Weather Overview
Halong Bay is situated in the northern coastal region of Vietnam and experiences four distinct seasons:
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Spring: Feb - Apr
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Summer: May - Jul
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Autumn: Aug - Oct
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Winter: Nov - Jan
Here is a summary of the weather conditions and temperatures in Halong over the course of a year, accompanied by some travel advice:
|
Month |
Average Temp |
Describe |
Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Jan - Feb |
18°C |
Dry, mild sunshine, occasional drizzles, slightly chilly. There may be morning mist. |
- Sightseeing - Swimming might be a bit cold - Consider wearing an additional jacket - Feb often coincides with the Lunar New Year in Vietnam, so some eateries and shops may be closed. However, traditional festival activities are vibrant. |
|
Mar - Jun |
26°C |
Clear skies, abundant sunshine, warm weather, little rainfall |
- Sightseeing - Swimming - Increased tourist influx during the April 30th - May 1st holidays - Wear light, comfortable clothes. |
|
Jul - Aug |
30°C |
Hot and sunny weather with occasional rain |
- Sightseeing (be mindful of the heat and offshore storms) - Swimming - Wear light, comfortable clothes. |
|
Sep - Oct |
27°C |
Mild, warm, and gentle atmosphere with gradually decreasing rain |
- Sightseeing - Swimming - Wear light, comfortable clothes. |
|
Nov - Dec |
19°C |
Clear skies, minimal rain, daytime coolness, and a sharp drop in temperature at night |
- Sightseeing - Swimming might be a bit cold - Consider wearing an additional jacket |
Best time to Visit
The best time to visit Halong is from September to June. The weather during this period is lovely, cool, and pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing and enjoying all the activities in the city as well as relaxing in the bay. During these times, most cruises to the bay are rarely canceled.
However, you should consider peak times in February, late April to early May, and the early summer months of June and May when tourists visiting Halong are very crowded. This may result in spending time queuing and waiting. Additionally, cruise cabins and Halong hotels book up quickly, so you should check and book tickets and rooms early.
The best months to visit Halong Bay
Hence, travelers should mostly steer clear of the hot and choppy conditions in July and August. During these months, vessels outside the bay carrying passengers may not be operational due to safety reasons.
Of course, not every day the boat trips on the bay will be canceled. Official notifications about canceling boat schedules from the city government usually occur only a few times a year. You just need to check the weather before your trip.
To gain more insights, navigate to our post about best time to visit Vietnam!
Travel Tips
Now that you have a general idea of the weather and the best time to visit Halong Bay, I will jot down some additional tips to make your trip more enjoyable:
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Recommend things to pack: swimwear, insect repellent (as Halong's islands have abundant vegetation), sunblock, and a phone lanyard to secure your phone (as it can be prone to slipping while moving around the bay).
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One captivating activity within the bay is boat-based squid fishing. The best time for squid fishing is from April to July, while the remaining months can be more challenging for successful squid catches.
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Summer in Vietnam is characterized by heat and humidity, so participating in activities and traveling can easily be exhausting. If you travel during the hot season, you should start your trip early in the morning and late in the afternoon and evening. This is to avoid the hottest hours from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM. During these times, you can stay at the hotel to rest, try some indoor activities, and stay hydrated.
Enjoy your trip to Halong Bay
I hope that you have found valuable insights on the best time to visit Halong Bay. You can explore more about Halong or Vietnam tours on our website or leave a message in the chat box for our team to help you provide further guidance.
