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Halong Bay is always on the list of must-visit places in Vietnam. So, "When is the best time to visit Halong Bay?" is an essential question for every traveller planning a trip here. This article will give you specific information about the climate of Halong Bay as well as give you the pros and cons of each month to help you prepare for an amazing Halong Bay tour. There is also some advice in case your cruise is cance due to bad weather.
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1. Halong Bay weather
Halong Bay is located in the Northern part of Vietnam so it shares a similar climate with Hanoi and its vicinity, which experience the tropical climate of typical humid and monsoon. There are four distinct seasons in Halong Bay: cool spring, hot summer, humid autumn, dry and cold winter. Temperatures can vary between 15 and 25°C and annual rainfall ranges from 2,000 to 2,200 mm.
- Winter: Temperature varies from 17 - 25°C, mild sunshine, cool temperatures.
- Spring: Temperature ranges from 16 to 20°C, it gets cold with fog and rain.
- Summer: Temperature is between 24 and 32°C, clear blue sky, sometimes light rain.
- Autumn: Temperature varies from 26 - 30°C, very sunny, watch out for storms and sudden heavy rain.
2. Best month to visit Halong Bay
In general, tourists can visit Halong Bay at any time of the year. However, we will explain the advantages and disadvantages of each time so that visitors can more easily choose the best time to visit Halong Bay.
2.1. October, November and December: peaceful moments
Around this time, the weather in Halong Bay and the whole of North Vietnam is very pleasant, with the average temperature falling around 19°C. The rough sea season has passed, so you can freely explore the bay and experience outdoor activities like swimming, kayaking, and hiking. Besides, at this time, the demand for Vietnamese tourists is not as high as in the summer, so visitors will have moments of peace, and the sightseeing will not be too crowded.
This period will be an excellent opportunity for individuals who want to experience a peaceful Halong Bay. However, because October to December is the most ideal time to visit Halong, this is also the peak time when many foreign tourists visit Halong Bay.
2.2. January, February, March: cold and foggy weather
From January to March, the weather is cold and humid, with temperatures around 16-20°C. Drizzle is frequent, and there is sunlight during the day, but most of the morning and late afternoon, Halong Bay is often covered with a layer of fog that may prevent a further view, especially in March. Although the water is quite cold and it is not possible to swim, you can enjoy a mystical Halong Bay, in which the limestone columns fade in and fade out in the cloudy fog. So magical!
During this time, the bay is the least crowded among the seasons. And the Lunar New Year, the most important Vietnamese holiday, may happen in January or February. You will have a chance to celebrate a festive season on board.
2.3. April, May, June: refreshing time, shoulder travel season
During these months, you can expect to soak up in sunshine and little rainfall, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor excursions. It is the shoulder season to visit Halong Bay with not too many tourists. The weather is good; the sky is clear and blue, without drizzle or fog, so you will have a good view of the magical beauty of Ha Long Bay. At the beginning of April, the water is still quite cold, between 19 and 26°C, but it is still possible to swim in the afternoon when the sun shines. At the end of June, the temperature rises to 30-34°C. This is the right time to go to the beach. The sky is also sunny and clear, which is extremely suitable for taking perfect pictures for life.
April is regarded as the last month of peak travel season for foreigners in Vietnam in general and in Halong Bay in particular. If you plan to take a private tour, you should book your tickets in advance.
2.2. July, August, September: clear skies, lots of sunlight, storms season
This period falls in the summer of Vietnam, with high humidity and harsh temperatures. The heat will remain from the morning till late afternoon. You can freely enjoy dipping in the fresh turquoise waters and take part in several water-based activities.
While summer is regarded as the peak season for domestic tourists, it is the off-peak season for foreigners. Many local tourists seek to escape the heat during this time by enjoying a beach vacation with their families. At this time, students also have summer vacation, so Vietnamese families will leave the city to go to the beach.
In addition, the risk of storms in August is very high, which may cause the cancellation of the Halong Bay tour. You should have some alternative options and watch the weather forecast carefully before departure.
However, it’s a chance for budget-conscious travellers to save a great sum of money because there are many discounts and promotions.
3. What can we do if the Halong Bay tour is canceled due to bad weather
Bad weather conditions in August, such as storms and typhoons, can cause your trip to be canceled. Normally, a storm may affect one or two days. For your safety, the Management Board of Halong Bay will not allow any boat to sail on the bay.
- If you book a private tour with a travel agency, contact the person in charge as soon as possible to change the itinerary. It means you can leave Halong Bay destination to visit later. Your travel consultant will be the most helpful person in this case. He or she can modify your trip with a minimum amount and give you the best advice based on the real situation.
- In case you book directly with a cruise operator, it is advisable to check the news updates and stay in touch with them to be quickly informed about any cancellation and refund policy.
Halong Bay reveals its unique beauty for each season of the year. Visit Halong Bay in the summer, and travelers take multiple chances for water activities, while in winter, you are able to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the bay. The ideal time to visit Halong Bay for international tourists will be from October to December.
Hopefully with our sharing on the Halong Bay weather and best time of year to visit Halong Bay, you can have the best plan and have a memorable trip to Halong Bay.
If you have any further questions or requests, please feel free to leave a comment below or directly contact us via email: sm@izitour.com or Whatsapp: +84 382 536 266 for instant support.
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