Halong Bay, located in northern Vietnam, has a monsoonal and temperate climate with four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. In this article, we will provide detailed information on the characteristics of each time as well as suggestions for fantastic activities on the Bay for your wonderful holiday.
1. Halong Bay Overview
Located in the Gulf of Tonkin in northeast Vietnam, Halong Bay covers an area of 1,553 square kilometers (600 sq mi) and includes around 2,000 islands and islets of varied sizes and shapes. The standout feature of this marvel is its drowned limestone karst formations, like towering pillars with various arches and caves that create spectacular natural seascapes. Halong Bay was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and 2000 and named one of the world’s New Seven Wonders of Nature in 2011. It’s also the country’s world-famous destination, drawing millions of international travelers each year.
The weather at Halong Bay is typical of northern Vietnam's four seasons. It is warm and humid in the spring, hot and moist in the summer, cool in the fall, and dry and cold in the winter.
2. Halong Bay in the Spring
- Time: February–April
- Average temperature: ~20°C
- Average humidity: 82%
- Average rainfall: 56 mm
The first half of spring in Halong Bay is relatively chilly and drizzles, with an average temperature of 18°C. Moving forward to April, it may reach ~ 27°C. Despite the occasional light rain and cold days, Halong Bay's spring weather is typically pleasant. This period is ideal for kayaking, discovering spectacular caverns, climbing on Titov Island, visiting a pearl farm or floating village, and relaxing on the beach or on the sundeck.
Tourists should be aware that the humidity level is relatively high between late February and mid-March owing to warmer weather, resulting in numerous foggy and overcast days that may affect outdoor activities. However, you can observe the mysterious and gorgeous Halong Bay in the fog while enjoying the refreshing serenity.
Top Tips
- Bring a light sweater or coat in case of cold weather, as well as necessities for outdoor activities like hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, waterproof bags, and sneakers.
- Check the weather forecast beforehand to choose a departure date with convenient weather.
- Book a few weeks or even months in advance, as spring is the peak season in Halong Bay, and your chosen cruise may sell out rapidly.
- Be aware of a higher price in the peak season and a surcharge for the Tet holiday.
- If possible, avoid cruising on national holidays (Hung Kings' Commemoration Day and Vietnamese Liberation Day), as the bay will be crowded with local visitors.
3. Halong Bay in the Summer
- Time: May–August
- Average temperature: ~30°C
- Average humidity: 85%
- Average rainfall: 302 mm
Starting in May, Halong's temperature may jump from 25°C to more than 35°C. The hot and humid summer weather is great for outdoor activities, particularly swimming. The sunshine from morning to afternoon allows you to participate in a variety of outdoor activities and relax on sandy beaches. Kayaking during this time provides a vivid picture of how breathtaking the bay is.
Onboard a Halong Bay overnight cruise, there are more things to do, including discovering caves, rowing to a floating village, biking and hiking on Cat Ba Island, sunbathing, or kayaking. All of the activities are really engaging during this sunny season.
That said, not all the best things happen in the summer. It has high precipitation and the biggest risk of storms and typhoons. From July to August, Halong Bay experiences severe rains and infrequent hurricanes, which may result in the cancellation of your Halong Bay Cruise. In such instances, you should explore other locations in northern Vietnam before returning to Halong Bay when the weather is fine. Tourists should also check the weather forecast in advance to arrange an appropriate itinerary.
Top Tips
- Prepare necessities for outdoor activities like light-colored clothes, hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, waterproof bags, and sneakers.
- Check the weather forecast at least one week before the booking date to avoid rainy days or storms.
- Summer is the peak season for domestic visitors, particularly families with children; therefore, you should book your cruise ahead of time.
- Prices may be lower during this period, but be aware of long waits at the bay attractions.
- Learn about the cancellation and rescheduling procedures of hotels and cruises in the event of unexpectedly poor weather.
4. Halong Bay in the Autumn
- Time: September–October
- Average temperature: 25°C
- Average humidity: 79%
- Average rainfall: 175 mm
Autumn is said to be the most enjoyable time of year to ply through Halong Bay thanks to its spell of good weather—cool, dry, and moderately sunny with picturesque golden sunsets. When visiting Halong in early September, keep in mind that there may be a few minor, sporadic storms, but the number of cancellations is usually rather low. As fall comes to a conclusion, the weather gets nicer and the bay is bathed in a warm, bright glow from the sun.
All activities are equally pleasurable in the fall. The sky is clear for taking nice photos, and the water is warm enough for swimming. The best thing to do is, of course, kayaking. You should also rise early to witness the dawn and then take part in the Tai Chi exercise.
Top Tips
- Prepare necessities for outdoor activities like hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, waterproof bags, and sneakers.
- If possible, avoid booking on September 2nd, the national holiday, as many locals travel at this time. If you cannot change your plan, check with your travel consultant to see if there is any surcharge on this occasion.
- Make a reservation a few weeks in advance to avoid last-minute disappointments and sell-outs.
- Only pack light clothing; if you visit Halong in October, a light cardigan or sweater will come in handy on cold days.
5. Halong Bay in Winter
- Time: November – January
- Average temperature: ~18°C
- Average humidity: 73%
- Average rainfall: 45 mm
The winter season at Halong Bay, which spans from December to January, is characterized by cold, dry weather with an average temperature of 12–23°C. With daylight hours from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the nocturnal hours during this period are frequently longer than the daytime hours. Drizzle is occasional. Swimming and sunbathing seem undesirable because there is little sunshine most of the time; nonetheless, winter is a high season in the heritage. Kayaking and other fantastic inland activities are available, as are cruises with opulent amenities in a warm setting.
In addition, it is advised that you go on a cruise on Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve to take advantage of alluring festive promotions and events. You will have a private party after spending time exploring the bay. The cold weather makes it more pleasant to indulge in delectable grilled cuisine.
Top Tips
- If you plan to cruise on a public holiday, you should book at least 90 days prior to departure in advance to avoid a sell-out and check carefully if there is a surcharge.
- Heavy northeastern monsoons might cause unexpected cruise delays or cancellations, so carefully check the cancellation policies with cruise operators or travel consultants for further information.
- Prepare warm clothing, such as a cardigan, jacket, or sweater, to protect your health on winter days.
- Bring necessities for outdoor activities like hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, waterproof bags, and sneakers.
- When resting onboard, bring along your favorite books, music, or board games in case the weather is too cold to venture out on excursions.
6. Best Time to Visit Halong Bay
Due to the weather conditions, the best time to take a cruise in Halong Bay is in the spring and autumn, when the temperature is pleasant and the sky is clear and sunny.
However, Halong Bay is captivating and beautiful in each season, making it a destination worth visiting year-round. Based on personal interests, travelers can choose the most favorable time for a Halong Bay voyage. If you desire a sightseeing trip, you can visit at any time of year, but late in July and August. For those who prefer water-based activities, the best months are April, May, June, September, and October. If you want to save money, book your cruise in July and August; just notice the weather and storm periods.
7. Check Halong Bay Weather Forecast
There are many websites providing details on Halong Bay weather. Here are some examples:
Typically, the forecast data is divided into sections such as hour, day, next three days, next ten days, etc. It is advised that you check the weather forecast ahead of time, particularly during the winter or rainy season, in order to schedule your travel on days that work best for you and your luggage preparation.
We hope this article gives you an understanding of Halong weather and must-do activities for visitors in every season. If you're searching for the ideal getaway in the heritage bay, it is unquestionably a luxurious cruise that offers you first-rate services and one-of-a-kind excursions. Please contact our travel consultants for your suitable Halong Bay Cruise trip with a variety of entertaining leisure activities that are especially planned for every season, allowing you to have the most amazing experiences ever.
