When is the best time to travel to Bali for every activity?
The Best Time to Travel to Bali is decided based on:1 Weather and 2 Holidays.
These are the best times to travel to Bali, whether you’re coming for the beaches, hiking, or festivals.
Best Time to Travel to Bali
The best time to travel to Bali is between April and October, the island’s dry season. Although the weather is ideal for travelers, the island is also subject to soupy, humid days throughout the year. Many shops offer sales and promotions; restaurants are less crowded in those mid-season months. Treat yourself to lush showers of rain, overcast skies, and thick clouds, ready to relinquish the rain. Sweeping gusts of winds from June and August are treating the island. What’s especially beautiful about this season is the sight of hundreds of Balinese kites dancing in the wind – and why not? This is “kite season,” as the Balinese locals call it when Bali is the busiest.
Peak Season of Bali (July-August, December)
If mixing with the festive crowds of people or spending your time on a bustling beach sounds right to you, then July-August and Christmas-New Year are two of the busiest periods in Bali’s calendar. July-August gives you a pleasant mix of rain and dry weather, with occasional showers and long sunny days. The climate of Bali in winter provides lush showers and an increase of around 90mm of rainfall for the island.
Shoulder Season of Bali (February, May, June, Oct-Dec)
Shoulder season invites you to enjoy great weather at lower prices. The streets hum with energy but are not so busy but not overcrowded. You’ll often find that you can visit iconic temples, landmarks, and other tourist spots without worrying about jam-packed crowds.
Low Season (January-March)
Bali settles down to a quiet simmer after the song and dance of New Year’s and Christmas. The first three months of the year are the best time to travel to Bali to avoid the crowds. During low season, Bali is unapologetically rainy, and you’ll often need a raincoat or umbrella. Lower hotel prices and fewer crowds are great reasons to start the year in Bali.
Bali’s climate & weather
On a visit to Bali, you can expect hot temperatures throughout the year, ranging between 26-29°C and only cooling slightly in the more central regions around Ubud and the mountains. Bali has two distinct seasons to remember when deciding when to visit: the wet, falling between October and March, and the dry, spanning between April and September. The arrival of the dry season means hotter weather and an increase in sunny days. Still, with peak season coinciding with European summer holidays, it also means an increase in the number of visitors in July and August. Most visitors find May, June, and September the best times to visit the island when conditions remain warm and sunny. Still, there are fewer crowds in popular beach resorts like Sanur and Seminyak.
Here’s our month-by-month guide to Bali’s weather and climate.
April to October – The Dry Season
Temperature: Avg. of 31 degrees Celsius high to 27 Celsius degrees low
Weather: Bali’s dry season is a big favorite amongst travelers across the globe. The weather in the dry season of Bali draws in large crowds of foreigners during this season. Southeast winds carry warm, dry air on their wings from Australia to Bali’s sunny shores. The skies are bluer than ever, and the air is crisp. The day’s sunny weather tapers down to cooler evening temperatures and low humidity. The sea is in its prime for all kinds of adventure water sports. Catch the perfect curl of the wave when you surf or dive into the waters to explore a coral kingdom – this is, after all, the best climate to travel to Bali.
Significant events: With the arrival of the powerful southeast winds, Bali prepares kites in hand for the annual Kite Festival during the July-August period. If you’re in Bali during the start of the season (April), don’t miss out on the Ubud Food Festival. In June (you’ll hear it before you see it), attend the Nusa Dali Blues Festival – a big musical event in Bali, where many local and international bands play. In July, take a break from flying kites to visit the Bali Art Festival, and in August, celebrate Bali’s Independence Day with the locals.
Why you should visit now: Combine spectacular weather, festival after festival, and the perfect beach wave, and you’ve got the recipe for a great vacation.
Know before you visit: Although this is the dry season, expect some rainfall or showers, so carry sunblock and an umbrella!
Tips: Book your tickets and hotels in advance during this season. Owing to the dry season’s popularity amongst tourists, you may find things more expensive.
November to March – The Wet Season
Temperature: Avg. of 27 degrees Celsius high to 25 degrees Celsius low
Weather: Steamy and just a little sticky – this is Bali’s wet season. Weather in the wet season of Bali means skies are grey, gloomy, and overcast, the waves are a little rougher, and the entire island goes from festive and celebratory (during the Christmas-New Year period) to quiet and contemplative (January and February). Many tourists do prefer this season as rates are cheaper and the crowds are manageable. Downpours of rain can soak this island from December to February. Although the beaches aren’t in the best condition, other sports like canyoning and white water rafting are options for thrill-seeking tourists.
Significant events: Bali may be shorter for tourists this season, but the island is just as busy with festivals and experiences for locals and holidaymakers. November brings the Makepung Buffalo Races in Jembrana, West Bali. December is a month of great celebration – add the Denpasar festival to your Christmas and New Year agenda. January, February, and March are quieter, but in March, you’ll experience a new level of silence with Nyepi Day – a day when all locals stay silent, and you should not use any light.
Why you should visit now: Rainy showers make for a beautiful island, and you’ll also have tourist spots largely to yourself as Bali is less crowded during this season.
Know before you visit: Try not to make this a beach trip! The weather in the wet season of Bali makes the sea too rough, and the debris from Christmas and New Year celebrations usually leaves the beaches dirty.
Tips: Swap the beach for a relaxing spa day!
Climate by the Month to Decide the Best Time to Travel to Bali
Bali in January: Wettest Month, Uncrowded
January is typically Bali’s wettest month, though rainfall is not usually constant; you can expect hot sunny days with average temperatures of 26°C. But expect some brief tropical downpours. In the higher regions around Mount Batur, temperatures are cooler and can drop to 15°C at night.
- Average temperature range: 24°C to 33°C (75°F to 91°F)
- Weather: warm/hot, humid, stormy, averaging 27 rainy days, very high rainfall
- Recommended 2023 festival: Gulungan (January 4–14, 2023), Bali’s most important Hindu festival. This celebrates ancestral spirits visiting in a great cultural event every 210 days.
January weather conditions may be the worst of the year, but Bali is still warm/hot, and the rain can even offer respite from the heat when it comes to afternoon downpours.
This is the month for finding the best deals on hotels and flights. You’ll find uncrowded temples and plenty of space on the beaches. The exception is January 1st to 6th when there are New Year vacationers.
It is not the time for diving, snorkeling, etc., or island hopping. Still, if you are content to grab some rays when you can on the beach and bring waterproofs/umbrellas for any time in the jungle or on the rice terraces, you could make Bali in January an enjoyable and economical trip.
Bali in February: Wet, Low Prices
The rainy season continues in February, with hot and humid days punctuated by intense periods of tropical rainfall. The temperatures stay at a consistent 26°C, but with rough seas at this time, expect greatly low visibility around West Bali National Park for diving and snorkeling.
- Average temperature range: 24°C to 33°C (75°F to 91°F)
- Weather: some downpours, humid, averaging 22 rainy days, high rainfall
Though better than January, February is still an off-season month, featuring regular heavy rain but low prices and low visitor numbers at top sights.
You could enjoy a peaceful holiday this month, with some dry hours on the beach on most days, if you’re prepared to take it easy, dodge the rain, and spend more time indoors.
Avoid diving and other ocean activities due to poor visibility underwater and strong currents. Rough seas mean ferry crossings aren’t recommended. Visibility on Mount Batur is often poor, and long hikes are not recommended.
Bali in March: Last Wet Season Month
You can expect a high chance of afternoon rain showers in March. Days are hot, with temperatures increasing to an average of 27°C, and humidity can feel slightly intense. This is a great time to head inland to the cooler temperatures in Ubud for a respite.
- Average temperature range: 24°C to 34°C (75°F to 93°F)
- Weather: some downpours, humid, averaging 20 rainy days, high rainfall
March is still a wet month in Bali, especially in the first half of the month. It gets a little warmer, and the showers start to peter out at the end of March.
Enjoy low prices and longer gaps between the rain. Diving’s still out, and hiking’s still not recommended. Taking (morning) opportunities to see the scenery and enjoy the beaches, reserving temple visits, and other indoor activities for when the rain comes is advised.
Bali in April: Dry Season Begins, Warmest Month
With Bali’s wet season coming to an end, the chance of rainfall this month starts to reduce significantly. You’ll enjoy mostly sunny days, and temperatures will start to climb. With fewer winds along the coast, water visibility for diving and snorkeling off Bali’s east coast is very good.
- Average temperature range: 25°C to 34°C (77°F to 93°F)
- Weather: hottest month, but less humid, 9 rainy days, low rainfall
April is the hottest month in Bali. It is not unusual for temperatures to exceed 30°C (95°F) all day, and nights often stay in the high 20s Celsius (the 80s Fahrenheit)!
For beach lovers, hikers, divers… you are almost guaranteed some blue sky days and clear seas. But there will still be some rain on about 1 day in 3.
Bali is busy around Easter, but the rest of the month is a shoulder season time. Staying in a lovely beach resort with air-con in the April shoulder season offers a compromise between economy and the absolute best weather.
Bali in May: Pleasant
May is Bali’s hottest month, with temperatures averaging a maximum of 29°C. You can expect consistently dry and sunny weather, which makes for excellent diving and mountain climbing conditions. With the island not overly busy now, this is a great month to check for the best value offers.
- Average temperature range: 24°C to 33°C (75°F to 91°F)
- Weather: hot/warm, pleasant, averaging 8 rainy days, low rainfall
May offers good conditions for Bali’s activities, from island hopping to jungle swinging, with minimal chance of disruption.
In May, the shoulder season continues. It’s a little cooler and drier than April, so better weather with similar prices.
Bali in June: Fine Weather
One of the best months to travel to Bali, June enjoys idyllic conditions with constant sunshine and a wonderfully warm average temperature of 27°C. You’re still not quite into the high season this month, so with visitor numbers fairly low, you’ll enjoy less crowded hotels, beaches, and restaurants if you visit now.
- Average temperature range: 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F)
- Weather: warm, clear skies/ocean, averaging 6 rainy days, low rainfall
- Recommended 2023 festival: Gulungan (June 8–18, 2022), Bali’s most important Hindu festival, celebrates ancestral spirits visiting in an interesting 11-day cultural event every 210 days.
- Recommended yearly festival: Bali Arts Festival (June 12th – July 10th, 2022; always mid-June–mid-July) in Denpasar offers a colorful journey into the world of Bali art.
June has lots of sunshine and balmy temperatures. It does not feel humid. This is an ideal month for all the island’s outdoor activities.
June is the end of the shoulder season, and the peak tourism season will arrive at the end of June. Be prepared for full hotels and full prices.
Bali in July: Best time to travel to Bali for Great Island Conditions
July is another dry month, with an average of 4 days of rain and maximum temperatures of 27°C. With the European school holidays approaching, July is a popular time of year to visit the island, so beach hotels, particularly in the popular resorts of Sanur and Seminyak, are likely to be busy. Water visibility for diving and snorkeling is excellent this month.
- Average temperature range: 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F)
- Weather: warm, clear skies/waters, just 4 rainy days, low rainfall
- Recommended yearly festivals: Bali Arts Festival (June 12th – July 10th, 2022; always mid-June–mid-July) in Denpasar is a great opportunity to see local costumes, dances, and displays. Bali Kite Festival is also held through July at Sanur Beach, south Bali.
Enjoy great conditions for tropical relaxation and adventure. You could even plan to climb Mount Batur, Bali’s iconic volcano with a lake, with only a slim chance of any significant rain. Sunrise treks with high visibility are a highlight of Bali’s dry season.
Tourism peaks in July, and accommodation prices reach their highest. It is best to book accommodation early. At least three months in advance to avoid extra costs or fully booked hotels.
Bali in August: Best time to travel to Bali Weatherwise
Bali’s weather in August follows in a similar fashion to July. With an average of 10 hours of sunshine a day, August is the sunniest month of the year – you’ll enjoy perfect beach conditions and hot temperatures that average 27°C. The south coast beach resorts are very busy this month, so for relief from the crowds as well as the hot weather, it might be worth heading towards the central region around Ubud.
- Average temperature range: 23°C to 30°C (73°F to 86°F)
- Weather: warm, clear skies/waters, just 4 rainy days, very low rainfall
- Recommended festival: Indonesian Independence Day on August 17th has parades and other outdoor festivities.
August is the peak month for traveling to Bali. Virtually no rain means travel plans can be made with certainty and the best of snorkeling etc. conditions can be enjoyed.
Get your rooms and tours booked early, whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a tropical family vacation, or a well-earned treat to boost your wellness for the rest of the year.
Bali in September: More Balmy Weather
September is still a predominantly dry month with plenty of sunshine and clear skies, and temperatures that average a hot 27°C. One of the best months to travel to Bali, the end of the European summer holidays, means that visitor numbers begin to reduce – the south coast beaches will become less crowded, and you’ll experience fewer crowds when visiting temples and towns.
- Average temperature range: 23°C to 30°C (73°F to 86°F)
- Weather: warm, clear skies/waters, 8 rainy days, low rainfall
Tourism starts to drop off a bit after August, and September is considered a shoulder month (mainly as it’s the back-to-school month for many nations).
Though there is a little more rain, it’s still not significant. If you can visit in September, it should be in good condition for less money.
Bali in October: End of the Dry Season
October is officially the start of the wet season, so brief bursts of rainfall should be expected this month. Temperatures remain very warm in October, and you’ll still enjoy good water visibility around the protected dive spots of Menjangan and West Bali National Park.
- Average temperature range: 24°C to 34°C (75°F to 93°F)
- Weather: heat/humidity builds, showers more often, ~12 rainy days, low rainfall
Bali experiences increasing rainfall towards the end of October, making it another month where deals can be had as hotels try to fill rooms as demand drops.
In general, October is good value for money. It is your last chance to enjoy diving in Bali before the rainy season sets in and the ocean cloud up.
Bali in November: Off-Season Starts
With the wet season now in full swing, you can expect an increased level of rainfall in November, particularly toward the end of the month. Sunny days are still frequent, and temperatures remain hot at an average of 27°C. Due to the wetter conditions, mountain climbing and trekking Mount Batur are not recommended this month.
- Average temperature range: 24°C to 33°C (75°F to 91°F)
- Weather: hot/humid, a few downpours, averaging 16 rainy days, moderate rainfall
The sea in Bali is noticeably rougher during November, which is not good for water activities, though rainfall doesn’t reach high amounts yet, so you might still get a day’s hiking in carrying waterproofs.
November is definitely in the off-season, but there are still plenty of things that you can do.
Bali in December: Rainy Season in Full Swing
December in Bali has a high chance of rain showers. However, you can still enjoy long periods of sunshine and very warm temperatures. With sea conditions worsening and the south coast beaches getting windier, there will be greatly low water visibility. Despite the wet weather, Christmas and New Year remain popular times of year for visitors. So if you plan on visiting Bali now, it’s well worth booking activities in advance.
- Average temperature range: 24°C to 33°C (75°F to 91°F)
- Weather: hot/warm, some downpours, averaging 22 rainy days, high rainfall
Although the wet season means some things like diving and mountain hikes are off the cards, you could still dodge the rain for sunny spells on the beach and yoga in the jungle. Enjoy delicious Balinese food indoors and its cultural attractions while you wait for the rain to stop.
Best Month to Travel to Bali by Activity
Best time to Travel to Bali for Hiking
If you plan to spend your days hiking, visiting between April and October is ideal. The rainy season is just too unpredictable for daily hikes, especially if you’re trying to cram in serious mileage. For those who are game to watch the weather, find a sunny morning, and take one short trek, visiting during the rainy season can work. But suppose you’re traveling to Bali specifically to hike, much like those visiting the beaches. In that case, you’ll want to come in the dry season. Similarly, suppose you’d like to rent a motorbike and spend your days zipping around the island. In that case, the dry season is also a better fit.
Best Time to Travel to Bali to Hike Mount Batur
Mount Batur is the most iconic Bali hike. Typically, you’ll book through a tour company that will pick you up from your hotel at about 2 a.m. for the 1,717-meter (5,633-foot) trek. You’ll summit the active volcano as the sun rises. And depending on your guide, you can have eggs boiled in the volcanic steam at the top of Mount Batur. The best time to do this two-hour hike to the summit is between May and September to ensure dry weather and clear views.
Best Time to Travel to Bali to Avoid Crowds
October, January, and February are Bali’s true off-season. All three months can be rainy (January sees the most rainfall). This means you won’t find crowds in search of perfect beach weather and diving conditions. And because you’ll also avoid the biggest holiday months (November and December), you’ll find the island calm and filled with locals and ex-pats. Ultimately, October, January, and February offer the best opportunities to see the temples without the tourist throngs. Also, have the beaches to yourself and cash in on the best hotel deals in Bali.
Best Times to Travel to Bali Around Specific Holidays and Festivals
One of the most iconic festivals in Bali is the Bali Arts Festival, which occurs in June and July. Indonesian Independence Day (or Hari Merdeka) falls on August 17th, and it’s commemorated with parades and outdoor celebrations. Meanwhile, Galungan, which is a 10-day holiday celebrating the triumph of good over evil (dharma over adharma), happens in November. Keep in mind that if you’re traveling for a Hindu celebration, Balinese Hindus often celebrate different holidays than Hindus in India. Galungan, for example, is a feast that isn’t observed in India but is extremely important in Bali. Nyepi, a day of fasting before the New Year, typically occurs in March. And it’s akin to Navreh or Ugadi in India, which happens in April.
Best Months to Visit the Beach in Bali
The best months for a classic Bali beach vacation are May, June, July, August, and September. August is the driest month on the island. These are also the best months for snorkeling and diving, as rain limits visibility below the water’s surface, and sunshine enhances the underwater experience. Of course, the drawback of coming to Bali between May and September is that you’re visiting during peak season. There’ll be huge crowds in The temples, beaches, hotels, and yoga classes. So it’s more likely you won’t have as many opportunities to soak up that sweet Balinese serenity you can experience in the low season.
Making the “Worst Times” Better
For example, you could choose a jungle or rice terrace visit at their lushest times and stay away from choppy seas where ferry crossings and ocean activities may be canceled.
The ocean is too cloudy and turbulent for enjoyable diving in the wet season. However, you can still do Yoga even when it’s raining (with a roof/shelter). The rain’s pitter-patter may even enhance the experience. The humidity reduction certainly will.
During the wet season, it doesn’t rain all day long. Usually, there are short afternoon downpours, and the rest of the day is sunny, so you can enjoy most days without too much inconvenience. That said, the rain is generally too much and unpredictable to get a good hike or scooter adventure in before the clouds burst. Always plan somewhere to take shelter!