietnam), covers an area of 43,400 ha and includes over 1600 islands and islets of various sizes and shapes. The outstanding highlight of this property is centered around the drowned limestone karst landforms, displaying majestic pillars with various arches and caves which form magnificent natural scenery. Thanks to its significant geographical values and exquisite seascapes, Halong Bay was recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage twice in 1994 and 2000 and was voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature in 2011. This is also Vietnam’s world-famous destination that attracts millions of international visitors every year. Last year, 2023, welcomed more than 2.6 million people to visit Halong Bay including domestic and international tourist.
Overview of Halong Bay Weather
The weather in Halong Bay embraces typical characteristics of Northern Vietnam weather with four seasons. It is warm and humid in Spring, hot and rainy in Summer, cool and dry in Autumn, and cold and dry in Winter.
Halong Bay Weather in Spring (February – April)
- Temperature range: 15-27°C
- Humidity level: 80-83%
- Average rainfall: 56 mm
Springtime in Halong Bay usually lasts from February to possibly early April with an average temperature of 18 to 27°C and insignificant rainfall. During this period, the sky is clear and sunny. Despite little rains and cold days, generally, Halong Bay’s spring weather is relatively enjoyable since it is not too bitterly cold for a trip to the bay. Thanks to such a beautiful climate, spring is one of the best times of the year to visit the New Natural Wonder.
Tourists should keep in mind that the humidity level between late February and middle March is quite high due to warmer weather, which results in several foggy and cloudy days, affecting your outdoor activities. However, don’t worry because you can admire the mysterious and charming Halong Bay in the fog and enjoy the refreshing tranquility.
Best activities to do in spring
- Cruising: Enjoy deluxe conveniences on the luxury Halong Bay Cruise with such splendid scenery of the Heritage.
- Cave visiting: Discover majestic caves (namely the famous Sung Sot Cave or Luon Cave) and marvel at one-of-a-kind rock formations
- Kayaking: Sit on a small kayak, paddle slowly through grand islets to explore cliffs beneath the waves, feel the calm water, wriggle into water caves, or touch stalactites
- Climbing: Take about 450 steps to reach Titov Island’s 110-meter peak and admire a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Bay
- Pearl Village visiting: Explore the production of authentic and high-end pearls and select your favorite souvenirs
- Squid fishing: You can experience this interesting activity on cruises at a starry night
Useful tips
- Prepare a light sweater or coat in case of any possible cold
- There are several foggy and humid days with light spring rain in February and early March, which can affect outdoor activities. Therefore, you should check the weather forecast in advance to choose a schedule with convenient weather
- Some services might be unavailable during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year (between late January and early February)
- Tourists have to afford a higher expense than usual due to the peak season and surcharge for Tet Holiday
- If you plan to take a Halong Bay cruise, make a booking a few weeks or even months in advance to avoid unexpected disappointment. Spring is the high season in Halong Bay, so the cruise may be booked out quickly
- If possible, avoid travelling on public holidays such as Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day and Vietnamese Liberation Day in April due to a huge quantity of tourists
Halong Bay Weather in Summer (May – August)
- Temperature range: 25-35°C
- Humidity level: 84-86%
- Average rainfall: 302 mm
Summer in Halong Bay lasts from May to August, featuring overheat weather, high humidity level, and heavy rainy days. The daytime sees an average temperature of approximately 34-35°C, clear and blue sky, and longer duration, making the most glorious moments of sunrise and sunset on the Heritage.
However, this period also features considerable precipitation and the highest chance of storms and typhoons. July and August are the wettest months of the year with heavy rains and sporadic hurricanes, which may lead to a cancellation or postponement of your Halong Bay trip, especially cruise excursions. In those cases, you can visit other destinations in the North of Vietnam and travel to Halong Bay when the weather becomes more comfortable. Tourists are also advised to check the weather forecast in advance for planning a suitable schedule.
Best activities to do in summer
- Cruising: An exceptional combination of the glorious Halong Bay exploration and the ultimate enjoyment of luxurious conveniences
- Kayaking: Sit on a small kayak, paddle slowly through grand islets to explore cliffs beneath the waves, feel the calm water, wriggle into water caves, or touch stalactites
- Swimming: Halong Bay is blessed with a calm sea and splendid beaches surrounded by limestone islands, which are ideal to sit back on the white sand, enjoy the refreshing atmosphere, and indulge in crystal-clear water
- Climbing: Take about 450 steps to reach Titov Island’s 110-meter peak and admire a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Bay
- Cave visiting: Discover majestic caves (namely the famous Sung Sot Cave or Luon Cave) and marvel at one-of-a-kind rock formations
- Pearl Village visiting: Explore the production of authentic and high-end pearls and select your favorite souvenirs
- Squid fishing: You can experience this interesting activity on cruises at a starry night
Is summer the best time for a Halong Bay Cruise trip?
Summer is not really an ideal period for your Halong Bay voyage.
The first half of the summer (May – June) is the peak season in Halong Bay due to a huge number of domestic tourists. Families tend to take their vacation in this period because children do not have to go to school. Prices become more inflated and there may be long waits to see attractions.
In contrast, the other half (July – August) sees an off-season as the weather is not convenient for a Halong Bay cruise. The possibility of severe weather with heavy rains and strong wind causes a fiercer sea surface, negatively affecting outdoor activities and cruise itineraries. However, the good news is that there are fewer tourists around, which means more great deals and promotions from cruises. You can take it into consideration and choose a good schedule for your summer vacation.
If you visit Halong Bay on beautiful days, it is wonderful to enjoy sightseeing, swimming, sunbathing, or kayaking, preferably in the early morning or dusk time.
Useful tips
- Prepare sunscreen, light-colored clothes, hats, and black glasses to avoid the hot sun at noon affecting your health
- Prepare a raincoat or an umbrella on hand to avoid getting cold from sudden rain
- Check the Halong Bay weather forecast at least 1 week ahead of the booking day to avoid rainy or stormy days
- Summer is the peak season in Halong Bay (especially from mid-May to mid-July) with a huge number of domestic tourists, so the accommodations may be booked out quickly. You are advised to make a booking a few weeks or even months in advance to avoid unexpected disappointment.
- Learn carefully about the cancellation and rescheduling policies of hotels/cruises in case of unexpected bad weather conditions
Halong Bay Weather in Autumn (September – October)
- Temperature range: 23-27°C
- Humidity level: 76-82%
- Average rainfall: 175 mm
Autumn is considered the most delightful season to visit Halong Bay thanks to pleasant weather: cool, dry, and mildly sunny with breathtaking golden sunsets. The average temperature fluctuates between 23 and 27°C, enabling you to immerse in beautiful and comfortable sunshine. Despite some light rain in September, the precipitation decreases significantly due to a low humidity level in October and November. Late October may see Northeastern monsoons featuring some cold days.
Best activities to do in autumn
- Cruising: Enjoy high-class services on a luxury Halong Bay cruise and treat your eyes to the sublime beauty of the Heritage.
- Cave visiting: Discover majestic caves (namely the famous Sung Sot Cave or Luon Cave) and marvel at one-of-a-kind rock formations
- Kayaking: Sit on a small kayak, paddle slowly through grand islets to explore cliffs beneath the waves, feel the calm water, wriggle into water caves, or touch stalactites
- Swimming: Halong Bay is blessed with a calm sea and splendid beaches surrounded by limestone islands, which are ideal to sit back on the white sand, enjoy the refreshing atmosphere, and indulge in crystal-clear water
- Climbing: Take about 450 steps to reach Titov Island’s 110-meter peak and admire a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Bay
- Pearl Village visiting: Explore the production of authentic and high-end pearls and select your favorite souvenirs
- Squid fishing: You can experience this interesting activity on cruises at a starry night
Useful tips
- Avoid booking on the national holiday: There is a public holiday (National Day) on 2nd September, on which the Vietnamese have two to three days off. Local residents usually travel a lot during this holiday and Halong is among the most popular destinations. Therefore, this period is not really ideal for a Halong Bay excursion. Besides the crowds, accommodation prices can also increase, along with additional service fees.
- Cruises are booked out quickly during autumn because a large number of tourists desire to take a cruise trip in this beautiful season. You are advised to make a booking a few weeks or even months in advance to avoid sell-outs and unexpected disappointments.
- Search for Halong Bay cruise promotions or all-in-one packages to save your budget and get a perfect trip.
- What to pack:
- Bring light clothes only; in case you travel to Halong in October, a light sweater or cardigan will be useful for cold days
- A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are necessary for outdoor activities to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays
- Bring your own swimsuits, eyeglasses, contact lens, sunhat, and flip-flops if you love to join water-based activities comfortably
- Bring a raincoat or umbrella, and some waterproof bags in case of rain during your trip
Halong Bay Weather in Winter (November – January)
- Temperature range: 12-23°C
- Humidity level: 70-75%
- Average rainfall: 45 mm
Halong Bay’s winter lasts from December to January, featuring cold and dry weather and a low average temperature of 12-23°C. In this season, the nighttime is often longer than the daytime with sunshine hours between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm. Rain occurs sporadically in form of drizzle. Without sunlight on a majority of days, the bay seems to be fully covered in thick fog and clouds, especially in the early morning and late afternoon, making it like a mystical and serene “ink-wash painting”.
Although this season is undesirable for water activities such as swimming and kayaking, tourists can experience other amazing inland ones or enjoy luxurious conveniences in a cozy atmosphere on cruises. Moreover, you are also recommended to take a cruise voyage on Christmas Eve or New Year to experience attractive festive promotions and events. You can check the cruises’ website or social media channels for details of special programs, which helps you choose a suitable travel schedule. Importantly, don’t forget to make an early reservation to get a reasonable rate and ensure available accomodations.
Best activities to do in winter
- Cruising: Celebrate remarkable festive season on a luxury Halong Bay Cruise and admire the enchanting Heritage
- Cave visiting: Discover majestic caves (namely the famous Sung Sot Cave or Luon Cave) and marvel at one-of-a-kind rock formations
- Kayaking: Sit on a small kayak, paddle slowly through grand islets to explore cliffs beneath the waves, feel the calm water, wriggle into water caves, or touch stalactites
- Climbing: Take about 450 steps to reach Titov Island’s 110-meter peak and admire a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Bay
- Pearl Village visiting: Explore the production of authentic and high-end pearls and select your favorite souvenirs
- Squid fishing: You can experience this interesting activity on cruises at a starry night
Useful tips
- If you plan to take a cruise on public holidays, you are advised to make a reservation at least one month in advance to avoid the sell-out and price rise.
- Sometimes heavy Northeastern monsoons can cause unexpected cruise delays or cancellations. You should check delay/cancellation policies carefully with cruise operators or travel agents for further advice.
- What to pack:
- Bring warm clothes such as a cardigan, a jacket, or a sweater to protect your health on cold days
- A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are necessary for outdoor activities to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays on sunny days
- A waterproof bag for your camera or mobile phone is helpful when you take part in Kayaking
- Bring trainers or sandals for convenient participation in outdoor activities (hiking, case visiting)
- Bring a raincoat or umbrella in case of drizzle during your trip
- Prepare your favorite books, music, or board games when relaxing onboard, in case of too cold weather that prevents you from going out for excursions.
The best time to visit Halong Bay
In each season, Halong Bay is alluring and gorgeous with different attractiveness, making the Heritage worthy of all-year travel. Based on personal interests, tourists can select the most favorite time for a Halong Bay vacation. If you desire to enjoy outdoor activities absolutely, autumn (September – October) and spring (February – April) are highly recommended thanks to such pleasant weather. For those who prefer the heat, sunshine, and swimming, summer is ideal, but you should consider the peak season in the early summer as well as the storm period between July and August. Make an early booking to avoid room unavailability or check the weather forecast to avoid unexpected weather. Besides, travellers may enjoy better accommodation rates during this season.
- For cruising: February, March, April, September, and October
- For sightseeing trips: All year (except for late July and August)
- For water-based activities: April, May, June, September, and October
- For money saving: July, August
Where to check Halong Bay weather forecast?
There are a number of websites providing details of Halong Bay weather. Here are the most popular ones:
The forecast information is usually divided by hour, day, the forecast for the next 3 days, the next 10 days, etc. You are suggested to check the weather forecast in advance, especially in the winter or rainy season, to make a booking on travel-friendly days and have a good preparation for luggage.
To sum up, autumn and spring are the best times to visit Halong Bay as well as take a cruise voyage. This article is expected to help first-time travellers have a better knowledge of Halong weather and must-try activities in each season.
If you look for a perfect vacation in Halong bay, just set a date and go for it. Jenny Vietnam Travel definitely support you to book any tours or cruises in Halong bay.
