Best Time to Visit Bali: Month-by-Month Guide

Bali's dry season runs from April through October, delivering the most reliable weather with minimal rainfall, lower humidity, and clear blue skies. Daytime temperatures hover around 27-30 degrees Celsius (80-86 Fahrenheit), and evenings cool to a comfortable 23-25 degrees, especially in the highlands around Ubud and Kintamani. Humidity drops to 60-70%, compared to 80-90% in the rainy season. This is the most popular time to visit, and prices reflect that. Hotel rates in July and August can be 40-60% higher than November, and popular restaurants and beach clubs require reservations. Attractions like Tirta Empul, Tegallalang Rice Terrace, and Uluwatu Temple are crowded by mid-morning. The trade-off is worth it for many visitors: diving visibility reaches 30+ meters, rice terraces glow their most vibrant green, and you can reliably plan outdoor activities without rain cancellations. If you visit during dry season, book accommodation and activities at least two to three months in advance, especially for July, August, and the Christmas-New Year period. Early risers get the best experience at popular sites: arrive at Tegallalang by 7:30 AM or Uluwatu Temple by 4:00 PM for sunset without the midday crowds.

The rainy season in Bali runs from November through March, with January and February receiving the heaviest rainfall. However, rainy season does not mean constant rain. Typical weather follows a pattern of sunny mornings with tropical downpours in the late afternoon or evening, lasting one to three hours before clearing. Many travelers find the rainy season perfectly enjoyable, especially since accommodation prices drop by 30-50% compared to peak season. A villa that costs $200 per night in August might be $100-120 in November. Restaurants are quieter, you rarely need reservations, and popular attractions are far less crowded. The landscape transforms into an even more lush and dramatic version of itself, with waterfalls running at full force and rice terraces at their most vivid green. The trade-offs are real, though. Humidity climbs to 80-90%, making outdoor activities more tiring. Some unpaved roads flood or become muddy, affecting access to remote waterfalls and villages. Sea conditions on the west coast can be rough, with reduced visibility for diving and stronger currents at beaches. The east coast (Amed, Candidasa) and north coast (Lovina) tend to have calmer seas and less rainfall overall during this period. Mosquitoes are more active in the rainy season, so pack strong repellent and consider long sleeves at dusk.

The true insider months for visiting Bali are May, June, and September. These shoulder season months deliver dry-season weather without the peak-season prices and crowds that define July and August. In May and June, the dry season is just establishing itself: skies are clear, humidity is dropping, and hotel operators have not yet shifted to peak pricing. You can often find mid-range hotels at 20-30% below their July rates, and luxury villas offer significant discounts or complimentary extras like spa treatments and airport transfers. September offers a similar advantage on the back end of peak season. European and Australian school holidays are over, flights from major hubs drop in price, and Bali's hospitality industry eases back into a more relaxed rhythm. You will still enjoy excellent weather, as meaningful rainfall rarely starts until late October or November. Surf conditions are particularly good in May-June, with consistent swells hitting the west coast breaks at Uluwatu, Padang Padang, and Canggu without the crowded lineups of July. Diving visibility remains excellent through September. Cultural activities also peak during these months, with Galungan and Kuningan ceremonies often falling between May and September depending on the Balinese Pawukon calendar.

Bali's absolute peak tourism periods are mid-July through August (European and Australian school holidays) and mid-December through early January (Christmas and New Year). During these windows, the island operates at or near capacity. Accommodation prices surge to their highest levels, with popular villas in Seminyak and Canggu reaching $300-500 per night for properties that normally cost $100-150. Flight prices from major hubs like Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur increase by 50-100%. Beach clubs like Finns, Potato Head, and Savaya charge premium entry fees and require advance table bookings. Traffic congestion worsens noticeably in southern Bali, with the Seminyak-Canggu corridor becoming particularly gridlocked during evening hours. The Christmas-New Year period is technically rainy season, but Bali usually experiences drier-than-average weather in late December due to seasonal variations. New Year's Eve celebrations are massive, with fireworks displays along the Seminyak-Kuta beachfront, special dinners at every restaurant, and packed nightclubs. If you must travel during peak season, book everything at least three to four months in advance. Consider basing yourself in less congested areas like Sanur, Ubud, or Uluwatu, where the peak-season markup is less extreme than in Seminyak and Canggu. Private drivers are essential during this period, as ride-hailing apps face extended wait times.

Bali's Hindu calendar creates a year-round cycle of spectacular ceremonies and festivals that add incredible depth to any visit. Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence, usually falls in March and is the most dramatic event on the calendar. The night before Nyepi, every village parades enormous ogoh-ogoh monster statues through the streets in a cacophony of music and fireworks. Then, at sunrise on Nyepi itself, the entire island goes silent for 24 hours: no flights, no vehicles, no lights, no leaving your hotel compound. It is an extraordinary experience that you will not find anywhere else on earth. Galungan and Kuningan occur every 210 days on the Balinese Pawukon calendar, meaning dates shift annually. During Galungan, the spirits of ancestors return to earth, and every household erects tall bamboo penjor poles decorated with offerings along roadways. Ten days later, Kuningan marks the ancestors' departure. Both celebrations transform Bali's villages into living works of art and are perhaps the most photogenic periods to visit. Saraswati Day celebrates the goddess of knowledge, learning, and the arts with offerings placed on books and musical instruments. Full moon ceremonies (Purnama) at major temples like Uluwatu, Besakih, and Tanah Lot draw thousands of worshippers in traditional dress, creating unforgettable scenes. Check the Balinese ceremonial calendar before your trip to align your visit with these remarkable events.