Weather in Halong Bay: A Guide

Visiting Vietnam? Figuring out the weather in Halong Bay may be more important than you think. Halong Bay is a UNESCO listed natural wonder and a sight to see. This picture-perfect location is a must-see for most tourists visiting Vietnam. Limestone karsts towering into the sky, sheltered coves and bays, shimmering turquoise waters…. It is a slice of paradise. But this paradise soon turns devilishly nasty in bad weather. Planning according to the weather in Halong Bay has to be a top priority if you intend on visiting it and taking a Halong Bay cruise. Read through our guide on the weather in Halong Bay, and plan your trip around the best time to visit so it is as hassle-free as possible.

Experience incredible sunsets at Halong Bay- Photo Credit Kevin Jiner

Weather in Halong Bay

Halong Bay’s weather patterns are quite different. The summer months are also wet months as it receives rains. Winter is when it is dry but foggy. Read on to get a good idea about the best time to visit Halong Bay.

Summer in Halong Bay

Summer season in Halong Bay lasts from June to September. During these months, temperatures range from 30 to 34°C. The good news is that this is the off season, with few tourists around. This also means lower prices than otherwise. Cruises offer great deals and promotions and you can enjoy Halong Bay to yourself. The clear air offers great visibility, and you can also go swimming in the gorgeous turquoise blue waters.

The bad news? The months of July and August are notorious for typhoons and storms that bring Halong Bay tourism to a grinding halt. With no way around, cruises are cancelled and pushed forward to better days. The monsoon is tricky in Vietnam, but must be strictly avoided when it comes to Halong Bay.

Autumn

Autumn in Halong Bay is marked by a shift in weather in the month of September, with temperatures dropping slightly. While September still sees a few showers, it is unlikely that there will be a severe storm or typhoon. The sunlight is not harsh like in the summer months. The pleasant weather makes it a great time to visit Halong Bay, and this is generally considered peak tourist season. Expect higher prices and more tourists if you are travelling to Halong Bay in this season.

This pleasant weather extends till the month of December. However, you can expect a few stray showers of rain in December. A fog usually settles around the Bay towards the latter half of the month. While this dissuades most tourists, it also attracts a few others. The fog makes the Bay look ethereal, and it can make for a very interesting mood to photograph.

Winter

The winter season at Halong Bay is from January to February. Temperatures range around a comfortable 13-20°C. The fog and showers continue through the end of December, mostly making themselves felt in the afternoons. The karst towers are partially shielded from sight, looming out of the mist. This makes them look quite surrealistic and foreboding. Photographers may find this to be a stunning sight to witness, as you get to experience Halong Bay in quite a different way. Watching the fog swirl around the tops of the karst formations will leave you breathless.

The weather in Halong Bay in winter can also prove beneficial. Due to the fog and sporadic showers, tourist numbers are lower in winter than in the months of September to November. This means lower prices for those who are willing to experience the Bay shrouded in mist! The sea temperature hovers around 23°C or lower, and can be too cold to swim. You will also get to experience Tet, the most important festival in Vietnam, if you choose to travel at this time.

Spring in Halong Bay

The weather averages at 24°C starting from March, and you can expect a few light showers as humidity starts to increase. But the weather remains pleasant and the sunshine ensures you can go swimming or kayaking. This is also a shoulder season, with some tourists but never enough for it to be crowded. Nature is in full bloom and the karsts are coated in green. The waters are calm, and it can be a great time to visit this UNESCO site.

Typhoons lead to cruise cancellations during summer in Halong Bay- Photo Credit Jonas Brief

Best time to Visit Halong Bay

The best time to visit Halong Bay is from September to December. This is when the weather is at its best behaved; it is pleasant, the seas are calm to go swimming, and you get a clear view of the limestone boulders and their secrets. However, this is also when most other tourists will opt to visit.

If you’re looking to visit Halong Bay when it is less crowded and cheaper, then January to March are the months for you. Keep in mind that there is a chance you will meet with a few rainy days when visibility will be shrouded by fog. But this is never so bad that the towers are completely hidden from sight. February is also the best month to take a trip across all of Vietnam, as the weather is ideal everywhere; a rare occurrence.

The best tourist deals are in the wet season from June to September. If you intend on visiting Halong Bay during these months, try to avoid July and August. Also be sure to check the cancellation policy of the vendors you book your cruise with. Heavy storms, typhoons and thick fog are some of the reasons your trip can get cancelled. In this event, ensure your cancellation policy makes some provision for you to get your money back or go on the cruise on a different date. This is a good cover, as the weather in Halong Bay in these months is tricky. A bad day can cancel all cruises but a good one is as pleasant as any other, and cheap!

You may find low visibility during winter at Halong Bay- Photo Credit Revolt

If you don’t already know it, you may recognize Halong Bay as the location where the film ‘Kong: Skull Island’ was filmed. If you’ve seen it in the films and postcards, let us reassure you – nothing beats seeing it in person. Consider going on a Halong Bay cruise to discover the Bay in style and comfort. And if you’re wondering if Halong Bay is worth it, let us reassure you – there is nothing quite like the sight that awaits. Contact us for an itinerary that works its way around the weather while ticking off all your boxes.