By Evelyn Nguyen, Apr 29, 2025
If you are considering traveling to Halong Bay in October, congratulations, you have chosen the right time! October is considered one of the best months to explore Halong Bay, as the scorching summer heat fades away with milder temperatures, gentle sunshine, and clear skies. It’s also the time when the rainy season starts to ease, so the chance of storms or cruise cancellations drops significantly.
In this Halong Bay travel guide, we will share details about the weather in Halong Bay in October, what you can expect, what to do, and useful tips for visiting Halong Bay in October.
If you’re planning a trip to Halong Bay in October, good news: you’ve picked one of the best months of the year to visit!
Kayaking amist Halong Bay landscape
Throughout Halong Bay weather by month, October marks the start of autumn in northern Vietnam, and that includes Halong Bay. Expect daytime temperatures to hover between 24°C and 28°C (75°F to 82°F). The heat of summer has faded, and you can play many outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and boating, far more enjoyable. Nights start to cool down a bit, so you might want to bring a light jacket if you're out on deck or exploring in the evening.
After the heavy rains of July and August, Halong Bay weather October comes as a welcome change. Rainfall drops significantly, averaging between 50mm and 100mm for the whole month, and showers (if any) tend to be short and scattered. This makes it much easier to plan boat trips, beach visits, or hikes without constantly checking the forecast.
It's also worth noting that typhoon activity usually dies down by early October, though it's still wise to check weather updates before your trip.
Compared to the muggy months of summer, October brings lower humidity levels, often ranging from 70% to 80%. The air feels drier and fresher, ideal for spending long days outdoors. You’ll sweat less, breathe easier, and just feel more comfortable overall, whether you’re walking through a cave or lounging on a sundeck.
Great weather for a Halong Bay cruise trip
This is one of the best months for smooth sailing in Halong Bay. The seas are generally calm and stable, which is perfect for those prone to motion sickness. You’ll also notice clearer skies and more sunshine than the previous months, great for photography, watching the sunrise or sunset from the boat, and of course, stargazing at night.
When to visit Halong Bay? October marks the beginning of the best season to visit Halong Bay, as the weather shifts away from the humid summer and into a cooler, drier, and more comfortable period. This is when the bay truly starts to shine, both in terms of scenery and experience.
October is no longer as hot as summer, the temperature is around 25-30°C, comfortable all day. The weather starts to be sunny and beautiful, with much less rain than in July-August. The mornings and late afternoons are cool, and taking pictures is very beautiful because the sky is clear and there is light sunshine. If you are lucky, you can also watch the super chill sunset on the deck.
One thing tourists can really appreciate in October is how calm the sea is. Unlike the rougher months like August or September, cruise operations run much more smoothly in October. You won’t have to worry much about cancellations due to storms or high winds, which means more time enjoying the bay and less time stressing over the weather.
Halong Bay in October weather is just the beginning of the peak season, so it is not too crowded. There are still many cruise options, and the prices are still cheaper than in December-January. Going at this time, you can enjoy the beautiful weather and avoid the crowded scene.
Nice weather in Halong Bay
Because there is no longer harsh sunlight or unpredictable rain, you can comfortably kayak, climb mountains in Titop, swim in the sea, and go to caves... without worrying about getting tired because of the weather. You can see everyone enjoying it more than when going in hot summer or cold winter.
October is an amazing time to explore the rest of Northern Vietnam. With the cooler, drier weather, places like Sapa, Ha Giang, and Ninh Binh are absolutely stunning. Think golden rice terraces in Sapa, mountain roads in Ha Giang with cloud-kissed views, and tranquil boat rides in Tam Coc. If you’ve got the time, consider adding one or two of these spots to your Halong Bay itinerary - it’s 100% worth it.
This is hands-down the best way to experience Halong Bay, and October’s weather makes it even better. The skies are clearer, the sea is calm, and the cool breeze makes lounging on the sundeck feel amazing. You can go for a luxurious 5-star cruise such as Indochine Cruise, Hermes Cruise, Grand Pioneers Cruise or a cozy mid-range boat such as Mila cruise, V’Spirit cruise, Velar of the Seas cruise, you’ll get stunning sunsets, starry nights, and peaceful mornings surrounded by limestone karsts.
Halong Bay cruise tour
With less chance of rain and smooth waters, kayaking in October is a dream. Paddle your way through calm emerald waters, explore quiet lagoons, and squeeze through low cave openings places like Luon Cave or the area near Ba Trai Dao Beach are perfect for this. You get a real sense of peace, just gliding across the bay with barely a sound around you.
Don’t miss spots like Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) and Titop Island. The weather is cool enough to handle a bit of climbing, and the views from the top of Titop are breathtaking in October light. Plus, the cave interiors are much more enjoyable to explore when it’s not muggy or rainy outside.
Sung Sot Cave
Yes, you can still swim in October! The water is warm enough, and the beaches, like Ban Chan Beach or those around Cat Ba Island, are less crowded than in summer. Bring a swimsuit, and don’t forget your sunscreen. The sun’s not as harsh, but it still gets you!
Waking up early isn’t always easy on vacation, but on a Halong Bay cruise in October, it’s totally worth it. Mornings are peaceful for Tai Chi on the deck or sipping a quiet coffee while the world wakes up around you.
Tai Chi in the morning
October marks the beginning of Halong Bay’s peak travel season, so cruises and hotels start to fill up fast, especially the good ones. If you’ve got your eye on a specific route, cruise line, or room type, reserve early to avoid missing out or paying last-minute prices. Contact us to secure your spot early!
Days are pleasantly warm, but mornings and evenings can be cool, especially out on the bay. A light jacket or long-sleeved top will come in handy when the sea breeze picks up. And yes, bring swimwear too, the water’s still warm enough for a dip!
With less rain and mild sunshine, October is perfect for kayaking, hiking on Titop Island, or exploring caves like Sung Sot. Plan your activities around daylight hours to get the most out of that gorgeous golden light.
Cooking Class on Halong Bay cruise
As a Halong Bay cruise tour operator here, we can say that this is one of the best times of the year to enjoy the bay. Because it’s a popular time, cruises can fill up quickly, so it’s a good idea to book early to get the best options. If you need help choosing the right cruise, just contact us. We’re happy to give you free advice and help you plan a great trip!
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