Well-known for a UNESCO World Natural Heritage, Halong Bay is blessed with nearly 2,000 islands and islets, 59 discovered caves, and grottoes, along with many untouched beaches and old fishing villages. To uncover the best of Halong Bay, travellers should take a Halong Bay luxury cruise, which offers high-end experiences onboard while soaking up the awe-inspiring atmosphere in the bay. In addition to the suitable itinerary, high-quality services, and stunning cruise ship design, the best time to cruise Halong Bay is really important on every journey.
For those who are planning for a luxury cruise in Halong Bay, decide on the right time to get your booking. Depending on the weather, high and low seasons, events, and festivals, you can get to know the best time to take a luxury cruise Halong Bay.
Halong Bay weather
The nice weather will contribute to the perfect time for cruising in Halong Bay. The weather in Halong Bay features the tropical monsoon and coastal climate, which varies in 4 distinctive seasons throughout the year. Each season has its beauty that gives travelers a unique experience of choosing the best time to cruise in Halong Bay.
+ Spring (Feb – Apr)
Spring is such a beautiful season for cruising in Halong Bay. The climate is either cool or warm with the average temperature ranging from 15°C to 25°C. In spring, the rainfall is relatively low, so that visitors can join a variety of outdoor activities in Halong Bay.
+ Summer (May – mid-Aug)
With the crystal blue sky and emerald water, Halong Bay is best to take a luxury cruise in the summertime. The temperatures vary from 25°C to the maximum 36°C, and the occasional showers rush away quickly to leave a refreshing air. It could be perfect to cruise among thousands of limestone formations in the natural wonder.
+ Autumn (mid-Aug – Oct)
Autumn is such the most comfortable season to take a luxury cruise in Halong Bay. In the daytime, the average temperature is around 27°C; meanwhile, nighttime is breezy and great for chilling on the sundeck of an overnight Halong Bay cruise.
Noted: There are frequent typhoons and storms in Halong Bay during the time between August and October, which could lead to the cruise cancelation. In this case, the cruise lines will refund the total charge that clients haven’t used the services. Or else, they will amend the booking to another day depending on the customers’ schedules. As a result, you should consider booking a cruise trip in Halong Bay during this time.
+ Winter (Nov – Jan)
Winter is not an ideal time to cruise in Halong Bay, but this time offers a brand new experience of cruising into the mystical beauty of the bay. It is almost cold and foggy as you can see a misty Halong Bay in a super alluring spectacle of white fog.
Tourist season in Halong Bay
+ Peak season
A large number of tourists visit Halong Bay during two peak seasons, Jun – Jul, and Dec – Feb. The first peak season is popular among the Vietnamese since the summer holiday is a perfect time for family outings. The second peak season, which coincides with the winter in Halong Bay, attracts tourists from the USA, Europe, and other countries experiencing cold winters. Peak season offers an ideal time to cruise in Halong Bay unless the high prices don’t matter.
+ Off-season
The off-season in Halong Bay, including Apr – May, and Aug – Oct periods, gives great opportunities to take a luxury cruise with less crowd and much joyfulness. Additionally, you can save on a budget since many Halong Bay cruise lines give big sale off and promotions during the off-season.
Events and festivals in Halong Bay
For festive decoration and atmosphere, important events and festivals are great occasions to cruise in Halong Bay.
The most prominent event is Tet Holiday, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, occurring around January and February. Tet Holiday is a great time to take a Halong Bay cruise and to get a deeper insight into Vietnamese culture. However, you usually have to pay for an extra surcharge on Tet Holiday.
Either Christmas or New Year Eve also worths a visit when Halong Bay cruise is brightened with beautiful lights and decorations. On other national holidays like the National Liberation Day (April 30), International Labor Day (May 1), and Vietnamese Independence Day (September 2), you can enjoy many holiday packages and promos while taking a cruise in Halong Bay.
Especially, Halong Carnival is considered the most vital festival celebrated annually between the end of April and the start of May. This festival offers a wonderful time to visit Halong Bay and take part in a wide range of amusing activities.
All things considered, each month of the year gives tourists a great time to take a cruise in Halong Bay. In reality, Halong Bay welcomes a large number of American and European visitors from October to April. It is regarded as the best time to take a cruise in Halong Bay. See the best of Halong Bay cruise deals HERE and opt for the best suit for you