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As the year comes to an end, Halong Bay in December offers a perfect blend of cool and dry weather, scenic beauty, and festive energy. This is the peak travel month, and the bay is busier than ever, filled with vibrant cruises, holiday decorations, and a lively atmosphere both on and off the water.
Explore everything you need to know about visiting Halong Bay in December—from weather insights and wearing tips to helpful travel advice!
Weather in Halong Bay in December
Halong Bay fully transitioned into winter in December, bringing with it a noticeable change in both temperature and atmosphere. The air turns cooler and drier, with very little rain.
Average temperatures range from 17°C to 20°C (63°F to 68°F) – the coldest month of the year. The northeast monsoon comes more frequently, making you feel much colder.
The good point is that you won’t encounter much rain if you travel to Halong Bay in December, with total monthly rainfall dropping to just 30–40 mm, spread across 5–7 days. Humidity levels are low at 70%, and fog is rare.
Though it’s pretty cold, December weather is quite stable. You won’t see sudden changes or harsh weather, making this month a very good time to visit the bay.
Historical weather data in October
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 20°C |
2 20°C |
3 20°C |
4 20°C |
5 19°C |
6 19°C |
|
| 7 19°C |
8 19°C |
9 19°C |
10 19°C |
11 19°C |
12 19°C |
13 19°C |
| 14 18°C |
15 18°C |
16 18°C |
17 18°C |
18 18°C |
19 18°C |
20 18°C |
| 21 18°C |
22 18°C |
23 18°C |
24 18°C |
25 18°C |
26 18°C |
27 18°C |
| 28 17°C |
29 17°C |
30 17°C |
31 17°C |
*Based on 2024 data
What to wear
December in Halong Bay means cool mornings and cold air at night. Try to wear layers so that you can easily adjust.
For days out exploring, a long-sleeve top or lightweight flannel works well. Pair it with stretchy pants or jeans—makes you feel more comfortable to move in for climbing on and off boats or hiking the caves. Light sneakers or sporty shoes are a must.
Prepare a warm windbreaker or puffer jacket – or something compact you can layer over, just in case it gets colder at night.
If you’re cruising Halong Bay during Christmas or New Year’s Eve, it’s better to check with your cruise if formal wear is requested for the Gala Dinner Party.
Events in Halong Bay in December
Christmas
Even though Christmas is not an official holiday in Vietnam, it’s still widely celebrated, especially on Halong Bay overnight cruises. Boats are often decorated with lights, ornaments, and Christmas trees, creating a cheerful vibe.
The celebration continues into the night with live music, fun games, and gala dinners featuring festive food.
However, note that there’ll be surcharges on all types of cruises.
New Year’s Eve
On December 31, Halong City comes alive as a flock of locals and tourists gather in public squares for live music concerts and countdown parties.
Meanwhile, out on the bay, cruises provides a cozier celebration with a gala dinner, fine dining, and traditional art performances on board.
And of course, as midnight comes, fireworks light up the sky—whether you’re on land or at sea, it’s a spectacular way to welcome the new year.
Travel Tips for Halong Bay in December
Book months in advance—Christmas and New Year’s Eve are the busiest times of the year in Halong Bay. Cruises and hotels fill up quickly, and in 2024, there were many cases of overbooking. It’s best to reserve months ahead and double-confirm your booking before arrival to avoid last-minute issues.
December is the peak month in Halong Bay. Expect higher prices and crowds. Avoid travel on December 24 or 31 if you don’t want to pay a holiday surcharge.
Monthly Weather and Travel Tips for Halong Bay
