Located in northern Vietnam, Halong Bay weather features a tropical climate with 4 distinctive seasons throughout the year. This comprehensive guide will give you an overview of Halong Bay weather and suggest the most favorite activities to enjoy your trip.
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Halong Bay, a natural complex of over 1600 limestone islands and islets, is well-known for its aesthetic and geomorphological value that everyone should not miss. Halong Bay is unlike any other destination in Vietnam thanks to its unique natural scenery consisting of towering cliffs, picturesque beaches, tranquil fishing villages, and hidden caves. It has been recognized as UNESCO's World Heritage Site, attracting millions of foreign and domestic tourists each year.
Marked as a new beginning of the year, springtime has an average temperature rising from 18°C to 27°C; the average humidity fluctuates from 68% to 75% during these months. As a result, the rainfall level increases gradually from 28mm in February to 84mm in April. Notably, it’s occasional to appear in the northeast monsoons in March. Overall, the spring Halong Bay's climate is enjoyable since it’s not as harshly hot as in summer and not as bitterly cold as in winter.
Blossoming flowers at Halong Bay in springtime
Spring is the second-best time to visit Halong Bay, thanks to the pleasant weather. However, you have to afford a higher price than usual due to the peak season and surcharge for Tet Holiday. Additionally, it would be best to keep in mind that the warmer weather goes along with a high level of humidity, which means the increased chance of cloudy days will affect your outdoor activities.
April is one of the most beautiful times of the year when you can jump and have a swim in the sea. Besides, you can enjoy amusing outdoor activities such as kayaking, biking, or taking a cruise to behold the breathtaking view of Halong Bay on a clear sky day.
What if you’re in Halong Bay on a cloudy and foggy day? Take it easy because Halong Bay looks more charming and picturesque in fog. You’d better explore the majestic caves reborn in spring and marvel at the impressive rock formations in the misty outfits. Somehow Halong Bay is so mysterious and elegant that you can feel the ocean's calm and refreshing air in spring.
The majestic caves of Halong Bay are reborn in spring
Read more: What To Expect In Halong Bay On Spring Days.
In summer, overheat temperatures of 30 – 35°C and the highest chance of storms and typhoons. However, the night temperature will drop by 3 – 4°C in comparison to the daytime. With rising humidity levels, the rainfall rises rapidly and reaches total precipitation of more than 1000mm during the summer months in Halong Bay. The weather might be harsh in summer, but the wonderful beaches are worthwhile to see. The typical sweltering months include June and July, while August is replaced by the cooler weather and more frequent wind blow for the upcoming autumn.
Halong Bay is stunningly beautiful in summer.
It’s hard to predict Halong Bay weather in summer, then follow the weather forecast 2 weeks ahead of the booking day. Note that summer’s sunny and rainy with the highest intensity over the year. Try to keep the weather not to discomfort you easily.
Halong Bay must be charming with crystal clear sky and turquoise water on beautiful summer days. Meanwhile, it also could be turned into thundering storms and typhoons on stormy days. If you don’t rush in time, keep calm and wait for a few days because these storms don’t last more than 3 – 4 days.
Not, due to the peak season for domestic tourists, Halong Bay is bustling with a wide range of water activities like swimming, diving, kayaking, sunbathing, and more. If you’re lucky to visit Halong Bay on nice weather days, take your time to feel the sunlight in breaking dawn or dusk time.
Summer is a perfect time for swimming in Halong Bay
In summer, the possibility of storms and typhoons is much more frequent with heavy rains and strong wind. The fierce sea surface negatively affects outdoor activities and cruise itineraries, which causes postponed and even canceled tours in case of horrible weather. During this period, it’s essential to prepare a plan B for alternative amusing activities.
For more details: What To Expect In Halong Bay On Summer Days
Autumn is the most enjoyable time to soak up the comfortable climate in Halong Bay. The average temperature varies from 23°C – 27°C, so you can enjoy the sunshine, which is not as extreme as in the summer. There might be light rain in September, but rainfall will decrease significantly due to low humidity levels in October and November. In the last days of October, the northeastern monsoon may occur.
The best time to visit Halong Bay is in autumn when you can minimize the risk of extreme weather and immerse yourself in beautiful sunshine, clear crystal sky, and breezy weather. It’s such a magical time in the middle and late autumn that everyone will fall in love with the perfect harmony of the natural masterpiece.
Contemplate the beauty of Halong Bay on a cruise in autumn time
Nothing’s better than admiring the beauty of Halong Bay when the rainy season is over. You will be welcomed to all outdoor activities, including swimming, kayaking, cycling, and rock climbing. Besides, there is a hiking place in Cat Ba National Park for hikers. Sometimes the cool weather in late fall isn’t perfect for swimming and other water activities. Instead, booking a Halong overnight cruise will feast your eyes on the awe-inspiring scenery of the bay.
Tai Chi exercise is a widely popular activity onboard.
Let’s put your feet up and enjoy on-deck activities. In the daytime, you should be once an early bird, then wake up in the mesmerizing sound of the ocean and catch the stunning sunset moment. You can arrange with cruise lines to experience squid fishing onboard on a starry night. By the way, Halong is famous for grilled chopped squids, so why don’t you sip a cup of beer and chew hot grilled squids on your trip?
Read more: What To Expect In Halong Bay In Autumn
In contrast to high temperatures in summer, wintertime in Halong Bay is quite cold, with average temperatures of around 16°C – 18°C. Without sunlight on most winter days, you’ll see fog and drizzle in the morning and late afternoon.
December, the second driest month, is a fresh start described as mild and dry with only 29mm precipitation per month. Coming to January, the true winter month, the temperature declines by a few degrees and the amount of sunshine time falls to 4 hours.
The foggy Halong Bay in the wintertime
Enjoy the weather on winter days
The weather is so easing and humble that it’s regretted to ignore the tranquil creature of Halong Bay in winter, the most fantastic time for leisure travel. From the top view, you’ll have an opportunity to behold a mystical Halong Bay, where limestone cliffs nestled under meek fog, and the boats go back and forth endlessly.
Visit a local village in Halong Bay on winter days.
Of course, swimming, kayaking, and activities on the beach are undesirable; especially weather conditions in January don’t allow tourists to take part in water activities. It’s time to join inland activities like hiking, having a barbecue, visiting local villages, shopping at local markets, and tasting Halong specialties. Outstandingly, come and indulge yourself in a hot tub on the Halong cruise for wintertime.
Tips:
Read more: Halong Bay in The Winter
Each month Halong Bay welcomes many tourists with various activities and rewarding weather. Check out our detailed guide on Halong Bay weather every month below!
If the weather is the most important factor to consider, you should travel during the spring and autumn seasons. The weather is pleasant during the two seasons, with clear skies and calm water conditions that allow various water activities.
In spring, there is a drizzle that brings about cool weather. It is a great time to go on an overnight cruise and kayak to discover the caves and grottos from a closer view. Meanwhile, autumn is perfect for adventure lovers, who usually go trekking and scuba diving. Compared to the previous months, the low chance of rainfall makes it a popular time for foreigners to explore Halong Bay.
For more information, check out Best Time to Visit Halong Bay for Perfect Weather & Great Deals.
Considering all four seasons, which one is your favorite weather in Halong Bay? Anyway, visiting Halong Bay is worthwhile every month and depends on how you take advantage of its weather. Don’t forget to check out our update about the Halong Bay travel guide. Because the more you know, the better you plan.
You also don't forget to find the best Halong Bay cruise to enjoy your trip; BestPrice Travel is one of the reputation online agencies for a cruise, which always offers great deals and the best support.
Hong Nhung
(Image Sources: Internet)
