Best time to visit Ha Long Bay
The weather in Ha Long varies from month to month, and each season has its own characteristics. This is the reason why you have to carefully study the forecast before going for a trip. You can visit Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay during these times:
- From April to June: This is an ideal time to break free from the daily grind while on your Ha Long tour. It is currently very temperate; mostly sunny so it caters for sight-seeing or lying on some of the best beautiful beaches with family.
- From June to August:This city witnesses a sonnet of tourists flocking into it with school-going children over a summer holiday. Consequently, influxes of travelers and increased rates for accommodation and services are inevitable. Thus, planning ahead complements that aspect if you wish to have a relatively cheap trip.
- From late November: During this season, many foreigners visit Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. As a result, it is much less crowded than in high season which allows you enjoying this tourism region privately.
Ha Long Bay in January
For the most part, January in Halong Bay is cold and dry. At times it might not be an excellent place for swimming but one can capture very nice pictures of the surroundings.
There are no better periods to visit Halong Bay other than all year round except during the stormy season. Over winter months in particular January, a majority of international tourists prefer visiting Halong Bay for cruise holidays. People can have short stays because it is not overly freezing and arid during January so they can enjoy a number of activities.
In addition to the international New Year’s Day on January 1st, sometimes there can be Lunar New Year (Tet Holiday) at the end of this month. Vietnamese people are busy preparing for the most important holiday of the year which usually lasts ten days. Therefore, you will get opportunities to discover traditional Tet atmosphere with local residents.
During this time shops and restaurants often operate every half hour and add extra charges to their regular prices.
Ha Long Bay in February
It is more pleasant to visit Halong Bay in February than January because the average temperature is higher.
There is also no doubt about February being one of the happiest months of the year since it has Lunar New Year and traditional Tet. It is considered that this day spiritually opens a new page for every Vietnamese annually. The weather at Halong Bay in February follows January with dryness and fog. Although, the temperature in February is slightly warmer as compared to January giving you plenty of choices for outdoor activities.
Halong Bay has a typical kind of tropical monsoon climate that prevails over Northern Vietnam, having four distinctive seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. In Halong Bay, winter ends and spring commences around February. The main weather at this time are a bit cold with misty morning along with drizzles. Conversely, there are times when there are sunny days but not as humid as the summer ones; hence there are no chances that you may get sunburns.
The comfortable average temperature of 18 degrees Celsius during February in Halong Bay makes it suitable to international tourists. Temperature can fall down to 5°C at night or increase up to 29°C daytime occasionally.
In fact humidity rate goes up to about 88%, which is little higher in comparison with previous month; therefore it means that it gives rainy and drizzly days lasting for nine days this month.
February’s climate offers good visibility during daylight hours thanks to fine weather; consequently, it’s said to be one of the best periods for travelling and taking sightseeing cruises on Halong Bay.
Halong bay gets crowded during holiday season when various events take place throughout the region in February. First thing first, Tet holiday or Lunar New Year Festival falls within the first half of February each year and lasts for seven days. All Vietnamese are currently on vacation, adorning their homes and preparing for festive activities; so most likely your neighbor was at a party all night.
Most of the Halong Bay cruises also observe this festival on board, hence if you are fond of such activities as these, then you should find out exactly when Tet is celebrated and what takes place in the local area on that day.
In February, visitors to Halong Bay will be able to join in two other events besides traditional Lunar New Year which they cannot afford to miss. In addition to the most important celebration of the Vietnamese, the traditional Lunar New Year, tourists visiting Halong Bay in February can also participate Yen Tu Festival and Cua Ong Festival. It was known as Yen Tu Festival before becoming a three-month event held from 10th day of first lunar month.
At this period pilgrims take part in solemn ceremonies at the foot of Yen Tu Mountain while admiring picturesque landscapes and joining merry activities. Similarly, secondly there is another festival called Cua Ong Festival which runs from second day of first lunar month till thirty-first day of third lunar month. This particular event contains a number of interesting things; for instance there is incense-offering ceremony related with Tran Dynasty and folk games like human chess, boat racing etc.
Ha Long Bay in March
March is a transitional month from winter to spring, however, it is also the best time to visit Halong Bay.
In March, which is a transition period from winter to spring in northern Vietnam including Halong Bay, different events always take place. This weather becomes more stable and predictable as temperatures rise and precipitation increase. Therefore, this bay must be explored and water sports must be enjoyed.
However, you should book ships and services as far in advance as possible due to the fact that this busy travel season of Ha Long Bay.
Officially, March brings spring to Halong Bay with an array of captivating feelings. The highest weather change in Halong Bay during March is the temperature rise. 20 degrees Celsius will be the average daily maximum temperature. Sometimes it can dip down to 18°C or reach up to 23 °C on rare occasions. Moreover, water’s temperature for swimming and other water activities are good.
Engaging in outdoor activities will be easy then since there are more sunny days available for engaging them. In addition, humidity usually gets up to about 75%, which makes it still comfortable enough for sightseeing and sports without being too sweaty. About 13 days’ rainfall of approximately 53 mm shall occur here.
The Yen Tu Festival takes place annually over three months commencing on the tenth day of the first lunar month. Throughout this time local inhabitants along with pilgrims from every part of Vietnam carry out traditional rituals at Yen Tu Mountain.
Cua Ong Celebration: Cua Ong Festival that happens between second day of the first lunar month and thirty-first day of third lunar month is held both in honor and remembrance of Tran Dynasty with many interesting folk games included into its program list.
Ha Long Bay in April
Halong Bay is a great place to visit in April because of fewer storm risks and perfect weather for outdoor activities.
In the Halong Bay weather pattern, April follows March’s pleasant temperature range and signals the beginning of summer. Higher average temperatures, higher humidity levels, and slightly more precipitation are also associated with this month.
Yet, Halong Bay still remains an ideal destination for outdoor excursions and cruises during this time. However, the number of tourists starts declining slowly.
This is because April is much hotter than the preceding months. There is an average temperature of 23oC with a high of 28 degrees Celsius and a low of 20 degrees Celsius. Additionally, you can now put on your flip-flops as well as shorts and enjoy the warm water that reaches approximately 29 degrees Celsius, which comes from across the sea.
April has one of the highest daily sunshine duration along with may, June December November & March at least in Vietnam. Again about 75% relative humidity which doesn’t change from March. This isn’t so bad when compared to later in the summer when it can rise up to about ninety percent or even higher humidity level sometimes.
The precipitation increases in April especially towards its end. The rainy days amount up to thirteen by which rained down fifty three millimeters. Nonetheless, it is not enough to cause any fuss thus don’t be deterred!
The month of April happens to have many national holidays and traditional festivals hence making it one of the happiest months.
At Yen Tu Mountain’s foot – there will be Yen Tu Festival for you if you like any kind of celebration or tradition happening here. It takes place each year starting on the tenth day until third day into May according lunar calendar.Taking place from second day in first lunar month through thirty-first day in third lunar month; Cua Ong Festival does happen.
Further-more Hung King Commemoration Day begins on the tenth day of the third month, which is April. Since this is a national holiday, no Vietnamese citizens go to work or school. Therefore, expect a very busy website.
Ha Long Bay in May
May signals the start of a blistering summer, although it is generally not unbearable. In fact, it’s one of the most ideal times to go to Halong Bay.
Halong Bay experiences a hot May as summer sets in, but with bearable temperatures. As the weather gets more humid, you will begin to sweat more. It is also off-peak season in May with a significant decline in tourists’ numbers.
The heat encourages people to engage in water-related activities like canoeing, swimming and snorkelling as a form of cooling off. However, the chances of rain and storms may discourage such outdoor adventures.
In Halong Bay, May is hot and wet without being overbearing. The mean temperature is about 32 degrees Celsius while high temperatures can be around 38 degrees Celsius and lows are approximately 26 degrees Celsius. There is a fall of 3 -4 degree Celsius during night time.
There is often plenty of sunshine in May; hence it’s great for those who love water-based outdoor activities. Approximately eight hours of sun shine are expected daily . The month will see an increase in precipitation and humidity, as well as the rising temperature indicating that monsoon season approaches . The average level of humidity is 78%. Rainfall occurs on fourteen days out of thirty-one days leaving behind an average rainfall level at around one hundred seventy-five millimetres or so.
Be prepared for unpredictable May weather by taking clothes for various conditions. Remember that you should consult weather forecast when making your reservations so that they were not cancelled or postponed.
On the 1st day of May Vietnam celebrates International Labor Day holiday which means that many businesses are closed on that day.Buddha’s Birthday falls on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month so check out its exact date around this time period when you plan coming here.
Ha Long Bay in June
Doubtlessly, June is a hot month to go to Halong Bay though it is ideal for sun-worshippers.
In the month of June, weather in Halong Bay tends to be warm and humid with high relative humidity and precipitation. The warmth of summer during this month brings about humidity as well. Nevertheless, this kind of weather is still bearable and favorable for those who like doing outdoor activities and sun bathing.
June falls under the category of shoulder season tourism where you will have few people visiting tourists’ sites as compared to peak seasons.
Halong Bay experiences one of its hottest months in June which is right in the middle of summer. As temperatures range from 31°C to 39°C. However, you might not be so tired since there is fresh breeze coming from the bay.
The level of average humidity as well as precipitation also increases slightly compared to the previous month. The expected rainfall stands at 179mm which is somehow higher than that recorded in May but lower than July and August ones; besides it won’t rain all day long. Relative humidity at approximately 78% contributes towards decline in visitor numbers to Halong Bay.
Additionally, due to warm sunny climate and moderate temperature on sea water swimming, kayak riding or sunbathing continue to give us great memories throughout our stay here.
There are more chances for storms and typhoons especially during summer months starting from June through August. It’s good to consult your tour operator regarding weather updates plus possible travel disruptions because it might be dangerous outside due stormy weather conditions.
Ha Long Bay in July
Halong Bay experiences July among its hottest and wettest months, with high rainfalls and frequent storms throughout the month. Both average temperature and relative humidity are high; hence, extreme heat and humidity characterize this month.
Nevertheless, as it is off-season for Halong Bay, you will thus derive great benefits from various ship promotions provided.
Expect 7-8 hours of sunshine everyday in July. It usually feels much hotter and stuffier because of high temperatures accompanied by a lot of humidity that can easily reach 80 percent. The temperatures oscillate between 29 to 37 degrees Celsius. At night too, it remains very hot since the temperature only drops a little bit then.
In Halong Bay during July it is hot and sunny but there are also frequent showers. For twenty days approximately four hundred millimeters of precipitation falls on the area annually. Typhoons are not uncommon; thus one should carefully read weather forecasts and be in regular contact with their cruise operator.
Swimming or any other water activities are good ways to cool down because of the torrid heat plus heavy mugginess while being low season allows one witness even better beauty in a more peaceful Ha Long bay itself as well.
Ha Long Bay in August
August is still warm and may have seasonal storms. Nevertheless, August is a great time to be in Halong Bay because it will not be as crowded as it is during the peak months.
The summer comes to an end in August. August can get hot and wet, like June and July, with potential seasonal storms. No month has less sunlight hours and a lower relative humidity level than this month in Halong Bay.
Still, Halong Bay in August could provide you with several ship discounts and specials since it’s off-season.
August is hot and moist weather-wise in Halong Bay. An average temperature of above 30°C can be found all year round, with highs ranging from mid-thirties to lows of 25°C. It rains more during this period while there are also storms on some days. Precipitation can reach 700 millimeters over 24 rainy days (August 2020). Because of that the humidity level decreases to approximate 75%, so you might not feel too hot. In Halong Bay, there are only about six hours of sunshine per day making it the least sunny month, which lasts throughout August.
These factors contribute to the decrease in visitor numbers during August at Ha Long bay. However, if you still want to go check the weather forecast before leaving for Halong Bay. Conversely though; one can participate in water activities such as swimming or kayaking when it is sunny in Halong Bay Summer has various cruises and other services discounted prices that allow you spend less while on vacation .
Ha Long Bay in September
Halong Bay in September means the beginning of autumn, even though it is still the rainy season. The temperatures and precipitation are gradually declining. Moreover, during the daytime this weather is warm while at night it’s colder.
This transitional month with a good amount of rain and moisture makes Halong Bay way more comfortable and less hot and humid than any other previous months. The tourists number is gradually increasing. This kind of climate encourages planning vacations and activities like cruises, mountain climbing and riding.
Nevertheless, despite this being September which marks Summer’s end in Halong Bay, there are still high temperatures experienced! The average temperature ranges from 28 to 22 degrees Celsius. There are days when the temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius.
Moreover, sea water becomes cooler than a month ago that makes swimming more enjoyable.
Halong Bay gets an average of six hours sunshine each day in September. However, as the sun stays very strong at this time, people should protect themselves while outside.
September has lower precipitation levels than July and August. The mean rainfall for 14 days is 190 millimeters making it quite rainy at times.
Vietnam celebrates Independence Day every September 2nd.It is a full national holiday and banks will not open.This day could be crowded with Vietnamese visitors to Halong Bay; that is why you have to book ships ahead or services to avoid price hike
The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, which is one of Vietnam’s most famous celebrations. It resembles Halloween or Thanksgiving to some extent due its traditions . During this time ,the children carry colorful lanterns along with them in parade on streets . At the same time, each Vietnamese family prepares various fruits as well as moon cakes for their festive altar – wishing abundant crops .
Ha Long Bay in October
Halong Bay weather is best in October because of its pleasant climate. It’s rather warm but not too much so and it means very little moisture coming out of the air. There is also a lot less chance for Halong Bay to experience sudden, torrential rainfalls in October.
Due to this favorable weather pattern, you can participate in many outdoor activities without perspiring or getting overly tired. However, expect crowds as it is peak tourist season.
Ha Long Bay in November
The month of November in Halong bay is generally cool and windy, however, the dry weather may make it more pleasurable than a summer one. There is slight precipitation with most days being clear and sunny, thus suitable for outdoor activities.
Halong Bay’s November weather range from cold to very cold.
November has a mild and pleasant temperature at around 23°C. Nighttime temperatures will be in the vicinity of 18°C, while daytime highs will reach about 25°C. It often gets quite cold at night.
For those who want to escape the intense heat of summer in Halong Bay, this is the perfect time to go.
This weather is much better than it has been for several months. Precipitation significantly reduced from 55 mm over eleven days down to only 12 mm over seven days when compared with October.
November gives an average daily sunshine of around eight hours. This is the maximum number of sunshine hours received by Halong Bay between December and June including March.
Ha Long Bay Weather in December
Halong Bay received winter weather in December. The maximum temperature does not go beyond 22 degrees Celsius while the lowest can be at 15C. In this month, there is very low humidity and almost no rainfall.
The local tourists shun Halong Bay during the winter months with December being a slow month for domestic tourism because it is too cold to go outside or swim in the beach.
December has the second coldest temperatures of any month in the year (February is the coldest). It has an average temperature of 19 degrees Celsius, with occasional lows of 15 degrees. It is this kind of weather that makes it possible to engage in many outdoor activities without becoming excessively tired or sweaty. After sunset, it tends to cool down significantly; therefore, keep warm clothes on.
On average, each day has eight hours of sunshine throughout December. December is one of the sunniest months. The abundance of sunlight and scarcity of rain make Halong Bay ideal for visiting during December.
In comparison to hot summer months when outdoor activities are hardly possible due to high levels of sweating, relative humidity decreases by 66% come December.
