Best Months to Cruise Halong Bay

Halong Bay is one of the seven new wonders in the world, which has attracted a large number of visitors all year round. Located in a tropical-climate area, the weather of Halong from month to month is not the same, so choosing a suitable time to cruise Halong Bay is somehow difficult for tourists. Below are all the things you need to know about the best months to cruise Halong Bay, including the detailed information about the weather, festivals and some extra tips.

There are four seasons in a year in Halong Bay. Each season has its own features, which is quite typical for the climate in North Vietnam. With an annual average temperature of nearly 24 Celsius degrees, almost all the months are the best time to take a cruise to Halong Bay. Below we uncover the best season to cruise Halong Bay. Just check out!

II. Best Months to Cruise Halong Bay

1. January/February

Why: January and February mark the end of winter in Halong Bay. The weather is not as cold as December, which is quite suitable to start a cruise in Halong Bay. Tet Holiday also occurs at this time, so many families choose Halong Bay as a destination for their vacation. If you want to enjoy the festive atmosphere in Halong Bay, January and February are the two best periods for a Halong Bay cruise.

Pricing: The ticket price to visit Halong Bay in the normal days is 145,000 VND, and the ticket will be free on some national holidays such as New Year Day and Tet Holiday. The tourism services at this time can be high during the vacation time, and it can be cheaper if you book accomodation and restaurant in advance.

Temperature: The average temperature in January and February in Halong Bay ranges from 16 to 18 Celsius degrees. Due to the effect of the cool air, the temperature there can be a little bit lower or higher. On some days of the month, you can even see the blue sky with yellow sunlight on the sea. If you want to bring home gorgeous photos, this time is the best time to take a vacation to Halong Bay.

Rainfall/sea conditions: Halong Bay from January to February is still dry as the weather of winter. At the end of February, there are some days it is raining, but the humidity does not last for too long. On these days, the sea was covered by fog, making it a bit difficult to enjoy the view. However, if you want to feel the atmosphere of a fairy land, this time is quite suitable to take a Halong cruise.

What to pack: Since the weather in Halong from January to February is still cold, you need to prepare sweaters, coats and scarfs. Besides, an umbrella or a hat is also necessary in case it rains in Halong Bay.

Festivals: The period from January to February is the festive season in Quang Ninh in general and in Halong in particular. A lot of traditional festivals occur at this time to celebrate the lunar new year, namely Yen Tu Festival and Cua Ong Temple Festival. Moreover, some exhibitions are held during spring time at 30/10 Square so that the locals and tourists can experience the culture and cuisine of Quang Ninh.

Watch out for: Although this period in Halong is not the typhoon season, the bad weather can happen some days due to the impact of cool air. On these days, you had better not go on a cruise trip to Halong Bay. Just stay at your hotel and wait for a better day.

► Also read:

• Travel Guide to Halong Bay in January
• What to do in Halong Bay in February

2. March/April

Why: This period is the beginning of spring time in Halong Bay. The weather is warmer, and many kinds of flowers bloom at this time, which adorns the magnificent beauty of Halong. At the end of April are some national holidays of Vietnam, when people often go on a vacation with their family. Therefore, the end of April is one of the most crowded times in Halong Bay.

Pricing: The ticket price to visit Halong Bay remains the same, but the service prices can increase, especially on the holiday when numerous people choose Halong as a destination to enjoy their vacation. These prices can be high at weekends.

Temperature: The average temperature of Halong in March and April is above 20 Celsius degrees, and some days, it can be more than 30 Celsius degrees. The number of sunny days also increases, so this is an ideal time to enjoy the sea activities in Halong Bay. The last cool air from the north can decrease the temperature, but its impact on Halong Bay weather is not significant.

Rainfall/sea conditions: March and April marks the beginning of the rainy season in Halong Bay. Lasting rains may occur in early March, and in April, there are some downpours. However, the rainy days will finish soon, leaving sunny days that are quite suitable for tourism activities. March and April are also the best times for a Halong Bay cruise, especially for sightseeing activities.

What to pack: Since the weather is becoming hotter and hotter in March and April, you should prepare sunglasses, hats, sunscreen and long-sleeve clothes to protect your skin. Some bottles of water are also necessary for you to participate in outdoor activities in Halong. Besides, don’t forget to bring your swimsuit and summer clothes to go to the beach.

Festivals: The most outstanding festival of Halong at this time is Carnaval Halong, which occurs at the end of April. With the participation of famous domestic and international artists, Carnaval Halong is a chance for tourists to fully enjoy the festive atmosphere of this beach city. The festival lasts for one week, and the highlight of the whole carnaval is the parade at the central square of Halong City. For those who are interested in crowded festivals, April is the best time to take a cruise to Halong.

Watch out for: The rainy days are not the ideal time to take a cruise in Halong Bay, and the early downpours of summer may prevent you from enjoying the beauty of this destination. Therefore, you should watch the weather forecast before deciding to start your journey. In addition, the period of March and April in Halong Bay is extremely crowded, so you need to book your hotel room and cruise ship in advance.

3. May/June

Why: May and June are two hottest months in North Vietnam in general and in Halong in particular. On those burning days, what can be more thrilling than taking a cruise in Halong Bay? The breath of the ocean will ease your soul and the wind will blow away all your exhaustion. If you want to enjoy the beauty of Halong Bay in the sunshine of summer, May and June are two best months to cruise Halong Bay.

Pricing: If you do not book the hotel in advance, the price can be so high on some days at the weekend. Before starting your trip, you should go online to look up the price for a cruise to Halong Bay if you don’t want to be overcharged in the tourism season.

Temperature: The temperature of May and June is the highest one in the year, which can reach 40 Celsius degrees. The average temperature in North Vietnam is more than 30 Celsius degrees. In spite of the harsh weather, the temperature in Halong Bay is a bit lower thanks to the influence of the sea. UV rays from the sunlight are most active from 9 am to 4 pm, so you should not be outside at this time.

Rainfall/sea conditions: May and June witness more rainfalls than the previous periods. The heavy rains are often associated with gusting winds, lightning, thunder and even cyclones, so your cruise to Halong Bay on these days is not suitable. The storms from Pacific Ocean appear and leave a serious impact on the weather condition of Halong Bay. If you still want to visit Halong Bay in this period, remember to go on a nice day.

What to pack: Most of the time in Halong Bay, you will go on a cruise and participate in outdoor activities, so you should prepare an umbrella, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect your skin. Since no one can deny the attraction of the beach of Halong, you should bring your own swimsuit in case you want to immerse yourself in the cool water.

Festivals: There are not many festivals at these times in Halong Bay. The most significant festival in May is the Long Tien Temple festival, which is held annually in Long Tien Temple and Bai Tho Mount. This festival is an opportunity for you to see the custom practices of the locals in Halong.

Watch out for: You should be careful with the extreme weather conditions in Halong Bay at this time. The days with rough seas or burning heat are not suitable for your trip to Halong Bay. However, during the period of May and June, Halong Bay is less crowded than the previous time, so you should take this time into consideration.

4. July/August

Why: July and August are the peaks of stormy season in Halong Bay. Of all the months in a year, these two months are not the best time for a Halong Bay cruise. There are 2 or 3 storms each month that affect the sea condition of Halong Bay. If you still want to visit Halong at this time, some places of interest in the mainland are much more suitable for you than going on a cruise.

Pricing: The price at that time is quite reasonable because there are not many tourists who choose to take a cruise in Halong Bay. The ticket on a cruise ship to Halong Bay can be increased a bit since there are not many ships available at this time.

Temperature: The average temperature of Halong Bay from July to August decreases a bit compared to the temperature of May and June, which is about 27 Celsius degrees. The number of burning hot days also decline, and some days, the temperature can be lower than 24 Celsius degrees due to the impacts of the rains or storms.

Rainfall/sea conditions: Nearly half the number of days in July and August it is downpour raining. When the storms hit the land, the sea is too rough to go to, and the sea water turns into the color of mud. There are not many things to see in Halong beach at this time, and the tourism activities are often disrupted by the weather.

What to pack: In case you still want to visit Halong Bay at this time, you need to prepare your umbrella. If you are lucky enough to go on a nice day, don’t forget to bring your swimsuit and comfortable clothes to take part in outside activities.

Festivals: The festive season of Halong has gone for such a long time, so there are not many festivals held at this time. However, if you still want to enjoy the atmosphere of a local festival, the Quan Lan Festival at the end of July is a suggestion for you. This festival is held by the local fishermen to pray for a successful trip on the sea.

Watch out for: The tropical storms at this time are the greatest obstacles that prevent you from entertainment activities. You need to pay attention to the weather forecast to make the best preparation for your Halong Bay cruise.

5. September/October/November

Why: Autumn has come to Halong Bay, and the weather is much more gentle. Both temperature and rainfall decline significantly, and the tourism destinations in Halong Bay are back to their crowded appearance. This is the last time of the year when you can enjoy swimming and sunbathing on the beaches of Halong, so don’t miss this precious chance.

Pricing: In some important celebrations, the ticket price to visit Halong Bay will be free for all tourists. This is the best time to take a cruise in Halong Bay without paying for the ticket fee. However, if you do not book your hotel in advance, you may not be able to find a suitable hotel room in Halong at this time.

Temperature: The average temperature of September, October and November ranges from 24 to 26 Celsius degrees. There are no burning days or rainy days with thunder in Halong Bay. The sky is blue almost all the time, and the sunlight is always splendid, which is an ideal condition for you to take a sightseeing tour in Halong Bay. At the end of November, because of the cool air from the north, the temperature of Halong Bay may drop to 20 Celsius degrees.

Rainfall/sea conditions: This time can be considered as the dry season in Halong Bay because there are only several rainy days. The visibility from the ship is not disrupted by any obstacles, so you can enjoy the whole beauty of Halong Bay on the deck. With these conveniences, the period from September to October is one of the best times to take a vacation in Halong Bay.

What to pack: Necessary items for outdoor activities are needed, and if you are interested in taking photos, remember to bring your phone or camera to take gorgeous shoots with Halong Bay as a natural background. The nights at the end of November can be a bit cold, so you need to bring your coat.

Festivals: There are still not many festivals in Halong at this time. The Independence Day on September 2^nd and the Mid-Autumn Festival at the beginning of October are two most significant festivals of this period. The central square of Halong Bay is decorated with mini sights for tourists to take photos. At the Mid-Autumn Festival, you can have a chance to enjoy the crowded atmosphere of Halong Bay as well as to try on traditional dishes of Vietnam.

Watch out for: Due to the effect of the cool air in November, the sea water can be too cold to swim in. The storms at this time cannot hit the mainland of Halong, but it still has influence in the Gulf of Tonkin in general and in Halong Bay in particular.

6. December

Why: December is the coldest month in a year. Though the rain almost disappears, the cold weather may prevent you from enjoying your activities on the beach. However, the weather can be fine on some days, which is the best condition to take a cruise in Halong Bay. Instead of water-related activities, you will have a chance to explore more about the daily life of the locals living in the floating villages on the edge of Halong Bay.

Pricing: If you want to visit Halong Bay with the cheapest price. December is the best time for you. However, there are not many selections for you to choose at this time since the water-related activities cannot occur due to the cold weather.

Temperature: Since this is the coldest month of the year, the average temperature in Halong Bay is only 16 Celsius degrees, and some days, the temperature can drop to 10 Celsius degrees. The strong wind in Halong Bay on the cold day will prevent you from enjoying your cruise trip in Halong Bay.

Rainfall/sea conditions: It does not rain much in December because this is the dry season in Halong Bay. Despite the low humidity, this time is not the best time to take a cruise in Halong Bay. The sky is quite gloomy because it is covered by gray clouds, and the sea water is also not as blue as it is in summer. If you still want to visit Halong Bay at this time, you need to consider a fine day.

What to pack: If you still want to go to Halong Bay, winter clothes are the things you need to prepare when coming to Halong Bay in December. An overcoat, a sweater, a scarf and a wool cap will be very essential to protect your body from the cold wind of winter. Make sure that you are warm enough before going on the cruise to Halong Bay.

Festivals: The traditional festivals have not come, so this is not the suitable time for you to experience the life of the locals through the festivals. Christmas is a festival of the Western, but many people in Halong also celebrate this day. The central square of Halong is decorated with pine trees and colorful lights, which makes this area sparkling when the night falls.

Watch out for: The cold days of the winter will prevent you from outdoor activities. You had better stay at your hotel room on these days and leave your trip for another better one.

III. Cheapest Months to Go on a Halong Bay Cruise

If you are travelling on a budget to Halong Bay, the time from July to August is the best month to start your journey, when you can have some discounts on the hotel price and cruise ship ticket.

Due to the bad weather most of the days, there are not many tourists coming to Halong Bay in July and August. As a result, to attract more tourists, the tour package and hotel price are adjusted to be lower, and some tourism places even get rid of ticket prices for tourists.

The time of December is also the cheapest month to go on a Halong Bay cruise. At this time, many tourists will choose to visit the mountainous areas instead of the sea, so the demands for the tourism services also drop.

If you still want to enjoy the atmosphere of Halong Bay during the tourism season, you can choose to visit this site on some special occasions such as the Reunification Day, Labor Day or Independent Day. The ticket price to visit Halong Bay is eliminated on those days. The most important thing to get the best price to visit Halong Bay is to cruise on a day when other people cannot.

IV. Cruise Halong Bay During Hurricane Season

The hurricane season in Halong Bay often starts in April and ends in September. The peak of hurricane season is July and August. On average, there are 2 to 3 tropical storms hitting Halong Bay at that time, and the effects of the storms can last for more than one week.

Going on a cruise in Halong Bay during the hurricane season seems to be a crazy idea, because all tourists want to have a safe and sound journey. However, going to Halong Bay during hurricane season is not impossible. There are still some days with fine weather, when an old storm has disappeared and the new one has not come yet. On these days, you can have a trip to Halong Bay without worrying about your safety.

In addition, there are not many tourists planning their cruise to Halong Bay at the time of hurricane season, so the price of tourism services can decline, so you can save a large amount of money.

Besides, only when the safety of tourists is ensured can the cruise start, so you don’t need to worry about going to Halong Bay during hurricane season. On stormy days with heavy rains and strong winds, the cruise in Halong Bay is not allowed to depart, so you had better not try to visit Halong Bay on these days.

V. Halong Cruise Ports

There are 03 cruise ports in Halong Bay, including:

• Hon Gai Port: the general Halong Bay cruise port
• Cai Lan Port: the deepest water Halong Bay cruise port
• Nam Tuan Chau Port: the modern Halong Bay cruise port

The most important things that need to be taken into consideration when you plan for your cruise trip are the weather and the cost. Depending on your available time, budget and itinerary, you can choose which are the best months to cruise Halong Bay. We hope that with the above suggestion, you can make your own decision about the best time to take a cruise in Halong Bay. We wish you a journey safe and sound.