Best Time to Visit Bali
Standard travel guides will tell you Bali is a year-round destination. That is only partially true. If you want the perfect balance of low rainfall, manageable humidity, and active surf, August is the best month to visit Bali. It sits in the middle of the dry season with the lowest humidity and consistent offshore winds. However, your ideal timing depends on your budget and whether you prefer quiet rice paddies or world-class beach clubs. This guide breaks down exactly when to book your flight to Indonesia based on weather, cost, and crowd density.
Month by month
January
Expect heavy rain. January is one of the wettest months in Bali, with average temperatures between 26°C and 29°C (79°F to 84°F). Humidity is high. The crowds from New Year’s Eve linger for the first week then drop off sharply. Prices for villas and hotels fall significantly after January 6th. It is a great time for spa retreats and yoga in Ubud, as the rain creates a lush, green landscape, though the ocean can be murky due to runoff.
February
February remains hot and humid, with temperatures averaging 26°C to 30°C. Rainfall is frequent but usually comes in short, torrential bursts followed by sun. It is one of the quietest months for tourism. Rates for high-end resorts are at their lowest. If you are in Bali during February, visit the water temples like Tirta Empul. The rain makes the holy springs particularly active, and you won’t have to fight through the usual crowds for a purification ritual.
March
The weather begins to shift in March as the monsoon winds die down. Temperatures range from 27°C to 31°C. This is the month of Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence. The entire island shuts down for 24 hours—no lights, no travel, and the airport closes. The night before Nyepi features the Ogoh-Ogoh parades, where massive demon statues are carried through the streets. It is a unique cultural experience, but plan your travel dates around the total shutdown.
April
April marks the official start of the dry season. Rainfall drops significantly, and temperatures stay steady around 27°C to 32°C. Humidity becomes more manageable. This is a "shoulder month," meaning you get the benefits of good weather without the peak season price hikes. It is the best time for scuba diving on the east coast in Amed or Tulamben, as water clarity improves and the seas are calm before the winter swells arrive.
May
May is arguably the best value month. It is consistently sunny with temperatures between 26°C and 31°C. The landscape is still green from the rainy season, but the air is dry. Crowds are thin because the Australian school holidays and European summer vacations haven't started. It is the ideal time for trekking Mount Batur at sunrise. The trails are dry and safe, and your view of the crater lake won’t be blocked by heavy monsoon clouds.
June
June brings the start of the high season. Humidity drops further, and a cool breeze starts to blow from the south. Average temperatures sit between 25°C and 30°C. You will notice an uptick in traffic in Canggu and Seminyak. June is the start of the Bali Arts Festival in Denpasar. This month-long celebration features traditional dance, music, and handicrafts. If you want to see authentic Balinese culture away from the beach clubs, this is the time.
July
July is peak season. The weather is nearly perfect, with sunny days and temperatures ranging from 24°C to 29°C. It is the coolest time of year, making it comfortable for outdoor activities. Prices for accommodation hit their first peak. The Bali Kite Festival begins this month. You will see giant traditional kites, some over 10 meters long, flying over the beaches of Sanur. Booking your accommodation at least three months in advance is mandatory for July.
August
August is the driest month of the year. Temperatures stay between 24°C and 29°C, and the humidity is at its annual low. This is the busiest month in Bali. Expect packed restaurants and higher prices for scooters and private drivers. For surfers, August provides the most consistent swells on the west coast breaks like Uluwatu and Padang Padang. Indonesia’s Independence Day is August 17th, featuring local "Panjat Pinang" competitions (greased pole climbing) in villages across the island.
September
September is the "secret" peak month. The weather is still excellent—mostly dry with temperatures from 25°C to 30°C—but the crowds thin out as the northern hemisphere summer ends. Prices begin to stabilize. It is the best time for island hopping to the Nusa Islands (Nusa Penida, Lembongan, and Ceningan). The boat crossings are smooth, and the famous Kelingking Beach is slightly less congested than in mid-August.
October
October marks the transition back to the wet season. It is the hottest month, with temperatures often hitting 33°C and high humidity. While there are occasional rain showers, they usually happen at night. This is the end of the shoulder season, so look for "last minute" deals on luxury villas. Visit the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, Southeast Asia's premier literary event. It brings an intellectual crowd to the central highlands for workshops and panel discussions.
November
Rainfall increases in November. Temperatures range from 26°C to 31°C. While it is technically the start of the rainy season, you will still see plenty of sun. This is one of the cheapest months to fly to Bali. Use the rainy afternoons to explore Bali’s burgeoning culinary scene. Food prices remain stable year-round, but getting a table at top-rated spots like Locavore or Mason is significantly easier in November than in the summer months.
December
December is a month of two halves. The first two weeks are quiet and rainy, with temperatures between 26°C and 30°C. The last two weeks are the busiest time of the year. Despite the daily rain, hundreds of thousands of travelers arrive for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Prices for everything double or triple. If you are here, head to the beach clubs in Uluwatu for New Year's Eve—they host massive parties that are famous globally.
Cheapest time to visit Bali
The cheapest time to visit Bali is during the low season months of January, February, and November. During these windows, hotel occupancy drops significantly. You can often book five-star resorts for 30% to 50% less than their July/August rates.
Airlines also run frequent sales during these periods. Avoid the weeks surrounding Lunar New Year (usually in late January or February), as regional travel from China and Singapore causes a temporary price spike. For the absolute lowest prices on transport and tours, negotiate daily scooter rentals or private driver rates in person rather than booking through international agencies.
When to avoid Bali
Avoid Bali in late December and early January if you dislike crowds and inflated prices. While the festive atmosphere is high, the infrastructure struggles to handle the volume of tourists. Traffic in South Bali (Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta) can become gridlocked, turning a 20-minute drive into two hours.
If your primary goal is hiking or outdoor adventure, avoid January and February. The heavy rains make mountain trails slippery and dangerous. Furthermore, the ocean during these months experiences "trash season" on the west coast. Monsoon winds wash plastic and debris onto the beaches of Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak, making them unsuitable for swimming.
Best time for good weather
For guaranteed sun and low humidity, visit between June and September. These months fall during the Australian winter, sending cool, dry air up to Indonesia.
- Lowest Rainfall: August.
- Most Sunshine: July and August.
- Best Visibility for Diving: April to June and September to November.
- Best for Surfing (West Coast): May to September.
- Best for Surfing (East Coast): November to March.
If you find the heat oppressive, stay in the central highlands like Munduk or Bedugul during these months. Temperatures in the mountains are significantly cooler, often requiring a jacket at night.
Best time for fewer crowds
The best time for fewer crowds while still enjoying decent weather is the shoulder season: April, May, and September.
During these months, you can visit popular landmarks like Tanah Lot or the Tegallalang Rice Terraces without the swarm of tour buses. Most major attractions are accessible, the weather is mostly dry, and the "Instagram lines" for photos at Lempuyang Temple are at their shortest. Domestic travel in Indonesia also peaks during Eid al-Fitr (dates change annually based on the lunar calendar). Check the local calendar and try to avoid traveling during the "Mudik" season when millions of Indonesians travel to visit family, as flights and ferries will be fully booked.