Best Time to Visit Halong Bay: Month-by-Month Weather Guide 2026
By Jimmy Nguyen, Founder & Director of Asia Travel Expert Co., Ltd. · Updated Checked October 2026. Climate figures are long-term averages for the Bai Chay station in Ha Long; holiday dates are for 2026–2027.
The best time to visit Halong Bay is October to December, when the weather is dry, sunny and clear, followed by April and May, when it is warm and the islands are green. June to September is hot, wet and the main storm season, so cruises can be cancelled at short notice; February and March are cool and often misty. Cruises run all year, so the right month depends on what you want: clear views, swimming or fewer crowds.
Key takeaways
- Best overall: October, November and December (dry, clear, comfortable).
- Best for swimming: May to September, when the sea is warm.
- Most rain and storm risk: July to September; August is the wettest month.
- Mistiest: February and March, with the least sunshine of the year.
- Busiest: Vietnamese holidays such as Tet, 30 April–1 May and the June–August school holidays.
Halong Bay weather month by month
Average daily low–high temperature and monthly rainfall at Bai Chay, Ha Long (climate data, Vietnam Institute for Building Science and Technology).
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | What to expect | For a cruise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14–19 °C | 28 mm | Cool, mostly dry, often overcast. Lunar New Year can fall in late January. | Good (bring a jacket) |
| February | 15–20 °C | 25 mm | Cool, drizzle and mist begin; Tet crowds (6 Feb in 2027). | Fair |
| March | 18–22 °C | 43 mm | Grey, misty, highest humidity and least sunshine of the year. | Fair |
| April | 22–26 °C | 86 mm | Warming up, mist clearing, islands green. Busy around 30 April. | Very good |
| May | 25–30 °C | 183 mm | Hot and sunny, sea warm enough to swim; first heavy showers. | Very good |
| June | 26–32 °C | 297 mm | Hot and humid, short heavy showers; Vietnamese summer holidays begin. | Good |
| July | 26–32 °C | 364 mm | Peak summer and storm risk; cancellations possible. | Fair |
| August | 25–31 °C | 431 mm | Wettest month and high storm risk. | Fair |
| September | 24–31 °C | 276 mm | Still warm; storm risk continues, especially early in the month. | Fair to good |
| October | 22–29 °C | 143 mm | Rain easing, clear skies return, sea still warm. | Excellent |
| November | 19–26 °C | 39 mm | Dry, sunny and clear; one of the best months. | Excellent |
| December | 15–22 °C | 18 mm | Driest month, cool evenings, clear views. | Very good |
The four seasons in Halong Bay
Northern Vietnam has a monsoon climate rather than a tropical one. Ha Long has a real winter and a hot, wet summer.
Autumn (October–November): the best time to visit
- Temperatures of about 19–29 °C, low humidity and the year’s clearest skies.
- October is still warm enough to swim; November is dry and sunny.
- Main drawback: this is the international high season, so book cruises early.
Winter (December–January): cool, dry and quiet
- Average lows of 14–15 °C and highs around 19–22 °C; cold snaps are possible.
- December is the driest month, so views are often good; swimming is too cold for most people.
- Bring a jacket for evenings and early mornings on deck.
Spring (February–April): mist, then green islands
- February and March bring drizzle and low cloud; March has the least sunshine of the year. The mist can be atmospheric, but distant islands may disappear.
- By April the weather warms to 22–26 °C, the mist clears and the islands turn green.
- Lunar New Year (Tet) and the spring festival season make February busy with domestic travellers.
Summer (May–September): hot, green and the storm season
- Highs of 30–32 °C and warm sea, ideal for swimming, beaches and water activities.
- Most of the year’s rain falls from June to September, usually in short, heavy afternoon storms rather than all-day rain.
- This is also the main typhoon season in the Gulf of Tonkin, with the highest risk from July to September.
- May and early June are the sweet spot: warm, green and less stormy.
Typhoons and cancellations: what really happens
When a storm or thunderstorm warning is issued, Quang Ninh’s inland waterway port authority stops issuing departure permits. Overnight stays are usually suspended first, then all tourist boats. Recent examples:
- Typhoon Yagi, September 2024: sailing banned from 6 September; Ha Long tourism stopped for several days.
- July 2025: the tourist boat Vinh Xanh 58 capsized in a sudden thunderstorm on 19 July; the next day all Ha Long Bay tourist boats were suspended ahead of Typhoon Wipha.
- September–October 2025: cruises and overnight stays were suspended ahead of Typhoon Bualoi (27 September) and Typhoon Matmo (5 October).
- July 2026: all departures, including overnight cruises, were halted on 3 July for Storm Maysak.
Since August 2025, every boat must give a safety briefing before departure and the bay has round-the-clock rescue patrols. If you travel from June to October, keep a spare day in your itinerary and check the cruise’s storm policy: reputable operators reschedule or refund when the authorities cancel.
Festivals and holidays that affect your trip
| Event | When | Effect on a cruise |
|---|---|---|
| Tet (Lunar New Year) | 6 February 2027 | Very busy; some prices rise; book early |
| Yen Tu Spring Festival | Opens on the 10th day of the 1st lunar month (mid-February in 2027) and runs for about three months | Busy roads and hotels around Uong Bi |
| Hung Kings Commemoration | 16 April 2027 | Public holiday; busier weekend |
| Bach Dang Festival, Quang Yen | 6th–9th day of the 3rd lunar month (22–25 April in 2026) | Local festival; little effect on cruises |
| Reunification Day and Labour Day | 30 April–1 May (four days off, 30 April–3 May 2027) | One of the busiest periods; Carnaval Ha Long was held on 30 April 2026 |
| Summer school holidays | June–August | Domestic family peak, especially at weekends |
| National Day | 2 September | Busy long weekend |
Best time by type of traveller
| If you want… | Go in… |
|---|---|
| Clear views and photos | October–December |
| Swimming and beaches | May–September (avoid storm days) |
| Fewer crowds | Weekdays in December–January, or May |
| Lower prices | Summer weekdays and the weeks after Tet, when cruises often run promotions |
| Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay | April–June and October–November for calm seas and good light |
Not sure whether a day trip or a night on the water suits your dates? See our Halong Bay day cruise vs overnight cruise comparison, then pick from our Halong Bay overnight cruises.
Packing by season
- October–April: light jacket or fleece, long trousers, a scarf for windy decks.
- May–September: swimwear, sun hat, reef-safe sunscreen, rain jacket, insect repellent.
- All year: non-slip shoes for caves and steps, a dry bag, motion-sickness tablets if you need them, and your passport for cruise registration.
Want us to match a cruise to your travel dates and the forecast? Contact Halong Tour Expert and we will suggest the best option and route.
Best time to visit Halong Bay: FAQs
1. What is the best month to visit Halong Bay?
October and November are the best months: dry, sunny and clear, with the sea still warm in October. December is also very good if you do not need to swim. Compare cruises on our Halong Bay overnight cruises page.
2. When is the rainy season in Halong Bay?
Most rain falls from May to September, peaking in August with about 430 mm. Showers are usually short and heavy rather than all-day rain. Our Halong Bay travel guide has more on planning your visit.
3. When is typhoon season in Halong Bay?
Mainly June to October, with the highest risk from July to September. When a storm warning is issued, the port authority stops departures and cruises reschedule. See day vs overnight Halong Bay cruises for flexible options.
4. Is it worth visiting Halong Bay in winter?
Yes. December and January are cool (about 14–22 °C) but dry and quiet, and views are often clear. Bring a jacket and choose a ship with indoor lounges, such as our Halong Bay luxury cruises.
5. Can you swim in Halong Bay?
Yes, from about May to October, when the sea is warm. Ti Top and Soi Sim beaches are on route VHL2. Read about Ti Top Island before you go.
6. Is Halong Bay foggy in February and March?
Often, yes. February and March bring drizzle, mist and the least sunshine of the year, so distant islands can disappear. April is clearer and greener. Our Halong Bay vs Lan Ha Bay guide explains where the scenery is closer.
7. What is the best time to visit Lan Ha Bay?
April to June and October to November bring calm seas, warm water and good light in Lan Ha Bay. Avoid the peak storm months of July to September if your dates are fixed. Browse Lan Ha Bay cruises.
8. What is the best time to visit Bai Tu Long Bay?
October to December for clear views, or April to June for warm, green scenery. Bai Tu Long Bay is quieter than Halong Bay in every season. See Bai Tu Long Bay cruises.
9. Is Halong Bay crowded during Tet?
Yes. Around Lunar New Year (6 February 2027) and the spring festival weeks, domestic travel peaks and prices can rise. Book early or choose a quieter bay such as Bai Tu Long Bay.
10. What happens if my Halong Bay cruise is cancelled because of weather?
Reputable operators reschedule or refund when the authorities cancel departures. Ask about the storm policy before you pay; we confirm it for every booking. Contact us for help.
11. Is summer a good time for a Halong Bay cruise?
Summer is hot, green and great for swimming, but it is also the wettest and stormiest season. May and early June are the best summer weeks. Consider Halong Bay deluxe cruises with good value summer offers.
12. How cold does Halong Bay get?
Average lows are about 14–15 °C in December to February, and the record low at Bai Chay is 1.7 °C. Decks are windy, so pack warm layers. Our Halong Bay day cruises are a shorter option in cold spells.
