With stunning volcanic landscapes, palm-fringed beaches and a vibrant culture, it’s no wonder Bali is the most popular travel destination in Indonesia. But when exactly is the best time of year to plan your trip? Whether you want to explore the island at a slower pace in the low season or experience one of the many festivals, here’s our guide to the best time to visit Bali.
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What's the weather like in Bali?
Due to its proximity to the equator, Bali has a tropical climate and is hot all year round. There are only two seasons – rainy and dry – and while average temperatures don’t change much throughout the year, the humidity in the wet season often makes it feel much hotter (and sweatier!). Mountainous regions and places at higher elevations like Ubud are generally a bit cooler than the coast, and the sea is warm all year with average water temperatures lingering between a toasty 27 to 30°C (81 to 86°F).
Average temperatures in Bali
|
MONTH |
AVERAGE HIGH (°C) |
AVERAGE LOW (°C) |
|
January |
29 |
23 |
|
February |
30 |
22 |
|
March |
30 |
23 |
|
April |
32 |
22 |
|
May |
33 |
23 |
|
June |
31 |
22 |
|
July |
31 |
22 |
|
August |
31 |
22 |
|
September |
31 |
22 |
|
October |
31 |
23 |
|
November |
31 |
23 |
|
December |
30 |
23 |
When is the best time to visit Bali?
Bali is a year round destination, but you might want to plan your trip at a certain time of the year depending on what you want to get out of it:
- For the beaches – May to September
- For snorkelling and diving – May to September
- For smaller crowds (and more tranquil vibes) – November, and January to March
- For the hiking trails – May to September
- For cultural festivals – Bali Arts Festival (June/July), Nyepi/Day of Silence (March), Ubud Food Festival (April), Sidemen Festival (November),
Visiting Bali in the dry season (April to October)
Best for: consistently good weather, hiking, beaches, snorkelling and diving
You can expect reliably dry and sunny weather between April and October with average daytime highs hovering in the low 30s. The dry season coincides with the high season, peaking in June and July when travellers flock from the southern hemisphere to seek winter warmth. It can be more expensive to book flights, accommodation and activities during these months.
Despite the influx of tourists, the dry season is prime time for hiking, particularly multi-day hikes which aren’t safe when the ground is wet and muddy. May to September is the best time to enjoy Bali’s beautiful beaches, and the same goes for diving and snorkelling as visibility is excellent due to low rainfall and plenty of sunshine. If great weather, hiking and beaches are what you’re looking for, this is when to do it.
Visiting Bali in the rainy season (November to March)
Best for: fewer tourists, thriving jungles and rainforests, temples
The rainy season is hot and humid with heavy rain that usually falls in the morning and afternoon, however, the skies often clear for a few hours after a big downpour. There might be a few days here and there where it rains non-stop, but it’s not very common. Bali can experience heavier rains and strong winds between January and mid-April due to tropical cyclones, so this is something to be aware of when planning your trip. Aside from a brief spike in tourists in December during the festive period, Bali is much quieter during the rainy season so it’s a good chance to explore without throngs of tourists. You can also expect cheaper hotel rates and discounted holiday activities.
The rainy season isn't a great time to do water activities like diving, snorkelling and surfing as the visibility tends to be poor. However, it’s perfect weather for visiting temples, cooking classes and chilling out in Ubud’s trendy cafes and yoga studios. The rain also does wonders for the vegetation in the jungles and rice paddies, and while big hikes might be off the cards, short walks are totally fine. One thing to note is the wet weather attracts lots of moisture-loving mosquitos, so make sure you’re armed with repellent and long layers.
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