Traveling to Halong Bay will be easier if you know the ideal time to go on vacation.
For a better understanding, our comprehensive guide will help you keep in mind when is the best time to visit Halong Bay.
You can also read my article on Top 15 best things to do in Halong Bay
It goes without saying that Ha Long Bay is worth visiting all year round for its different beauty every time. However, some specific months attract more visitors than others and are the best time of year to visit Halong Bay.
If you are attentive to the Halong Bay weather, decide to schedule your visit during the months of March to April and of September to October, when the climate creates favorable conditions for sightseeing and participating in various activities in the bay.
For budget travelers, May-August (low season), is the best time to look for huge discounts and promo codes on Halong tours and cruises.
So, what’s the best part and what attracts tourists’ attention to this magnificent World Heritage Site? Let’s dive into more details on when to visit Halong Bay and what to do if your tour is canceled due to bad weather.
Best time to visit Halong Bay depending on the weather
Located in northern Vietnam, the climate of Halong Bay features the tropical monsoon climate which is divided into four seasons: hot spring, hot summer, cool autumn and cold winter.
The average annual temperature is 25°C, and the temperature fluctuates from 13°C to 38°C throughout the year. June is the hottest month of the year, while January is the coldest. The heaviest rainfall occurs between June and August, the wettest month.
Considering the best month to visit Halong Bay, March to April (spring) And September to October (fall) experience the most pleasant weather conditions. During these months, the pleasant temperature and low precipitation create favorable conditions to participate in a handful of water activities like kayaking or cruising, etc.
Best season to visit Halong Bay
Spring (February – April)
On spring days, temperatures range between 18°C and 30°C , with an average of around 24°C as a couple with little sunshine. You may see frequent drizzles in February and increased humidity levels in March.
There is the possibility of foggy conditions during the spring months, but the fog is not as thick as in winter. All things considered, Halong spring is quite pleasant.
Spring is considered the best season to visit Halong Bay as tourists can truly experience a slow cruise around freshly stunning scenery. When the sun shines consistently all day and the water is soft and calm, it is the ideal time for outdoor activities such as swimming or kayaking during the day.
At night, you should spend time catching squid with the fishermen because spring is squid season at Halong Bay. In late spring, the bay becomes more attractive and remains attractive to tourists until summer, especially since April is one of the best months to visit Halong.
Summer (May-August)
In summer, temperatures are on average above 30°C, while the maximum temperature recorded is 38°C. During Halong summer, the sun shines from very early in the morning until 7:00 p.m., making the day longer than the night.
Also called storm season, summer features the hottest and most humid month of August when thunderstorms and typhoons occur more frequently.
Summer brings clear views of stunning islands and emerald water, making it the perfect time to travel by seaplane. Moreover, tourists will have great chances to participate in fun activities like swimming, kayaking, sightseeing, sunbathing, fishing and cycling.
However, you’re better off avoiding midday, as too much sun exposure can likely cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or sunburn.
Remarks : If you visit Ha Long from July to September, there is a higher chance of typhoons, which may cause your cruise to be canceled or delayed. Above all, storms and typhoons last in a very short time about 2 or 3 days and are therefore considered harmless.
In the event of a major storm, be sure to contact your agent for alternative solutions. All things considered, summer is a great time to travel to Halong Bay on the cheap, if you check the weather forecast carefully.
Autumn (September – October)
When summer ends with the transition time, Halong Bay autumn is accompanied by an average temperature below 27°C. During this time, you can expect breezes and cool weather.
Humidity drops significantly, combined with the dramatic drop in precipitation. There is less sun than in summer and more clouds until the end of December. For most, October is the best month to visit Halong Bay. The beautiful weather will allow you to enjoy all the activities offered on board while making the tours as perfect as possible.
Remarks : Good weather makes autumn high season. Therefore, Ha Long Bay becomes busier and more expensive than other times of the year. To avoid the crowds, you should visit less touristy destinations like Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay.
Winter (November – January)
Halong’s winter is characterized by weather dry and cold when the thick fog has a mysterious beauty. Winter officially arrives in November and gets colder and colder in January. The highest temperature only reaches 20°C, while the temperature can drop to around 8°C. You should expect fog in the morning, sufficient sunshine at midday, and drizzle in the afternoon.
In winter, Halong Bay sees fewer tourists than in autumn and you can admire a distinctive appearance of the bay partly covered in fog. Although swimming is not suitable, there are many other activities to do, including kayaking, visiting local fishing villages or taking a cruise. night in Halong Bay , the most comfortable experience in winter.
Additionally, Ha Long Bay is crowded with foreign tourists during the Christmas and New Year holidays as well as the Vietnamese Tet holiday. It’s hard to find a good deal. If you want to experience different cultures, winter should be the best time to travel.
