Choosing the best time to go to Halong Bay is never an easy thing for travelers coming to Vietnam due to a lot of factors such as their works, weather, special local occasions, budget and also the schedule of their partners. Halong Bay has different beauty in each season and travelers will have their own ideal time to experience the highlights of Halong Bay.

Based on my local experience, I will help you to find out which is the best time to visit here.

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First of all, let me provide you with some information about Halong Bay

Halong Bay means “The Bay where the Dragon descends into”, which is located in Vietnam’s northeastern seacoast, administrative belongs to Halong City, Quang Ninh Province

There are two main zones in the islands: the southeast (belong to Bai Tu Long Bay), and the southwest (belong to Halong Bay), which forms the core zone of Halong Bay, which was designated by UNESCO as World Heritage Site, This area incorporates 434 square kilometers with 775 islands, eliminated by 3 points: Dau Go islands on the west, Ba Ham lake on the south and Cong Tay Island on the West.

Halong Bay’s ancient landscape is the result of complex geological processes taking over 500 million years, from the earth’s movements, sea’s regression, down-warping tectonics, and sea transgression, creating thousands of limestone islands emerging from the sea.

Halong Bay, a mighty and unique artwork by nature with thousands of islands rising from the emerald water, is the number one tourist destination of northern Vietnam.

>>> 28+ BEST Things To Do In Halong Bay Vietnam – Attractions & Activities <<<

halong bay

Halong Bay has always been an attractive destination in Vietnam

Halong Bay can be visited the whole year-round. Halong Bay is recommended to be most beautiful in the summer, but there are heavy rains or even sea storms that will distract your journey. The best time for a trip on Halong is in the Spring (from March to May) and the Autumn (from September to November) when the weather is really cool, not too hot and not too cold. The temperature is around 25 degrees Celsius and the sun shines nicely, especially in April, May, September, and October, so if you come here this time, Prepare your camera to take beautiful photos of the UNESCO site. Most of the activities in Halong Bay are doing outdoor, therefore a dry climate and pleasant temperature are ideal you will sweat very much while kayaking or hiking to Thien Canh Son cave.

>>> See more of our Halong Bay Itinerary

So what is the standing out things during Spring and Autumn in Halong Bay?

Halong Bay in Spring – Detail information about Halong Bay Weather

I have to admit that Spring is the wettest season of the year, comes with continuously drizzling and misty sky, Although this is the suitable weather condition for trees and flowers to grow, most tourists find it’s difficult to keep their clothes dry and clean during these days. However, there are a lot of things in Halong in Spring that easily make tourists fall in love, especially in mysterious cloudy weather.

Flower in Halong Cave

Flower in Halong Cave during spring

Spring to Vietnamese is a special time of the year as there is the most important occasion of Vietnamese: Tet Holiday. Visiting Halong this time, you will have the chance to take a look at Vietnamese culture like seeing how people prepare for Tet in the Halong market or some center malls in the city or receiving luck money and trying a lot of different traditional cuisines. However, the price during this occasion is higher than regular days, you should check it twice before making any decision with any reservation team.

After Tet, Halong still has some interesting traditional events such as the Cherry Blossom Festival in March, which will only last for a few days. There are a variety of flower types from different countries that only bloom during New Year’s time. At night, Traditional instrument concert performed by Japanese and Vietnamese artists will help you to learn more about the cultures of both countries.

>>> Get your own Hanoi – Halong Bay FREE ITINERARY PLANNING to experience the 2 beautiful places in blooming season

March is also suitable for anyone who likes a peaceful moment and cruising on the emerald area would be a must-try for you. This is also the last month that there are not many tourists before the traveling season comes in April. Although the weather is still cold so it would be harder to observe the UNESCO World Heritage site, you still can enjoy some activities like scenic seaplane flight at noontime or simply having some quality time for yourself.

April is the last month of Halong spring and it is one of the best time of the year to go to Halong Bay. The lovely atmosphere in April will make you fall in love right away. Titop island is one of the must-see places you do not want to miss. This destination is not only famous for the shallow white sandy beach at the front but also the view from the top. Visit Titop in the evening and you can enjoy the beach alone, which is an amazing chance to relax and escape from the busy life.

Having breakfast on a cruise in Ha Long

Having breakfast on a cruise in Ha Long and watching the mesmerizing sunrise

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April is also the best time to go to Halong Bay to enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and cruising. Or else you can go for a dive to observe the beautiful creatures and magical sea in Halong Bay. During this month, the daylight times start to lengthen and humidity decreases to 60%, so tourists can enjoy taking part in outdoor activities. With the help of weather, Halong Bay will offer you a picturesque nature to immerse yourself. You can easily take a closer look at some of the most signature destinations like Sung Sot Cave, Titop, or Luon Cave on a 2-day-1-night cruise.

>>> See more: Tips to choose the best Halong Bay Cruise for your spring trip

Moreover, to have an in-depth look into Vietnamese culture, visit some of the famous temples in Halong Bay such as Ba Vang, Long Tien or Cua Ong. Take a deep breath, release all your stress and enjoy the peaceful moments. If the weather is too cold for being outside, exploring Quang Ninh Museum on Tran Quoc Nghien street can be a great choice for you. Don’t forget to bring your fancy clothes to take part in Halong Carnival. This is one of the biggest festival, held every year on 28th April at 8.00 OM at SunWorld Halong Park.

Spring is the best timeSpring is the best time to go to Halong for a year

Autumn in Halong – What is the best time to visit Halong Bay

Autumn is the time for schools to start, therefore the number of domestic tourists will decrease. Looking for a romantic and peaceful place to spend your honeymoon? Autumn will be another best time to go to Halong Bay as the weather will not let you down. The ideal trip for a couple in Halong during this time is taking a wedding photo album right on the top deck, then, have a sauna and relax on the white sandy beach.

Autumn cruise is the best choice for anyone who wants to experience Halong

The weather in Halong Bay will be cooler and plants become dormant. Leaves start to turn into red then fall. You can see the streets full of romantic trees; leaves falling down which will be the perfect background for a couple on their honeymoon. The temperature changes gradually throughout the day, cool in the morning/night time and hot at noon.

Every scene of Halong has a unique beauty in Fall

Every scene of Halong has a unique beauty in Fall

At the beginning of autumn, September is the rainy month and typhoons happen quite common. From October, Halong Bay weather starts to change, makes this the most romantic month of couples

September is the time that Typhoons happen more frequently than the other months. Therefore, you may have to postpone your trip to Halong Bay. To some adventurous tourists, trekking to Bai Tho Mountain on stormy days is their cup of tea. The average temperature is 28 Celcius degrees, rain day fall is around 14 days

October in Halong is the best time to go to Halong Bay for explorers although the high season for international tourism. Due to the capitalized volume and competition for flights, hotels, and events, this will be the absolute most expensive time for inbound tourists. Additionally, you won’t be able to interact with the same amount of locals.

However, this is the best time to go to Halong Bay for couples. Cruising in the middle of the emerald sea or riding a bike through the peaceful city will be a perfect activity for couples. If you two are looking for something special to highlight your trip, having the once-in-a-lifetime experience with seaplanes is always the best choice.

As this is the end of autumn, so when the sun sets, the air can produce a brisk though still incredible romantic chill. In addition, don’t forget to ride the Ferris wheel of Sun World Halong Park at night. Enjoy the beautiful sky as it is about the time of the full moon festival. Having a romantic dinner with a glass of wine on the rooftop will become an unforgettable night in Halong.

the autumn in Halong Bay

Many couples enjoy the autumn in Halong Bay

However, Halong is still suitable for traveling during Summer and Winter. The only things you need to consider is the volume of tourists in Summer and the weather in Winter.

Halong Bay during Summer

If Spring is the best time to go to Halong Bay for travelers who looking for a cultural and peaceful trip. Summer is the time for people who are youthful. As the high demand to relax. Summer is the highest season of domestic tourism in Halong Bay. However, the beginning of summer is considered the best Halong Bay weather.

Summer is suitable for almost every activity in Halong Bay, from water sports to outdoor activities. Until the middle of summer, the temperature can reach 38 degrees Celcius, which makes traveling to crowded places uncomfortable. Lots of famous destinations such as Titop Island, Sung Sot Cave or Bai Tho Mountain are overload. During this time, Vietnamese tourists can take adventure or summer vacation to spend time with family. Trying to escape the tropical heat before their children go back to school.

Explore these exciting activities:

Although I have mentioned that April is the last month of the best time to go to Halong Bay, the beginning of May is still a good time for international tourists due to several factors. First, the tourism flows are not intensive as children are not out of school yet. The weather in Halong Bay during this month is fantastic, with the clear sky and moderate temperature.

Summer in Halong

Summer is always the best time to go to the beach

Summer in Halong starts from May to August.

Surrounded by the sea, Halong Bay this month is cool and pleasant makes it easier for outdoor activities such as cycling, kayaking, fishing or trying the local’s street food. At night time, you and your friends can also have fun on one of the funkiest bars in town. Meet new friends who have different nationalities and tell them about your unique experience in Halong Bay.

June to July is the peak of tourism flows as it is the time of tropical summer when both international and natives tourists have their summer vacation held on the beach or mountainous areas. As a result, the service price will be charged higher than usual.

Although I don’t recommend you summer as the best time to go to Halong Bay you can absolutely choose Halong for your summer trip as there are many activities such as flying through the ocean by the cable car, staying overnight on a boat and relaxing on the top deck, or soaking all the sun. Halong Bay is still beautiful itself, no matter when your holiday is held!

Autumn is the time saying goodbye to your summer vacation as it is the last month of tropical heat and also the month before the rainy season. Relaxing on the beautiful beach is a good idea but you have to consider because the volume of tourists is quite high.

There are two ideal places for you to enjoy the picturesque scenery in the sunset glow: White sandy beach or Bai Chay bridge. Thousands of islands look like floating jewels in the middle of the ocean, bring new experiences to your last-minute summer vacation. Kayaking through limestone caves is an awesome outdoor activity you should not miss. The size of caverns and column formation is impressive. However, as this is the month before the rainy season, there are chances of raining during your trip. Don’t worry, this does not affect any activities but even makes your experience funnier.

Summer is the best time for kayaking

Summer is the best time for kayaking

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Visiting Sun World Park will also worth a visit with the Amusement Park, Theme park and the iconic symbol Ferris Wheel. If the temperature is too high, being indoor is an ideal option by buying a ticket at Quang Ninh Museum and being amazed while exploring it.

>>> Plan for your Hanoi – Halong Bay 4 Days Tour From TODAY!!!

Halong Bay Winter

Although Winter is not the best time to go to Halong Bay, there are a lot of things to do here for you to experience.

Winter in Halong has no wet season, the air is drier, no typhoon and the sun still continues to shine. However, the temperature can decrease quite low which make you unsuitable to enjoy some outdoor activities

Halong in winter

You can come and explore the beauty of Halong in winter

During the crowded winter months, locals are less interested in vacation time and much more focused on work and school. While domestic tourism may be down, inbound tourism is at its peak. So if you are wishing for a calm, less populated experience, this is probably not the best time to go to Halong Bay. The price is also not much lower than summer months due to the soaring number of internationals taking advantage of this time.

With all our local experience and recommendation, I hope that you have found the best time to go to Halong Bay. For more information, feel free to contact us – AZ local trip to get the recommendation for your trip.

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