January is generally a great time to visit Halong Bay. The weather is cold but mostly dry and clear. The bay is peaceful, with fewer tourists and great views.
Explore what to prepare with our guide below.
Weather in Halong Bay in January
Halong Bay in January is the coldest time of the year. The weather is dry, but it can feel very cold, especially in the early morning and at night. Fog is common in the morning but usually clears by midday.
The average temperature is around 18°C. The highest temperature is recorded at 18°C, while it can get down to 8°C. Some days can feel even colder due to the northeast wind.
You likely won’t see much rain during January. There are about 4–7 rainy days, with 20–30mm of total rainfall. Most days are dry and good for clear views, but the low temperatures might not be suitable for water activities.
Historical weather data in January
Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 17°C |
2 21°C |
3 21°C |
4 20°C |
|||
5 20°C |
6 17°C |
7 19°C |
8 20°C |
9 17°C |
10 17°C |
11 12°C |
12 13°C |
13 13°C |
14 16°C |
15 20°C |
16 20°C |
17 19°C |
18 16°C |
19 18°C |
20 21°C |
21 20°C |
22 19°C |
23 20°C |
24 22°C |
25 23°C |
26 18°C |
27 18°C |
28 15°C |
29 16°C |
30 17°C |
31 21°C |
*Based on January 2025
What to wear
Wear warm clothes like a thick jacket, sweaters, and long pants. A scarf and hat are helpful if it’s windy.
Since there aren’t many chances for swimming, you don’t need to pack lots of swimsuits. However, bring at least 1 or 2 pairs of waterproof clothes, since kayaking is still available and you might want to avoid getting wet during that time.
Event
January 1st marks the beginning of the new year. While the main countdown and parties happen on December 31st, some cruises still host small celebrations on New Year’s Day. If you’re on a Halong Bay cruise, don’t miss the chance to enjoy a festive Gala dinner.
Travel tips
- There will still be a holiday surcharge if you travel on January 1st. Prices will be back to normal from January 2, so plan accordingly.
- January is not a very busy month in Halong Bay, but things can get booked out quickly, especially on dates closer to the New Year.
- The weather is extremely cold in the bay. Bring some medicine with you just in case.
Monthly Weather and Travel Tips for Halong Bay