Best Time to Visit Bali: When to Plan Your Perfect Trip

Get ready to visiting the wonderful of Bali!
Alex Keshen
6 min read

Bali, Indonesia, is a tourist destination that offers many things, from the jungle around Ubud to beautiful beaches, cultural diversity, and delicious food. You can also take spiritual training classes to study religion, participate in Yoga, and many others there.

Visiting Bali should choose the right, convenient time, especially if you already have planned activities. You can also find cultural events in Bali by choosing the right time.

This article will share the right times to visit when visiting Bali. So, check it out!

Our favourite time to visit Bali

Overall, we believe the best time to go to Bali is March-April and August-September. These months hit the sweet spot of not costing an arm and a leg to visit as it's not quite peak season, and having favourable weather during your stay.

Unless you're restricted to travelling during school holidays, try to avoid those times (especially over Christmas and New Year's) as they can be expensive and crowded. Plus, the rainy season does put a damper on December and January visits.

Weather in Bali: What to expect each season

Bali is located near the equator, so it has two distinct seasons, dry and rainy seasons. The climate in Bali is tropical, with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year.

The average temperature in Bali is around 26 degrees Celsius. During the dry season, the temperature in Bali ranges from 27-32 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, during the rainy season, it ranges from 24-29 degrees Celsius.

The dry season in Bali lasts from April to October. At this time of year, the humidity is relatively low, and there are often pleasant cool breezes. Many tourists choose the dry season to visit Bali because it is dry and there is little chance of rain. Beaches in Bali are also relatively clean in the dry season with clear skies, making them suitable for outdoor activities.

Rainy Season in Bali (November to March)

During the rainy season, rainfall and humidity in Bali are higher than in the dry season. Rain in Bali during this season is quite heavy, but it doesn't last all day, so you can still do outdoor activities. This season, the forest scenery becomes greener with mist that adds to its beauty. However, the view of the beach needs to be better because a lot of trash is carried away.

What to expect each month:

November: Rising humidity and regular rainfall, which does bring a refreshing coolness to the air. While outdoor trekking becomes more unpredictable, the island's waterfalls begin to regain their power and look spectacular for visitors.
December: A surge in visitors for the Christmas and New Year holidays despite the daily monsoon showers and muggy conditions. The island’s nightlife and dining scene are at their most festive, offering spectacular beachside fireworks and parties to ring in the new year. If you're not restricted to travelling during this time, it's probably best to avoid it.
January: Peak of the rainy season with heavy tropical downpours and high humidity, though the rain usually comes in short bursts followed by sunshine. It is a quiet time to enjoy discounted luxury villas and lush, emerald-green rice terraces, provided you don't mind the occasional muddy trek.
February: Humidity and frequent afternoon showers, making it one of the cheapest and quietest months to visit the island. While the west coast beaches may see some washed-up debris from the monsoonal winds, it’s an ideal time for indoor yoga retreats and spa pampering in places like Ubud.
March: A unique cultural atmosphere as Bali observes Nyepi (the Day of Silence), where the entire island shuts down for 24 hours of meditation and darkness. The weather begins to transition toward the dry season, offering a mix of sunny mornings and dramatic evening storms.

3. Dry Season in Bali (April to October)

High Season in Bali (July to August, December to January)

Peak seasons in Bali occur from July to August, during Easter, Christmas, and New Year celebrations (December to January), as well as during Chinese New Year.

Many visitors crowd popular places, so those who prefer tranquility when visiting Bali during peak seasons are not advised to visit Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, and Canggu. Beaches and tourist spots in Bali will be full of tourists. You won't be able to enjoy a quiet relaxing time or get a photo with a beautiful view without people walking behind you.

Flights during peak seasons are relatively expensive because, as you know, flight prices are subject to the law of supply and demand. After the decrease in the number of passengers during the low season, the demand for flights is high during the peak season. In addition, the demand for flights exceeds the available supply, resulting in more expensive flights.

What to expect these months:

July: buzzing island energy as Australian winter travellers and European holidaymakers flock to the sun-soaked beaches. The consistent offshore winds make this the ultimate month for surfing the world-class breaks along the west coast.
August: Driest and sunniest month of the year, perfect for beach clubs and island-hopping to the nearby Nusa islands. This is peak tourist season, so be prepared for busy streets and vibrant Independence Day celebrations on the 17th.

Low season in Bali (February to June, September to November)

After the busy Christmas and New Year holiday season, Bali becomes less crowded for a few months, specifically from February to June. Visitors who prefer to avoid the peak tourist season can also plan their trip for September through November.

During the low season in Bali, flight and hotel prices are relatively lower than during the peak season. If you're not too precious about the weather or stuck to peak travel times, this may be the right time to visit Bali to stick to your budget.

What to expect during these months:

April: Official start of the dry season, bringing clearer skies and much lower humidity levels for outdoor adventures. This "shoulder month" is fantastic for snorkeling and diving on the east coast, as water visibility significantly improves with the receding rains.
May: Some of the best weather of the year with plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures before the mid-year crowds arrive. It is arguably the perfect time for hiking Mount Batur at sunrise or exploring the cliffside temples without the peak-season heat.
June: Idyllic conditions with cool ocean breezes and very little rainfall, marking the beginning of the high season. You can catch the month-long Bali Arts Festival in Denpasar, which showcases traditional dance, music, and Balinese handicrafts.
September: A wonderful balance of sunny, dry weather and thinning crowds as the peak summer rush subsides. It is an excellent time for photography and sightseeing, as the landscapes are still relatively golden from the dry season but the pace of life slows down.
October: The hottest month of the year with temperatures climbing as the island transitions back toward the wet season. While you may see the first few tropical showers, the sea remains calm and warm, making it a great final window for diving.

Best Time to Visit Bali for Different Activities

Surfing in Bali (Best from May to September)

Even though the waves in Bali are good all year round for surfing, there are certain times when the conditions are really good for surfing. Usually, the peak of the surfing season in Bali is during the dry season, which is from May to September. The waves were very good then, and the offshore wind was quite strong. So that your visit to Bali for surfing will be a memorable experience.

Diving in Bali (Best from April to November)

Generally, the best time to dive in Bali is during the transitional months, around April to November. This is because the sea is relatively calm and the wind blows gently, so you can dive safely.

Meanwhile, the Balinese, who have their calendar, recommend diving during Sasih Kapat from September to October. The worst time to dive in Bali is Sasih Kesanga from February to March.

Hiking and Trekking in Bali (Best from May to September)

The most recommended dates for hiking and trekking in Bali are May to September. The rains are not frequent now because it has entered the dry season. So, trekking and hiking trails will be smooth. Besides that, you won't get caught in the rain during trekking or hiking.

Cultural Events in Bali (Best from April to August)

From April to August, visitors can enjoy many cultural events in Bali. Here are some cultural events from April to August:

Gianyar Festival (April 10-19)
Ubud Food Festival (last week of April)
Semarapura Festival (April 28)
Tulamben Festival
Badung Maritime Festival (May)
Bali Blues Festival
Buleleng Arts Festival
Bali Art Festival (Mid-June to Mid-July)
Tenganan Pandan War (end of June)
Twin Lake Festival (Early June)
Bali Kite Festival (mid-July)
Bali International Choir Festival (end of July)
Makepung Festival (mid-July)
Ubud Village Jazz Festival
Badung Agricultural Festival
Sanur Village Festival
Tirta Gangga Festival

Latest flight deals to Bali from Australia

Sun, 15 Feb 2026

Batik Air Malaysia

Sydney (SYD) to Bali / Denpasar (DPS)

Start from AU$229.85

Sat, 14 Feb 2026

Batik Air Malaysia

Melbourne (MEL) to Bali / Denpasar (DPS)

Start from AU$179.80

Thu, 29 Jan 2026

Batik Air Malaysia

Canberra (CBR) to Bali / Denpasar (DPS)

Start from AU$318.95

When is the worst time to travel to Bali?

The worst time to visit Bali is during the rainy season, from November to March. Apart from being unable to do outdoor activities with satisfaction in the rainy season, this season has many mosquitoes. However, this season, several spot destinations offer cheap entry ticket prices.

Ready to explore Bali? Here’s all the basics you need to know before booking your trip.

Written by: Alex Keshen

The content strategist and SEO lead for Traveloka Australia, Alex manages the blog and other pages across the site. An avid traveller, digital content creator and writer, she’s contributed to publications such as Australian Women's Weekly, Marie Claire, Elle, Gourmet Traveller, Finder and Explore Travel… and has found the time to visit 50+ countries while doing it. She loves good flight sale and will share some of the best ones she can find right here on our Explore blog. Follow her regular Deals of the Week column for the latest bargains on flights, hotels and more.

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