Best Time to Visit Bali, Indonesia

What is the Weather like in Bali?

Bali is a beautiful island that lies close to the equator, meaning it has warm, tropical weather throughout the entire year. Temperatures range between 26 – 29 degrees Celsius, only cooling slightly in more central regions such as Ubud or higher up in the mountains.

There are two distinct seasons in Bali: the rainy season and the dry season. During each period, you can choose from different activities, making this incredible part of Indonesia enjoyable in any type of weather.

Rainy Season

The lush green scenery that’s part of Bali’s undeniable fame doesn’t just come from anywhere. It’s the rainfall that makes the jungle and stunning rice paddies thrive.

• The rainy season in Bali typically runs from October to March, fluctuating in severity between the months.
• You can expect more rainfall during this time, but showers rarely last more than a few hours. Meaning you can do plenty of activities throughout the day, including sunbathing on the beach.
• Sunsets are generally more impressive during the rainy season in Bali.
• Due to the rain, rivers start flowing stronger, taking a lot of trash (thrown in the river) into the ocean, which then ends up on the beach. The beaches are filled with plastics during the rainy season in Bali.
• Temperatures remain at an average of 28 degrees Celsius, and the days will feel more humid.

Dry Season

• The dry season in Bali runs from April to September, with hotter weather and more sunny days.
• Beaches are cleaner during this season, making it a great time to go sunbathing in places such as Uluwatu or Canggu.
• The season rarely sees rain, but it does coincide with the summer holidays around the world. This means that there’s an increase in the number of visitors, especially in July and August. 

High & Low Season

Between July and September is when tourism peaks in beautiful Bali. It slowly begins to climb in March and is around the highest point in July and August.

Crowds typically drop immediately when the fall (rainy season) comes around. But, the island does see another wave of tourists around late December until mid-January, as Bali is popular for Christmas and New Year.

Best Time to Visit Bali

Bali, Indonesia, is a magical place to visit. It’s an incredibly diverse destination with much to offer, from the jungle-covered mountains around Munduk to the smaller otherworldly islands such as Nusa Penida. You can plan your trip to Bali however you like. Whether it’s full of touring the island’s temples, going on a yoga retreat, or spending time on the beach. However, Bali is also a great place to visit without any plans and just ‘go with the flow’. 

Best Time to Visit Bali for Surfing

Beautiful rolling waves on both sides of the island and a consistent swell from the Indian Ocean make Bali one of the best destinations to go surfing. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or it’s your first time on a board, there are numerous great spots to enjoy the water. 

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Surf Seasons

May to October (dry season) is the best season to surf in Bali, which coincides with the high tourist season. However, you can surf in Bali throughout the entire year.

• The island’s west coast sees big swells during the dry season as it gets a lot of wind blown in from the South East.
• During the rainy season, especially from December to February, the wind comes from the West, making the east coast a great place to surf.

Best Month to Visit Bali for Nature Hikes

If you’re looking to do some hiking in Bali, then April to October is the best time to visit. Especially if you’re planning on doing longer treks, visiting during the dry season is much safer. Though, if you want to do just a short trek and have looked at the weather forecast, you can also visit in the rainy season.

Tip: Mount Batur is the most iconic hike in Bali. Rise and shine early to hike up to 1700 meters and watch the sunrise from the active Batur Volcano. With a normal fitness level, you’ll summit the volcano within a relatively easy two-hour trek. Message our friend Yande below to arrange this trip.

Book a local driver or tour Contact our friend Yande with his Bali Friend Tour team. We've done countless incredible trips with him in the last 6 years!

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Best Time to Visit Bali for Beaches and Relaxation

Bali makes a beach paradise, from perfectly soft white coastline to grey pebbled beach or beautiful black sand. (Here are the best beaches in Bali) The best months for an amazing Bali beach vacation are between May and September, with August being the driest month on the island. This is also the best time to go snorkeling or diving in the crystal waters around Bali, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Penida.

Best Time to go to Bali for Festivals and Events

Throughout the year, Bali has some amazing events and festivals that you can join if you time it right. One of the most iconic celebrations on the island is the Bali Arts Festival, which takes place from mid-June to mid-July. During this month, you can witness parades, dances, art exhibitions, and various other cultural performances, most of them in Denpasar. 

Wind season

If you’re visiting Bali during the windy season in July and August, there’s the Bali Kite Festival that takes place on the east coast of Padangalak. This event was originally held to thank the heavens for the crops and harvests that would come. Now, it’s turned into a big celebration with hundreds of kites flying in the sky, competing for prizes. Indonesia’s Independence Day (Hari Merdeka) takes place on August 17th, which is also commemorated with parades and outdoor celebrations. 

Nyepi

One day a year, typically in March or April, the Balinese have a day of silence. This day of Nyepi is based on the Saka calendar and is a day of silence, fasting, and meditation before the New Year. No work, entertainment, or traveling happens, nor is it allowed for a whole day. This means that the whole island of Bali turns off its lights and sounds, deserts all worldly activities, and complete silence and serenity reign. If you are in Bali during this quiet celebration, enjoy the day calmly at your hotel. 

The Best Month to Visit Bali for the Fewest Crowds

Bali, with its tropical climate and stunning landscapes, is one of the most sought-after locations in the world. Because of this, it’s not uncommon to experience the island with many other people visiting. Because of this, it’s great to visit in the off-season. The best time to visit Bali for the fewest crowds is in October, January, and February.

Cheapest Time to Travel to Bali

Bali is Indonesia’s most expensive tourist destination and one of the pricier locations to visit in Southeast Asia. However, the island is as expensive as you make it; you can cut costs by eating delicious street food or staying at family-run guesthouses.

Depending on the time of year you’re visiting, Bali can be quite affordable. Traveling during the wet season is one of the best ways to save some money. Tourism numbers are lower, meaning that prices for accommodation and flights are cheaper too. Note, though: around November and December, prices typically increase because of the holiday period, despite the rainy season. February is known as the cheapest month to book your flight to Bali.

Best Month to Visit Bali Overall

Bali’s beaches are scattered with colorful towels and parasols during the island’s busiest season, from early July till the end of August. Therefore, the best time to visit Bali is between May and the beginning of July or the end of September.

During this time, the weather remains warm and sunny, and there’ll be fewer crowds in popular beach areas such as Sanur or Seminyak. Enjoy warm, sunny days on beautiful beaches or perfectly clear skies during mountain hikes. 

Do I Need Insurance to Visit Bali?

Travel insurance is something you hope you’ll never need, but it’s always good to play it safe. It’s there to protect you from any unforeseen scenarios during your travels to Bali, even if it’s minor incidents such as losing your phone during a night out in Canggu or breaking your camera on a day trip.

Travel insurance also covers more severe situations, such as hospital care or having to fly home because of the loss of a family member. No one can predict food poisoning or a broken ankle, so it’s essential to have insurance just in case. 

Do I Need a Visa for Bali?

From Bali’s powerful waterfalls to its tropical islands, volcanoes, and lush green paddies, there’s a lot to discover on the small island. To experience an amazing trip in Bali, you’ll need to figure out if you need a visa and how to get one before entering Indonesia. 

There are two different types of tourist visas, and you’ll have to choose the right visa for Bali according to the length of your stay in Indonesia. You can apply in advance for your visa, taking the hassle out of your airport experience. The two types of visas for Bali (and Indonesia in general) are:

• Visa on arrival (up to 60 days)
• Visa B211A (perfect for digital nomads)

Where to Stay in Bali

Depending on your Bali travel itinerary, there are numerous great locations to stay at. When it’s nice and sunny, spend your days in a hotel with an ocean view in beach hubs Canggu and Seminyak. If the skies are clear, head up high to the region of Munduk and go glamping between the mountains. When the rain returns, visit the lush jungles and waterfalls around Ubud and spend your time listening to the showers ticking on the roof of your bamboo villa.

Below are our favorite stays for different destinations in Bali. 

• Canggu: Echo Beach Townhouses, Puri Beij B&B, and Vande Guesthouse
• Seminyak: The Elysian and Villa Air
• Uluwatu: Padang Padang Inn and Bukal Sari Villas
• Ubud: Maya Ubud, Jungle Retreat Ubud, Nang Ade House
• Munduk: Villa Dua Bintang and Swar Bali Lodge
• Nusa Lembongan & Cenigan: Gecko Bungalow, Water Blow Huts, and Pange Hostel
• Nusa Penida: Coco Resort, La Roja Bungalows, and Full Moon Bungalow