Best Time to Visit Ubud
July is the best month to visit Ubud. You get the lowest humidity, clearest skies, and peak cultural activity. While it is the busiest time of year, the weather stability justifies the crowds. Temperatures hover between 22°C (72°F) and 28°C (82°F), making it ideal for trekking through rice terraces or exploring the Monkey Forest without the oppressive heat of the rainy season. If you want the perfect balance of manageable prices and dry weather, aim for May or September. This guide breaks down the specific conditions you will face in Ubud throughout the year.
Month by Month
January
January is deep in the wet season. Expect heavy, short-lived tropical downpours typically occurring in the afternoon. Temperatures range from 23°C to 30°C. Humidity is high, making physical activity feel more taxing. Crowd levels drop significantly after the first week once New Year travelers depart. Prices for luxury villas are often discounted by 30-50%. It is a great month to visit the Tegenungan Waterfall, as the water volume is at its peak.
February
February is one of the wettest months in Bali. High temperatures reach 30°C with evening lows around 24°C. Rainfall is frequent but unpredictable; you will see several hours of sun followed by intense storms. Tourism is at an annual low, so you can walk into top-rated restaurants without a reservation. This is the best time for a spa-focused trip. Spend your time in high-end yoga shalas or traditional Balinese healing centers while the rain pours outside.
March
March marks the transition toward the dry season. The weather remains humid, with temperatures between 24°C and 31°C. Rainfall decreases compared to February. The most significant event is Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence. For 24 hours, the island shuts down—no lights, no travel, and no noise. It is a profound cultural experience, preceded by the "Ogoh-Ogoh" parades featuring massive papier-mâché demons. Prices remain low outside of the Nyepi week.
April
April is the official start of the dry season. Skies clear up, and humidity begins to drop. Expect temperatures between 24°C and 31°C. This is a "shoulder month," meaning you get dry weather without the peak summer prices. It is the best time for white-water rafting on the Ayung River. The water levels are high from the previous months' rain, but the sun is out, making the jungle scenery vivid and lush.
May
May is often considered the "sweet spot" for Ubud. The weather is consistently dry and sunny, but the massive crowds of July haven't arrived yet. Temperatures stay around 23°C to 30°C. Prices are moderate, and availability at popular boutiques is good. Use this month for the Campuhan Ridge Walk before the daily heat peaks. The visibility is excellent for morning photography across the Gunung Lebah Temple and the surrounding valleys.
June
June offers near-perfect weather. Humidity is at yearly lows, and temperatures range from 22°C to 29°C. The "Australian winter" travelers begin to arrive, so you will notice an uptick in traffic and foot traffic in the town center. June marks the start of the Bali Arts Festival. While centered in Denpasar, Ubud hosts numerous satellite performances and exhibitions. Book your favorite central Ubud hotels at least two months in advance.
July
July is the peak of the dry season. It is the coolest and driest month, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 28°C. Nighttime can actually feel chilly, requiring a light sweater. This is the busiest month in Ubud. Expect higher prices for accommodation and transport. It is the prime time for outdoor exploration. Hike the Tegallalang Rice Terraces early in the morning to beat the heavy midday tourist bus arrivals.
August
August weather mirrors July: dry, breezy, and comfortable. Temperatures stay between 22°C and 28°C. This is the busiest month for European travelers on summer vacation. Ubud’s streets are crowded, and top restaurants require booking days in advance. August 17th is Indonesia’s Independence Day. You will see local villages decorated with red and white flags and participate in community games and "Panjat Pinang" competitions throughout the Gianyar Regency.
September
September is an excellent shoulder month. Most families have returned home for the start of the school year, but the dry weather persists. Temperatures are slightly warmer, ranging from 23°C to 30°C. Prices start to dip, and the town feels more relaxed. This is the ideal time to visit the Ubud Monkey Forest. The lower crowd density allows for a more contemplative walk through the ancient temple complexes within the forest.
October
October marks the end of the dry season. You will see an increase in humidity and the occasional afternoon shower. Temperatures range from 24°C to 31°C. This month hosts the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, one of Southeast Asia's premier literary events. If you are into arts and culture, this is the best time to visit, but book your stay early as the festival draws creative professionals from around the globe.
November
November is the start of the true rainy season. Humidity returns to high levels, and temperatures hover between 24°C and 30°C. This is one of the cheapest months to visit Ubud. While you will deal with rain, it rarely lasts all day. Use the indoor time to take a Balinese cooking class. Many local organic farms near Ubud offer "farm-to-table" experiences where you pick ingredients and cook in traditional open-air kitchens.
December
December is hot, humid, and wet, with temperatures between 24°C and 30°C. Despite the rain, the last two weeks of the month are incredibly busy due to the Christmas and New Year holidays. Prices spike back to peak levels. If you visit in early December, you can find great deals. The landscape is intensely green this month. It is a fantastic time for photography in the surrounding river gorges, as the moss and ferns are at their most vibrant.
Cheapest Time to Visit Ubud
The cheapest time to visit Ubud is during the "low season" months of January, February, and November. During these windows, rainfall is at its highest, which deters the average tourist.
- Accommodation: Luxury villas often drop rates by 40% to 50% compared to August prices.
- Transport: While scooter rentals stay flat, private driver rates are more negotiable.
- Flights: Round-trip tickets to Denpasar (DPS) are significantly lower than during the summer peak.
To save money while avoiding the worst of the rain, target late October or early May. These months offer lower "shoulder season" pricing with much better weather than January or February.
When to Avoid Ubud
Avoid Ubud in late December if you dislike crowds and inflated prices. Traffic in the town center becomes a bottleneck, and the high humidity combined with heavy rain can make transit frustrating.
You should also avoid the week of Nyepi (typically in March) if you want to see the sights. Since the entire island shuts down, you cannot leave your hotel, no shops are open, and even the airport closes. However, if you want a unique cultural experience and don't mind staying inside for 24 hours, this is actually a great time to visit.
Best Time for Good Weather
For the best weather, visit between June and September. These months offer the "Balinese Winter," characterized by:
- Low Humidity: You won't feel constantly sticky, making walks through town much more pleasant.
- Clear Skies: This is essential if you plan on doing a sunrise trek up Mount Batur (about an hour from Ubud).
- Cooler Evenings: Temperatures drop to 21°C–22°C, providing a break from the tropical heat.
July and August are the statistically driest months, providing a near-guarantee that your outdoor plans won't be rained out.
Best Time for Fewer Crowds
To experience Ubud without the heavy foot traffic, visit in February or November. If those months are too wet for your liking, the best "dry-ish" window with low crowds is May or late September.
- Morning Window: Irrespective of the month, the best way to avoid crowds is to start your day at 6:30 AM.
- Location Strategy: Stay in the villages surrounding Ubud (like Penestanan or Akasha) rather than the town center to escape the noise.
By visiting in the shoulder seasons (May, June, September, October), you get the best of both worlds: manageable weather and enough space to enjoy Ubud’s yoga studios and cafes without the wait times.