1. Overview
Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands out with its emerald waters, thousands of towering limestone islands, and magical caves. The climate here is distinctly different, offering different shades and experiences in each season. Choosing the best time to visit Halong Bay Vietnam, will make your trip more complete and memorable.
From the bright sunny summer and the romantic autumn to the quiet winter and the fresh spring, Ha Long offers a unique journey. This article will suggest the ideal time, outstanding activities, and the latest travel experiences in 2025 to help you easily plan.
2. Weather characteristics in Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is located in the coastal region of northern Vietnam, so the weather is divided in two ways: four seasons (spring, summer, autumn, and winter) and two main seasons (rainy season and dry season). The average annual temperature is about 15°C–29°C, suitable for year-round tourism activities.
The rainy season usually coincides with summer, lasting from May to September, with peak rainfall in July–August, and may be accompanied by storms. The dry season starts from October to April of the following year; the weather is cool, less rainy, and the sky is clearer.
Spring (February – April) and autumn (September – November) are in the transition period between the rainy and dry seasons, so the climate is pleasant and the landscape is beautiful. This combination helps visitors choose the best time to visit Ha Long Bay Vietnam that suits their interests and experience plans.
Autumn is considered the most romantic season of the year and also the most beautiful season for you to explore Ha Long. (Source: internet)
3. Weather Details: Seasons & Activities to Experience Ha Long Bay
3.1. Spring (February – April)
Spring in Ha Long lasts from February to April; the temperature fluctuates around 19°C – 28°C, the climate is cool, and there is less rain. This is the best time to visit Ha Long Bay Vietnam for those who are interested in cruising the bay, kayaking, visiting the ancient fishing village, and exploring the limestone cave system.
During this season, the most prominent festival is the Yen Tu Festival, which takes place from January to March of the lunar calendar, attracting a large number of pilgrims and spiritual tourists. In addition, a number of cultural and culinary events in Quang Ninh also contribute to increasing the appeal of spring in Ha Long.
Activities to experience include visiting Ha Long night market to buy souvenirs, enjoying fresh seafood at the beginning of the season, and joining a photo tour to hunt for spring flowers. In addition, visitors can combine light trekking in the Bai Tho mountain area or strolling along the Bai Chay beach to enjoy the fresh air.
Cua Van fishing village – once honored by travel magazine Journeyetc.com as one of the 16 most beautiful ancient villages in the world, is one of the most popular destinations when traveling to Ha Long. (Source: internet)
3.2. Summer (May – August)
Summer in Ha Long Bay brings hot and sunny weather, with temperatures often above 30°C. This is the ideal time to enjoy water activities such as swimming, diving, kayaking, or SUP or relaxing on famous beaches such as Ti Top and Bai Chay. However, you should note that this is also the rainy and stormy season, especially in July and August, with sudden showers or storms, so you should monitor the weather forecast regularly.
In addition, summer is the time for many vibrant festivals. The most prominent is the Ha Long Carnival (April – May) with parades, music, and fireworks.
When coming here this season, don’t miss out on exciting experiences such as night squid fishing, rowing a basket boat, or trying the thrill of paragliding on the sea.
Ha Long Carnival 2025 with the theme “Connecting heritage – Pioneering shine”. (Source: Báo Dân Trí)
3.3. Autumn (September – November)
Considered the “golden season” of Ha Long tourism, autumn lasts from September to November with an average temperature of 24°C – 27°C, clear blue skies, and cool air. Rainfall is significantly reduced compared to summer, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities and landscape photography.
During this season, the Bai Chay Dragon Boat Racing Festival (usually held in October) is a prominent cultural and sporting event, bringing a vibrant and traditional atmosphere to the coastal area. Visitors can both watch the exciting competitions and experience the festival atmosphere of the local people.
Suggested activities include an overnight cruise to enjoy the night view of the bay, climbing on Titop Island to see the whole bay from above, and hunting for beautiful sunset photos. This is the best time to visit Ha Long Bay Vietnam for those who want to go sightseeing tours combined with relaxation at coastal resorts.
3.4. Winter (December–January)
Winter lasts from December to February of the following year, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 20°C, cool to cold weather, and sometimes fog covering the bay. There is very little rainfall, and the sea is calm, creating favorable conditions for sightseeing and relaxing on a cruise.
The most notable event is the Yen Tu Cherry Blossom–Yellow Apricot Festival (December–January), which displays thousands of colorful flowers and organizes many art performances. This is an opportunity for visitors to both enjoy the flowers and explore the cultural and spiritual space of the Northeast region.
Suggested activities include admiring the magical winter scenery from the deck, enjoying hot seafood dishes on the cruise, and enjoying relaxing spa services. In addition, this is also the ideal time to combine a tour of the bay with exploring Yen Tu mountain.
Yen Tu Mountain, Quang Ninh – A sacred place in the middle of the mountains and forests. (Source: internet)
4. Best Time to Visit Ha Long Bay Vietnam
Based on weather characteristics and outstanding activities, the best time to visit Ha Long Bay Vietnam is from late spring to the end of autumn (April – October). This is the period when the sky is clear, there is little rain, and the temperature fluctuates between 24°C and 28°C, suitable for outdoor activities such as cruising the bay, kayaking, swimming, climbing, and watching the sunset.
Visitors also have the opportunity to participate in special festivals such as the Bai Chay Dragon Boat Racing Festival in October or experience the season of bright red phoenix flowers on the coastal city in early summer.
Kayaking to explore Luon Cave, Ha Long Bay is one of the unique experiences. (Source: internet)
5. Travel tips to choose the best time to visit Ha Long Bay Vietnam
To have a perfect trip to Ha Long, you should note some important travel tips:
Avoid the storm season: July – August often has storms and heavy rain, which can cause cruise schedules to be canceled or changed. It is necessary to monitor the weather forecast before departure.
Book early:During peak season (May – August), the large number of visitors causes hotel room prices and cruise tours to increase sharply. You should book 1-2 months in advance to get a good price and choose the service you like.
Low season: From November to February, there are fewer visitors, the space is quiet, and tour prices and services are also reduced. This is a great choice for those who like to relax and enjoy the relaxation on the bay.
Prepare suitable clothes: In summer, bring a swimsuit and sunscreen to participate in outdoor activities; in winter, prepare a warm jacket to comfortably enjoy the scenery on the deck.
6. Conclusion
The best time to visit Ha Long Bay Vietnam, depends on your travel preferences, as this stunning destination offers its own beauty and exciting experiences all year round. With breathtaking landscapes, diverse activities, and rich culture, Ha Long Bay is definitely a must-see stop on your journey to explore Vietnam.
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