Cat Ba Island Weather Guide: Best Times to Visit, Seasons & Travel Tips

Cat Ba Island, located 30 km from Hai Phong City, is the largest island in the Cat Ba Archipelago, spanning 153 km². Renowned for its karst landscapes, biodiversity, and proximity to Lan Ha Bay, it attracts adventurers and relaxation seekers alike. Its tropical monsoon climate features a dry season (October–April) with cooler, clearer skies and a rainy season (May–September) with heat, humidity, and occasional storms. Average temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) in winter to 35°C (95°F) in summer, with annual rainfall of 1,700–1,800 mm, peaking in July–August. This guide details seasonal weather patterns, optimal visiting months, updated costs for activities and travel, and expert tips to maximize your Cat Ba experience.

Cat Ba’s weather, influenced by its coastal position and northeastern monsoons, is warm and humid year-round, with four seasons but two dominant patterns:

• Dry Season (October–April): Cooler (15–25°C/59–77°F), lower humidity (~70%), and minimal rainfall (~50–100 mm/month). Ideal for outdoor activities like hiking in Cat Ba National Park or cruising Lan Ha Bay. November offers the best balance of warmth and clear skies.

• Rainy Season (May–September): Hot (28–35°C/82–95°F), high humidity (~85%), and frequent showers or storms (200–400 mm/month). July–August are the wettest, with typhoon risks. Beaches and kayaking remain popular, but check forecasts.

Seasonal Breakdown:

• Spring (February–April): Mild (20–28°C/68–82°F), occasional drizzles, and blooming flora. Great for trekking and cycling.

• Summer (May–August): Hot, humid, and rainy, peaking in July (30–35°C/86–95°F). Ideal for water activities but expect crowds and storms.

• Autumn (September–November): Warm (18–28°C/64–82°F), drier, and scenic. Perfect for all activities with fewer tourists in late November.

• Winter (December–January): Cool (15–20°C/59–68°F), foggy, and dry. Suitable for hiking but too cold for swimming.

Note: Fog in winter and spring can reduce visibility, impacting Lan Ha Bay cruises, while summer storms may cancel boat tours. Always check forecasts via AccuWeather or local operators like Cat Ba Express.

The optimal months to visit are October, November, March, and April, offering warm temperatures (20–28°C/68–82°F), low rainfall, and moderate crowds. These shoulder seasons balance pleasant weather with affordability, ideal for:

• Beach Activities: Cat Co and Tung Thu Beaches are perfect for swimming and paddleboarding (~200,000 VND/$8 USD per hour).

• Kayaking/Cruising: Lan Ha Bay’s calm waters suit kayaking (~200,000 VND/$8 USD per day) and cruises (~600,000–1,200,000 VND/$24–$48 USD for day trips).

• Hiking: Cat Ba National Park’s trails, like Ngu Lam Peak, are dry and scenic (~80,000 VND/$3.20 USD entry).

Peak Season (June–August): Domestic tourism surges, with crowded beaches and higher costs (hotels ~20–30% more). Book early for Cat Co Beach resorts (~1,000,000 VND/$40 USD per night) or cruises (~1,500,000 VND/$60 USD for overnight). Low Season (December–February): Fewer visitors, cooler weather, and lower prices (hostels ~150,000 VND/$6 USD). Suitable for budget travelers but less ideal for water activities due to cold seas (15–18°C/59–64°F).

Festival Highlight: The Cat Ba Island Festival (April) features traditional music, sports, and seafood feasts, enhancing cultural immersion. Plan around Reunification Day (April 30) and Labor Day (May 1) to avoid domestic crowds.

Cat Ba’s costs vary by season, with peak season (June–August) and shoulder months (October–November, March–April) being pricier. Below are updated rates for key expenses:

• Transportation:

  • Hanoi to Cat Ba (bus-ferry): ~300,000–350,000 VND/$12–$14 USD one-way, 3.5–4 hours via Cat Ba Express.

  • Hai Phong to Cat Ba (speedboat): ~220,000–300,000 VND/$9–$12 USD, 45 minutes from Ben Binh Pier.

  • Ha Long Bay to Cat Ba (ferry): ~220,000 VND/$9 USD, 1 hour from Tuan Chau Port.

  • Motorbike rental: ~120,000 VND/$4.80 USD per day.

  • Bicycle rental: ~50,000 VND/$2 USD per day.

  • Taxi/Grab: ~50,000–200,000 VND/$2–$8 USD per ride in Cat Ba Town.

• Accommodation:

  • Budget hostels (e.g., Secret Garden): ~150,000–200,000 VND/$6–$8 USD per dorm bed, lower in winter.

  • Mid-range hotels (e.g., Cat Ba Mountain View): ~750,000–1,000,000 VND/$30–$40 USD per night.

  • Luxury resorts (e.g., Hôtel Perle d’Orient): ~2,000,000–3,000,000 VND/$80–$120 USD per night.

  • Homestays (e.g., Xuan Dam Village): ~500,000 VND/$20 USD per night, including meals.

• Activities:

  • Cat Ba National Park entry: ~80,000 VND/$3.20 USD, including Trung Trang Cave.

  • Lan Ha Bay day cruise: ~600,000–1,200,000 VND/$24–$48 USD, including kayaking and lunch.

  • Overnight cruise (2 days/1 night): ~2,000,000–3,500,000 VND/$80–$140 USD.

  • Kayak rental: ~200,000 VND/$8 USD per day.

  • Rock climbing (half-day): ~600,000–800,000 VND/$24–$32 USD.

  • Cannon Fort entry: ~50,000 VND/$2 USD.

  • Hospital Cave entry: ~40,000 VND/$1.60 USD.

• Dining:

  • Street food (e.g., shrimp noodle soup): ~50,000–80,000 VND/$2–$3.20 USD.

  • Seafood dishes (e.g., grouper, mantis shrimp): ~200,000–400,000 VND/$8–$16 USD.

  • Restaurant meals (e.g., Phuong Nhung, Vu Duong Seafood): ~100,000–250,000 VND/$4–$10 USD.

  • Local beer: ~20,000 VND/$0.80 USD.

Budget Tips:

• Visit in November or March for lower accommodation rates (10–20% less than peak season).

• Book cruises and hotels via platforms like BestPrice Travel or Vietnamtour.in for discounts.

• Eat at inland restaurants on Nui Ngoc Street for better value than waterfront eateries.

• Compare ferry and speedboat prices; ferries are cheaper but slower (~20,000 VND/$1 USD from Cat Hai).

• Beaches (Cat Co, Tung Thu, Monkey Island): Best April–October for swimming (water 25–30°C/77–86°F). Winter seas are too cold (15–18°C/59–64°F), and summer storms may close beaches.

• Kayaking/Cruising (Lan Ha Bay): Optimal October–April for calm waters and clear skies. July–August risks cancellations due to typhoons.

• Hiking (Cat Ba National Park): Dry season (October–April) offers safer trails; rainy season trails can be slippery.

• Rock Climbing: Best September–November and March–April for dry cliffs and mild temperatures.

• Cultural Sites (Cannon Fort, Hospital Cave): Unaffected by weather, but winter fog may obscure fort views.

Construction Alert: Cat Ba Town’s marina is under development (ongoing for several years), impacting waterfront aesthetics. Focus on outer attractions like Lan Ha Bay or Chut Chit Beach for unspoiled views.

• Packing:

• • Dry Season: Light clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light jacket for cool evenings (15–20°C/59–68°F).

  • Rainy Season: Waterproof gear, quick-dry clothes, and sturdy shoes for slippery trails.

  • Year-Round: Insect repellent, reusable water bottle, and cash (VND) for small vendors.

• Safety:

  • Avoid swimming during high tides (post-6:00 PM in summer) or without local guidance.

  • Check typhoon alerts (July–September) via local operators or AccuWeather.

  • Follow trail guides in Cat Ba National Park to avoid getting lost.

• Crowds: Avoid Vietnamese holidays like Reunification Day (April 30), Labor Day (May 1), and Independence Day (September 2) for fewer crowds and shorter ferry queues.

• Sustainability: Choose eco-friendly cruise operators (e.g., Blue Swimmers) and avoid littering on beaches or trails.

• Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafés, but carry cash, as card payments are limited outside Cat Ba Town.

• Language: Basic Vietnamese phrases (e.g., “Xin chào” for hello) enhance interactions, as English is limited among locals.

Cat Ba’s year-round appeal lies in its diverse landscapes, from Lan Ha Bay’s tranquil waters to Cat Ba National Park’s biodiversity. Whether you visit in the sunny dry season for beach adventures or the misty winter for serene hikes, the island’s affordability and natural beauty make it a standout destination. Its proximity to Hai Phong and Ha Long Bay ensures easy access, while its quieter vibe offers an authentic escape. Legend Travel Group’s Cat Ba Tours guide you through this island paradise, ensuring a sustainable Cat Ba Travel experience filled with eco-friendly practices and cultural immersion. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-journey today!
Plan Your Visit: Book transport and activities early for October–April. Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable Cat Ba adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.