Halong Bay Weather: Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Travel Seasons

Halong Bay Weather Overview

As a part of the tropical monsoon climate zone, Halong Bay weather is known to be hot, humid, and rainy; however, it does not stay the same all year round but varies in four seasons.

• Spring and Fall: During these seasons, the weather tends to be mild and pleasant, with an average temperature around 18 - 25°C (64 - 77°F). Visitors will find these months ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
• Summer: Summer in Halong Bay brings hotter temperatures, averaging between 28 - 35°C (82 - 95°F). This season also sees frequent rainfall, making it more humid. Despite the rain, summer is popular for beach activities.
• Winter: In winter, the temperature drops to a cooler range of 12 - 20°C (54 - 68°F). While the air is drier, it can feel chilly, especially on the bay, so visitors should be prepared for cold breezes.

You can explore the detailed seasonal temperature chart below to plan the perfect time for your visit:

To check the weather forecast for Halong Bay, you can rely on several trusted websites that provide accurate and up-to-date information such as AccuWeather and The Weather Channel. These sites offer hourly updates to help you plan your trip effectively.

Halong Bay Weather by Month

Explore the monthly weather patterns in Halong Bay to help you choose the best time for your visit:

Halong Bay Weather in Seasons

Halong Bay Weather in Spring (February - April)

• The lowest temperature: 18°C (64.4°F)
• The highest temperature: 30°C (86°F)
• Humidity level: 68 - 75%

Spring lasts from March to April, featuring warm and pleasant weather. During this time, temperature ranges from 20°C to 24°C, plus the sky is clear, making it favorable for cruise tours and many outdoor activities.

Halong Bay weather in spring is usually warm and pleasant 

Rains could still set in sometimes in spring; yet, most are drizzles and occur only in March, and the high humidity may be uncomfortable for some visitors especially those not accustomed to such conditions, due to the risk of respiratory discomfort or illness.

However, there is nothing to worry about rains or any extreme weather patterns such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, etc. When visiting Halong Bay in spring, it is best that you bring some short clothes and take part in activities like kayaking, cave visiting, hiking, etc.

Tips

Remember to pack a light sweater and cardigan in case of any possible cold

Please note that there might be unavailable services during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year (usually in late January or early February)

Avoid the little crowded on the holiday of Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day and Vietnamese Reunification Day at the end of April

Halong Bay Weather in Summer (May – July)

• The lowest temperature: 26°C (78.8°F)
• The highest temperature: 38°C (100.4°F)
• Humidity level: 75 - 78%

Summer is the peak season for domestic tourists but is considered the off-season for international visitors. The season, which lasts from May to August, brings the hottest temperatures of the year, ranging from 27°C to 32°C. This, along with the high humidity, could make it stifling, and extremely uncomfortable to join tours.

Yet, it is not the whole summer that should be avoided. In May and June - the early summer, though hotter and rainier than spring, the weather is still fine, even ideal for beach bathing and water activities such as kayaking, swimming, etc.

Halong’s summer is filled with beach bathing and water activities

Only when July starts, do heat waves and thunderstorms hit the area. During these months, the temperature can reach 37°C, making it boiling and sticky. In addition, heavy rains, typhoons, and tropical storms are unpredictable and very likely to last for several days once they occur. It’s advisable to avoid visiting Halong Bay in July, as this month often brings intense rainfall and a higher risk of storms.

Tips

Stay hydrated: Always carry a water bottle and drink regularly - don't wait until you're thirsty. Prioritize water, fresh fruit juices, or electrolyte drinks to stay well-hydrated and energized during your adventures.

Choose appropriate clothing: Wear light, breathable clothes that can absorb sweat well. Opt for light-colored clothing to minimize heat absorption from the sun.

Make use of cooler times during the day: Plan your sightseeing for early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are lower. Avoid being outdoors during the hottest hours, typically from 11:00 to 15:00.

Protect Yourself from the Sun: Bring sunscreen and sunglasses along because of the high UV index. Prepare a raincoat or an umbrella on hand to avoid getting cold from sudden rain

Check the weather regularly: Stay updated with the weather forecast to plan your activities accordingly. Have a backup plan ready to ensure your safety in case your cruise gets canceled due to bad weather.

Halong Bay Weather in Autumn (August - October)

• The lowest temperature: 19°C (66.2°F)
• The highest temperature: 33°C (91.4°F)
• Humidity level: 70 - 72%

Autumn is usually known as the best weather in Halong Bay since it is calm and features less rain. From September, the temperature decreases to 25°C and remains throughout the season. As it gets to mid-autumn, heat waves are gradually replaced by last-day cool breezes and drizzles, ideal for countless outdoor activities.

Autumn's cool breezes and gentle drizzles make Halong Bay even more breathtaking

Plus, after days of heavy rains and summer storms, the air seems extremely pure and refreshing in autumn, making visitors even more excited and energetic to explore the beauty of Halong Bay. 

The weather in autumn is so nice that it attracts a great number of tourists, making September and October popular choices for domestic and international travel. Therefore, increasing airfares and hotel rentals are inevitable.

Tips

It's wise to book your cruise and accommodations in advance to secure the best rates and options.        

Autumn’s cool breezes and vibrant landscapes make for stunning photography opportunities. Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the breathtaking views and unique experiences.

Bring autumn outfits for your amazing trip, such as a cardigan or silk scarf. A light jacket or sweater will help you stay comfortable during cooler breezes or unexpected drizzles.

Halong Bay Weather in Winter (November - January)

• The lowest temperature: 12°C (53.6°F)
• The highest temperature: 23°C (73.4°F)
• Humidity level: 65 - 69%

Like summer, winter also comes with two stages. The early winter, lasting from November to December, features cool and dry weather. During this, the temperature does not drop too low but remains between 18°C and 20°C. Rains come less, plus humidity is much below average, comfy, and restful.

Besides, Halong Bay weather in the early winter also makes it uniquely interesting to do some morning sightseeing, as dense and swirling fog could come down at dawn, adding serenity to the scenery.

Halong Bay is wrapped in mist on winter mornings, creating a peaceful vibe

If such cold weather does not bother you, November and December could be an ideal time to visit Halong Bay, as it is off-season for domestic travel. 

As soon as January starts, winter turns intense, sometimes harsh, due to the plummet in temperature and increase in rain frequency. Some days, it could drop to under 10°C, while rainfall doubles or triples, ending up chilling and frosty. 

Besides, the late winter is also the time for several national holidays in Vietnam such as New Year’s Day and Lunar New Year. The heavy traffic before and temporary service close-off during these holidays also make January and December the least recommended to visit Halong Bay.

Tips

Prepare warm jackets or sweaters in January; it might be super cold

This time is the peak season for foreign visitors, which may result in overpriced costs and crowds

Winter is also the time for Christmas and New Year's Eve. Hence, there’ll be more special deals and programs for this occasion

Best Time to visit Halong Bay

The best time to visit Halong Bay is during the Fall and Winter months (October to December) or in the Spring (March to May). During these months, you can enjoy pleasant weather and clear skies, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

However, the weather in Halong Bay changes significantly throughout the year, and each season offers its own unique charm. To choose the perfect time for your trip, it’s important to consider your travel preferences:

• For water activities: The summer months (June to August) are perfect for swimming and water sports. However, be aware that heavy rains in July and August can affect your experience, so it's wise to plan accordingly.
• For a peaceful retreat: If you're looking for a quiet getaway to enjoy Halong Bay’s stunning natural beauty, the winter months from October to December are ideal. During this time, you can explore historical sites and enjoy indoor activities in a more relaxed and private atmosphere.

Overall, Halong Bay is a year-round destination that caters to all kinds of travelers. Just keep in mind that July and August may not offer the best conditions due to potential heavy rainfall.

The best time to visit Halong Bay is in the Fall, Winter, or Spring months

For more information, check out Best Time to Visit Halong Bay for Perfect Weather & Great Deals

Weather Impact on Cruise Cancellations in Halong Bay

When weather conditions in Halong Bay are severe, travel agents will notify you about any tour cancellations several days prior or even on the day of departure. It's crucial to understand that these cancellations are decided by the Halong Bay authorities, not the travel agencies, to ensure the safety of all passengers.

Rainy and Storm Seasons

• Rainy season: July - September
• Storm season: July - August

During these months, weather conditions can be unpredictable, with the possibility of heavy rains and strong winds. For this reason, it’s essential to check the weather forecast before your trip. 

• Cruise services may be temporarily suspended, canceled, or delayed based on local authority regulations.
• If a tour is canceled, travelers can receive a refund or reschedule their trip, depending on the specific policy of each travel company.

To ensure you can easily reschedule your trip and be guaranteed by clear policies, consider booking your cruise with a reliable travel company like BestPrice Travel.

FAQs about Halong Bay Weather

What is the best time to visit Halong Bay?

In terms of weather conditions, spring (March - April) and autumn (September - October) are the most recommended times to get to Halong. However, your choice of when to visit should also take into account your personal budget and preferences as well. 

What is the hottest month in Halong Bay?

June and July are the hottest months with the average temperature ranging between 29°C - 36°C. 

Is December the coldest month in Halong Bay?

December is not the coldest month. During this month, the temperature is 17°C - 20°C, plus humidity is 40% - 50%, totally tolerable.

In fact, January and February are considered the coldest month. Due to low temperatures (10°C - 15°C)  and high humidity (60% - 70%), wet cold mist is trapped in the air, making it bitterly cold and even harsh when rains set in.

Is Halong Bay water warm? 

From July to September, the water is pretty warm with the average temperature varying between 27°C - 32°C. In May and October, it cools down a bit to 23°C - 25°C. In the other months, the water temperature would drop to under 20°C, which is really cold. Therefore, the ideal time to swim is from May to October.

What can I do during heavy rains in Halong Bay? 

Indoor activities are highly recommended when it rains heavily. particularly: 

• Spa treatments
• Cooking classes
• Cave visiting

>> For more details about the rainy season, please visit Halong Bay Rainy Season: Should You Travel or NOT?

In conclusion, Halong Bay benefits from its coastal location, offering a pleasant and refreshing tropical climate that enhances the beauty of its landscapes.   

If you plan to get to Halong Bay in the near future, feel free to contact us for more updates about weather, temperature, and the best time to visit. We are always available to support you!

Considering all four seasons, which one is your favorite weather? Anyway, visiting Halong Bay is worthwhile every month and depends on how you take advantage of its weather. Don't forget to find the best Halong Bay tour from Hanoi to enjoy your trip; BestPrice Travel is one of the reputable agencies for a cruise and tour package, which always offers great deals and the best support.