Are you preparing for your dream tropical getaway to the beautiful and peaceful beaches of Bali? The key to making the most of your trip is picking the perfect time to visit.
This iconic island is nestled in the vast and diverse Indonesia archipelago, and its landscapes are sprinkled with tranquil shores, roaring waterfalls, and ancient cultural temples. This tourist hotspot boasts exotic cuisine, pristine waters, and diverse wildlife, standing alone as one of the most desirable and entrancing places to vacation to.
Whether you want to indulge in ancient wellness customs or sunbathe by a beach, this lush and picturesque island has no shortage of things to do.
Keep reading, and we'll share with you everything you should keep in mind when planning your trip to the island of the gods.
Key Takeaways
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Best time overall: April - August
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Best time for weather: August - October
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Best time for low crowds: January
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Best time for low prices: November - February
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Best time to see waterfalls: December - January
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Best time for sightseeing: March - June
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When Is the Best Time to Visit Bali?
The weather is what largely determines the best time to go to Bali. Luckily, Bali weather is relatively pristine regardless of the time of year, making the island of the gods an ideal tourist destination year-round.
Bali has two seasons - the wet season (rainy season) and the dry season.
It's easy to generally define these seasons by their names. The Bali rainy season is marked by high humidity, relatively frequent rainfall, and wet weather. The dry season brings plenty of sunny days and pleasant weather, though it's not uncommon for a few rainy days here and there.
The Wet Season (October – April)
The wet season, also referred to as the rainy season, starts in October and ends in April. January is usually the rainiest month in Bali and has an average rainfall of 350 mm. Bali weather can be pretty inconsistent at times, so it's good to always be prepared for anything that may happen!
However, excessive rainfall isn't the only thing that the rainy season is known for. It also comes with high temperatures and high humidity.
Things To Do During The Rainy Season
There are a few places that you should make a detour to during these months if you happen to be in Bali. Because of the increased chance of rainfall, there are usually fewer tourists in Bali around this time. That means shorter lines at the major tourist attractions!
The Tanah Lot Temple, one of Bali's most historic and iconic landmarks, is often set against colorful sunsets and crashing waves. Be sure to visit during low tide so that you can effortlessly waltz to the entrance of the temple and see the natural spring water that flows from its stones.
The Uluwatu Temple is another ancient Hindu sea temple located on impressive cliffs surrounded by gorgeous blue waters. However, beware of the multiple monkeys there! They might steal a thing or two off of you if your bags aren't zippered.
Bali also has many new wellness resorts that have been built in recent years. You can experience both the ancient wellness customs of Bali and a modern approach to health when you visit this island.
If the weather happens to be a bit rainy, you can try a Balinese massage, drink authentic Jamu, participate in a Batik craft-making class, or even visit the Nusa Dua Light Festival, which takes place from October to November.
How To Pack For Bali's Rainy Season
Because Bali weather can be somewhat unpredictable, you should be sure to pack plenty of layers. Depending on the purpose of your vacation, it's a good idea to bring light, conservative clothes for outdoor treks. Pack modest clothing, including a sarong and a sash for women, if you'll be traveling to the temples.
Pros And Cons Of Visiting During The Rainy Season
There are endless reasons to visit Bali. Here are the major pros and cons of traveling here during the rainy season.
Pros:
- Less crowded tourist attractions
- Less traffic
- Relatively sunny weather
Cons:
- Higher chance of rain
- High humidity
- More mosquitos
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The Dry Season (May – October)
Bali's dry season begins in May or April and extends to September. August is usually the driest month in Bali and has an average rainfall of 15-40 mm. This is usually when tourists come in full force as the weather transitions to warm and dry. The average temperatures typically hover around 84 °F (29 °C).
The dry season usually has occasional rainfall. There is also less humidity, making the atmosphere more pleasant and enjoyable.
The Best Places To Visit During The Dry Season
From beach bums to family groups, this is one of the best times to visit Bali. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like water sports, scuba diving, day trips, and volcano hikes.
The comfortable climate of the dry season opens up plenty of other things to do on this tropical island. It's well worth your time to sunbathe near turquoise-blue waters, travel to hotspots like Seminyak Beach, or head to Mount Batur for a sunrise hike.
There are some festivals that take place during the dry season, including the Bali Arts Festival, which runs from the second Saturday of June to mid-July, and the Bali Kite Festival, which takes place from July to August.
If you're lucky enough to find yourself on Indonesia's most attractive and stunning islands, don't forget to fill your schedule with treks to some of this archipelago's other isles.
Pros And Cons Of Visiting During The Dry Season
The Bali dry season is the peak of the tourist season. The weather is more friendly and welcoming, and there are plenty of things to do. However, the increased number of tourists can lead to immense crowds.
Pros:
- Less rain
- Less humidity
- Fewer mosquitoes
- Many festivals and events
Cons:
- More crowds
- Higher prices
- Busy traffic
- Crowded tourist attractions
The Tourist Seasons In Bali
If you aren't worried about the weather on your trip to Bali, you might find your choice influenced by the tourist season.
Peak Season
Bali is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. From January 2024 to July 2024 alone, over 3.5 million international tourists visited Bali.
The best time to visit Bali for weather is from July to August, but that also means that there will be more tourists there at this time. There may be more tourists in December, as well, because of the holidays. Though you can expect dry, sunny days and low humidity, you can also expect higher prices at hotels.
Shoulder Season
The shoulder season in Bali takes place from October to December and can also include February and May to June.
This time may have fewer people but also pleasant nights, clear skies, and balmy days.
Low Season
If you want to save money and avoid tourist crowds, visiting Bali between January and March is best. From lower prices to smaller crowds, it can be the ideal time for many people to visit.
Just keep in mind that you'll likely need to pack a raincoat or an umbrella, as the increased rainfall can leave you unexpectedly drenched.
The Bottom Line
Though it's well worth it to travel to Bali throughout the year, finding the ideal moment will help you make the most of your travels here. Have fun!
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