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Halong Bay is a year-round beauty. However, depend on the times of the year that you’ll have different benefits when visit this beautiful bay. The best time to visit Halong Bay weather-wise is from December to January. Another time-option is the bay’s shoulder season, from February to April with little rain and cool weather. If budget is important for you, consider getting there during summer months from May to September. In this article, let’s explore all the pros and cons of these seasons.
Best time to visit Halong Bay weather wise: Peak Season
The peak season of Halong Bay is from December to January. These periods mark Halong Bay’s highest number of tourists, thanks to its ideal weather and various things to do.
From the beginning of December, Halong’s beauty is at its best, with clear skies and calm waters that make it ideal for cruising and kayaking on the bay. The temperature is pretty decent, ranging from 20–25 °C (68–77 °F) to 17–20 °C (63–68 °F) with very little rainfall. Visit Halong Bay during peak season, which also opens great chances for you to join many cultural events such as New Year’s, Christmas, or the Halong Bay Festival.
Note that with an influx of tourists during this time, prices will definitely rise for accommodation and transportation. Therefore, it’s essential to book your travel arrangements in advance to avoid any inconvenience or disappointment.
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Another option: Shoulder Season
If you hate the crowd but still want to enjoy Halong to the fullest, shoulder season might be an alternative time for you. The shoulder season in Halong Bay starts from February to April.
The shoulder season starts with a chilly temperature in February (~15°C) and gets warmer toward the end of April (~25°C). This is also the spring season, and the blooming of flora and fauna in the area will coat Halong Bay with a fresh green color.
However, you could expect quite a bit of rain during this season, especially during February (with an average of 12 days of rain per month). The rain is not heavy, but it tends to be cats and dogs for a few days. Besides, Tet Lunar New Year (the most important holiday in Vietnam) tends to fall in this month, which might cause the price to go higher, sometime even doubled.
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Cheapest time to visit Halong Bay: Low Season
The cheapest time to visit Halong Bay is the low season, from May to September. Cruise operators or hotels tend to have special discounted rates during these months, and you could save at least 10–20% compared to other seasons.
Of course, it’s cheap for a reason. The weather might get quite extreme sometimes, especially during July and August, when a lot of storms come to the bay. The typhoon tends to last for 2–3 days and might seriously affect your travel plans, especially if you have your cruise booked by that time. It’s also the hottest month of the year, with an average temperature of 28°C that might even go up to 32 ~ 33°C plus a high level of humidity.
However, if you are a little careful in your planning, traveling to Halong Bay from May to September could be a decent trip with a good budget. Try to keep track of the forecast, especially within 5-7 days prior to the departure, which could help you make a better plan and avoid any travel disruption. A small extra tip is to make sure all your bookings have special conditions during extreme weather, like a typhoon, so that you can easily amend or avoid charges when you can’t travel.
Halong Bay Weather
1. By Season
Early Winter (October to December)
The best time to avoid rain and heat in Halong Bay is from October through December. During these months, the temperature ranges from 20-28°C (68-82°F) which means that it’s pleasant enough for outdoor activities like kayaking or hiking without breaking a sweat.
The humidity levels start decreasing during this month which means you can explore the bay without feeling too sticky or uncomfortable.
It’s also worth noting that October marks the end of the rainy season so there will be fewer chances of encountering sudden showers. The comfortable weather and temparature will last until the end of the December before any huge changes.
Winter (December to February)
If you’re looking for an even cooler climate, then consider visiting during December through February. The temperature ranges from 19 -23°C and it’s getting colder.
There’s not much rain during these months, however, it’s might be a little bit crowd as we’re welcoming 2 big holiday of the years, Christmas and Vietnam Traditional Lunar New years. But it’s should be quite an unique experience to spend your holiday on a boat, right?
Spring (Feb to April)
As the winter starts to give way to the warm spring days, Halong Bay comes alive with its natural beauty and picturesque landscapes. The temperature during these months ranges from 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F), making it ideal for tourists who love mild weather.
Travellers visiting Halong Bay during these months can expect clear skies, a gentle breeze, and calm waters. This makes it easy to explore the bay’s many attractions such as limestone caves, floating villages and kayaking through grottos. If you are heading out on a cruise around Halong Bay, then prepare yourself for some breathtaking sunsets – a true highlight of any trip!
Summer (May to September)
This is the perfect time of year to explore this stunning destination and experience its unique weather patterns. As the summer season begins, Halong Bay comes alive with bright sunshine, blue skies, and warm temperatures.
Despite occasional rain showers, the general weather pattern during this time of year is pleasant and comfortable. The average temperature ranges between 25-30°C (77-86°F), making it perfect for beach activities and outdoor adventures.
The water temperature also remains warm and inviting, which makes it an ideal time for swimming or kayaking around the bay.
One thing to note is that May marks the beginning of peak domestic tourist season in Halong Bay. It’s always best to book your accommodations well in advance to avoid any disappointments.
2. By Month
If you’re planning a trip to Halong Bay in January, it’s important to know what kind of weather to expect. The climate in the region can be unpredictable, but generally speaking, January is one of the driest months of the year. The temperature can range from 17°C to 20°C during this time, making for a comfortable and cool climate that’s perfect for outdoor activities.
One thing to note is that Halong Bay can get quite misty in January due to the cooler temperatures. This foggy weather can create an ethereal atmosphere around the limestone cliffs and islands that dot the bay. It’s also worth noting that while January may be dry overall, there is still a chance of rain or drizzle throughout the month. Be sure to pack some waterproof gear just in case!
| Highest temperature | 20°C |
| Lowest Temperature | 13°C |
| Humidity | 65% |
February is the start of spring in Halong Bay and the weather is generally mild and dry. The temperature ranges from 15-20°C and quite humid.
| Highest temperature | 20°C |
| Lowest Temperature | 15°C |
| Humidity | 78% |
Extra tip:
Visitors can take part in traditional Vietnamese festivals during this month, including Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) celebrations which showcase Vietnam’s rich culture and customs.
Halong Bay weather in March is perfect for outdoor activities, with temperatures averaging around 20-25°C and relatively low humidity levels. With clear blue skies and the sun shining bright, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the bay without worrying about heavy rainfall or unpleasantly hot weather.
| Highest temperature | 25°C |
| Lowest Temperature | 20°C |
| Humidity | 81% |
Extra tips:
You may attend Yen Tu Festival to learn more about Vietnamese Tradition.
The weather in April is mild and pleasant with temperatures ranging between 20-27°C. Unlike the summer months, April has very little rain which ensures that your plans will not be disrupted by unexpected downpours.
| Highest temperature | 27°C |
| Lowest Temperature | 20°C |
| Humidity | 81% |
Extra tips:
April also could be considered as one of the most crowd month during the years. As a result, booking services in advance should be a good option.
Visitors to Halong Bay in May can expect clear blue skies and pleasant temperatures ranging from 25°C-30°C. The water temperature is also perfect for swimming, making it a great time to take a dip in the crystal-clear waters.
| Highest temperature | 30°C |
| Lowest Temperature | 25°C |
| Humidity | 82% |
Extra tips:
Visitors could taking part in the annual Ha Long Carnival which showcases traditional Vietnamese culture and features parades, fireworks and live music performances.
June marks the start of summer in Vietnam, and temperatures rise to an average of 32°C. It would be quite hot but perfect for water based activities.
June also an off-peak season so if you’re looking for a budget time to travel Halong Bay, this month is for you.
| Highest temperature | 33°C |
| Lowest Temperature | 25°C |
| Humidity | 81% |
Extra tips:
Your travel might be disrupted by extreme weather. Take a look at the forecast before booking anything.
The temperature in July hovers around 30°C with occasional rains which add to the charm of the place. It’s also less crowded than other peak months like December or January.
| Highest temperature | 33°C |
| Lowest Temperature | 25°C |
| Humidity | 81.1% |
Extra tips:
It’s “typhoon month” so checking the forecast 10 days in advance to avoid any unexpected situation.
In August, Halong Bay experiences its highest temperatures of the year with average highs hovering around 32°C (90°F). The humidity levels can be quite high as well, making it feel even warmer than it actually is. While this might not be ideal for some travelers who prefer cooler climates, those who love basking in the sun will find plenty of opportunities to do so on the many beaches and islands that litter the bay.
| Highest temperature | 33°C |
| Lowest Temperature | 25°C |
| Humidity | 81.1% |
Extra tips:
There’re still a few typhoon coming this month.
On average, temperatures in Halong Bay during September range from 24°C (75°F) to 30°C (86°F) and getting cooler onwards. However, it’s not uncommon for temperatures to get much hotter than this during the day, especially if you’re out on a boat or exploring one of the many islands in the bay. You should also be prepared for occasional rain showers, as September marks the beginning of Vietnam’s rainy season.
| Highest temperature | 30°C |
| Lowest Temperature | 24°C |
| Humidity | 81.1% |
Extra Tips:
- It’s the last off-peak season month before the bay getting crowd again.
October is one of the best times to visit Halong Bay as it falls within its autumn season. During this time, the temperature ranges between 20°C and 27°C, with low humidity.
| Highest temperature | 27°C |
| Lowest Temperature | 20°C |
| Humidity | 70% |
The weather in November is generally mild and pleasant with temperatures ranging from 20-25°C (68-77°F). The humidity during this time of year is generally low which means that visitors can enjoy clear blue skies and sunny days.
Although November falls within the rainy season in Halong Bay, visitors should not be discouraged as the rainfall tends to be light and sporadic. This also means that the scenery around Halong Bay becomes even more breathtaking as the rain washes over the limestone cliffs creating a mystical atmosphere
| Highest temperature | 25°C |
| Lowest Temperature | 20°C |
| Humidity | 76.5% |
Extra tips:
- It’s start changing from Autumn to Winter this month so making sure you’ll pack according to the weather.
The weather in Halong Bay in December is cooler and drier, making it an ideal time to explore the area’s natural beauty. With average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C, visitors are encouraged to bring light sweaters or jackets to keep warm during the chilly evenings.
| Highest temperature | 20°C |
| Lowest Temperature | 15°C |
| Humidity | 72.5% |
Extra tips:
- December also provides an opportunity for visitors to experience local festivals and cultural events like Christmas or New Year’s Eve celebrations.
- December is also considered as the best time to visit Halong Bay
FAQs
The best season to visit Halong Bay is Early Winter (from October to November). By that time, the weather is quite cool without much rain.
If you’re looking for a cheapest time to travel Halong bay, try to visit during Summer (May to Sep). It’s off-season in Halong Bay and many cruises operators tend to give extra discount for booking during this period.
