The short answer
When to go to Ha Long Bay
The best windows are October to November and March to May, when rain is lighter or the heat is moderate. Winter, December to February, is dry but cool and often grey, so bring layers. June to September is hot and wet, with the table showing more than 440 mm of rain in August, and storms can interrupt sailings. For older travellers, November is the easiest month: mild, dry and comfortable on a deck.
Month by month
Ha Long Bay weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19°C | 14°C | 23 mm | Cool and often grey; carry a warm layer for the deck | |
| February | 19°C | 15°C | 25 mm | Cool and misty; fine for calm weather but chilly on the water | |
| March | 22°C | 18°C | 41 mm | Warming up with modest rain | |
| April | 26°C | 21°C | 91 mm | Mild and comfortable before the summer heat | |
| May | 30°C | 24°C | 170 mm | Warm, with showers beginning | |
| June | 31°C | 26°C | 299 mm | Hot and wet; storms can disrupt sailings | |
| July | 32°C | 26°C | 327 mm | Hot, humid and very wet; storm risk | |
| August | 31°C | 25°C | 445 mm | The wettest month on the table | |
| September | 31°C | 24°C | 282 mm | Still wet; conditions improve late in the month | |
| October | 29°C | 22°C | 159 mm | Warm, drier air and a good time for cruising | |
| November | 25°C | 18°C | 37 mm | Dry and comfortable; the pick for older travellers | |
| December | 22°C | 15°C | 19 mm | Dry but getting cool on the water |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Ha Long Bay seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: April, October and November
- April: Mild and comfortable before the summer heat
- October: Warm, drier air and a good time for cruising
- November: Dry and comfortable; the pick for older travellers
Good, with small trade-offs: March, May and December
- March: Warming up with modest rain
- May: Warm, with showers beginning
- December: Dry but getting cool on the water
Possible, with planning: January, February, June and September
- January: Cool and often grey; carry a warm layer for the deck
- February: Cool and misty; fine for calm weather but chilly on the water
- June: Hot and wet; storms can disrupt sailings
- September: Still wet; conditions improve late in the month
Best avoided with parents or children: July and August
- July: Hot, humid and very wet; storm risk
- August: The wettest month on the table
Useful answers
Best time to visit Ha Long Bay: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Ha Long Bay?
April, October and November are the best months to visit Ha Long Bay, with March, May and December also good. The best windows are October to November and March to May, when rain is lighter or the heat is moderate. Winter, December to February, is dry but cool and often grey, so bring layers. June to September is hot and wet, with the table showing more than 440 mm of rain in August, and storms can interrupt sailings. For older travellers, November is the easiest month: mild, dry and comfortable on a deck.
Which months should I avoid in Ha Long Bay with elderly parents?
July and August are the months to avoid with older travellers. Hot, humid and very wet; storm risk The wettest month on the table
When does it rain most in Ha Long Bay?
August is the wettest month, with about 445 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is July, with average highs around 32°C.