Cat Ba: Best Time to Visit this Beautiful Island
Cat Ba is one of the largest islands in the Gulf of Tonkin and located next to Halong Bay. To reach Cat Ba Island, travelers have to move from Hanoi to Hai Phong and from Hai Phong to this beautiful Island by ferry or high speed boat. Here is an archipelago of 367 islands, including Cat Ba Island in the south of Halong Bay, Quang Ninh Province. Another name for Cat Ba Island is Pearl Island, which properly represents the beauty of this island.
Recognized by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve, this green pearl island is constantly being invested in and developed to become an international tourist destination in the future. And now, let’s discover the best time of year to visit this green pearl island with insights from Cat Ba Local!

Cat Ba Island from above
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ToggleOverview of Cat Ba’s Weather
The ocean influences Cat Ba Island’s tropical monsoon weather, making its winters milder and summers cooler than the mainland. Similarly, this green pearl island’s weather varies depending on the season:
- In spring: Cat Ba’s weather during spring is relatively cool with light drizzles. The island is often affected by spring rain, which makes the weather somewhat gloomy.
- In summer: Summer is an ideal season to visit this green pearl island. The weather is warm with golden sunlight, blue sea, and white sand. This creates a poetic scenery for visitors.
- In autumn: Autumn is the perfect season for those who love romance. The weather is cool and fresh, which is suitable for couples to relax, enjoy their honeymoon, or simply unwind.
- In winter: The weather in this green pearl island during winter is relatively cold. The seawater is also cold, which may not be suitable for swimming. The thick fog makes the island don a more mysterious look.
The Best Time to visit Cat Ba Island!
Average Monthly Weather Cat Ba Island
| MONTH | TEMPERATURE (°C) | AMOUNT OF RAIN |
| January | 15.9° – 18.9° | 8.0 days |
| February | 16.9° – 19.8° | 4.9 days |
| March | 19.4° – 22.0° | 9.3 days |
| April | 22.1° – 24.8° | 11.0 days |
| May | 25.8° – 28.5° | 18.0 days |
| June | 27.4° – 30.2° | 24.3 days |
| July | 27.5° – 30.4° | 26.5 days |
| August | 27.2° – 30.2° | 25.9 days |
| September | 26.6° – 29.9° | 20.3 days |
| October | 24.0° – 27.5° | 11.6 days |
| November | 21.2° – 24.6° | 7.8 days |
| December | 17.1° – 20.4° | 5.5 days |
April and May
During the months of April and May, Cat Ba’s weather is mild, with warm temperatures that remain moderate. During this time, you can lie on the sandy beach, relax, and admire the distant seascape.
June, July and August
This is the perfect time to spend a refreshing summer with your family at the beach. Cat Ba’s weather during this season greatly facilitates various beach activities. In addition to swimming, you can also try snorkeling to observe coral reefs or kayaking. This green pearl island is renowned for offering some of the most stunning sunset views, especially during these months.

Kayaking Experience in Cat Ba
September and October
During this time, the scorching heat of summer has subsided, replaced by pleasant and gentle weather. You can enjoy swimming and various beach games without worrying about overcrowding, as this season attracts fewer visitors.
The months of September and October are also suitable for mountain climbing in Cat Ba National Park. Additionally, this green pearl island’s weather during this time is perfect for cycling and admiring the island’s beautiful scenery in the early morning.
November to March
Visiting Cat Ba Island during this period may not be ideal due to the cold weather. There are times when temperatures drop below 10 degrees Celsius, making it less favorable for beach activities. However, this season remains a favorite among foreign tourists who would choose this green pearl island as a destination for their winter vacations, indulging in a well-deserved break away from home.
In general, the most ideal time to travel to this green pearl island is from April to the end of June. When it’s summer, the weather is cool and pleasant. In addition, from November to March, the weather will become a bit colder, but except for the effect on swimming, other sightseeing activities are still extremely comfortable. This period is off-peak, which leads to lower prices as well.
Travel tips for your first trip to Cat Ba Island
- Private cars and buses are the most popular means of transportation to get to Cat Ba
- Alternatively, you can take a cable car ride to save time
- Motorbike rentals and tour taxis are available on Cat Ba
- Remember to pack your essential things.
- This green pearl island is known for its seafood specialties, which are also available for purchase as gifts
- Refrain from swimming after 6 PM to avoid high tides
- We recommend taking the cable car on weekends, as the ferry usually gets crowded.
- High tides can affect some tour destinations.
- Inquire about prices before shopping and dining

Tourist enjoying the trip with Cat Ba Local
If you have the opportunity, visit this green pearl island – an interesting island covered by the sun and wind, admire the unspoiled landscape, visit location activities, and enjoy delicious specialties on this beautiful island when the weather of this green pearl island is good. Above all, don’t forget to contact Cat Ba Local to travel with local experts!
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QUISEQUE VEL ORTOR
Ready to adventure and enjoy natural
Meet Our Team
Tùng Phạm
Lâm Điệp
Tiến Đạt (Drake)
Tú Quỳnh (Judy)
Hà Bùi (Hana)
Huy Hòang (Ryan)
Hoàng Nguyễn(Luffy)
Ngô Toàn (Tony)
Việt Hưng (Rio)
Mr Quang
Exotic Day Tours & Things to Do in Cat Ba
Experience the Magic: Sunset & Night Kayaking with Glowing Plankton
What our travelers say about us
EXCELLENT Based on 838 reviews Posted on Miss AVerified Magical and fun Mijn man en ik hebben een fantastische tour gehad met Ryan als gids. Wat een toffe kerel en hij spreekt perfect engels. We hadden een aangename groep. Het plankton was heel mooi, magisch gevoel, heel speciaal. Na de kayak hebben we een uitgebreid lekker dinner gehad op een heel leuke plek. Voor ons was alles vegan, als je van tevoren aangeeft wat je wil eten verzorgen ze alles tot in de puntjes.Posted on CamilaVerified Suprisingly great experience We went with my partner and the experience was amazing. We were only 25 on the boat so we could talk and ask whatever we wanted and got deep into the vietnamese culture. The tour was exactly as advertised, they really avoid the crowd so you can enjoy a clear sea view. The staff (Hoan, Tom and their family) were very welcoming, Hoan explains everything with passion and love. They made us feel comfortable in every moment, the food was better than most vietnamese restaurant we went, they changed the menu because there were a lot of veggie people in the crowd. The boat is super clean. We loved it, we recommend it 100%.Posted on Ane TVerified Great Experience!!! Definetly the best tour choice we made so far in Vietnam. Apart from the great scenary the most remarkable thing about the trip was our guide Tyler!! His energy was impecable, he gave us a ton of information about life and nature in the bay and answered all of our questions, not only about the bay, but about the culture in Vietnam, recommendations and a lot more!! In addition, this company booked a direct bus from our homestay in cat ba to our next destination (Nihn Bihn) with the most confortable bus. As we only were spending the day of the tour in cat ba and our homestay was a little bit far from town we wanted to stay for the rest of the afternoon in town and Tyler was the most helpful soul!! He arranged so we could leave our bags at their place, recommended places to visit and to have dinner and he then booked a taxi for us when we were done! Overall the best guide we’ve had so far! His excitement and young energy are contagious. Love from Spain, Ane and friends <3.Posted on VivienneVerified Authentic fun with loads of joy and stories The tour is hosted by Ryan who is passionate and knowledgeable as a local who grew up on the water. A true down to earth experience provided by his family with his uncle driving the boat and aunt preparing a generous meal with seven different dishes. Ryan’s joy in his culture and surrounds is infectious and makes the tour and irreplaceable treatPosted on Joanna kVerified A great day Although the day was slightly altered to the original itinerary, they made it work well for us. Ryan was a great tour guide and seeing the bioluminescence at the end of the day was fab.Posted on HedVerified Very good day !! We had a very good time on the boat will Luu who was kind and fun ! Very beautiful day with kayaking and swimming ! We were really happy that we choose this cruise:)Posted on Miriam AVerified Great experience but a little different than the description It was a nice trip with a motivated guide! Also, the food was very good with many vegetarian options. The reason why I don't give 5 stars is because the agenda was not really what is stated in the description. It is just the same as all the other companies.Posted on Léa DVerified Parfait C’était vraiment très bien organisé. On nous a récupéré et déposé à notre hôtel. C’était une journée très agréable, Ryan est très gentil et nous a expliqué plein de choses. Je recommande les yeux fermés !Posted on Chris SVerified Empfehlenswerte Tour Fahrt war perfekt organisiert. Luu hat uns umfassend über die Buchten, Tier-und Pflanzenwelt und das Leben der Menschen dort informiert. Auf jegliche Fragen ist er eingegangen. Kapitän und Koch ebenfalls top. Die Tour hat viel Spaß gemacht und wir würden sie jederzeit wieder buchen. Vielen DankPosted on Barry RVerified Unfortunate situation handled beautifully Our tour was disrupted by the weather conditions that tragically hit the Philippines just the day before. The tour operators immediately offered us a full refund, an exchange or a rescheduling to the following evening. We chose to go the following night but unfortunately again, the government didn’t allow tour boats after 18:30 or late night kayaking, but didn’t inform the tour operators until after our departure. This meant that we couldn’t continue with the kayaking as planned or see the plankton, but the operator still took us on a tour of the majestic Lan Ha bay and the floating village, AND refunded us for the whole thing. Completely out of their hands, but they handled it beautifully. Such is the gamble when touring the natural world. Communication with Cat Ba Local was quick and easy, transport from our hotel was seamless and they really tried their best to make sure we got the most out of our tour. Can’t fault Cat Ba Local one bit for unfortunately weather - just one more reason for us to come back to the wonderful Cat Ba!!






Most frequent asked questions
By choosing Cat Ba Local, you are not just booking a tour; you are investing in an authentic, hassle-free, and enriching travel experience led by locals who are passionate about sharing the beauty and culture of their homeland. Here are the key reasons:
1. Authentic experience
Our tour guides possess a unique understanding of indigenous cultures and the local history. Their deep knowledge and passion for the region ensure that you get an authentic and immersive experience. By booking with Cat Ba Local, you gain access to hidden gems and local secrets that typical tours might miss. Our guides are locals themselves, offering the warm of a family and and sincerity that make you feel at home while discover new perspectives of life.
2. A seamless experience
We keep our high standard for all of your touchpoints. We partner with the best service possible for any need of yours, from transportation, accommodations , and best restaurant for all destinaions. This guarantees a reliable and seamless experience for you.
3. Convenience and Time Saving
We handle all the arrangements, from flights and hotels to transfers and activities. This saves you significant time and effort, allowing you to relax and enjoy your vacation without the stress of planning. With everything pre-arranged, you can avoid the hassle of contacting multiple service providers. Our streamlined process ensures a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
4. Socialize Opportunities
Our tours are designed to foster social interaction, allowing you to meet and connect with people who share your interests. Whether you prefer family-friendly tours or adult-only experiences, we have options that cater to your social preferences.
5. Best Price Guarantees
By having an excellent logistic chain, we deliver you the best experience in a price that
We offer competitive pricing due to our ability to bulk buy package deals, passing the savings onto you. This allows you to enjoy a cost-effective travel experience without compromising on quality. Our packages often include all meals and trips, reducing uncertainty about additional costs. This helps you budget accurately for your trip, avoiding any unexpected expenses.
Travel with Local Experts” it is about the authentic local experience that make us different.
Our tour guides are natives with an intimate knowledge of the local culture, history, and landscapes. This local insight ensures that you experience the true essence of Cat Ba, beyond the typical tourist spots.
They also share unique perspectives; personal stories and cultural nuances that you won’t find in guidebooks, offering a deeper understanding of the region. One more thing, you will have a playful local friend after the trip.
Yes, we always trike towards to give you the best possible exprience contact us to design your vacation together for free
Yes, our tours are designed to be suitable for both children and older adults. We have several special offers for children as follows:
– Infants (under 2 years old): Free
– Kids (From 2 to 4 years old): just must to pay 25% tour value
– Child (From 5 to 9 years old): just must to pay 50% tour value
– Teenagers (From 10 to 13 years old): just must to pay 75% tour value
We are ready to provide special diets that suit your needs if you inform us when booking your tour. Most of our meals include seafood and local cuisine, so if you are vegetarian or have any allergies, please let us know in advance. This way, we can ensure your dietary requirements are met throughout your journey.
You have 2 options to pay: Online & Offline
For your convenience, we offer multiple payment options. You can pay in cash or by credit card (with a 3% service charge). Alternatively, you can use applications like PayPal or WISE, and we will cover the service fees for these apps – less fees transfer.
Please let us know your preferred payment method. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out.
In the event of weather-related issues, such as storms or heavy rain preventing boats from setting sail, we have the following policies:
– If the tour needs to be rescheduled due to adverse weather conditions and you’re still on Cat Ba Island during the rescheduled period, we will postpone the tour to the following day. If you’re no longer on Cat Ba Island during the rescheduled period, we will provide a full refund of the tour cost if you’ve already made payment.
– In the case of unexpected events originating from guests: If you cancel before 7 days prior to the tour, you are eligible for a refund. If you cancel 5 days before the tour, we will refund 80% of the deposit; if you cancel within 3 days, a 50% refund will be provided. Cancellations made after this period will result in forfeiture of the deposit.
In other special cases, our customer service department will provide individualized support to guests.
No, accommodations are not included in the experiential tours. However, our sales staff will assist you in booking accommodations if you provide them with clear descriptions of your room preferences, budget, and other requirements. Additionally, you will receive a discount voucher for accommodations when booking our experiential tours.
No, international flights are not part of the experiential tour package. However, our sales team will aid you in arranging international flights upon receiving clear descriptions from you.