The best time to visit Bali depends on what you want to do: if you prefer dry days and calm seas, aim for the dry season from April to October; if you want lower prices and fewer crowds, the wet season from November to March has its own advantages. Timing a trip to Bali means balancing weather, crowds, activities, and cost so you get the experience you most want.
This guide breaks down Bali weather month-by-month, explains peak and low Bali tourist season patterns, outlines activity-specific recommendations, and gives practical tips on travel costs and where to stay. Use the sections below to decide the ideal month for your style of travel and to plan a smoother visit.
When is the best time to visit Bali: quick answer
Generally, the dry season (April–October) is considered the best time to visit Bali for most travelers: clear skies, lower humidity, and reliable conditions for beaches, outdoor sightseeing, and trekking. July and August bring the highest visitor numbers and busiest resorts, while shoulder months like April, May, September and early October offer many of the benefits of dry-season weather with fewer crowds.
If surfing or cheap accommodation matters most, consider the wet season. Although rain is heavier and more frequent between November and March, showers are often short and interspersed with sunny spells. Many travelers enjoy the wet season for lower Bali travel cost and a quieter island experience.
Bali weather month-by-month
Understanding the island’s monthly patterns helps you fine-tune travel dates. Bali has two main seasons—wet and dry—and local microclimates mean conditions can vary between coastal areas and inland highlands like Ubud and Bedugul.
- January–March: Wettest months. Frequent afternoon storms, high humidity, and occasionally heavy downpours. Sea conditions can be rough on the south coast, and some hikes may be muddy or slippery.
- April–June: Transition to dry season. Rainfall drops, skies clear up, and coastal waters calm. This is an excellent time for diving and exploring cultural sites before the high season fully arrives.
- July–August: Peak dry months. Warm, sunny days and cool evenings in the highlands. Expect more crowds, higher prices at popular hotels, and busy beaches and temples.
- September–October: Late dry season and ideal shoulder months. Weather remains pleasant and crowds thin gradually after August. Seas are still calm, making this a good time for water sports and boat trips.
- November–December: Beginning of the wet season. Rain increases, but there are still many dry, sunny intervals. Consider this period if you want to travel on a budget or experience Bali without peak crowds.
For precise, up-to-date accommodation availability and deals during your preferred months, you can search hotels and villas in Bali to compare options for different seasons.
Understanding Bali tourist season: peak, shoulder and low
Bali’s tourist seasons reflect international holidays and European school breaks as well as local festivities. Peak season centers on July and August, and the period around Christmas and New Year (mid-December to early January). Those months bring high occupancy, higher prices, and busier transport and attractions.
- Peak season (July–August, late December–early January): Expect full hotels, crowded beaches and temples, and longer waits at top restaurants. Book transport and popular activities well in advance.
- Shoulder season (April–June, September–October): A sweet spot for many: good weather, manageable crowds, and more attractive rates than peak months.
- Low season (November–March): Lower rates on accommodation and activities, quieter town centers, and easier reservations. Rainfall is higher, but many visitors find the trade-off worthwhile for value and space.
Travelers focused on cultural events may plan around Balinese festivals such as Nyepi (the Day of Silence) and Galungan; these bring unique experiences but also temporary closures and transport changes, so check local dates when planning.
Activities and the best months for each
Choose your travel window based on activities—Bali can be a very different island depending on what you want to do:
- Beach and sunbathing: April–October gives the most reliable sunny days and calm seas for swimming on the south and west coasts.
- Surfing: West and south coasts have consistent waves year-round, but the peak swells for big-surf spots run from May to September on the west-facing breaks, and December–March favors east coast breaks.
- Diving and snorkeling: Visibility is best in the dry months (April–October), though you can dive year-round at many sites. For manta rays and certain seasonal critters, check local dive operators for peak windows.
- Hiking and trekking: Dry season is safer and less muddy for volcano treks like Mount Batur; start early to avoid midday heat and bring appropriate layers for cooler summit temperatures.
- Cultural visits and temple ceremonies: Can be enjoyed year-round; avoid Nyepi if you prefer open streets and businesses, since many services pause on that day.
Bali travel cost: when it’s cheapest and how to save
Overall Bali travel cost varies widely based on accommodation choices, travel style, and season. Low season (November–March excluding Christmas) tends to be the cheapest time to visit Bali: hotels, flights, and tours often discount rates to attract bookings. If you’re flexible, midweek stays and last-minute deals can reduce costs further.
- Accommodation: Luxury resorts maintain higher rates year-round but often drop prices in the wet season. Guesthouses and homestays offer the greatest savings off-peak.
- Flights: Airfares peak during summer and year-end holidays. Booking several months in advance or watching for sale periods helps lower transport costs.
- Activities and tours: Expect discounts in the low season; small-group tours may have fewer departures, so confirm schedules ahead of time.
To compare current availability and seasonal pricing across a wide range of places to stay, you can browse accommodation listings for Bali and filter by date and budget to see how nightly rates change across months.
Practical planning tips for each season
No matter which month you pick, a few planning habits make trips smoother:
- Pack for microclimates: bring light layers for inland highlands, a light rain jacket for the wet months, and reef-safe sunscreen for coastal activities.
- Book ahead for peak months: reserve accommodation, day trips, and special restaurant nights early if traveling in July, August, or around New Year.
- Be flexible with plans during the wet season: schedule outdoor activities in mornings when showers are less likely, and have indoor alternatives for afternoons.
- Respect local customs: Balinese temples and ceremonies are living cultural sites—dress modestly and follow guidance from local hosts or guides.
FAQs
When is the wet season in Bali and how much does it affect travel?
The wet season runs roughly November through March. Rainfall is heavier and humidity rises, but showers are often short and many days remain partly sunny. Travel is still very possible, and the season offers lower prices and fewer tourists, though some water activities may be affected by rougher seas.
Is Bali crowded during the dry season?
Yes, July and August and the December–January holiday period are the busiest. If you want good weather without peak crowds, consider April–June or September–October, which balance pleasant conditions and reduced visitor numbers.
What months are best for surfing in Bali?
Surfing conditions depend on the coast: the west and south coasts usually peak May–September, while the east coast gets better breaks December–March. Choose your surf spot based on swell forecasts for the best sessions.
Can I find cheap accommodation in Bali year-round?
Budget options exist year-round, but prices are lowest during the wet season when hotels and villas discount rates. Booking in advance during peak periods or searching last-minute in the low season can both yield bargains.
Should I plan around Balinese festivals when choosing when to visit?
Yes. Festivals like Nyepi and Galungan offer unique cultural experiences, but Nyepi involves island-wide quiet and closures, while major ceremonies can affect transport and opening hours. Check festival dates before booking if you want to attend events or avoid inconvenience.
Conclusion
In short, the best time to visit Bali is the dry season (April–October) for reliable weather and outdoor activities, while the wet season (November–March) suits travelers seeking lower costs and fewer crowds. Shoulder months like April–June and September–October deliver a strong balance of favorable weather, smaller crowds, and better value.
Match your priorities—weather, activities, budget, and tolerance for crowds—against the seasonal breakdowns above, and you’ll be able to choose the month that gives you the most from Bali. With a bit of planning and flexibility, Bali can be rewarding any time of year.