The Best Time to Visit Halong Bay

1. Best Time by Weather

Featuring the tropical hot climate of Northern Vietnam, Halong Bay weather is characterized by two distinct patterns: hot & humid summer and cold winter. Between these seasons, there are also transitional seasons called spring and autumn in a short period of time.

Spring (March to April): Pleasant, dry weather makes spring among the best time to go on an overnight trip to the bay. The temperatures range between 18°C and 23°C. During these months, you can also expect to soak up the gentle sunshine and little rainfall, perfect for sightseeing excursions and outdoor activities.

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Summer (May to September): Regarded as the off-peak season, especially for foreigners, the hot and humid summer can be really irritated and harsh for travelers. Extreme heat usually lasts all day long, 30°C on average so sunscreen is very essential. The hottest months are June, July, and August. In addition, August receives the highest precipitation and high risks of storms. Despite that, on the plus side, summer enables beach bums to freely enjoy a dip in the cool water and take part in multiple water-based activities. Budget-minded travelers can also save a great sum of money since many tour operations offer promotions, discounts during this season.

Beautiful Halong bay in Summer Time (May)

Fall (Late September – October): Lasting too short but autumn is always the best season of the year. This is also the second peak tourist season in Halong Bay. Your cruise vacation will also be more tempting with less rain and more sunshine, ideal for going out.

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Winter (November – February): Winter without a doubt is the coldest time of the year. The temperatures drop down to around 10°C and 20°C and the weather is dry. Therefore, swimming is almost impossible during this time and thick fog in the early morning may obstruct your vision. One plus point of winter is that this is the festival season with several important occasions like Christmas, New Year, and Lunar New Year.

Weather Average by Month (In 2018)

JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecemberMaximum temp (ºC)242529333435353533292724Minimum temp (ºC)171819212425252423222118Maximum rainfall (MM)2211111437825611839492140Avg rainy days1995836121014111419

Summary

• January and December saw the highest number of rainy days (19/30)
• April had the highest rainfall (143mm)
• May had the least rainy days (03)

Verdict: For optimum weather conditions, the best months to visit Halong Bay are probably April and May. The weather will likely be warm but not too hot, there will be fewer rain showers and more sunshine.

2. Popularity: Peak vs Off-Peak Season

Traditional Meals for New Year Holiday.

While this an exciting time of year, it is also a very busy time as there are up to 9 days when Vietnamese people are off work and traveling up and down the country to visit family, leaving the transportation networks often quite congested. Despite the holiday, Halong cruises and tours continue to operate as normal and are sure to be a great time due to the festive mood. Just be sure that you allow extra time if you plan to travel to Halong Bay from elsewhere in the country!

Firework shows in Ho Chi Minh City in Lunar New Year Eve.

Halong Bay Carnaval

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Halong Bay Carnaval is one of the most exciting annual festivals in Vietnam and draws thousands of tourists from all over the world. Highlights include lively street parades, performances from international troupes, dazzling fireworks and a great display of local culture. The carnival is usually held in late April or early May which is great timing as it coincides with the best weather.

Halong Carnaval (Photo credit: hanoitohalong.com)

Other Festivals

There are many other festivals that are celebrated in Halong Bay and the surrounding area. Yen Tu festival is a period after the Tet Holiday when thousands of people make a pilgrimage to the top of Yen Tu mountain to pray for good tidings in the new year. It runs from the first to the third lunar month, which is usually February to April. The Bach Dang festival celebrates historic military victories on the Bach Dang river and attracts many more tourists and visitors each year. During the Bach Dang festival, there is a river procession, human-chess, and wrestling as well as a general atmosphere of celebration! Bach Dang is also celebrated around April or May.

Verdict:

If you’re looking for hustle and bustle and fun festivities, then you should definitely plan your Halong Bay trip to coincide with the Halong Carnaval. However, if you are steering towards a more mellow vacation then you should consider avoiding April and May!

Pro Tip: Whether you go in winter or summer, high or low season, pack a warm jacket AND a swimsuit. The weather in Vietnam is often unpredictable and you don’t want to be caught underprepared and miss out on any of the fun!

Last updated: 22 October, 2020

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