When is the Best Time to Visit Bali for the Perfect Holiday?
Paradise is waiting: When are you planning your trip?
Table of Contents Show
Introduction
We are often asked, "When is the best time to visit Bali?" or "What are the best dates to visit Bali?"
Well, the simple answer is whenever you can, because in truth, the island of the gods is a year-round destination.
You see, it's easy to overcomplicate the weather issue, leading travellers to worry unnecessarily about the so-called perfect season.
This article is going to dive deep into all the big considerations for your holiday.
But by the end of the article, we think you will agree that you can come at any time, so long as you plan your activities to suit the weather.
Of course, there might be a ‘best time’ for special interest travellers like surfers, divers, and those who just can't tolerate humidity, but for the rest of us, the calendar is wide open.
You see, unlike other places that have definitive seasons, the weather changes every month and even within each day. The weather on the island can be best described as unpredictable and fickle. One day you can have sunshine and dry weather, and the next day it’s raining cats and dogs.
Here's the thing: even in the rainy season, it rarely rains all day.
It is typical to have a sunny morning and midday and then a torrential downpour for a few hours mid-afternoon or not until the evening, leaving plenty of scope for outdoor activity and then an indoor activity when it’s raining.
Of course, there are popular or 'prime' times, so we will look at these.
If you have restrictions on when you can visit, such as work, or fitting the island within a larger travel itinerary, don't stress too much - just come when you can, and you will have a great experience - we promise.
Okay, with all that said, let's deep dive into the Bali ideal time to visit question!
Related:
The Weather Explained: Bali Best Time to Travel
The island is 8-degrees south of the equator and has a dry season (May–September) and a wet season (October – April).
The dry season offers sunny days and is generally considered the primo period to enjoy its best beaches and outdoor activities. During the dry season, the weather is pleasant and sunny with occasional rainfall.
The wet or rainy season brings high humidity, more frequent rainfall, yet you still get beautiful sunshine. December to February is known as the month for peak precipitation, but it can still be a great month to visit due to milder post-downpour temperatures and abundant sunshine in the mornings until the mid-afternoon or overnight rains.
There is also a windy season which is June-August, when the skies are dotted with colorful kites. This is the hot time for kite enthusiasts. Don’t worry though - despite being called 'windy' it is not often blowing a gale, just lovely and breezy.
What Is The Rainy Season Like?
The rainy season (October-April) just means it will probably rain for a short period, either in the afternoon or overnight. In the morning and mid-afternoon, it will often be sunny or overcast. The rainy season means wildlife, jungles, and waterfalls. Rain creates paradise.
Is High and Dry Season the Best Dates to Travel to Bali?
In the high season the resorts are busy but prices are high, so try shoulder for better value.
The island of the gods is a year-round destination, but most think the prime is between the months of July and August, as this is the high season when the weather is warmest and driest.
However, during this prime period, accommodation prices can go up by as much as 50%. This is Bali’s best time to visit for parties and other festivals. The low season of January to March and October to November offers lower hotel rates and smaller crowds, making it a Bali ideal time to visit for value-based travelers.
Is Bali Rainy Season the best time to go for waterfalls?
Yes! Rainy season can be perfect for the best Bali waterfall chasing, because the flows will be spectacular. But that also means lots of spray and slippery paths. So more cautious travelers might prefer visiting waterfalls in the dry season when they are easier to access.
1. Best things to do during rainy season?
The island of the gods is known for its diverse ecosystems, rich cultural heritage, and unique traditions. The rainy season can be the best time time to visit Bali as it offers a host of activities and attractions. When you visit during the rainy season, be sure to visit the rice paddies and jungle to see the lush green vegetation. You can also take part in activities like yoga, temple tours, and spa and wellness relaxation to help you unwind.
2. Best places to visit during rainy season in places like Ubud?
Ubud is amazing in the rainy season with everything bursting with life
The best places to visit during the rainy period include the jungles, waterfalls and rice paddies. Tourists can explore these areas to see how they thrive in this abundant rainfall. While there are dangers such as dengue fever and malaria, they are manageable, and what you experience in terms of the vibrance of flora, fauna (like cute baby monkeys), waterfalls, and ricefields is truly spectacular. Even the wildlife parks are buzzing in the wet. That's why many people say this is the Bali best time to go.
Tip: If you want to get a feel for these islands' incredible waterfalls, check out our article “The Ultimate Mega Guide to the Best Waterfalls & Hot Springs on Bali & Lombok”.
3. What to pack for the rainy season?
It's one thing to worry about the best dates to visit Bali, but the more important question is what to pack for the tropics and being prepared for any weather! This is a huge topic on its own, so we have an article dedicated to what to pack for Bali and Lombok that covers this in incredible depth, so do check that out.
4. Pros of visiting Southeast Asia's Bali during the rainy season
If you're planning a visit and looking for the best dates to visit Bali, we actually think that the rainy season is actually the best for visiting Bali. The rainy season spans from September to March, with the peak being November to January. During this period, prices for accommodation and flights are usually lower as there are fewer crowds and tourists. Plus, the intimate atmosphere of the island is ideal for honeymooners and couples who want a more private getaway. Additionally, during the rainy season, you will experience incredibly vibrant colors in the landscape, making this the highlight for photographers. Indeed, we think the rainy season offers all visitors the most diverse range of experiences and activities.
5. Cons of visiting during the rainy season
The island of the gods is famous for its beaches and surf culture, but it's also known for its unpredictable weather. Many visitors who are focused on beach culture and want to stay exclusively in a beach location might prefer the dry. You can easily avoid the brief but powerful tropical downpours when day tripping in the wet, but if your aim is to relax at the beach or by your resort pool, the downpours are disruptive. If you are beach/pool focused, the perfect weather is in the dry season. Conversely, if you are focused on exploration, when everything is looking more vibrant and fresh, Bali best time to go is in the rainy period.
Dry Season: Is this best time to go to Bali?
The best time to travel to Bali for surfing is in the dry season
The dry period runs from April to September, with an increase in tourists in the months of July and August. During this period, the weather is warm and dry, with temperatures around 29 °C (84 °F).
This is the best time to go to Bali for beach bums and family groups, who will say it is ideal in Bali as it provides a great opportunity for outdoor activities such as surfing, volcano hikes, and day trips. The feel is Mexico-like, with bougainvillea blooming in the southern resorts. The perfect window to visit during its dry season is from May to June, as this is when the weather is most comfortable.
1. Best things to do during dry season
During the dry season, beaches are cleaner and more pleasant, making conditions perfect for surfing in places such as Uluwatu or Canggu. If you are planning a visit during the dry season, be sure to book accommodations well in advance because it can be hard to find any kind of accommodation.
2. Best places to visit during dry season
The dry season runs from April to September, with fewer rainfalls and lower humidity, making it a very comfortable time to visit Bali. This is because the weather is cooler and the beaches are often quieter. Visitors can explore the island’s incredible coastal hotspots like Seminyak Beach, Nusa Dua Beach, and Sanur Beach, (check out all our Bali best beach articles) or the tropical inland attractions of the cultural village of Ubud or the beautiful rice paddies in Jatiluwih or Sideman. During dry weather, tourists can enjoy average temperatures in the high 20s and sunny beach weather.
3. What to pack for Bali during the dry season
Our detailed guide for what to pack for Bali and Lombok will give you all the essentials and lots of packing tips for what to pack for Bali's dry period.
4. Pros of visiting during the shoulder of the dry season
If you visit Bali during the shoulder seasons of the dry season (April-May, September-October), it can be absolutely beautiful for couples looking for a quieter holiday and lower hotel prices.
5. Cons of visiting during the dry season
During the dry season, you still get higher temperatures but lower humidity, which makes the island more comfortable for visitors. However, mosquitoes may still be active in the dry as they breed in stagnant water (the wet tends to flush and clean mosquito larvae). Additionally, crowds can increase during the high, dry periods, so not ideal if you want to avoid crowds!
What is the Best Month to Visit Bali?
Every month is unique on Bali but beach fun can still be had year-round!
We have a detailed article on “How to choose the best month to visit Bali”, which you can read to drill down to find your perfect month to visit Bali.
But here is a broad overview:
Every month in Bali is its own season, with special characteristics. There is really no best month to visit Bali because it all depends on what you plan to do when visiting.
If you want to fly a kite, June to August are the windiest months, but that is not good news for drone flyers. If you want to see waterfalls, January would be awesome and wild, but not so good for all day at the beach (morning to mid-afternoon might be fine). If you want to have a wedding and invite your friends, the weather in August is dreamy, but the accommodation prices are a nightmare.
So, you have two options:
Pick your month to fit your main activities - That is, pick the best dates to travel to Bali based on preferred activities); or
Pick your activities to match the month you are able to travel - That is, pick the Bali best time to go that fits your schedule and build an itinerary around the optimal activities for the weather at that time).
January: Wettest Month, Bali tourism best time to visit for low crowds
January is the wettest month of the year for the island, with rain often coming down hard and quickly in the afternoon.
February: Wet, Best Time time to Visit Bali for Low Prices
Budget travellers say February is the best time time to visit Bali because hotels often drop prices and offer great value deals and packages in February so rates are lower.
March: Wet Season Ending, Best time travel Bali
March is getting close to the end of the rainy season. Bali's rainy season lasts from November to April. It is the time of year when the weather can be most unpredictable, with rainfall falling at varying timings and intensities (although mainly in the afternoons/evenings). Nyepi (Balinese New Year) is usually in March.
April: Dry Season Begins, Warmest Month, Bali Holidays Best Time to Visit
The dry begins in April and lasts until the end of October. The month of April is therefore a Bali tourism best time to visit because the weather is mostly sunny and dry with hardly any rainfall. This is when beaches are best for swimming, as the water remains warm and clean.
May: Pleasant, Many Travellers Say May Is the Best Time to Visit To Bali
The month of May is considered another top time on Bali. The average temperature during May is between 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F).
June: Fine Weather, Ideal time to visit Bali for luxe resorts
In June, the weather is ideal. It is sunny with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F) and clear skies, making the weather pleasant and comfortable. The humidity levels are low, which makes the weather feel cooler and fresher, and it’s the Bali International Film Festival as well! Also from mid-June to mid-July is the Bali Arts Festival.
July: The weather of Bali in July is superb
If you’re planning a visit in the month of July, you can anticipate great weather conditions, with the average temperature ranging from 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F) and clear skies. With only an average 4 rainy days and low rainfall, July is a great opportunity to explore the island and engage in activities such as climbing Mount Batur.
August: Best Month Weatherwise, Popular for Honeymoon
August is a great month to visit Bali as it marks a bit of a transition to the wet season, with occasional showers that freshen up the landscape. Many say this is their sweet spot, as the temperature remains low and pleasant on sunny days. You can visit beaches, waterfalls, and other places without any discomfort.
September: More Balmy Weather, Bali tour best time
During the dry season in Bai, average temperatures range from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 27 degrees Celsius), and sunny days are common. In September, the transition into the dry season heralds balmy weather with low humidity, sunny skies, and occasional afternoon showers. The windy months of June to August are popular for kite flying.
October: End of the Dry, another best date to visit Bali
If you're planning a visit during the dry season, October is the best month. This month is the end of the dry in Bali. During this time, temperatures are high and rainfall is low. As a result, the weather is sunny and dry, perfect for traveling. However, accommodation can be hard to come by in October, so it's best to book your accommodation as early as possible.
November: Off Season Starts, Bali holidays best time to go for budget travel
November is a time of seclusion and solitude as the dry season ends and the wet season gradually sets in. The weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 26 to 31 degrees Celsius. The month is known for its sunny days, dry weather, and clear skies. It's also one of the perfect times of year for beaches, because rainfall is less common. With fewer tourists, because it is a little pocket between the European/Aussie holidays and Christmas and New Year, prices of hotel rooms go down significantly.
December: Rain is in Full Swing, Waterfalls are Pumping!
In December, when the rainy season starts, the island experiences high humidity and rainfall for most of the month. Average temperatures during this time of year range between 74-91° F (23-33° C).
Tourism Seasons: Picking the best time to visit Bali
Hotels and airlines like to think of 'Peak', 'Shoulder' and 'Low' seasons, so here's how they work:
Peak Season (July-August, December). Bali best times to visit.
Breakfast in the pool? Why not? It’s hot!
The peak season of Bali is the busiest and most expensive time of year, so often people make the mistake of thinking this must be the the only time to come. During this time, temperatures feel as high as 38 to 40 degrees Celsius in the dry season, making it a sunny, dry time of year. Travelers can expect clear blue skies and low humidity during peak season. Of course, December is the start of wet season and peak season, due to Christmas.
Shoulder Season (February, May, June, Oct-Dec). All-round best dates to visit Bali.
During shoulder seasons, it can be the perfect to come to Bali because the weather is pleasant with sunny days and pleasant, balmy nights. This time is best for adventurous travelers as humidity levels are low and fewer people visit Bali.
Low Season (January-March). best dates to visit Bali for value
Low season on Bali brings quiet moments to appreciate new life.
Low season in Bali is generally from January to March and from October to November. This period is known to have lower hotel rates, smaller crowds, (making it the paradise for many!), but increased rainfall, and low activities on the beach such as surfing and swimming. Many folks who are moving to Bali long term find this is a good time to come just to get the pick of long-term rentals in this period of lower competition.
Bali Trip Best Time for You?
So let's put this all together with a couple of examples. If you ask the best dates to visit Bali and you are a waterfall chaser on a budget, you will love the low season, cos that's when it is the wettest, the waterfalls will be pumping, and hotel rates are low.
But if you are a luxe mature-aged traveller who does not want too wet-and-wild of an adventure, the best dates to visit Bali might be in the shoulder, so you avoid the peak crowds but are still visiting at a drier time, making waterfalls less wild and more accessible.
How many days in Bali is enough?
If you're planning a relaxing getaway, then 3-4 days in one location should be enough to explore a little and relax. However, if you're looking for a more in-depth experience, then take 7-10 days or longer to explore more of the culture, cuisine, and landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What months are warm in Bali?
Head to the pool when it gets too hot!
Bali is hot year-round, so if heat is a concern, this will definitely play a part in deciding when to come. What tends to change is the way the ambient temperature feels; humidity makes it feel hotter than it actually is. The island has two distinct seasons, dry season and wet season. The dry season is from May to September, with temperatures reaching up to 31°C and many think this is the best time to visit Bali. During the wet season from October to April, there will be occasional downpours and overcast skies. When these downpours occur, they bring humidity and that makes it feel hotter.
When are the best dates to visit Bali for great weather?
Seeking Bali’s blue skies, golden beaches?
Many say that weather-wise, the ideal time is from May to October. This dry period, spanning from April and October, is the best time of year for enjoying the best of Bali as rainfall and humidity levels are low. June and September are the best months for sun seekers, as these months have less rainfall, resulting in high temperatures and humidity hovering around 85%. Temperatures during July and August range from 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit (21-27 degrees Celsius). If you're looking for more breezy, cooler weather, then the Kintamani region in the interior of the island is best to visit as humidity is lower there.
What is Bali rainy season?
Don’t let a little rain stop you exploring Bali!
Rainy season runs from October to April, with peak rainfall occurring in January. During this time of year, the rainfall is higher than normal and humidity can be oppressive. Mosquitos and mosquito-borne diseases are also increased during this season. In the wet season the flora, fauna and attractions like rivers and waterfalls are at their best. With two distinct seasons; the dry season and the rainy season, the island of the gods offers something for everyone no matter when they visit.
When is the best time to visit Bali?
Get away from the crowds on Mount Batur
Most people will tell you this is usually between April and September, as the weather tends to be sunny during these months. The sweet-spot for less rain and fewer crowds is June and September. However, prices can increase during school holidays and public holidays as accommodation prices and airfares spike due to high levels of demand.
If you’re looking for dry weather without the crowds, visit in April, May, June, or October, as these months tend to experience the least rainfall but also have lower levels of tourism, making slow and sustainable travel possible. July and August are the driest months; however, they can also be the busiest and most expensive time of year to visit.
When is Bali’s high season? Are these the best dates to visit Bali?
Take time to chill away from the crowds
Bali's high season is around Christmas time and in July-August. During these times, the island is most frequently visited by Australians and New Zealanders during their school holidays and at Christmas, and by Europeans during their summertime. Because this is considered a prime time, prices for accommodation tend to be higher as the island can get very crowded due to the influx of tourists.
Are April and May the best dates to visit Bali?
Best time to travel to Bali for diving include April and May
Yes, April and May are considered one of the key times as the weather is perfect, prices are low, and there are fewer tourists around. April marks the start of dry season, when rice fields are still lush and green. There’s also low rainfall at this time of year, making it a great time to visit for sun seekers. Water sports enthusiasts can also make the best of the good weather in April and May as the conditions are perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving or surfing. Prices during shoulder season can be 30-50% cheaper than peak season months, so keep your eye out for better deals.
Is Dec/Jan really not ideal?
Rainy season means big rivers and that means great rafting!
We like to say that the ideal time for you depends on what activities you plan to do. For beach and dive activities, a dry time would be optimal, however, even in December and January, it is often sunny until mid-afternoon, leaving plenty of time for beach activities until the afternoon rains arrive. December and January are peak season for hotel prices, because, for Australians and New Zealanders, it coincides with their summer/Christmas school holidays. So this can be a busier time.
What time of year is cheapest to go to Bali, Indonesia?
The best value travel time for Bali is the wet season
In terms of lower prices for flights and accommodations, this is generally during the wet season, which runs from October to March. During this time, there is typically less demand for travel, resulting in lower prices for flights and accommodations. Another option is to travel during the shoulder seasons (April-June and September-October), when prices are a bit higher but rainfall and humidity are typically lower. The wet is a popular time for backpackers to head to Australia where it is prime summer beach weather.
When is the hot time for Canggu surfing, Gilli islands diving and snorkeling or Uluwatu Sunsets?
Bali sunsets are amazing all year, even if it is partly cloudy.
If you want to visit for surfing, the best dates to visit Bali would be from April to October on the west coast and November to March on the east coast. July is the best month to surf overall as its the best combination of wind and fine weather. For diving and snorkeling, the best dates to visit Bali are usually from April to October in the dry as rainy season can affect visibility for activity like these in the water. Additionally, the island is most popular from early July to late August due to school holidays in Australia and New Zealand, so it might be best to visit during this time if you're looking for a lively atmosphere. However, keep in mind that prices will be higher during the peak season. In summary, the dope time for surfing, diving, and snorkeling activities would be from April to October as it is the dry season with less chance of rain and better visibility in the ocean.
Conclusion
Now you have found your best time to visit Bali, get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
We hope you've found the right time for you to visit Bali’s beaches, waterfalls, rice fields, and volcanoes.
If you’re planning a trip to Bali, in this article we have covered the best time of year to visit the island in terms of weather as well as seasonal prices. We’ve also listed other times of year for the best dates to visit Bali for off-season prices. Finally, you might like to check the latest Bali visa and entry requirements.
Our goal was to show that there might well be an ideal time for you, based on your most desired activities. Alternatively, it might be that there really is no ‘best’ dates to visit Bali, so long as you choose the right activities to suit the time of year you are able to travel.
And finally, watch this video for some great footage and their thoughts in the ideal Bali holiday times, from YouTube’s Discover Top 10 Places channel:
Read More Baligram Travel Tip Articles
Discover everything you need to know about Bali's new tourism tax before your next visit to this tropical paradise.