Halong Bay is a stunning destination in northern Vietnam, known for its emerald waters, towering limestone cliffs, and thousands of small islands. If you are planning a trip to Halong Bay, it is important to know the best times to visit. In this article, we will discuss the best times to visit Halong Bay in terms of weather, crowds, and prices.
Halong Bay's Best Times for Great Weather
The best times to visit Halong Bay in terms of weather are from March to April and from September to November. During these months, the weather is mostly mild and pleasant, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 21 to 28°C (70–82°F). The skies are clear, and there is little-to-no rainfall. This makes it the perfect time to explore the bay and enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking, swimming, and hiking.
Suggested read: How to Plan Your First Trip to Vietnam — 7 Easy Steps.
Halong Bay's Best Times for Fewer Crowds and Cheaper Prices
The best times to visit Halong Bay in terms of crowds and prices are during the off-season months from May to September. During this time, there are fewer tourists and prices for accommodation and tours are lower. You can also enjoy the bay without the crowds, which can make for a more peaceful and relaxing experience.
The peak season months from October to April are the busiest and most expensive times to visit Halong Bay. During this time, the bay can be crowded with tourists, and prices for accommodation and tours can be higher. If you plan to visit during the peak season, it is recommended to book your accommodation and tours in advance to avoid disappointment.
Let us help you plan an itinerary that takes into account the weather conditions while ensuring that all your travel goals are met. If you are traveling for a big moment like an anniversary or birthday, we recommend you choose a smaller boat with one to five cabins (Regular cruise ships have 20 to 40 cabins). You will spend more quality time with your kid(s) or partner as the cruise takes you to a remoter area and keep you away from thousands of cruises.
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My husband and I are planning a 3 week…
Alisa was a great listener to all the things we wanted to incorporate into our trip. We discussed everything throughly, and when I had questions, she had answers the next day. I really appreciate her responsiveness and detail with me. I feel like we are in the best hands with Alisa and Asia Highlights. More
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Very great experience our driver D was…
Very great experience our driver D was never late and always had waters and a cold towel for us and our tour guide Som was very informative and had amazing English I recommend them both highly for anyone else traveling More
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Excellent guide in Siem Reap
Our recent time spent in Siem Reap was made even more memorable by our expert guide, Som Piseth. Som was knowledgeable, attentive, flexible and super helpful - we learnt so much about Siem Reap and Cambodia in our 3 days with him. His English was excellent and his knowledge of, and pride in, his country was outstanding. We would highly recommend Som for anyone wanting an excellent guide in Siem Reap! More
Sharon Townshend, Feb 2024
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Asia Highlights trip to Thailand
Our first tour guide in Bangkok, Marie, was great to tour around with. She was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and spoke wonderful English. Our next stop in Chang Mai we were greeted by our new tour guide, Rafael. He too was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and spoke wonderful English. He made it feel as if we were traveling around with a long time friend. Every time we arrived at a new destination, we were greeted at the airport by someone with a sign with our name making our travels easy. I would definitely recommend Asia Highlights to anyone looking for a well planned trip of a lifetime! More
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Amazing Thailand experience
The tour guides were all knowledgeable and accommodating, especially Mayuree in Bangkok- absolutely wonderful. We felt taken care of and every step of the way was catered to our needs. More
Ashley White, Feb 2024
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Private tour perfect for our times
Asia highlights organized a private tour with our requests. Everything was perfect ?? the driver Tom and the guide Ying were always on time with a smile in their face. Always willing to help and make our trip perfect. Bangkok is a very hot city so we minimized the time outside. The driver always had cold towels for us in the van and cold beverages. More
Virginia, Feb 2024
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Thailand
We loved Chiang Mai and Susie did a great job showing us several temples, taking many pictures of us with the elephants at the sanctuary (a definite highlight of the entire trip!), and making sure we were well fed, which became a running joke between us.We had a very relaxing few days in Phuket enjoying the beautiful beaches. Kai was great, answering all of our questions and giving us a nice tour of the old town. The all-day speedboat tour of the Phi Phi islands started off a little shaky as the sea was quite rough so if you’re at all uncomfortable bouncing around in a speedboat, you might want to skip that tour. Things did calm down as the day went on and some of the areas they took us to for swimming, snorkeling, etc were really beautiful. A couple of the islands were too crowded with people. More
Andrea Roberts, Feb 2024
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What a Wonderful Trip
What a Wonderful Trip! We booked with Sharon and our trip was great - guides were waiting for us at each stop, and they were all very nice and helpful. I cannot stress how amazing the guides were - they made the trip. More
Rachel, Feb 2024
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Ask for Victor!
If you are traveling to Bangkhok you need to request Victor. He made our trip amazing! My family completed bucket list items with his guidance. He knew exactly how to get us places, kept us on time, made us feel safe, educated us on history, spoke excellent English and was genuinely a nice man! Everyone we encountered was awesome- but Victor is the reason for my 5 star review! More
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Thank you Alisa for helping us plan a…
Thank you Alisa for helping us plan a wonderful trip to Thailand. We had a great time. The tour guides were wonderful as were the hotels you booked for us. We will definitely contact you to plan our next trip More
Carol Yeung, Jan 2024
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Ying was the best
Ying was the best. She was really knowledgeable and kind. Thank you Ying for wonderful experience in Thailand! More
Sylvester Yeung, Jan 2024
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Very well organized
Very well organized. Our tour guide, Ying, was amazing! She had full knowledge of every location we visited and made sure our itinerary was fulfilled as expected. She was extremely helpful for our airport experiences, and made sure we arrived at an appropriate time. More
David M. Kang, Jan 2024
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Family trip to Thailand
We were lucky to be greeted by Marie and her driver.In Marie, we have made a friend for life. She is incredibly smart and knowledgeable about her home country. From the vast number of temples to safely traversing Chinatown.She helped give us tips on our free days, locate left behind lost clothing and arrange for pickup. She even helped check us in for our flight to Chiang Mai.She prepared us ahead of time for every event we had scheduled and bonded with our kids, 3x 13 year olds. More
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Thailand with and amazing tour guide Ying
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Asia Highlights Thailand trip
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Perfect 2 WK Thailand Trip for a Solo Female Traveler
Bank was our guide in Bangkok and he showed us around the city with ease and we were able to see and try things I never would have planned on my own. After Bangkok, our small group flew to Chiang Mai for Yi Peng lantern festival and that was a breathtaking experience that I will never forget! Pop was our guide in this city and she was knowledgeable, kind and caring which made our experience even more memorable. More
Tia, Dec 2023
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We recently have just returned from Thailand
We recently have just returned one from a 5 week trip to Thailand through Asia Highlights. We had a wonderful time and Asia Highlights went beyond our expectations. They truly tried their best to make sure everything went smoothly and we were taken care of! Everyone was amazing and we would definitely use them in the future!! Many thanks to everyone that helped to make this an incredible once in a lifetime experience!! More
Karen Rocque, Dec 2023
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Indochina Experience
On our 5th day of our trip with Asiahighlights. We felt well taken care of before and it hasn’t changed since we started from Bangkok to Hanoi (guide Kim was verrry knowledgeable!) to Halong Bay (spectacular scenery) to Hoi An (guide Nhieu Tran, giving great local (shopping) tips and insights). More
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The Weather in Halong Bay
The year-round weather of Halong Bay can be divided into four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The weather in Halong Bay is influenced by the monsoon winds, which bring hot and humid summers and cool and dry winters. Here is a breakdown of the weather in Halong Bay by season:
Spring (March to May)
Spring is a beautiful time to visit Halong Bay, with mild temperatures averaging from 20 to 28°C (68–82°F). The skies are clear, and there is little to no rainfall, making it the perfect time to explore the bay and enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking, swimming, and hiking.
The spring season is also a great time to witness the blooming of flowers and trees, adding to the beauty of the bay.
Summer (June to September)
Summer in Halong Bay is hot and humid, with typical daytime temperatures ranging from 28 to 35°C (82–95°F). There is a higher chance of rainfall during this time, and the humidity can make it feel even hotter.
Despite the heat, summer is still a popular time to visit Halong Bay, as it is the peak domestic tourist season. It is a great time to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and other water activities.
One thing to note is that the months from July to September are the typhoon season in Halong Bay, with the peak typhoon season being in August/September. During this time, the weather can be unpredictable, and there is a higher chance of typhoons and heavy rainfall. Cruises may be canceled or delayed due to bad weather conditions.
Travel with us to enjoy a private hassle-free tour, and we'll take care of everything, including keeping eyes on the weather forecast and staying in contact with cruise companies, preparing a plan B in case your cruise is canceled, and helping you get a refund from the cruise company.
Autumn (Late September to November)
Autumn is considered one of the best times to travel to Halong Bay due to the mild weather and clear skies, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30°C (68–86°F) on average. The weather is comfortable for outdoor activities, and the scenery is stunning with the changing colors of the leaves.
Additionally, the crowds are generally smaller during fall compared to the peak season's (in the summer months), making it a more peaceful and relaxing experience.
Winter (December to February)
Halong Bay's weather in winter is cool and dry, with average daily temperatures ranging from 15 to 20°C (59–68°F). There is a higher chance of fog, which can affect visibility on the bay.
Despite the cooler temperatures, winter is still a popular time to visit Halong Bay, as visitors can enjoy the peacefulness of the bay without the crowds. The winter season is also a great time to witness the misty charm and beauty of the bay.
Halong Bay Weather Month-by-Month
January
The weather in Halong Bay in January is mild and dry, with temperatures ranging from 14 to 20°C (57–68°F). There is a higher chance of fog, which can affect the visibility of the bay. The skies are generally clear, but there may be some overcast days.
January is the coldest month in Halong Bay, with temperatures sometimes dropping much lower than the averages above, and you should pack warm clothing such as jackets, sweaters, and thick trousers/jeans.
Despite the cooler temperatures, January can still be a good time to visit Halong Bay, especially for those who prefer cooler weather and smaller crowds. The bay is less crowded during this time, and you can enjoy the peacefulness of the bay without the crowds.
February
February is still mild in Halong Bay, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 20°C (59–68°F). The weather is generally dry, but there is a higher chance of fog.
The cool temperatures make it a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the caves.
March
The weather in Halong Bay in March is mild/warm and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 18 to 23°C (64–73°F). The skies are still mostly clear, and there is little to no rainfall. March is a beautiful time to visit Halong Bay, with comfortable temperatures and great weather for outdoor activities.
In March you can enjoy kayaking, swimming, and hiking without the heat and humidity of the summer months. The weather is also great for exploring the caves and other attractions in the area.
You should pack comfortable clothing such as shorts or light trousers, t-shirts, and light jackets for the cooler evenings.
April
April is a great time to visit Halong Bay as the weather is warmer, though more rainy, with average temperatures ranging from 22 to 27°C (72–81°F).
It can be considered one of the ideal times to cruise around Halong Bay, as the weather is not extremely hot like in summer or cold like in winter.
One thing to note is that, if possible, you'd better avoid the last few days of April as it coincides with Vietnam's national holiday when a large number of local people will flock to Halong Bay.
May
May is the last month of spring in Vietnam, but it often feels more like summer. The temperature in May ranges from 25 to 31°C (77–88°F), with humidity fluctuating from 75% to 80%. Moderate rains fall on 1 in 2 days.
May is considered the secret ideal month to visit Halong Bay. There are not many tourists in this month as it is not mentioned frequently in guidebooks as a desired time. This means that you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and outdoor activities without the crowds.
The weather is still pleasant, with only moderate rainfall, and not too hot. This makes it a perfect time to swim or kayak on the bay.
Additionally, many cruises start to offer their off-season promotions. You may get a cruise trip for just two-thirds of what they normally charge during peak season.
Contact us and we'll help you plan your trip taking advantage of any promotions available during your trip time.
June
June is the start of the summer (wet) season in Halong Bay. The weather is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 26 to 33°C (79–91°F). The skies are often clear, but there is a higher chance of rainfall and occasional thunderstorms. June has joint highest rainfall with August.
July
July is the peak of the summer season in Halong Bay, with temperatures ranging from 26 to 33°C (79–91°F). There is an over 50% chance of rainfall per day during this time, and the humidity can make it feel even hotter.
July is also a stormy month. Therefore, remember to check the weather forecast, and maybe reschedule to enjoy a smooth cruise. Your cruise may be canceled or delayed due to storms. You'd better buy trip insurance and prepare a plan B.
July sees the start of summer vacations for Vietnam's students, and you can expect to see many domestic travelers, especially families, visiting Halong Bay during this month.
August
The weather in Halong Bay in August is similar to July's, with hot and humid temperatures ranging from 26 to 32°C (79–90°F). August is known to be the wettest month in Halong Bay, with the highest chance of rainfall and occasional thunderstorms.
August is nevertheless peak season for domestic tourists in Halong Bay due to school summer vacations. Be prepared for crowds.
September
The weather in Halong Bay in September is still hot and humid, but temperatures begin to cool down slightly compared to the previous months of summer. Temperatures range from 25 to 31°C (77–88°F) on average, and there is a lower chance of rain compared to August, though rainfall is still high and typhoons/storms sometimes roll in.
September is considered a good time to visit Halong Bay as the weather is a bit more comfortable, and there are fewer crowds compared to the peak tourist season.
October
The weather in Halong Bay in October is cooler and more pleasant compared to the previous months. Temperatures range from 21 to 30°C (70–86°F) on a typical day, and there is a lower chance of rainfall — now only moderate it falls on 11 days typically.
October is considered a good time to enjoy a cruise on Halong Bay.
November
November is a month of transition in Halong Bay, with changing weather patterns. In the early part of the month, you can still enjoy the cool autumn breeze and bright sun. However, as the month progresses, colder winds may blow, and there may be more frequent showers. The humidity drops significantly during this month. Temperatures average 19–25°C (66–77°F).
You should pack light winter clothes such as a cardigan or scarf in case of colder winds. Despite the changing weather, you can still enjoy water activities such as swimming, kayaking, or scuba diving on mild-weather days.
December
The weather in Halong Bay in December is typically mild and dry, with temperatures ranging from 17 to 22°C and rainfall a light (60 mm). The water may be too cold for swimming or water-based activities. Despite any cool/cold weather (it can be much colder than the averages sugest), you can still enjoy the beautiful scenery and indoor activities on the cruises.
December is a peak travel month in Halong Bay due to the Christmas and New Year holidays. On December 24th and 31st, most cruises organize themed parties, and gala dinners are served on board. Be sure to book at least 3 months in advance.
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Our guide lele is a wealth of information, Lele is very professional and very attentive to our needs. Lele is amazing. Lele got everything spot on. It probably helps that Guilin is a brilliant place to visit so Lele has great material to work with but that doesn't take anything away from how much Lele helped make it a great trip.
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moreShe was very flexible and added extra time when we needed it and we felt extremely well taken care of. She also chose the best restaurants for us,
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moreTom is the guide that will take you to where no other guide will. We pushed for the experience and Tom and the team delivered more than what we could have ever asked for. His English speaking ability and his Chinese history knowledge is second to none.
moreTom is the guide that will take you to where no other guide will. We pushed for the experience and Tom and the team delivered more than what we could have ever asked for. His English speaking ability and his Chinese history knowledge is second to none.
moreOur day trip to Hangzhou was phenomenal. Derek, our guide, was impeccable. By far the best guide we have had so far. He is extremely knowledgeable about the country’s history and geography and was always excited to share his insights.
moreXian es encantadora, el hotel Eastern house boutique muy buena elección por parte de la agencia, los desayunos muy completos para complacer todo tipo de gusto, lo recomiendo 100%, el itinerario fue muy acertado fueron 2 días en la ciudad xian, compartimos con la guía Susana, la atención, la amabilidad y sobre todo su profesionalismo fue lo que marcó la diferencia, sus detalles, estaba siempre en el lugar y momento correcto para hacer de xian un lugar inolvidable.
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