Halong Bay Weather & Temperature: Ultimate Guide 2021

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. Thanks to its unique natural scenery consisting of the towering cliffs, picturesque beaches, tranquil fishing villages, and hidden caves, Halong Bay is unlike any other destination in Vietnam. It has been recognized as UNESCO's World Heritage Site, attracting millions of foreign and domestic tourists each year.

Halong Bay Weather Overview

Halong Bay weather in Spring (March-May)

• The lowest temperature: 18°C
• The highest temperature: 30°C
• Humidity level: 68 – 75%

Marked as a new beginning of the year, springtime has an average temperature rising from 18°C to 27°C; and 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 completely pleasant, 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, you should keep in mind that the warmer weather goes along with a high level of humidity, which means the high chance of cloudy day will affect your outdoor activities.

What are the best things to do in Halong Bay in Spring?

April is one of the most wonderful times of the year that 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 calm of the ocean and refreshing air in spring.

The majestic caves of Halong Bay are reborn in spring

Tips

• Remember to pack a light sweater and cardigan in case of any possible cold.
• The most significant holiday of Vietnam, the Lunar New Year, usually happens in February when you’ll have chances to engage in many great traditional festivals which bring you closer to the insight of Vietnamese customs and culture. As a result, it may lead to unavailable services in some travel companies.
• At the end of April, there might be little crowded on the holiday of Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day and Vietnamese Reunification Day.

Read more: What To Expect In Halong Bay On Spring Days

Halong Bay weather in Summer (June – August)

• The lowest temperature: 26°C
• The highest temperature: 38°C
• Humidity level: 75 – 78%

Summer comes with 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 day time. With rising humidity levels, the rainfall rises rapidly and tends to reach total precipitation of more than 1000mm during the summer months in Halong Bay. In summer, Halong Bay weather might be harsh but the wonderful beaches are worthwhile to see. The typical sweltering months include June and July; whilst 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 both 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.

Is it the best time to do Halong Bay Cruise in Summer? 

Not really, 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 other 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 affects negatively outdoor activities and cruise itineraries, which causes postponed and even canceled tours in case of extremely bad weather. During this period, it’s essential to prepare a plan B for alternative amusing activities.

Tips:

• Bring sunscreen and sunglasses along because of the high UV index.
• Prepare a raincoat or an umbrella on hand to avoid getting cold from sudden rain.
• In case you don’t know how to deal with an interruption due to bad weather in Halong Bay, check this out at What Should You Do If Halong Bay Cruise Is Canceled?

For more details: What To Expect In Halong Bay On Summer Days

Halong Bay weather in Autumn (September – November)

• The lowest temperature: 19°C
• The highest temperature: 33°C
• Humidity level: 70 – 72%

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 the amount of rainfall will decrease significantly due to low humidity levels in October and November. In the last days of October, the northeastern monsoon may occur.

Apparently, 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

Top things to do in Halong Bay when autumn comes

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 at 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. On a starry night, you can make an arrangement with cruise lines to experience squid fishing on board. 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?

Tips:

• This guideline may help first-time travelers in choosing the most suitable cruise in Halong Bay.
• Bring your camera and autumn outfits such as a cardigan or silk scarf for your amazing trip.

Read more: What To Expect In Halong Bay In Autumn

Halong Bay weather in Winter (December – February)

• The lowest temperature: 12°C
• The highest temperature: 23°C
• Humidity level: 65 – 69%

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 Halong Bay 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 Bay cruise for wintertime.

Tips:

• Prepare warm jackets or sweaters in January, it might be super cold.
• This time is peak season amongst foreign visitors, which may produce results of overpriced costs and the crowds.
• Winter is also time for Christmas and New Year Eve. Hence, there’ll be more special deals and programs for this occasion.

Read more: Halong Bay in The Winter

Halong Bay Weather by Month

Each month in Halong Bay welcomes many tourists with various activities and rewarding weather. Check out our detailed guide on Halong Bay weather every month below! 

Best Weather to visit Halong Bay

If the weather is the most important factor to consider, then you should definitely travel during the spring and autumn seasons. During the two seasons, the weather is pleasant, with clear skies and calm water conditions that allow various water activities.

In spring, there is light drizzle which 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. The low chance of rainfall compared to the previous months 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

Taking all four seasons into account, which one is your most 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 updating articles about Halong Bay. Because the more you know, the better you plan ahead.

You also don't forget to find the best Halong bay cruise to enjoy your trip, BestPrice Travel is one of reputation online agency for a cruise in Halong which always offer great deals and best cruise.

Hong Nhung

(Image Sources: Internet)