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Ah, Bali. One of Indonesia’s most popular tourist destinations, boasting gorgeous beaches, a tropical climate, and a rich culture that is unmatched. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a regular vacation-seeker, visiting Bali should be on your to-do list.
Before planning any trip to this beautiful island, it’s important to have a few things prepared, the first of which is to figure out when to go to Bali. The time of year you decide on will impact almost every aspect of your trip, so it’s essential that you think it through.
Don’t fret — this guide will take you through everything you need to know. You’ll discover the best times for good weather, cheaper prices, festivals, and more, so you can make an informed decision.
Read Next: While you’re at it, take a quick look at some fun facts about Indonesia to get to know this tropical paradise a bit better.

Travel Seasons in Bali
Generally speaking, you can expect three travel seasons when going on vacation: peak, shoulder, and low season. So, here is a general overview of each travel season in Bali before diving into more specifics later.
Peak Season in Bali
The high season in Bali is between June and August and then again in November and December. The time between June and August is considered peak tourism season because of school holidays and festivals taking place. November and December, on the other hand, bring plenty of visitors for the festive period.
If you visit during the high season, you can expect a lot of crowds and typically higher costs all around, but with the positive of dry weather and long sunny days.
Shoulder Season in Bali
For a lovely balance of good weather and slightly cheaper prices, shoulder season is the best time for you. This travel season runs in April and May and then September and October. The crowds start to dwindle a bit and prices drop, so it’s an excellent time to visit famous temples and landmarks.
Beaches will also be less crowded, but you can still enjoy decent weather. However, this is best in April and May since October is the start of the more rainy season in Bali.
Low Season in Bali
Low, or off-season, is in January, February, and March. Bali’s wet season isn’t for everyone, and these months see the highest degree of rainfall and fewer crowds as most choose not to visit at this time.
If you decide to visit Bali during the low season, you can expect prices to be significantly lower. So, if you’re on a budget and don’t mind the rain, then the low season may be for you.

Best Time to Visit Bali for Good Weather
Bali’s weather is something that draws in a lot of tourists, so it’s a major deciding factor when planning a vacation there. The best weather in Bali is in the dry season, particularly in July and August.
There isn’t too much variation in the temperature — it’s pretty hot all year round. The hottest month is usually May, with an average temperature of 82°F (28°C), but this isn’t far off from the 79°F (26°C) average in January, which is considered the coldest month.
You can expect slightly cooler temperatures in the early morning and evenings, with average lows between 55°F (13°C) and 61°F (16°C).
The rainiest month of the year in Bali is January, followed closely by February and March. May and June also see some moderate rainfall. On the other end of the spectrum, July and August have the least amount of rain and are more dry and windy.
In addition, you’ve probably heard that Bali has two distinct seasons for the weather: the dry and the wet. Let’s take a closer look.
Bali’s Wet Season
The wet season, also called the rainy season, in Bali runs between November and March. These months can be particularly gloomy and uncomfortable at certain points, with rain, overcast skies, and high humidity. This high level of moisture in the air, paired with the generally high temperatures, can make this season feel hotter.
The wet season isn’t a good time for beachgoers. Due to the heavy rainfall, you’ll often find some debris washed up on the beach, which isn’t ideal. Although watersports are still pretty popular during this time, especially white water rafting (but more on that later).
Bali’s Dry Season
The months between April and October are considered the island’s dry season, with less humidity and less rain. It still rains sometimes, like in April and May, but the showers don’t last very long and are followed shortly by clear skies.
And while the average temperature isn’t much lower than the wet season, the cool breeze will leave you feeling less hot.
Bali’s dry season is also much better for going to the beach and enjoying other outdoor activities. The sun is shining, there isn’t much unwelcome rain to deal with, and watersports are bustling.

Best Time to Visit Bali on a Budget
Luckily, Bali, Indonesia, is one of those budget beach destinations that won’t break the bank. That is especially true during the low season, so if you’re on a budget, this is the most affordable time to visit.
January, February, and March are the cheapest months since it’s the rainiest time of the wet season and outside of the festive and easter holidays. This period sees fewer visitors, so hotel prices are much cheaper due to the lower demand.
You can also find the best deals for souvenirs and attractions and lower airfare and travel costs — who wouldn’t want that?
April and October are also good choices for decent hotel prices and good deals, with the bonus of less rain, but overall, January to March is the most affordable.
Top Tip: If you’re on a tight budget, it’s best to avoid months like June, July, and August. This is peak tourist season, so prices tend to rise quite a bit.
Best Times to Visit Bali for Activities
If you’re diving headfirst into the Bali experience, there’s no doubt that you have a set of activities that you’d like to get up to. Some tourist spots, like Ulun Danu Beratan Temple or Handara Gate, are easy to access all year round, and the time of year won’t impact your visit much.
However, if you have specific outdoor activities in mind, it’s good practice to pick the best time of year. Let’s take a look at some activities in Bali and the ideal times to give them a go.

Bali Beaches and Watersports
Did you really go to Bali if you didn’t visit any beaches? Stunning beach locations like Jimbaran, Kelingking, and Seminyak Beach are just a few incredible beach spots in Bali. But the question is, when is the best time?
The period between May and September is great since it’s part of the dry season. The days are lovely, warm, and sunny, with cool breezes that make the heat more bearable. Go in the early morning if you want fewer people around and less humidity, but honestly, any time of day is great for catching some sun.
The conditions during this period are also perfect for watersports like snorkeling, scuba diving, or white water rafting, so keep that in mind if you’re the sporty type.

Sightseeing Some Waterfalls
The waterfalls of Bali offer some marvelous hidden gems that some don’t think to visit. The Sekumpul Waterfall, GitGit Waterfall, and the Aling-Aling Waterfall are just a few to choose from. The best time to see them would be the dry season, between April and October.
Since the rainy season has just come to an end, the waterfalls have a strong flow and look really breathtaking. The trails leading up to and around the waterfalls will also be much less muddy, making waterfalls more accessible.
On the other hand, the rainy season (or wet season), between November and May, will be a less convenient time to see the waterfalls. Sure, the falls will flow even more and look more impressive, but it makes getting to them more difficult.

Hiking Bali Trails
One of the most popular (and perhaps unexpected) things to do in Bali is go hiking. There are numerous trails and places to hike, from national parks to rice terraces, but the most popular has to be Mt. Batur. Hiking Mount Batur in Bali is a must for any fitness guru or anyone looking for an incredible view, but when is the right time?
Mountain hikes, like that on Mount Batur, are best between May and September in the dry season. The fact that there is less rain means the trails aren’t slippery and are more accessible (and safer) to traverse.
Watching (or Flying) Balinese Kites
Kite flying in Bali is a massive part of the culture and experience here, and it’s no surprise that the dry season is the best time to fly them. Mid-season months from May to September are the windiest and don’t have a lot of rain, so this is the ideal time to fly some kites or catch them in action.

Best Times to Visit Bali for Festivals and Celebrations
The Balinese calendar sees many fun-filled festivals throughout the year, but most are centralized in June and July. If partaking in outdoor celebrations and festivities while experiencing Bali’s vibrant culture is on your radar, this is the best time to visit.
Let’s take a look at some of Bali’s most popular festivals and key events held throughout the year and their relevant dates in 2024:
- Bali Arts Festival — June 15th and July 13th
- Ubud Food Festival — June (to be announced)
- Bali Kite Festival — July (to be announced)
- Indonesian Independence Day — August 17th

Wrapping Up | The Best Time to Visit Bali
There you have it, folks. Whether you’re looking for the best weather or the cheapest time to visit Bali, there are plenty of things you may want from your trip that will impact your visit.
However, the general consensus remains: the best time to visit Bali for good weather, festivals, and most outdoor activities is during the dry season. Budget travelers, though, will want to visit in the shoulder and low seasons.
And now that you know all about the best times to visit Bali, you can prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime tropical experience.
Read Next: If you need to plan a trip at a particular time of year (and you’re not too picky about where to go), check out some of the best places to visit each month of the year.


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