Halong Bay is a stunning destination in northern Vietnam, known for its emerald waters, towering limestone cliffs, and thousands of small islands. If you are planning a trip to Halong Bay, it is important to know the best times to visit. In this article, we will discuss the best times to visit Halong Bay in terms of weather, crowds, and prices.
Halong Bay's Best Times for Great Weather
The best times to visit Halong Bay in terms of weather are from March to April and from September to November. During these months, the weather is mostly mild and pleasant, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 21 to 28°C (70–82°F). The skies are clear, and there is little-to-no rainfall. This makes it the perfect time to explore the bay and enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking, swimming, and hiking.
Suggested read: How to Plan Your First Trip to Vietnam — 7 Easy Steps.
Halong Bay's Best Times for Fewer Crowds and Cheaper Prices
The best times to visit Halong Bay in terms of crowds and prices are during the off-season months from May to September. During this time, there are fewer tourists and prices for accommodation and tours are lower. You can also enjoy the bay without the crowds, which can make for a more peaceful and relaxing experience.
The peak season months from October to April are the busiest and most expensive times to visit Halong Bay. During this time, the bay can be crowded with tourists, and prices for accommodation and tours can be higher. If you plan to visit during the peak season, it is recommended to book your accommodation and tours in advance to avoid disappointment.
Let us help you plan an itinerary that takes into account the weather conditions while ensuring that all your travel goals are met. If you are traveling for a big moment like an anniversary or birthday, we recommend you choose a smaller boat with one to five cabins (Regular cruise ships have 20 to 40 cabins). You will spend more quality time with your kid(s) or partner as the cruise takes you to a remoter area and keep you away from thousands of cruises.
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The Weather in Halong Bay
The year-round weather of Halong Bay can be divided into four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The weather in Halong Bay is influenced by the monsoon winds, which bring hot and humid summers and cool and dry winters. Here is a breakdown of the weather in Halong Bay by season:
Spring (March to May)
Spring is a beautiful time to visit Halong Bay, with mild temperatures averaging from 20 to 28°C (68–82°F). The skies are clear, and there is little to no rainfall, making it the perfect time to explore the bay and enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking, swimming, and hiking.
The spring season is also a great time to witness the blooming of flowers and trees, adding to the beauty of the bay.
Summer (June to September)
Summer in Halong Bay is hot and humid, with typical daytime temperatures ranging from 28 to 35°C (82–95°F). There is a higher chance of rainfall during this time, and the humidity can make it feel even hotter.
Despite the heat, summer is still a popular time to visit Halong Bay, as it is the peak domestic tourist season. It is a great time to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and other water activities.
One thing to note is that the months from July to September are the typhoon season in Halong Bay, with the peak typhoon season being in August/September. During this time, the weather can be unpredictable, and there is a higher chance of typhoons and heavy rainfall. Cruises may be canceled or delayed due to bad weather conditions.
Travel with us to enjoy a private hassle-free tour, and we'll take care of everything, including keeping eyes on the weather forecast and staying in contact with cruise companies, preparing a plan B in case your cruise is canceled, and helping you get a refund from the cruise company.
Autumn (Late September to November)
Autumn is considered one of the best times to travel to Halong Bay due to the mild weather and clear skies, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30°C (68–86°F) on average. The weather is comfortable for outdoor activities, and the scenery is stunning with the changing colors of the leaves.
Additionally, the crowds are generally smaller during fall compared to the peak season's (in the summer months), making it a more peaceful and relaxing experience.
Winter (December to February)
Halong Bay's weather in winter is cool and dry, with average daily temperatures ranging from 15 to 20°C (59–68°F). There is a higher chance of fog, which can affect visibility on the bay.
Despite the cooler temperatures, winter is still a popular time to visit Halong Bay, as visitors can enjoy the peacefulness of the bay without the crowds. The winter season is also a great time to witness the misty charm and beauty of the bay.
Halong Bay Weather Month-by-Month
January
The weather in Halong Bay in January is mild and dry, with temperatures ranging from 14 to 20°C (57–68°F). There is a higher chance of fog, which can affect the visibility of the bay. The skies are generally clear, but there may be some overcast days.
January is the coldest month in Halong Bay, with temperatures sometimes dropping much lower than the averages above, and you should pack warm clothing such as jackets, sweaters, and thick trousers/jeans.
Despite the cooler temperatures, January can still be a good time to visit Halong Bay, especially for those who prefer cooler weather and smaller crowds. The bay is less crowded during this time, and you can enjoy the peacefulness of the bay without the crowds.
February
February is still mild in Halong Bay, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 20°C (59–68°F). The weather is generally dry, but there is a higher chance of fog.
The cool temperatures make it a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the caves.
March
The weather in Halong Bay in March is mild/warm and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 18 to 23°C (64–73°F). The skies are still mostly clear, and there is little to no rainfall. March is a beautiful time to visit Halong Bay, with comfortable temperatures and great weather for outdoor activities.
In March you can enjoy kayaking, swimming, and hiking without the heat and humidity of the summer months. The weather is also great for exploring the caves and other attractions in the area.
You should pack comfortable clothing such as shorts or light trousers, t-shirts, and light jackets for the cooler evenings.
April
April is a great time to visit Halong Bay as the weather is warmer, though more rainy, with average temperatures ranging from 22 to 27°C (72–81°F).
It can be considered one of the ideal times to cruise around Halong Bay, as the weather is not extremely hot like in summer or cold like in winter.
One thing to note is that, if possible, you'd better avoid the last few days of April as it coincides with Vietnam's national holiday when a large number of local people will flock to Halong Bay.
May
May is the last month of spring in Vietnam, but it often feels more like summer. The temperature in May ranges from 25 to 31°C (77–88°F), with humidity fluctuating from 75% to 80%. Moderate rains fall on 1 in 2 days.
May is considered the secret ideal month to visit Halong Bay. There are not many tourists in this month as it is not mentioned frequently in guidebooks as a desired time. This means that you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and outdoor activities without the crowds.
The weather is still pleasant, with only moderate rainfall, and not too hot. This makes it a perfect time to swim or kayak on the bay.
Additionally, many cruises start to offer their off-season promotions. You may get a cruise trip for just two-thirds of what they normally charge during peak season.
Contact us and we'll help you plan your trip taking advantage of any promotions available during your trip time.
June
June is the start of the summer (wet) season in Halong Bay. The weather is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 26 to 33°C (79–91°F). The skies are often clear, but there is a higher chance of rainfall and occasional thunderstorms. June has joint highest rainfall with August.
July
July is the peak of the summer season in Halong Bay, with temperatures ranging from 26 to 33°C (79–91°F). There is an over 50% chance of rainfall per day during this time, and the humidity can make it feel even hotter.
July is also a stormy month. Therefore, remember to check the weather forecast, and maybe reschedule to enjoy a smooth cruise. Your cruise may be canceled or delayed due to storms. You'd better buy trip insurance and prepare a plan B.
July sees the start of summer vacations for Vietnam's students, and you can expect to see many domestic travelers, especially families, visiting Halong Bay during this month.
August
The weather in Halong Bay in August is similar to July's, with hot and humid temperatures ranging from 26 to 32°C (79–90°F). August is known to be the wettest month in Halong Bay, with the highest chance of rainfall and occasional thunderstorms.
August is nevertheless peak season for domestic tourists in Halong Bay due to school summer vacations. Be prepared for crowds.
September
The weather in Halong Bay in September is still hot and humid, but temperatures begin to cool down slightly compared to the previous months of summer. Temperatures range from 25 to 31°C (77–88°F) on average, and there is a lower chance of rain compared to August, though rainfall is still high and typhoons/storms sometimes roll in.
September is considered a good time to visit Halong Bay as the weather is a bit more comfortable, and there are fewer crowds compared to the peak tourist season.
October
The weather in Halong Bay in October is cooler and more pleasant compared to the previous months. Temperatures range from 21 to 30°C (70–86°F) on a typical day, and there is a lower chance of rainfall — now only moderate it falls on 11 days typically.
October is considered a good time to enjoy a cruise on Halong Bay.
November
November is a month of transition in Halong Bay, with changing weather patterns. In the early part of the month, you can still enjoy the cool autumn breeze and bright sun. However, as the month progresses, colder winds may blow, and there may be more frequent showers. The humidity drops significantly during this month. Temperatures average 19–25°C (66–77°F).
You should pack light winter clothes such as a cardigan or scarf in case of colder winds. Despite the changing weather, you can still enjoy water activities such as swimming, kayaking, or scuba diving on mild-weather days.
December
The weather in Halong Bay in December is typically mild and dry, with temperatures ranging from 17 to 22°C and rainfall a light (60 mm). The water may be too cold for swimming or water-based activities. Despite any cool/cold weather (it can be much colder than the averages sugest), you can still enjoy the beautiful scenery and indoor activities on the cruises.
December is a peak travel month in Halong Bay due to the Christmas and New Year holidays. On December 24th and 31st, most cruises organize themed parties, and gala dinners are served on board. Be sure to book at least 3 months in advance.
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