Halong Bay Weather in October
October is one of the best months to visit Halong Bay for the amiable weather. The temperature is warm, not too hot, and quite dry thanks to the decreasing humidity level. Halong Bay weather in October is also far less prone to sudden and torrential downpours.
- October falls in autumn so you will enjoy the warmth, a high number of sunshine hours, and fresh breezes.
- Because the weather is quite comfortable, it is a great time to explore some caves and visit some of the floating villages.
- The amount of rainfall and humidity level drop, resulting in many dry and sunny days.
- The number of tourists to Halong Bay increases considerably compared to the previous months.
This favorable weather pattern in October enables you to engage in plenty of outdoor activities without getting sweaty or much tired. However, expect the crowds to visit too because it is the peak tourist season.
October Weather in Halong Bay
Temperature
Even though October is not as suffocatingly hot as in the height of summer, with an average of 27°C, it is still warm yet nice. As the temperature drops, a light cool breeze makes its way into Halong Bay offering comfortable cruising conditions.
Rainfall
Even though the temperature has not dropped that much, we see much less rainfall. While there is 190mm of rainfall over 14 days in September, that number goes down to around 50-58mm of rainfall over 10-12 days in October.
Humidity
The humidity is around 70%, and in combination with gentle temperatures and an easy breeze, the weather is quite agreeable.
Sunshine
During October, we have nearly 12 hours of daylight between sunrise and sunset with 7 hours of effective sunlight.
Historical weather
| Month | High / Low (°C) | Average rainfall (MM) | Rain Days (≥2mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| October (2020) | 30.6°C (87.08°F) / 18.36°C (65.05°F) | 357.94mm / 14.09in | 09 days |
| October (2019) | 30.6°C (87.08°F) / 19.38°C (66.88°F) | 408.14mm / 16.07in | 18 days |
| October (2018) | 29.58°C (85.24°F) / 21.42°C (70.56°F) | 13.17mm / 0.52in | 03 days |
October Weather Averages
Pros and Cons of visiting Halong in October
Pros
- The weather in October is warm and comfortable which is ideal for traveling.
- It is not as wet and humid as in the previous months.
- Dry and enjoyable weather allows you to do various activities.
Cons
- There is a slight chance you might experience the Northeast monsoon towards to end of the month, but Northeast monsoons are not nearly as wet as the Southwest monsoons we have during the rainy seasons.
- Because of the high tourist season, some attractions might be overcrowded and prices can rise.
Events in Halong Bay in October
There are no public holidays or festivals in October.
Best things to do in Halong Bay in October
Overnight cruise
October is a great month to embark on a cruise and explore Halong Bay with its islands, beaches, caves, and floating villages. This time is also perfect for enjoying the cool atmosphere with tai chi on the deck in the early morning. During the day onboard, you can try other exciting things such as sunset party, squid fishing, and taking photos.
Visiting floating villages
Halong Bay is known for several centuries-old floating fishing villages namely Cua Van fishing village, Viet Hai fishing village, and Vung Vieng fishing village. Thanks to the dry weather and fewer possibilities of downpours, you can freely discover the village, do kayaking, and get to know the locals' daily activities.
Kayaking
The sea temperature is cooling down at around 27°C which is considered optimal for an enjoyable kayaking excursion. While the sky is bright providing clear vision for admiring the bay views at a close distance, the cool sea breezes make you not too tired or sweaty.
Swimming
Halong Bay in October is neither too hot nor too cold which is very tempting for taking a dip in the calm and clean beaches. Thus, do not forget to pack a swimsuit and sunscreen to fully enjoy this great water activity.
Cycling
In case you have good endurance and expect to flexibly discover the tourist sites, riding a bicycle is a highly-recommended activity. The top destination for cycling in Halong Bay is Viet Hai Village where you can cycle through winding roads and enjoy the fresh air.
Trekking
If you are not keen on cruising, the moderate weather in October is also ideal for trekking. Cat Ba National Park, Bai Tho mountain, Yen Tu mountain, and Titop island are some notable destinations for trekking. While trekking, you should only pack light and breathable clothes, sun hat, and a pair of sports shoes.
Activities ratings
Activities | Best places to do | Pros and cons in October | Rating |
Overnight cruise | Stellar of the Seas , Elite of the Seas, Heritage Binh Chuan and Paradise Elegance | - Pros: Nice, comfortable weather, endurable humidity level for cruising and enjoying outdoor visits - Cons: Peak season, high cost, sometimes can be overbooked or overcrowded | 9/10 |
Visit floating villages | Cua Van floating village, Viet Hai fishing village, Vung Vieng fishing village | - Pros: Less chance of rain, bright sunshine, clear vision - Cons: Attraction sites can be touristy | 8/10 |
Kayaking | Luon cave, Ao Ech area, Tung Sau pearl farm, Dark & Bright cave | - Pros: Warm temperature, less rainfall, good vision - Cons: Kayaking spots are often overwhelmed by tourists | 8.5/10 |
Swimming | Titop island, Ba Trai Dao beach, Ao Ech area | - Pros: Warm sea temperature, low possibility of rain - Cons: Tourist sites can be packed with swimmers | 7/10 |
Cycling | Viet Hai fishing village, Cat Ba National Park | - Pros: Pleasant weather, good vision - Cons: It can be tiring and exhausting, not suitable for all visitors | 7.5/10 |
Trekking | Yen Tu mountain, Titop mountain, Bai Tho mountain | - Pros: Low chance of rain, rather dry weather - Cons: Tired and energy-consuming, not suitable for everyone | 7.5/10 |
What to pack when traveling Halong Bay in October
As the temperature is comfortable at 27°C, it is wonderful to go for a swim or do some kayaking or snorkeling in October. Pack your swimming gear to make sure you do not miss any good opportunities.
The sunray can still be quite strong, so bringing some sunscreen is recommended. You should also pack a sweater as it can be quite chilly towards the end of the month or when a rainstorm hits. Besides that, some light summer clothing should suffice.
Packing list
Activities | Weather | Packing list |
Overnight cruise | - Not too hot - Low humidity - Less chance of rainfall | - Light, comfortable clothes - A few sweaters for cooler nights - Sunscreen - Camera |
Visit floating villages | - Comfortable weather - Cool sea breezes - Sunny sky - Rains are less often | - Sun protection items like sunscreen and sun hat - Camera - Insect repellant |
Kayaking | - Comfortable sea temperature - Quite strong sunray - Lower chance of rainstorms | - Sun hat - Sunscreen - Light clothing items |
Swimming | - Warm sea temperature - Cool sea breezes - Strong sunshine - Fewer possibilities of rain | - Swimsuit - Bath towel - Sandals - Sunscreen |
Cycling | - Warm and dry weather - Rains are less frequent - Strong sunshine | - A pair of sports shoes - Sun hat - Sunscreen - Insect repellant |
Trekking | - Enjoyable weather, not too humid - Less chance of rain | - A pair of sports shoes - Sun hat - Sunscreen - Insect repellant - A bottle of water - Camera |
Local tips
- Pleasant weather conditions in Halong Bay in October mainly call for light summer clothing and you only need a few sweaters if you travel at the end of the month.
- The peak tourist season can cause overcrowding and price rise. Therefore, you should book the cruise and services in advance.
FAQs
1. Is it better to go to Halong bay in October or November?
In terms of weather conditions, both October and November are great for traveling to Halong Bay with less rainfall and warm temperatures though the temperature in November is a bit cooler. However, you should also expect throngs of crowds during this peak season.
2. How is the weather in Halong Bay like in October?
October features very pleasant weather with quite warm temperatures (around 27°C) and a low chance of rainfall. The humidity is also acceptable, rather dry. This kind of weather is perfect for outdoor trips and water-based activities.
3. Does it rain a lot in Halong Bay in October?
The amount of rainfall drops substantially in Halong Bay in October, 58mm on 10 - 14 wet days compared to 190mm on an average of 14 days in September. In addition, there is almost no possibility of rainstorms, typhoons, or other bad weather conditions in October.
4. What types of clothing should I bring along to Halong Bay in October?
The moderate temperature in October calls for shorts, T-shirts, light clothes, sandals, and sports shoes. You may need one or two sweaters in case the weather gets cooler at night, especially towards the end of the month.
5. Is October a low or high season?
Because of ideal weather conditions, October is one of the busiest months to travel in Halong Bay. Tourist sites can be sometimes overwhelming with tourists.
