indonesia travel guide

Best Time to Visit Bali: Weather by Month, Tips & When to Go

Planning to travel Bali, but you wonder when is the Best time to travel Bali. Bali is a year-round destination, but the experience you’ll have depends on when you visit. From sun-drenched beaches to spiritual festivals and tropical downpours, each season in Bali offers something unique. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a diving trip, or a budget getaway, this complete month-by-month guide to Bali’s weather, climate, crowds, and activities will help you pick the perfect time to visit.

Best Time to Visit Bali and the stunning beaches

🌞 Best Time to Visit Bali & Enjoy Its Stunning Beaches

When you travel to Bali, expect temperatures between 25–31Β°C year-round. The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season, from May to September, with clear skies, warm weather, and ideal conditions for:

  • Climbing Mount Batur

  • Snorkeling and diving

  • Touring rice fields

  • Cycling around Bali’s countryside

While these months are the most popular, they are also the most expensive and crowded, especially during July and August.

βœ… Top tip: May is often considered the best month to visit Bali and nearby islands like Lombok β€” fewer crowds, great weather, and better prices.

✨ Overview: Bali Weather & Travel Seasons

Season Months Weather Crowds Prices Best For
Dry Season April – October Sunny, dry, 27–30Β°C High High Beaches, diving, trekking
Shoulder Season April, May, September Mostly dry, warm Medium Medium Great value, fewer tourists
Rainy Season November – March Humid, rain, 25–28Β°C Low Low Lush nature, cultural experiences

Visit Bali in January

The month of January is typically the wettest period in Bali. However, the rainfall is not constant, and you can still expect hot and sunny days with average temperatures of around 26Β°C. Be prepared for occasional tropical downpours that interrupt the sunshine. In the higher regions near Mount Batur, temperatures are cooler, and the nights can drop to around 15Β°C.

  • Wettest month with heavy tropical showers

  • Avg temperature: 26Β°C

  • Cooler nights near Mount Batur (~15Β°C)

  • βœ… Good for: Spa retreats, visiting temples, indoor activities

Visit Bali in February

The rainy season persists in February, characterized by hot and humid days with intermittent heavy tropical rainfall. Temperatures remain fairly consistent at around 26Β°C. It’s important to note that rough seas during this time may affect diving and snorkeling conditions, particularly in West Bali National Park.

  • High humidity and frequent rain

  • Ocean conditions may impact water activities

  • βœ… Good for: Ubud wellness escapes, museum visits

Visit Bali in March

March is another month when afternoon rain showers are highly likely. The days are hot, with temperatures reaching an average of 27Β°C, and the humidity can feel intense. To escape the heat, consider heading inland to Ubud, where temperatures are cooler and more pleasant.

  • Rain continues, but hot sunny mornings are common

  • Nyepi Day (Day of Silence) usually occurs in March β€” no flights, no movement allowed

  • βœ… Good for: Experiencing Balinese culture

Visit Bali in April

As Bali’s wet season comes to a close, the likelihood of rainfall significantly decreases in April. Expect mostly sunny days and rising temperatures. The coastal areas experience calmer winds, providing excellent visibility for diving and snorkeling activities along Bali’s east coast.

  • Start of the dry season

  • Less rain, great visibility for diving/snorkeling

  • βœ… Ideal for: Water activities, beach days

Visit Bali in May

May is the hottest month in Bali, with average temperatures peaking at 29Β°C. You can anticipate consistently dry and sunny weather, creating ideal conditions for diving and mountain climbing. As the island is not overly crowded during this time, it presents an opportunity to find the best-value offers.

  • Warmest and sunniest month (Avg 29Β°C)

  • Low crowds, great weather

  • βœ… Perfect for: Mount Batur hikes, best-value stays

Visit Bali in June

June is regarded as one of the best months to visit Bali. It boasts idyllic conditions with abundant sunshine and a comfortably warm average temperature of 27Β°C. As it is still not quite high season, you can enjoy less crowded accommodations, beaches, and restaurants compared to later months.

  • Dry and sunny, mild temperatures (~27Β°C)

  • Pre-high-season sweet spot

  • βœ… Best for: Diving, Ubud arts, yoga retreats

Visit in Bali in July

July continues the dry season trend, with an average of only 4 days of rain and maximum temperatures around 27Β°C. Due to European school holidays, it is a popular time for visitors, resulting in potentially busy beach hotels, particularly in Sanur and Seminyak. Diving and snorkeling conditions are excellent in July. July might be the Best Time to Visit Bali.

  • Peak dry season, only ~4 days of rain

  • School holidays = busy beaches, book early!

  • βœ… Great for: Surfing, family travel, beach resorts

Visit Bali in August

August mirrors the weather pattern of July, with approximately 10 hours of sunshine per day, making it the sunniest month of the year in Bali. You can relish perfect beach conditions and hot temperatures, averaging around 27Β°C. The south coast beach resorts can be bustling, so consider venturing to the central region around Ubud for a quieter experience.

  • Sunniest month (10 hours of sunshine/day)

  • High season with crowded beaches in Seminyak and Sanur

  • βœ… Ideal for: Snorkeling, outdoor activities

Visit Bali in September

September remains predominantly dry, offering plenty of sunshine and clear skies with hot temperatures averaging 27Β°C. It is still one of the best months to visit Bali, as visitor numbers begin to decrease after the European summer holidays. South coast beaches become less crowded, and you can explore temples and towns with fewer crowds.

  • Still dry and warm, fewer tourists

  • Great deals after European summer break

  • βœ… Best for: Temple visits, laid-back travel

Visit Bali in October

October marks the official start of the wet season, so expect occasional bursts of rainfall throughout the month. Despite the rain, temperatures remain warm, and you can still enjoy good water visibility around dive spots like Menjangan and West Bali National Park.

  • Rain increases slightly, still hot

  • Excellent diving visibility remains

  • βœ… Good for: Menjangan Island, Bali Barat National Park

Visit Bali in November

In November, the wet season is in full swing, resulting in increased rainfall, especially towards the end of the month. However, sunny days are still frequent, and temperatures remain hot, averaging around 27Β°C. Due to the wetter conditions, it is not recommended to engage in mountain climbing or trekking Mount Batur during this month.

  • Rain becomes more frequent

  • Avg temps remain ~27Β°C

  • Avoid mountain trekking (slippery terrain)

  • βœ… Best for: Green scenery, indoor attractions

Visit Bali in December

December in Bali carries a higher chance of rain showers, although you can still experience long periods of sunshine and warm temperatures. As the sea conditions worsen and the south coast beaches become windier, water visibility decreases. Despite the wet weather, Christmas and New Year remain popular times for visitors. If you plan to visit Bali during this period, it’s advisable to book activities in advance.

  • Windy, wet, and warm

  • Despite rain, it’s a popular month for Christmas/New Year

  • βœ… Plan ahead: Book early for holiday stays and activities

πŸ“ Essential Bali Travel Tips

  • Book in advance: Especially for July–August and Christmas

  • Avoid Nyepi Day: Everything shuts down for 24 hours

  • Dress modestly: Required at temples (shoulders and knees covered)

  • Prevent Bali Belly: Stick to bottled water and well-cooked food

  • Transport: Use Go-Jek or Grab for reliable, affordable rides

🌍 What to Pack by Season

Item Dry Season Rainy Season
Light clothes βœ… βœ…
Sunscreen βœ… βœ…
Rain jacket/poncho βœ…
Mosquito repellent βœ… βœ…
Water shoes βœ… (beaches) βœ… (waterfalls)

🌍 Planning a Longer Trip in Indonesia?

Don’t stop at Bali β€” check out our Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Indonesia with expert tips for exploring Lombok, Java, Sumatra, Komodo, and more!