Bali attracts visitors year-round, and the truth is there is no truly bad time to visit. But the experience varies dramatically depending on when you go — from perfect blue skies and packed beaches in August to quiet temple ceremonies and afternoon downpours in January.

Understanding Bali's seasons, festivals, and regional differences will help you plan the trip that matches exactly what you are looking for, whether that is world-class surf, a spiritual retreat, or simply the best beach weather.

Quick Overview: Bali's Two Seasons

Bali has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons:

Dry Season (April-October): Minimal rainfall, lower humidity, sunny days, cooler nights in the highlands. This is peak tourist season, especially July-August.
Wet Season (November-March): Higher humidity, afternoon rainstorms (not all-day rain), lusher landscapes, fewer tourists, lower prices.

Average temperatures remain consistent year-round: 27-30C during the day, 23-25C at night. Bali does not have a cold season.

Month-by-Month Breakdown

January: Deep Wet Season

January is Bali's wettest month, with rainfall averaging 300-350mm. Expect heavy afternoon showers — sometimes lasting several hours — along with high humidity and occasional flooding in low-lying areas.

Pros:

Lowest prices of the year — 30-50% below peak season rates
Dramatically fewer tourists
Rice terraces are at their most lush and green
Great time for spa treatments, yoga retreats, and cultural experiences

Cons:

Surf conditions are poor on the west coast (Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu)
Some roads in rural areas may be difficult
Beach days are less reliable
Higher risk of dengue fever (mosquitoes thrive in wet conditions)

Best areas: Ubud for culture and yoga, Sanur for calmer eastern weather

February: Wet Season Continues

Similar to January but with Bali's most important cultural event on the horizon. Rainfall remains heavy but is more intermittent.

Key event: Nyepi preparation begins. In the weeks before Nyepi (Balinese New Year, which falls in March), villages create elaborate ogoh-ogoh statues — giant paper-mache demons that will be paraded and burned.

Best for: Budget travelers, cultural enthusiasts, those who want Bali without crowds.

March: The Nyepi Experience

March brings one of Bali's most unique experiences: Nyepi, the Day of Silence (date varies yearly based on the Balinese Saka calendar — usually falls in March).

What happens during Nyepi:

The entire island shuts down for 24 hours. No flights, no cars, no shops, no restaurants, no leaving your hotel.
The night before features the Ogoh-Ogoh parades — massive demon statues carried through the streets in a spectacular display.
Hotels remain open but guests must stay on the property. Many hotels organize special Nyepi dinners and activities.
The night sky is extraordinary because all lights are turned off island-wide.

Tip: Experiencing Nyepi is genuinely unforgettable, but plan around it. You cannot arrive or depart Bali on Nyepi day.

Rainfall begins to decrease toward the end of March as the dry season approaches.

April: The Transition Month

April is one of the best months to visit Bali. The rains taper off, everything is still green and lush from the wet season, but the skies are clearing. Tourist numbers have not yet peaked.

Why April is excellent:

Lower prices than peak season
Manageable crowds
Surf season begins on the west coast
Pleasant temperatures with decreasing humidity
The landscape is at peak greenery

Best for: Surfers, photographers, value-conscious travelers who want good weather.

May: The Sweet Spot

May is arguably the single best month to visit Bali. The dry season is established, humidity drops, and the peak crowds of July-August have not arrived.

Highlights:

Vesak (Buddha's birthday) is celebrated at Borobudur in Java — worth a side trip from Bali
Surf conditions are excellent on the Bukit Peninsula (Uluwatu, Padang Padang)
Accommodation prices are moderate
Rice terraces are being harvested in some areas, which is photogenic in its own way

Best areas: Everywhere. May is good across the entire island.

June: Dry Season Begins in Earnest

June marks the start of peak tourist season. European and Australian school holidays begin, and flight prices climb accordingly.

Key considerations:

Weather is consistently sunny with very little rain
Surf is world-class on the west and south coasts
The Bali Arts Festival begins in mid-June and runs for a month, featuring traditional dance, music, and art from across the island
Accommodation should be booked well in advance, especially in Seminyak and Canggu

Best for: Surfers, culture enthusiasts (Arts Festival), and those who want guaranteed good weather.

July: Peak Season

July is one of Bali's busiest months. Australian school holidays are in full swing, and European travelers arrive in force.

What to expect:

Perfect weather — sunny, dry, and warm
Highest accommodation prices alongside August
Traffic congestion, especially around Seminyak, Kuta, and Canggu
Restaurants and beach clubs require reservations
Surf competitions at Uluwatu and Keramas

Tip: Book everything at least 6-8 weeks in advance. Popular restaurants in Seminyak and Canggu fill up days ahead.

Budget impact: Expect to pay 40-80% more than low season for the same accommodation.

August: Absolute Peak

August is the busiest and most expensive month. Indonesian domestic tourism peaks around Independence Day (August 17), which combines with international peak season.

Highlights:

Indonesian Independence Day (August 17) features celebrations across the island — parades, competitions, and decorations in red and white.
Galungan and Kuningan (dates vary) are major Balinese Hindu festivals. Penjor — tall decorated bamboo poles — line every road. Temples are alive with ceremony. This is Bali at its most culturally vibrant.
Best weather of the year
Best diving conditions at Tulamben and Menjangan

Drawbacks: Maximum crowds, maximum prices, heavy traffic.

September: The Ideal Return

September is the other strong candidate for best month in Bali. Peak season crowds thin out dramatically after the first week, prices drop, but the weather remains excellent.

Why September is outstanding:

Dry, sunny weather continues
Tourist numbers drop significantly after Labor Day
Accommodation prices decrease 20-30% from August
Surf remains consistent
The island feels noticeably calmer

Best for: Almost everyone. September offers the best balance of weather, crowds, and value.

October: Dry Season's Last Hurrah

October is the final month of reliable dry weather. Occasional brief showers begin later in the month, signaling the approaching wet season.

Considerations:

Still mostly dry and sunny
Fewer tourists than June-August
Good value on accommodation
Surf season winds down on the west coast but picks up on the east
A great time for hiking Mount Batur or Mount Agung

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, hikers, those who want dry weather without peak crowds.

November: Wet Season Begins

The rains return in November, usually starting with brief afternoon showers and building in intensity through the month.

What to know:

Mornings are often beautiful and sunny
Afternoon showers are typical but not constant
Prices drop significantly
The island turns green again rapidly
Surf shifts to the east coast (Keramas, Sanur Reef)

Tip: November is an excellent time for budget travelers who don't mind occasional rain. Many high-end resorts offer steep discounts.

December: Festive Season Surge

December has wet season weather but peak season prices. The Christmas and New Year period (roughly December 20 to January 5) is one of the most expensive times to visit, with rates rivaling or exceeding August.

Key notes:

Rain is frequent but usually does not last all day
Seminyak and Canggu beach clubs host elaborate NYE parties
Book at least 2-3 months ahead for the festive period
Outside the festive window, early December offers wet season prices with manageable weather

Area-Specific Advice

Bali is not one monolithic destination. Different areas suit different times and different travelers.

Ubud (Central Highlands)

Best time: April-October for dry weather, though Ubud is rewarding year-round
Wet season note: Rain is heavier in Ubud than on the coast. Roads can flood. But the rice terraces at Tegallalang are at their most spectacular when saturated with water.
Ubud is cooler than the coast — pleasant year-round, but bring a light layer for evenings (temperatures can drop to 20C).
Best for: Yoga retreats, cultural experiences, rice terrace photography, art galleries, monkey forest visits.

Seminyak and Kuta (Southwest Coast)

Best time: May-September for beach weather and surf
Wet season note: Beaches collect debris washed in by storms. The scene shifts indoors to restaurants and bars.
Year-round draw: Seminyak's restaurant and nightlife scene operates regardless of weather.
Best for: Nightlife, dining, beach clubs, shopping.

Canggu (West Coast)

Best time: May-September for surf and beach lifestyle
Surf season: West coast breaks work best April-October. Batu Bolong is beginner-friendly; Echo Beach and Pererenan are for experienced surfers.
Year-round draw: The digital nomad and cafe culture thrives in all seasons.
Best for: Surfers, digital nomads, cafe culture, fitness enthusiasts.

Uluwatu and the Bukit Peninsula (South)

Best time: April-October for world-class surf and cliffside views
Surf note: Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Bingin, and Impossibles are legendary waves that work best in the dry season with consistent southwest swells.
The Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu Temple is performed daily at sunset year-round and should not be missed.
Best for: Serious surfers, luxury clifftop resorts, temple visits.

Sanur (East Coast)

Best time: Year-round. Sanur is protected from the southwest swells, making it calmer than the west coast.
Dry season advantage: Sanur's offshore reef breaks work better with dry season conditions.
Sanur is notably quieter and more family-friendly than Seminyak or Canggu.
Best for: Families, older travelers, snorkeling, launching point for Nusa Lembongan day trips.

Nusa Islands (Lembongan, Ceningan, Penida)

Best time: April-October for calm seas, good visibility, and manta ray sightings at Manta Point.
Wet season warning: Boat crossings can be rough and occasionally cancelled in heavy weather (December-February).
Nusa Penida requires dry season for safe access to some attractions like Kelingking Beach and Angel's Billabong.
Best for: Snorkeling, diving, manta rays, dramatic cliff scenery.

North Bali (Lovina, Munduk)

Best time: April-November. The north coast is drier than the south.
Munduk in the central-northern highlands offers waterfalls, coffee plantations, and cool temperatures — excellent in any season.
Lovina is known for dolphin-watching boat trips at dawn.
Best for: Waterfall chasing, off-the-beaten-path exploration, quiet beach retreats.

Cultural Festivals Calendar

Bali's Hindu ceremonies are a major draw and follow the Balinese Saka and Pawukon calendars, meaning dates shift each year.

Nyepi (Day of Silence): Usually March. The island's most dramatic festival.
Galungan and Kuningan: Celebrated every 210 days (occurs twice in some years). Honors the victory of good over evil. Look for penjor bamboo poles and temple ceremonies.
Saraswati: Celebrates knowledge and learning. Books and manuscripts are blessed.
Pagerwesi: A day to strengthen spiritual resolve.
Bali Arts Festival: Mid-June to mid-July. A month of performances, exhibitions, and cultural events in Denpasar.
Full Moon ceremonies (Purnama): Monthly ceremonies at sea temples. Tanah Lot and Uluwatu are particularly atmospheric.

Tip: Check the Balinese calendar before your trip. Even if you don't plan around a specific festival, you will likely encounter ceremonies at local temples. Dress respectfully (sarong and sash, often provided) and ask before photographing.

Practical Packing Tips by Season

Dry Season (April-October)

Light, breathable clothing
Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Rashguard for surfing and snorkeling
Light layer for Ubud evenings and temple visits
Sarong (useful for temples and as a beach cover-up)

Wet Season (November-March)

Everything above, plus:
Waterproof bag for electronics
Light rain jacket or compact umbrella
Insect repellent (mosquitoes increase in wet season)
Quick-dry clothing
Waterproof phone case

The Bottom Line

Best overall months: May, June, and September balance great weather, manageable crowds, and reasonable prices.

Best for budget travelers: November through March (excluding December 20-January 5) offers the lowest prices with the trade-off of afternoon rain.

Best for surfers: May through September on the west and south coasts.

Best for culture: Anytime you coincide with Galungan, Nyepi, or the Bali Arts Festival.

No matter when you visit, Bali's temples, rice terraces, food, and warm Balinese hospitality deliver a remarkable experience. The "best" time is simply the time that aligns with your priorities — and now you have the information to choose it wisely.

Best Time to Visit Bali: A Season-by-Season Guide