Bali is warm and tropical all year, so there is no bad time to go, but the seasons do shape your trip. The dry season brings sunny days for beaches, hikes, and diving, while the wet season brings lush landscapes, short heavy downpours, and lower prices. Here is the best time to visit Bali for good weather, fewer crowds, lower prices, island-hopping, surfing, and festivals.
Quick Answer
- Best overall: April, May, June, and September, with dry weather and fewer crowds than peak season.
- Best weather: April to October, the dry season.
- Lowest prices: November to March, outside the Christmas and New Year holidays.
- Busiest times: July, August, and late December to early January.
Bali's Seasons
- Dry season (April to October): Sunny, less humid, and ideal for outdoor activities. July and August are the peak of the tourist season.
- Wet season (November to March): Hot and humid, with heavy downpours, usually in the afternoon or evening. December to February are the wettest months. Landscapes are at their greenest.
Best Time for Fewer Crowds
April to June, and September to October
The shoulder months offer dry, sunny weather without the summer crowds. Popular spots such as Uluwatu, Tegallalang, and Mount Batur are noticeably calmer, and it is easier to find good accommodation.
Best Time for Lower Prices
November to March, excluding the holidays
The wet season brings the best deals on villas, hotels, and flights. Rain rarely lasts all day, so you can still enjoy plenty of sightseeing. For a balance of price and weather, the shoulder months of April, May, September, and October are also good value.
Best Time for Good Weather
April to October
The dry season is best for beach days, sunrise hikes up Mount Batur, and diving, when visibility is usually at its best. Evenings in the highlands, such as Munduk and Kintamani, can be cool.
Best Time for Island-Hopping
April to October
Seas are generally calmer in the dry season, making fast-boat trips to Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and the Gili Islands more comfortable. Manta rays can be seen off Nusa Penida year-round, and mola-mola (ocean sunfish) appear from about July to October.
Best Time for Surfing
April to October for the west coast, November to March for the east coast
Bali has surf all year. In the dry season, the trade winds blow offshore on the west coast, creating classic conditions at Uluwatu, Padang Padang, and Canggu. In the wet season, the winds shift and the east coast breaks, around Sanur and Keramas, come alive.
Best Time for Festivals
- Nyepi (March): The Balinese Day of Silence. The whole island, including the airport, shuts down for 24 hours. The night before, giant ogoh-ogoh effigies are paraded through the streets.
- Galungan and Kuningan: A major Hindu celebration that takes place every 210 days, when streets are decorated with tall bamboo poles called penjor.
- Bali Arts Festival (June to July): A month of traditional dance, music, and crafts in Denpasar.
- Ubud Writers and Readers Festival (October): Talks, workshops, and events in Ubud.
Plan Your Trip
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FAQs: Best Time to Visit Bali
What is the best month to visit Bali?
May, June, and September are often considered the best months, with dry, sunny weather and fewer crowds than July and August.
When is the rainy season in Bali?
The wet season runs from about November to March, with the heaviest rain from December to February.
Is it worth visiting Bali in the rainy season?
Yes. Rain often falls in short bursts, the landscapes are lush, and prices are lower. Plan outdoor activities for the morning.
What happens on Nyepi in Bali?
For 24 hours, the whole island observes silence. The airport closes, and visitors must stay inside their accommodation, with lights kept low.