>

Halong Bay Weather: Best Time to Visit

What Halong Bay Weather is like is the question of many tourists who plan to visit the area. Therefore, in the following lines, BestPrice Travel would give you the comprehensive guide on weather and best things to do in Halong Bay.

  • Halong Bay weather is mostly hot, humid all the time 
  • There are four seasons in Halong Bay: warm spring, hot summer, cool autumn and cold winter
  • Spring and autumn are perfect time for outdoor activities 
  • Best things to do in Halong Bay during summer are water activities
  • The best time to visit Halong Bay in terms of weather condition is spring and autumn

Halong Bay Weather Overview

Located in the tropical monsoon climate zone, Halong Bay features hot, humid weather with high frequency of rain. All year round, the bay experiences four seasons, including warm spring, hot and rainy summer, cool autumn and dry cold winter. 

Among them, summer and winter are the two main seasons that can last for 4 months each, while the others only stay for two months

Spring 

(March - Apr)

  • Temperature: 20°C - 24°C
  • Humidity: 50% - 70% 
  • Rainfall: 30mm 

Summer

(May - Aug) 

  • Temperature: 27°C - 36°C
  • Humidity: 60% - 80%
  • Rainfall: 60 - 90mm

Autumn 

(Sep - Oct)

  • Temperature: 22°C - 25°C
  • Humidity: 50% - 60%
  • Rainfall: 20 mm 

Winter

(Nov - Feb) 

  • Temperature: 16°C - 20°C
  • Humidity: < 60%
  • Rainfall: 10 - 15mm 

 

Halong Bay Weather in Spring (from March to April) 

Spring takes place from March to April in Halong Bay and is known to be warm, comfortable with the following patterns: 

Balmy weather: During spring, the temperature ranges between 20°C and 24°C and the average time of sunshine is 3 hours/ day, suitable for all kinds of activities; 

Frequent drizzles: Halong Bay’s spring features low rainfall at about 30 mm. Yet, light rains could come frequently, especially at dawn and dusks.

Spring is the perfect time for Halong Bay sightseeing cruise tour

Spring is the perfect time for Halong Bay sightseeing cruise tour

What is Halong Bay’s spring best for? 

With clear sky, low rainfall and pleasant temperature, spring is ideal for most outdoor activities in Halong Bay, including: 

  • Kayaking: You can go kayaking at Luon Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, Vung Vieng Fishing Village, etc. in the morning or early afternoon; 
  • Cycling: Cycling could be fun in Trung Trang Cave, Thien Long Cave, etc.;
  • Hiking: During spring in Halong Bay, you can spend a morning hiking at Bai Tho Mountain, Sung Sot Cave, Cat Ba Island, etc.

Kayaking during Halong spring

Kayaking during Halong spring

Besides, many travelers like doing cruise tours at this time to explore majestic caves and limestone karsts within the bay’s area.

 

Halong Bay Weather in Summer (from May to August)

Summer is the first main season that takes place from May to August. During these months, it is hot, humid and rainy. Some weather patterns of Halong Bay summer include: 

Sticky weather: The average temperature ranges between 27°C - 32°C and can reach 36°C in dog days. This, along with high humidity (60 - 70%), could make you feel hot, sweaty and get sunstroke if staying outside for too long. 

Heavy rains: After 1 - 2 weeks of heatwave, heavy rains could set in for 1 - 2 days, cooling down the temperature. When the rain leaves, it would be bright and breezy, favorable for outdoor activities and water sports. 

Typhoons and tropical storms: In the late summer, typhoons and tropical storms could set in frequently and unexpectedly. Plus, they could last for 3 - 5 days, affecting your cruise itinerary.

Immerse in the cool water of Halong Bay during summertime

Immerse in the cool water of Halong Bay during summertime

What is Halong Bay’s summer best for? 

Swimming and water sports are the main activities during summer days in Halong Bay:   

  • Swimming: You can immerse in the cool water of Bai Chay Beach, Bai Trai Dao Beach, Tuan Chau Beach, Hon Gai Beach, etc.;
  • Snorkeling/ Scuba diving: Snorkeling in Halong Bay would offer you close-up view of brilliantly-colored coral reefs and exotic sea creatures;
  • Parasailing: Parasailing gives you the chance to watch the bay from above, thrilling and perfectly suitable for adventure seekers.
  • Visit fishing villages: June is harvest season in Halong Bay, so you can drop by Vung Vieng or Viet Hai village to experience the lively atmosphere.

Snorkeling during summer days in Halong

Snorkeling during summer days in Halong

In addition, cruise tours are also suggested in Halong Bay summer. Yet, to avoid unexpected weather patterns such as thunderstorms, typhoons, it would be wise that you opt for day cruises and keep up to date on the weather.

 

Halong Bay Weather in Autumn (from September to October) 

Halong Bay weather in autumn is quite the same as in spring but warmer and more breezy:   

Clement weather: Autumn days in Halong Bay are comfortable with temperature from 23°C to 27°C and cool breezes in the afternoon.

Random light rains: During this time, the sky is unclouded and rains only take place in the early morning or late afternoon with low precipitation of 20 mm.

Halong Bay weather during autumn is cool and comfortable

Halong Bay weather during autumn is cool and comfortable

What is Halong Bay’s autumn best for?

Like spring, autumn weather is favorable to outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, cycling and sightseeing. Besides, some other autumn activities in Halong Bay include:  

  • Squid fishing: From Autumn, it is squid season in Halong Bay, so you can join some squid fishing tours at night within the bay area; 
  • Joining a Halong food  tour: The food tour could offer you a chance to try Halong squid patties, mantis shrimps, peanut worms, etc.

Overnight cruises are highly recommended during this time, as they can provide you with all mentioned activities.

 

Halong Bay Weather in Winter (from November to February) 

Halong Bay Winter occurs between November and February. The season features low temperature and humidity with the following patterns: 

Dry cold weather in the early winter: In November and December, the average rainfall is 10 - 15 mm and humidity levels range from 60%, making Halong Bay weather dry and cold. 

Harsh weather in the late winter: In January and February, humidity and rainfall could rise sharply, causing the temperature drop to from 16°C - 20°C to under 10°C, chilling and frosty. 

Swirling fog: Dense and swirling fog is a typical pattern of Halong Bay’s winter. It usually occurs in the early morning, adding serenity to the bay’s scenery.

Morning fog during Halong Bay’s winter makes its scenery more alluring

Morning fog during Halong Bay’s winter makes its scenery more alluring

What is Halong Bay’s winter best for? 

There are many interesting activities during winter in Halong Bay, which include:

  • Sightseeing: The bay in winter mornings is alluring and pristine with magnificent mountains and limestone karsts covered by thick waves of fog; 
  • Trekking: Trekking is the best activity to stay warm during winter. From Ha Long, you can do a trekking tour to Titop Island or Cat Ba National Park; 
  • Visit Tung Sau Pearl Farm: Winter is the best time to visit the farm. There, you can learn about pearl cultivation and shop for stunning pearl products.

During winter, you could also do cruise tours within the bay area to admire its mesmerizing caves and take part in many captivating activities such as Taichi class, cooking class, Don Ca Tai Tu performance, etc.

Halong Bay Weather & Temperature Infographic

Summary of Halong Bay weather and things to do

 

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 Bay. Yet, don’t worry if you have already planned to visit the bay in the other months, as activities are held all year round. 

To decide when to visit Halong Bay, it not only depends on seasons or weather conditions but personal budget and preferences as well. Regarding this, you can get to Best Time to Visit Halong Bay for Perfect Weather & Great Deals for more useful information and precise decision-making. 

Below are some suggestions on the best time to visit Halong Bay in terms of weather, budgets and events: 

  • Most favorable weather: March - April & September - October 
  • Hunt for hot deals: June, July, and August 
  • For well-known festivals and events: Late January - May

 

FAQs about Halong Bay Weather & Temperature

What is the hottest month in Halong Bay? 

JUNE is the hottest month in Halong Bay with the average temperature ranging between 29°C - 36°C. Sometimes, the heat wave could extend to mid-July and only ends when heavy rains set in. 

During the hottest time, high temperature, humidity and strong sunshine could make you feel blistering hot, sticky and dizzy, so make sure to wear sunscreen,  wide brimmed hats and stay hydrated. Plus, it is recommended that you do regular physical activities in order to perspire and cool down your body. 

Is December the coldest month in Halong Bay?

December is NOT the coldest month in Halong Bay. During this month, the temperature is 17°C - 20°C. This, along with low humidity (40% - 50%), only makes it crisp, totally tolerable. 

In fact, January and February are considered the coldest in Halong Bay. Due to low temperature (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. 

On visiting Halong Bay in December you just have to wear a light jacket or windbreaker. Whereas during January or February, bringing thick warm clothes, scarves and gloves is a must. 

Is Halong Bay water warm? 

From July to September, Halong Bay 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 in Halong Bay is from May to October.

Yet, you should warm up your body before getting into the water and please do not swim after taking alcohol. 

What can I do during heavy rains in Halong Bay? 

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

  • Spa treatments
  • Cooking classes
  • Cave visiting 

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

 

In conclusion, Halong Bay weather is hot, humid, and rainy almost all year round, making the bay exotic and interesting.

For more details, let’s check out our guide on Halong Bay weather by month below!