Surely January is a winter month but Vietnam is a typically tropical country so perhaps its weather in winter is not as cold and harsh as in western countries?

Read on to find out useful information about Halong Bay Weather in January if you are planning a tour in this month of the year:

Overall weather of Halong Bay in January

Coming to Halong in January, you will experience the beauty of this amazing place in the middle of winter. The average temperature is 17 C degree with the highest temperature and lowest temperature of 20 C degree and 14 C degrees, respectively, so it is still rather cold during this time of the year.

It is highly recommended that you bring along a sweater, jacket, and comfortable shoes.

In terms of rainfall, this is actually one of driest months of the year with monthly rainfall of 18mm.

There are about 3 hours of sunshine per day.

The average sea temperature is 21 C degree.

Swimming in Halong Bay during winter months

Swimming in Halong Bay during winter months in general and in January, in particular, is not recommended for local people who are used to the tropical climate.

However, the average sea temperature in winter is actually not too cold to swim (especially in the afternoon) for foreign tourists who come from countries with a temperature of below C degree in winter. Swimming is considered a good activity for you to stay in shape during winter.

Take note that the average temperature during the day may make the sea temperature colder than it actually is so tourists should still take some precautions tips:

• Do not dive in the water immediately. Warm-up activities can help you minimize any shock effect caused by the cold sea temperature.
• Do not go over your limit: Your body will get accustomed to the cold but do not spend too much time in the cold water. When you start feeling numb in your toes and fingers, take it as a sign to come out of the water right away.
• Keep yourself warm and dry immediately after you get out avoiding shivering, which can lead to a cold. However, do not try to increase your body temperature too fast with hot water: it can do more harm and good. A dry tower and warm clothes are much better options.

What else can you do in this month of the year?

Swimming is not for everyone, especially those who hesitate because of cold water, but the poetic scenery of Halong in January is definitely great for taking photos.

Also, because it is really dry with very infrequent rain, tourists can take part in various outdoor adventures. Take note that such activities like kayaking or mountain climbing may be suddenly cancelled in case of very heavy fog.

Here are our two recommended activities for you:

• Sightseeing on a cruise

Credit photo: @thaopham26

You may wonder if Halong is still worth visiting even when it is surrounded by fog. In fact, it is the mystical fog that makes Halong more hauntingly beautiful and romantic.

There is a great sense of peace during winter months you cannot find in any another month of the year. Sitting on the deck of a cruise, watching islets appear and disappear in front of you in the thin veil of fog is like visiting a magical place.

When the weather gets too cold to stay outside, you can relax in the cabin equipped with a heating system.

Travelling by seaplane can also bring a very memorable experience but remember to take into account limited visibility and high cost.

Winter is the peak travel season in Halong Bay with the influx of foreign visitors to the bay can be a quiet crowd.

• Enjoying Vietnamese culture and traditional food

Depending on the lunar calendar, the Vietnamese New Year (or Tet) often takes place in late January or early February, during which Vietnamese people often go back to their hometown and spend time with their family.

Visiting Halong in January may mean some cruise lines stop operation or your favourite restaurants may close down for holiday.

On the other hand, you will see how local people prepare for Tet. In addition to the famous cuisine of Halong Bay in winter, you can also sample different traditional dishes (like “banh chung”).

• Chilling on Halong Bay’s beaches

Relaxing on Ha Long Bay’s beaches is a must-do activity. Visitors can unwind on soft sands and enjoy the sun on warm, sunny days. The tranquil waters are ideal for a refreshing swim in the afternoon, offering a peaceful retreat from the day’s adventures. These beach moments provide a serene escape to soak in Ha Long Bay’s stunning natural scenery.

• Discover must-visit caves

Ha Long Bay is home to a vast array of stunning caves, each offering a unique adventure for nature lovers. These caves are famous for their mesmerizing rock formations and winding tunnels. Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) is the largest, with expansive chambers filled with breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites. Other remarkable caves, like Dau Go Cave and Thien Cung Cave, also captivate visitors with their own stories and spectacular views. Each cave offers a different visual and cultural experience, adding to the magic of Halong Bay.

• Experiencing natural beauty by a local rowboat

Embarking on a local rowboat is one of the most unique experiences in Halong Bay. These small boats, guided by local fishermen who know the area intimately, offer a peaceful and personal way to explore the bay. Unlike larger tourist boats, rowboats provide a quieter, slower pace, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and tranquility. It’s a more intimate way to enjoy Halong Bay, giving you the opportunity to relax and appreciate the surroundings without the crowds.

• Visiting the Floating Fishing Village

Discover the charm of Cua Van Floating Village in Halong Bay, named one of the world’s 17 most magical destinations by Bright Side. Immerse yourself in the daily lives of the villagers, whose deep connection to the sea and traditional fishing methods have sustained them for generations. A visit offers unique insights into their culture, allowing you to engage with locals and witness sustainable practices firsthand. This enchanting experience adds a cultural and educational dimension to your Halong Bay adventure.