The best time to cruise on Halong Bay

Like many other world-famous tourist destinations, Halong Bay is a big note in million travellers’ bucket list who desire to marvel at this surreal landscape once in a lifetime. If you have the same desire, a voyage throughout this bay will surely satisfy your craving. With Halong Bay Cruises, you can join a real adventure of exploring the best of the bay, but when to cruise in Halong Bay is still a common concern for lots of tourists. Let’s follow this post to get the answer for your soonest Halong Bay Cruise holiday.

When is the best time to visit Halong Bay?

Halong Bay features the typical weather of Northern Vietnam with four clear seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. It bears a hot climate with occasional rain from April to September, while from October to March, it is quite cool and comfortable. The best time to cruise in Halong Bay is from March to May and from October to December because the weather seems to be cool and you will experience the best time of a year. For a more detailed reference, check out the following chart to see the monthly temperature of Halong Bay.

During this period, the temperature of Halong Bay fluctuates around 13-20°C, and the chance of rain/ heavy storm is low, which is very ideal for a leisure trip with friends and family. Sometimes it is getting colder at 5°C but it is great to see a different Halong Bay surrounded by fog and drizzle. Cruising over this time, you will also have the opportunity to experience the cosy and vibrant atmosphere of Lunar New Year – the best holiday in Vietnam.

2. In Spring (March-May)

Halong Bay in spring enjoys an increase in temperature and humidity as well as there are higher chances of rain in May. However, the climate is still pleasant for relaxing, especially there is more sunlight for daytime activities. Besides, this time is not the peak season (except the end of April with Hung Kings Temple Festival and Reunification Day), you can take in the stunning splendour of Halong Bay with more space.

3. In Summer (June – September)

Taking Halong Bay Cruises in summer is a charming experience for those who love sunshine, stunning landscapes, blue clear sky, and emerald waters. Although the weather is a bit hot and humid for westerners (average of 29-32°C), summer is the best time to hunt appealing deals and promotions from many cruise lines. Moreover, thanks to the closed-sea location, the heat will be reduced when you soak up a wide variety of water-based activities such as swimming, kayaking, snorkelling, volleyball, etc. 

Keep in mind that this period might have a high chance of storms that can make your trip be cancelled. In that case, cruise companies will usually give you a refund or reschedule your cruise date.

4. In Fall (October – December)

Fall is the peak season in Halong Bay as the weather is pleasant and the landscapes become more beautiful. You can expect the temperature around 14°C-25°C and less rainfall during these months. 

Besides, December is the festive time of a year with Christmas and New Year Eve, you will find many attractive deals and special programs for these occasions. As a result, the destination may be more crowded but enjoying an important event on Halong Bay Cruises is absolutely a charming experience of a lifetime to travellers.

Overall, it is fine to take Halong Bay Cruises all year round, whether you enjoy it alone or combine with some of the best Vietnam Tours. Though occasionally there are some unexpected cases of weather leading to trip cancelled, each time and each season will bring you a diverse feeling that you will never forget.