The Best Time to Visit Bali for Every Activity

Choose the perfect season to enjoy the island's beaches, hikes, or festivals.

Bali has so much to offer, from the jungle surrounding Ubud (largely considered Bali's cultural center) to the beaches lining its southern shore. The best time to visit largely depends on what you plan to do. Popular itineraries include touring the island's many temples, a yoga retreat, or a hiking adventure. You may want to time your visit with one of the vibrant festivals.

The island has a tropical climate with two seasons defined as dry (April to October) and wet (November to March). Average temperatures hover around 80 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Here's a general breakdown of Bali's tourist seasons:

• High Seasons: June to August and November to December

• Shoulder Seasons: April to May and September to October

• Low Season: January to March
  

Below, we've mapped out the best times to go to Bali, depending on how you want to spend your vacation.

Best Times to Visit Bali for Smaller Crowds

In Bali, the off-season stretches from January to March. These months can be humid and rainy, which means you won't find crowds in search of perfect beach weather and diving conditions. And because you'll also be avoiding the biggest holiday months (November and December), you'll find the island to be calm and populated by locals and expats.

While the rain brings mosquitos and may take activities like diving and surfing off the table, it's not a deal-breaker if you're in Bali to tour temples, practice yoga, or simply unwind. In fact, you might find that the peaceful rain in the Ubud forest adds to the overall serenity of your experience. The jungle and rice paddies thrive in this season — and the magnificent green color and sprouting vegetation are worth seeing.

Best Times to Visit Bali for Good Weather

Sunseekers should time their trip with Bali's dry season, which runs from April to October. During this period, humidity and rain decrease, creating ideal conditions for visiting beaches, surfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. It still rains during these months, especially in April, May, and October, but showers are usually short and followed by clear skies. May is one of the hottest months, with an average high of 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

For the best weather, visit during July and August, the peak of the dry season. With less humidity, these months feel cooler, with an average temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit, so they're perfect for enjoying a mix of active adventures and beach time. Those coming to Bali to catch some legendary waves should also aim to visit during the dry season, with June to August bringing larger swells to the main surf spots along the southwest coast.

Related: 22 Best Things to Do in Bali — From Volcano Treks to Luxe Spa Days

Best Times to Visit Bali for Lower Prices

Unsurprisingly, Bali's dry season is its busiest and most expensive period, with hotel prices peaking between June and September. Tourism also sees a boost during the holidays, so you can expect higher hotel prices in November and December.

The most affordable time to visit Bali is from October through March, the rainy-season months that fall outside of the festive season. Hotel prices during this time tend to be lower due to the lack of demand, making it possible to score ocean-view rooms or multi-bedroom villas for a fraction of the price you would pay during the dry season. You may also find deals during the quiet shoulder season months.

Best Months for Hiking in Bali

If you're traveling to Bali specifically to hike, visiting between May and October is ideal, as the rainy season can cause trails to be muddy and slippery. Mount Batur is perhaps the most iconic Bali hike, and it's best tackled between July and October to ensure dry weather and clear views. It takes about two hours to reach the summit.

For those planning to do some waterfall hikes, the best time to visit Bali is in May and June, when the cascades are strong following the wet season and the days are more likely to be sunny. Hikers who rent motorbikes will also have an easier time zipping around the island during the dry season since the roads can become treacherous in the rain.

Best Times to Visit Bali for Festivals

One of the most iconic annual events in Bali is the Bali Arts Festival, which occurs in June and July. Indonesian Independence Day (or Hari Merdeka) falls on August 17 and is commemorated with parades and outdoor celebrations. Keep in mind that if you're traveling for a Hindu celebration, Balinese Hindus often celebrate different holidays than Hindus in India. Galungan, for example, is an important 10-day celebration of the triumph of good over evil (dharma over adharma) that occurs every 210 days according to the Balinese Pawukon calendar. Nyepi, a day of silence, fasting, and meditation before the New Year, typically takes place in March.

Best Months to Visit the Beach in Bali

April to October is the best time to visit Bali for a classic beach vacation. Days tend to be hot, sunny, and dry, creating ideal conditions for snorkeling, diving, and other water sports. However, the drawback of visiting Bali during this period is that most of these months fall within the peak season. The temples, beaches, hotels, and yoga classes will be crowded, so it's likely you won't have as many opportunities to soak up that sweet Balinese serenity you're treated to in the low season.

Related: The 13 Best Beaches in Bali

Worst Times to Visit Bali

Of course, those looking for a quintessential Bali vacation with plenty of sunshine and outdoor activities will want to avoid the rainy season (especially during the wettest months, December and January). At this time of year, it's common to experience choppy seas, muddy trails, and afternoon storms, which can quite literally put a damper on your plans. However, travelers looking to spend their days enjoying cultural experiences indoors may prefer the quieter atmosphere.

Due to higher levels of precipitation, mosquitos can be particularly prolific in the rainy season and the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses (like dengue fever) increases accordingly. If you do plan to visit during the wet season, bug repellant is a must-have on your Bali packing list — especially when hiking in the jungle. Some locals also drink lemongrass tea, which is believed to be a natural insect repellent.

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