Weather in Cat Ba + Best Time to Visit?

weather-best-time-visit-cat-ba-island
What is the weather in Cat Ba Island in northern Vietnam? The best time to visit Cat Ba Island in Vietnam.

☀️ Weather + Seasons
👍 When to go there
🔎 Weather in Months
Questions + Answers
🎫 Excursion + Tickets
🎫 Book Tickets Online

Quick answer: Cát Bà Island offers two distinct seasons: the cooler, drier months and the warm, humid rainy season. The best time to visit is spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November) when the weather is more pleasant and outdoor activities shine. Pack for variable conditions and expect fewer crowds outside of peak summer.

At a glance:

  • 📍 Region: Cát Bà Island, near the southern edge of Hạ Long Bay archipelago, northern Vietnam.
  • 🌡️ Temperature: Spring & autumn ~20-30 °C; summer may exceed 30 °C; winter 15-22 °C and cooler under chill wind.
  • 💧 Rain & seasons: Dry season from November–March with lower rainfall; rainy/typhoon-susceptible season from May–October, peaking July–August.
  • 🎯 Best time to visit: Mid-April to early June or October to November—good weather, calmer seas, and fewer crowds.

Last updated in November 2025


What is the weather in Cat Ba Island in Vietnam?

Cat Ba Island in northern Vietnam has a tropical climate with warm summers and mild winters. The island enjoys pleasant weather for most of the year, making it one of the most popular destinations near Halong Bay.

The best weather is usually from October to April, when temperatures are lower, humidity decreases and outdoor activities are more enjoyable. From Cat Ba Island you can also travel by bus and ferry to Hanoi.

☀️ Dry Season

The dry season lasts from October to April and offers the most comfortable weather for visitors.

  • Temperatures around 16-28°C
  • Lower humidity and less rain
  • Ideal for hiking and boat trips
  • Best season for sightseeing

⛈️ Rainy Season

The rainy season runs from May to September, bringing warmer temperatures and occasional storms.

  • Temperatures around 28-35°C
  • High humidity levels
  • Frequent rain showers
  • Lush green landscapes

What is the best time to visit Cat Ba Island?

🎯 Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Cat Ba Island is from October to April, when the weather is cooler, drier and ideal for outdoor activities.

  • October-November: pleasant weather and fewer crowds
  • December-February: coolest months of the year
  • March-April: warm temperatures and clear skies
  • Book transport and accommodation in advance during holidays

Weather in Cat Ba Island throughout the year:

Month Weather in Cat Ba Island
January Cool and mostly dry. Temperatures 15-20°C. Good for sightseeing and hiking, but sea activities may be limited.
February Mild weather with temperatures around 16-21°C. Occasional drizzle and fog, fewer tourists.
March Pleasant spring weather, 21-23°C. Comfortable for hiking, boat trips and exploring the island.
April One of the best months to visit. Warm temperatures of 25-28°C and relatively low rainfall.
May Start of summer. Temperatures reach 30°C, ideal for beaches, kayaking and swimming.
June Hot and humid with occasional rain showers. Temperatures around 26-31°C.
July Hottest and wettest month. High humidity, tropical showers and possible storms.
August Similar to July. Warm sea temperatures but frequent rain and occasional typhoons.
September Rainfall gradually decreases. Warm weather around 27°C with greener landscapes.
October Excellent travel month. Temperatures 23-28°C, lower humidity and pleasant conditions.
November Dry and comfortable weather. Great for hiking, kayaking and outdoor activities.
December Cool and dry with temperatures around 18-22°C. Good for sightseeing and nature trips.

Max, Min and Average Temperature in Cat Ba Island:

The island has a warm and humid climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of around 15°C (59°F) in the winter months to a maximum of around 35°C (95°F) in the summer months. The average temperature in Cat Ba Island is around 25°C (77°F), which makes it a pleasant place to visit all year round, with the best time to visit from October to April when the weather is cooler and drier.

Month Max Temp (°C) Min Temp (°C) Avg Temp (°C)
January 20 15 17.5
February 22 16 19
March 25 18 21.5
April 28 21 24.5
May 31 24 27.5
June 33 26 29.5
July 34 26 30
August 33 26 29.5
Sep 31 24 27.5
October 29 22 25.5
Nov 26 19 22.5
Dec 22 16 19


Rainfall and Rainy Days in Cat Ba Island:

Cat Ba Island has a humid subtropical climate with frequent rainfall throughout the year. The rainy season is from May to October, with July and August being the months with the highest rainfall levels. Visitors should expect rain during their stay, so it is recommended to bring appropriate clothing and gear. Despite the rainfall, Cat Ba Island is a popular tourist destination year-round, with visitors enjoying a range of activities and attractions.

Month Average Monthly Rainfall (mm) Number of Rainy Days
January 50 11
February 30 8
March 40 10
April 70 13
May 210 19
June 330 22
July 390 24
August 350 24
September 260 20
October 130 15
November 80 12
December 60 10


Max and Average Wind Speed and Wind Gust in Cat Ba Island:

Cat Ba Island experiences relatively strong winds throughout the year, with the highest wind speeds occurring from November to April. The average wind speeds range from 10 to 15 km/h, and visitors should be aware of the weather conditions before planning outdoor activities. It is recommended to bring appropriate clothing and gear to stay comfortable in windy conditions.

Month Average Wind Speed (km/h) Maximum Wind Speed (km/h)
January 12 30
February 12 30
March 13 35
April 15 40
May 13 30
June 12 25
July 11 25
August 11 25
September 12 30
October 14 35
November 15 40
December 14 35


Cloud and Humidity in Cat Ba Island:

Cat Ba Island has a humid subtropical climate with high levels of humidity throughout the year. The island also has frequent cloud cover due to its coastal location and nearby mountains. Visitors should expect high humidity levels and frequent cloud cover, particularly during the summer months, from May to September. It is recommended to bring appropriate clothing and gear to stay comfortable in these conditions.

Month Aver. Cloud Cover (%) Aver. Humidity (%)
January 40 82
February 35 81
March 30 80
April 25 79
May 20 78
June 20 78
July 20 80
August 25 81
September 30 82
October 35 83
November 40 83
December 40 82


Sun Hours and Sun Days in Cat Ba Island:

Cat Ba Island experiences a tropical monsoon climate and has warm temperatures throughout the year, with an average high of around 30°C in the summer and an average low of around 15°C in the winter. During the summer months, the island sees an average of 7-8 hours of sunshine per day, with occasional rain showers and thunderstorms. In contrast, the winter months are much cloudier and rainier, with only 2-3 hours of sunshine per day on average. Visitors should plan accordingly to make the most of the island’s natural beauty and attractions.

Month Sun Hours per Day Sunny Days per Month
January 3 10
February 3 10
March 4 12
April 5 15
May 6 19
June 7 23
July 8 26
August 8 26
September 6 18
October 5 15
November 4 12
December 3 10


Visibility in Cat Ba Island:

Cat Ba Island has generally good visibility throughout the year, particularly during the dry season from November to March. During this period, visitors can expect clear blue skies and bright sunshine, with visibility extending to several kilometers. However, during the wet season from April to October, visibility can be more limited due to increased humidity, cloud cover, and occasional rain showers. Fog and mist can also occur, particularly in the early morning hours.

Month Visibility (km)
January 6-10
February 6-10
March 6-10
April 4-6
May 4-6
June 4-6
July 4-6
August 4-6
September 4-6
October 4-6
November 6-10
December 6-10


What is the sea temperature in Cat Ba Island:

The sea temperature in Cat Ba Island ranges from 23°C to 30°C throughout the year, with the warmest temperatures usually occurring from June to September. During the cooler months of December to March, sea temperatures can dip to 23-24°C, while temperatures can reach up to 30°C or higher in the warmer months. The sea temperature is generally comfortable for swimming year-round, although temperatures can vary depending on location and other factors. Visitors should check local sea conditions before swimming or participating in water activities.

Month Sea Temperature (°C)
January 23-24
February 23-24
March 23-24
April 25-27
May 27-29
June 29-31
July 29-31
August 29-31
September 28-30
October 27-29
November 25-27
December 23-24

vietnam-solo-traveling-on-your-own

best-halong-bay-cruise-boats-vietnam

ferry-boats-vietnam-tickets-booking


❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Weather in Cat Ba Island

What is the weather like in Cat Ba Island?

Cat Ba Island has a tropical climate with warm summers, mild winters and temperatures ranging from 15°C to 35°C throughout the year.

When is the best time to visit Cat Ba Island?

The best time to visit is from October to April, when the weather is cooler, drier and ideal for outdoor activities.

When is the rainy season in Cat Ba?

The rainy season usually lasts from May to September, with the highest rainfall in July and August.

Can Cat Ba Island be affected by typhoons?

Yes, typhoons occasionally affect Cat Ba between July and September. Always check local weather forecasts before traveling.

What should I pack for Cat Ba Island?

Pack light clothing, comfortable shoes, sunscreen and rain gear. Read also: What to Pack for Vietnam.

Can you swim in Cat Ba Island?

Yes, swimming is possible for most of the year, especially from April to October when sea temperatures are warmer.

Is sunscreen necessary in Cat Ba?

Yes, UV levels can be high, especially in summer. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are recommended.

Are mosquitoes common in Cat Ba?

Yes, mosquitoes are common, especially during the rainy season. Insect repellent is recommended.

What is the average temperature in Cat Ba Island?

Average temperatures range from 20°C in winter to 30-35°C during the hottest summer months.

Can I go hiking in Cat Ba National Park?

Yes, Cat Ba National Park offers several hiking trails and viewpoints. Comfortable shoes and water are recommended.

Where can you travel from Cat Ba Island?

You can travel by ferry and bus to Ninh Binh, to Hanoi or via Hanoi to Sapa.

What are the most popular islands in Vietnam?

Popular islands include Phu Quoc, Cat Ba and Con Dao. See also Best Islands in Vietnam.



Weather in Phu QuocWeather in Con DaoWeather in SaigonWeather in Mui NeWeather in Da LatWeather in Nha TrangWeather in Hue

Weather in Ha Long ➔

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 5 / 5. Vote count: 2

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

About the author:
Hi, my name is Milan and I’m from the Czech Republic. I’m an independent traveler and the creator of this guide about northern Vietnam. I’ve spent a lot of time exploring this beautiful region — especially its mountains, nature, and ethnic culture. This website was born from my personal travel experiences, and I regularly update it with new tips and information to help fellow travelers. Follow our Facebook page for updates. This site was built with passion ❤️. Read more about the author
Share: