Halong Bay Weather in March

Planning a trip to Vietnam? Whether or not you’re on the fence with booking an overnight cruise in Halong Bay, know that no itinerary to Vietnam is complete without breathing in the fresh sea air and exploring the hidden world of this truly legendary location steeped in rich cultural heritage and traditions.

In short:

• March is one of the best months for traveling to Halong Bay
• Yen Tu and Cua Ong are remarkable festivals this month
• Swimming this month is still available for people who live in cold countries
• Bai Tu Long Bay is the less-tourist area where you can find true peace in your soul

Is March a good time to travel to Halong Bay?

March is a mixed bag of weather when it comes to spending time discovering the vast corners of the enchanting Gulf of Tonkin. The first touches of spring radiate through the north of Vietnam, with hot sunny days switching intermittently with cloudy skies and late afternoon drizzles.

Temperature

The average maximum daily temperature here is 20°C (ranging from the lowest 18°C to the highest 23°C). The sea temperature is around 23°C, perfect for swimming and beach activities.

This area expects 8 hours of daily sunlight, providing ample time for outdoor exploration.

Rainfall & Humidity

There is a high chance of overcast days with chances of rain during the entirety of March. This lends a mysterious feel to the area, with limestone karst formations shrouded in mist and fog, especially in the early mornings.
Although there may be times of cloudy skies, the average rainfall during the month of March in Halong Bay does not exceed 55mm (2in) spread out over an average of 13 days.

But don’t worry, the sun DOES come out to say hello and the weather consistently stays between 18-23 degrees Celsius (64.5 – 73.5 F). Luckily, the humidity remains low until early May, making cycling through Cat Ba Island’s jungles pleasant and enjoyable.

Sea temperature

In addition, the sea is at one of its warmest yearly averages of 29 degrees Celsius (84 F), making it the perfect time to swim or try other recreational activities such as kayaking between the floating houses of Cua Van Fishing Village.

Summary of Halong Bay weather in March

Pros & Cons of travelling to Halong Bay in March

Pros:

• March weather is warm and pleasant, creating favorable conditions to take part in any kind of activity.
• There is less rain and it is unlikely that your trip will be affected or canceled by the bad weather condition.

Cons:

• Due to the high season, the price for the cruise can be higher than at any other time of year.

Tips for traveling to Halong Bay in March

Booking tips:

• Book the cruise a few weeks or even months in advance to get a better price and avoid cabin unavailability.
• Check the weather forecast before going to arrange your travel bag properly.
• Get to know the travel route of the cruise tour before booking. There are 3 different routes for the Halong Bay cruises including Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay.
• If you prefer a lavish stay like a king, opt for Halong luxury cruises like Scarlet Pearl, Heritage Binh Chuan, Nostalgia, Emperor, etc.

Packing tips:

• Though March is in the spring, the bay is still chilly in the early morning and late at night. Remember to bring a light sweater, jacket, or cardigan.
• The pleasant weather will allow visitors to go swimming, so do not forget your swimsuit if you want to join in water activities.
• Prepare sunscreen and sunglasses because the sunlight can be surprisingly intense some days during March.

Whichever ship you choose, rest assured that your time in Halong Bay will remain a treasured memory of your time in Vietnam for future years to come.

Bon Voyage!