The best time to visit Bali
The best time to visit Bali is April to October. Read on for the best weather, crowds, and events, plus when to surf, sightsee, and save.
When to go to Bali for the best weather, crowds and events?
The best time to visit Bali is usually April to October, when the weather is drier, sunnier, and less humid. These months suit most travelers, whether you want beach time in Seminyak, Canggu, and Nusa Dua, surfing on the west coast, or sightseeing in Ubud’s rice terraces and temples. May, June, and September are often the sweet spot, with warm weather, easier sightseeing, and fewer crowds than the peak summer months of July and August.
If you want classic beach weather and strong surf, the dry season is best, while the wet season from November to March can still work well for spa breaks, cultural trips, greener landscapes, and lower villa rental prices.
If you are looking for the cheapest time to visit Bali or fewer crowds, February, March, October, and November can also offer better value villa rates, especially outside major holiday periods. Some travelers may prefer to avoid December to February if they want the driest weather, or July and August if they want to avoid peak-season prices and busier resorts.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- The best time to visit Bali for different travel styles
- Answer common FAQs
- Explain regional differences across the island
- Share a month-by-month guide to help you choose the right time to go.
A quick guide to the best months to visit Bali
What are the best months to visit Bali overall?
For most travelers, the best months to visit Bali are May, June, and September. These months usually offer the best balance of dry weather, good surf, lower humidity, and fewer crowds than July and August. Of course it depends too on what type of top things to do in Bali you're hoping to experience! Read on to find your perfect month.
When is the best time to visit Bali for beaches and island-hopping?
The best time to visit Bali for beaches is usually April to October, during the dry season. This is also the best period for smoother boat trips to Nusa Penida and super beach conditions in Seminyak, Kuta, Sanur, and Nusa Dua.
When is the best time to visit Bali for surfing?
For surfing, the west coast is best from April to October, while the east coast is best from November to March. That makes Bali a year-round surf destination, depending on which side of the island you choose.
What is the cheapest time to visit Bali?
For the most cost-effective villa rental rates, look to stay in February, March, October, and November. Crowds are lighter and villa rates often dip outside of Bali’s busier dry-season and holiday periods.
When is the best time to visit Bali for yoga, culture, and wellness?
For yoga retreats, cultural trips, and wellness stays, April, June, and the rainy season months can all work well. In particular, April is a great time for immersing yourself in the Bali Spirit Festival , whilst the slower-paced wet season is a great time for spa retreats, against a backdrop of lush natural landscapes.
What are the best Bali events by season?
In spring, highlights include Nyepi (March) and the Bali Spirit Festival (April).
In summer, major draws include the Bali Arts Festival (June to July), the Bali Kite Festival (July), and Indonesia Independence Day celebrations (August).
In fall, top picks include the Balinale International Film Festival (September) and the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (October).
In winter, Chinese New Year celebrations (February) add a cultural highlight to the rainy season.
The best time to visit Bali: a month-by-month guide
From dry-season beach days and surf trips to rainy-season spa days and temple festivals, the best time to visit Bali depends on what you want to do. Use our month-by-month guide to plan around the island’s top seasonal experiences, events, and attractions.
Bali in January
January is one of Bali’s wettest months, but it can still be rewarding if you want lush scenery, fewer crowds, and a slower vacation pace. Waterfalls are at their fullest, spa days feel especially appealing, and east coast surf conditions are often stronger than on the west coast. It is a good month for travelers focused on wellness, local food, and quieter sightseeing rather than classic beach weather.
Weather in Bali in January
Warm, humid, and rainy, with tropical downpours and green landscapes across the island. Average temperature: 26-30°C (79-86°F).
Bali in February
February stays rainy and humid, but it is one of the quieter months to visit Bali and can work well for budget-conscious travelers. Chinese New Year celebrations add extra atmosphere, and east coast surf remains a draw. It is a good time for cultural visits, spa breaks, and enjoying Bali at a calmer pace.
Weather in Bali in February
Warm, tropical, and humid, with frequent showers but plenty of heat and lush scenery. Average temperature: 26-30°C (79-86°F).
Bali in March
March is a transition month, with the rains starting to ease and the island becoming more comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor plans. It is best known for Nyepi, Bali’s unique Silent Day, plus the dramatic Ogoh-Ogoh processions on the eve of the holiday. It is a strong month if you want a more cultural side of Bali before the dry season fully begins.
Weather in Bali in March
Warm and humid, but improving as the rainy season begins to ease. Average temperature: 26-30°C (79-86°F).
Bali in April
April is one of the best times to visit Bali, with the dry season starting, clearer skies, and improving conditions for snorkeling, diving, and beach time. It is also a good month for yoga and wellness travel thanks to the Bali Spirit Festival, and it offers a strong balance of weather, prices, and crowd levels.
Weather in Bali in April
Warm, sunnier, and drier, with improving visibility and more comfortable conditions outdoors. Average temperature: 26-32°C (79-90°F).
Bali in May
May is one of the strongest months in the calendar and one of the best months to visit Bali overall. The weather is hot and sunny, the rain is minimal, and it is a great month for beach days, nightlife, diving, and outdoor adventures. Surf on the west coast is also very consistent at this time of year.
Weather in Bali in May
Hot, sunny, and mostly dry, with low rainfall and beach-friendly conditions. Average temperature: 27-30°C (81-86°F).
Bali in June
June is one of the best times to visit Bali for sightseeing, honeymoons, and island-hopping. The weather is dry and sunny, humidity is lower, and resorts feel lively without yet reaching the busiest part of peak season. It is also a strong month for surfing, especially around Uluwatu, and for cultural travel during the Bali Arts Festival.
Weather in Bali in June
Warm, dry, and bright, with lower humidity and very good conditions for outdoor activities. Average temperature: 26-29°C (79-84°F).
Bali in July
July is peak season in Bali, with sunny weather, strong surf, and busy beaches. It is a great month for families, beach clubs, and classic island energy, but you need to book your Bali villa and activities well in advance. Seasonal highlights include the Bali Kite Festival and Makepung Buffalo Races.
Weather in Bali in July
Sunny, breezy, and dry, with very comfortable beach and sightseeing weather. Average temperature: 26-29°C (79-84°F).
Bali in August
August is often Bali’s sunniest month and one of the best for beaches, surfing, and all-round dry-season travel. Resorts such as Seminyak, Sanur, and Nusa Dua are at their most appealing, and the island feels lively thanks to summer travel and Indonesia Independence Day celebrations. It is one of the best months for classic Bali weather, but also one of the busiest.
Weather in Bali in August
Warm, sunny, and very dry, with long bright days and little rain. Average temperature: 26-29°C (79-84°F).
Bali in September
September is another of the best times to visit Bali, thanks to warm weather, lower humidity, and fewer crowds than in July and August. It is a particularly good month for rafting, hiking, surfing, and island-hopping, and it keeps much of the dry season’s appeal without the peak-season intensity.
Weather in Bali in September
Warm, dry, and very travel-friendly, with lower crowd levels than peak summer. Average temperature: 26-30°C (79-86°F).
Bali in October
October is a shoulder-season month that still offers plenty of sunshine, but with the first signs of the rainy season returning. It is a good month for travelers who want lower crowds and greener scenery, and it also brings cultural events such as the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival and Nusa Dua Fiesta. Surf can work on both coasts during this transition period.
Weather in Bali in October
Warm and increasingly humid, with short showers returning but plenty of sun still around. Average temperature: 26-30°C (79-86°F).
Bali in November
Weather in Bali in November
Warm, humid, and wetter, with more frequent tropical showers and lush green scenery. Average temperature: 27-30°C (81-86°F).
Bali in December
December is festive, warm, and busy, especially around Christmas and New Year. It is one of Bali’s biggest party periods, with lively nightlife, beach clubs, and plenty of seasonal travel demand. The weather is rainier, but many travelers still come for the atmosphere, warm seas, and holiday feel.
Weather in Bali in December
Warm, humid, and tropical, with frequent showers but plenty of heat and holiday-season energy. Average temperature: 26-30°C (79-86°F).
Where to stay in Bali
For nightlife, dining, and sunset beach clubs, Seminyak is one of the strongest choices. Canggu suits surfers, café culture, and a more laid-back but still lively atmosphere, while Ubud is best for rice terraces, yoga, temple visits, and a greener inland setting. For families and beach time, Sanur and Nusa Dua are also strong choices.
When looking at accommodations, our luxury Bali villa rentals set the scene for carefree escapism, near the top sights and activities. Offering exclusive amenities, sun-drenched pools and optional staff and beach access, each villa retreat provides a unique and memorable vacation base for couples, groups and families.
