Month guide · Ha Long Bay · Vietnam
Ha Long Bay in May
What May is really like in Ha Long Bay: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: AnhTuan Le, Public domain
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Quick answer
May is one of the best months to visit Ha Long Bay. Expect average highs of 30°C (86°F), lows of 24°C (75°F), about 12 rainy days and roughly 13.1 hours of daylight. Hot and sunny with warm water; Vietnamese holidays at the start of the month fill boats and hotels.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 30°C (86°F) / 24°C (75°F)
- Rainy days
- About 12
- Daylight
- About 13.1 hours
- Sea temperature
- 27°C (81°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in May
May is the 4th-warmest month in Ha Long Bay: days average 30°C (86°F) against a yearly average high of 26°C (79°F), and nights fall to about 24°C (75°F). Rain falls on roughly 12 of its 31 days. Compared with April (26°C (79°F)), May is warmer; by June highs stay near 31°C (88°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 05:13
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 18:21
- Daylight
- About 13.1 hours
- Sea
- 27°C (81°F)
Spring (March–May). Mist gives way to clearer skies, the sea warms and crowds are moderate apart from the holidays around 30 April.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, May rates 4 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in July). Book accommodation early: May is one of the pricier months.
Events in May
- Reunification Day and Labour Day holidays — busy domestic travel (30 April–1 May)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in May
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Viewpoint · Central Ha Long Bay
Ti Top Island
Climb first and swim after; the steps are in full sun and slippery when wet.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Views
- Active
- Photo spot
- Iconic
Landmark · Central Ha Long Bay
Fighting Cocks Islet
Hon Trong Mai, two rocks facing each other like a rooster and hen, is the most photographed formation in the bay and was once used on Vietnamese banknotes and stamps.
- Time needed
- 15 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Photo spot
- Free
- Views
Experience · Bo Hon Island
Luon Cave kayaking
Choose a kayak if the tide allows; the bamboo boats are better for young children and nervous paddlers.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Active
- Nature
- Kids
- Outdoors
Historic site · Central Ha Long Bay
Cua Van fishing village
Cua Van was one of the largest floating villages in the bay, with houses on rafts between the islands.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Photo spot
- Outdoors
The sea averages 27°C (81°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Ha Long Bay.
What to pack
For highs near 30°C, lows near 24°C and 12 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is May a good time to visit Ha Long Bay?
One of the best months to visit Ha Long Bay, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are April and October–November. Compare every month.
Ha Long Bay in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is May a good time to visit Ha Long Bay?
It is one of the best months to visit Ha Long Bay. Hot and sunny with warm water; Vietnamese holidays at the start of the month fill boats and hotels.
+How warm is Ha Long Bay in May?
Average highs are around 30°C (86°F) and lows around 24°C (75°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Ha Long Bay in May?
Expect rain on about 12 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.