Halong Bay in October offers a peaceful break between the rainy season and the peak crowds of winter. With mild weather and clearer skies, it’s an ideal time to explore the bay, enjoy outdoor activities, and plan a comfortable trip.
Where is Halong Bay?
Halong Bay lies in Quang Ninh Province of northeastern Vietnam and takes four hours by road to Hanoi. The majority of cruises start at Tuan Chau or Hon Gai and pass another labyrinth of high cliffs, quiet lagoons, and hidden caves. Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is reputed as one of the most photographed places in Vietnam.
October is the time that many tourists prefer due to the fact that the weather can be a little bit cooler. The sea becomes more gentle following months of tropical rains, and the humidity level decreases to a comfortable level. This transition gives cruising an easier ride and the scenery easier to marvel at. October is also a little off-season, so the visitor has a relaxed time on the water, being less restrained.
What Is The Weather Like In Halong Bay in October?
In October, the climate of Halong Bay changes quite noticeably. The rainy season has had to recede, and it is replaced by the typical Halong Bay weather in October — drier and more stable. It is the type of weather that enables cruises to function again successfully. It is more laid-back to cruise around the bay, while kayaking is safer, and a short hike feels better in the less active sun.
You might still get morning fog around the limestone islands; however this most of the time this clears off late in the morning. The daytime is mild and pleasant, but the evening becomes colder, but not as harsh as Halong Bay in November. Easy rainfall may occur, but it does not rain long and continuously. A majority of tourists describe October as calm and a good season to travel on land and sea.
Weather Overview – Halong Bay in October
| Weather Element | Details |
| Temperature | Daytime highs hover around 24 – 28 °C, while nights cool down to 21 – 22 °C |
| Humidity | Generally between 72 – 75%, noticeably lower than peak summer levels |
| Rainfall | Monthly total is around 50–80 mm, spread over roughly 8–11 light rainy days |
| Sunshine | You are going to get approximately 7 hours of direct sunlight per day, and an approximate 12-hour day. |
| Sea & Wind | The sea stays warm at ~27 °C, breezes are gentle (≈12 mph), keeping navigation easy |
What To See And Do In Halong Bay In October
Halong Bay in October is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking, while also enjoying local experiences or visiting floating villages. Here are ten must-try things to do in Halong Bay that fit the weather, scenery, and atmosphere of Halong Bay in October.
Kayaking In Ba Ham Lake
Ba Ham Lake is located on Dau Be Island in Lan Ha Bay, and can only be accessed by kayak or rowing boat through a small cave. October is the best time to visit because the water level is low and the sea is calm, making it easier and safer to paddle through the caves that connect three quiet lagoons. Most 2-day cruises to Lan Ha Bay include this activity for free. The experience is peaceful, with almost no boat traffic, and perfect for travelers who want to enjoy nature without crowds.
Join Night Squid Fishing During Peak Season
October is the best time to try squid fishing in Halong Bay because it’s the start of the high squid season. The activity is included on most overnight cruises, usually from 8 to 10 PM. You’ll be given a simple rod and shown how to catch squid traditionally. The sea is calm and the air is cool in October, making it comfortable to stay outside. Some cruises will cook your catch on the spot, giving you a fun and fresh local food experience.
Kayak Through The Arched Passage Of Luon Cave
Luon Cave is located on Bo Hon Island and is only accessible by kayak or bamboo boat. In October, the water is especially calm and the tide is low, which makes it safe and easy to paddle through the cave’s low archway. Most 4-hour and full-day cruises include Luon Cave in their schedule, and kayaking is either included or available for a small fee of around 50,000 VND. This is a peaceful, beginner-friendly activity with great photo opportunities.
Visit A Pearl Farm
Many overnight cruises include a short stop at Tung Sau Pearl Farm. This is a floating facility where visitors can learn about the process of growing pearls in Halong Bay. October is harvest season, so you may get to watch workers extract pearls from oysters in real time. Staff explain how the pearls are cultivated and processed, and there’s usually a small shop selling finished products.
Hiking At Eo Gio (Dragon Tail)
Eo Gio is a short cliffside hiking path near Bai Chay, offering one of the best panoramic views of Halong Bay. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to climb to the top using a well-built stone stairway. Early mornings are the most photogenic time, when light mist often covers the bay and cliffs. Eo Gio is free to visit and suitable for anyone with moderate fitness. This spot is ideal if you’re staying in Halong City and want a short, scenic walk without taking a cruise.
Exploring Sung Sot Cave
Sung Sot Cave is the largest and most visited cave in Halong Bay, located on Bo Hon Island. Visiting in October is a smart choice because the weather is cooler and the site is much less crowded than during the summer. The cave has two large chambers filled with unique rock formations and dramatic lighting. Most 4–6 hour day cruises stop here and include a guided walk. Sung Sot is included in the standard ticket route from the Tuan Chau port, and no extra fee is required.
Go Trekking And Birdwatching In Cat Ba National Park
If you’re combining Halong Bay with Cat Ba Island, October is one of the best months to explore the national park. The weather is dry and cool, which makes the trails easier to walk and the forest greener and more alive. Short treks like the route to Ngu Lam Peak take around 1.5 hours round trip, and offer good chances to spot birds like white-rumped shamas or hornbills. Entrance to the park costs 80,000 VND, and you can go on your own or hire a local guide at the gate for a small fee.
Discover Daily Life At Cua Van Floating Village
One of the largest floating villages in Halong Bay, known as Cua Van, is located in a sheltered region and surrounded by limestone islands. That is a good period to visit as calm sea and clear weather are guaranteed, making it easy to take a rowing boat tour with local guides. The majority of 2-day cruises visit this stop, where you might visit floating houses, a small museum, and enjoy everyday life on the water.
Conduct A Cooking Lesson On A Cruise
Lots of medium and premium cruises in Halong Bay have a brief cooking session included in the touring schedule. This is normally conducted in the afternoon or even in the evening on the sundeck. The visitors are taught how to prepare some of the famous Vietnamese cuisine, like fresh spring rolls or fried squid cake. The lesson is part of the cruise package and lasts about 30-45 minutes to provide you with a fun, practical experience in culture before the dinner.
Cycling Around Cat Ba Island
Cycling Cat Ba Island is best during October due to cool, dry weather conditions and low traffic. Most hotels and hostels can rent a bike out at approximately 100,000 VND a day. A great road is the 12-kilometer road between Cat Ba Town and Viet Hai Village, through forests, countryside, and rice fields. It is an activity that suits those travelers best who like slow and flexible traveling without using a tour guide.
What To Pack For Halong Bay In October
In October, it is rather easy to pack to go to Halong Bay with its mild and dry weather. Nonetheless, several clever tips may make your boat outings, hiking, and overnight cruising convenient.
- Clothing for the Weather: The Halong Bay temperature in October is cool and pleasant; therefore, light layers help out. During the day, bring light breathable clothing such as T-shirts or long-sleeve shirts, and bring a thin jacket or windbreaker to ward off the cool evening. A light scarf or a hoodie may keep your body warmer as you venture out on sunset sails or early mornings.
- Footwear for Activities: Make sure to wear a pair of comfortable sneakers or shoes in case you want to hike to Eo Gio or visit impressive caves, or go through Cat Ba National Park. In case there are kayaking or beach stops in the program, bring some watershoes or sandals with grip, so you are not sliding around on slick surfaces. Flip-flops are good for relaxing on the boat, but they are not great for exploring outdoors.
- Items for Outdoor Comfort: It is also a good idea to have a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, as well as sunglasses, since the sun is usually strong at noon. A small backpack comes in handy to carry water, snacks, and a camera during the shore excursions. You can also take a water-resistant cell phone case or dry sack to your games aboard the boat.
- Extras for Overnight Cruises: Most overnight cruises provide basic toiletries, but you might prefer to bring your own for comfort. A power bank helps keep your devices charged while you’re out all day, especially if your cruise doesn’t offer outlets in every room. Earplugs and an eye mask can be useful if you’re a light sleeper, as sounds on the water carry farther at night.
Travel Tips For Visiting Halong Bay In October
Halong Bay in October provides some smooth sailing but keeps the weather, routes, and local adventures in need of a little smart planning. Some timely decisions can assist you in staying clear of typical mistakes and using the cool days to the fullest.
- Weather conditions are better in October. But it is still worth checking the cancellation policy of the cruise to be ready in case of last-minute storms.
- The majority of cruises run a bit smoother this month, but you should book early, as travel demand on weekends is still high.
- For sunrise shots, the best time is around 5:30-6:00 AM. Try to shoot in the second half of the month; the skies are usually much clearer.
- Hiking trails on the islands, such as Titop or Eo Gio, will be safer and easier in October, but you will still need a pair of shoes with a bit of traction on the soles.
- Afternoon weather would seem to lend itself to kayaking, so check your itinerary to ensure this is included around 2 – 4 PM.
- If you suffer from seasickness, the seas will be calmer this time of year, but bring ginger candy or motion bands anyway, just in case.
- Cat Ba ferry services will run more smoothly this month, but always double-check return schedules if you are traveling on your own.
Final Thoughts: Is October A Good Time To Visit Halong Bay?
October is one of the best months to experience Halong Bay. The weather is dry and relatively stable, with mild temperatures suitable for both day trips and overnight cruises. Most tours run on schedule, and visibility is clear for sightseeing, making it the best time to visit Halong Bay. If you would like more advice or assistance planning your Halong Bay itinerary this October, please do not hesitate to contact Seni World. We will help you every step of the way.
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