The best time to visit Bali depends on several factors. Before you book your trip to Bali, you naturally want to know what the absolute best period is to go. In this article, we’ll cover all the ins and outs of the best time to visit Bali. You’ll read about the climate, the rainy season, and the major holidays. This way, you’ll know exactly which months are the best for traveling to Bali!
The Best Time to Visit Bali at a Glance
You can essentially plan a trip to Bali at any time of the year, but the absolute best months are April, May, June, September, and October. These are transitional months where you have a high chance of good weather. At the same time, you avoid the crowds and high prices of the peak season, which runs from July through August. The rainy season starts in November and lasts roughly until March. Each season has its pros and cons. Below, we describe the differences in detail.
The Climate of Bali
Bali is located close to the equator, resulting in a tropical climate. It is warm year-round, with temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). Bali experiences two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season runs from November through March, while the dry season lasts from April through October. Below, you can read about the advantages and disadvantages of each season.
The Rainy Season in Bali (November to March)
- There are many fewer tourists
- Prices are lower, and flight tickets are cheaper
- The nature in Bali is even greener during the rainy season
- The waterfalls are fuller
- More frequent rain showers and cloud cover
- January is the wettest month
- The sea can be rougher, leading to reduced visibility while snorkeling/diving
The Dry Season in Bali (April to October)
- High chance of sunny weather
- The sea is usually calm
- It’s much busier
- Prices on the island rise, and flight tickets are more expensive
- Temperatures are a few degrees higher during the dry season
- May is the hottest month
- July and August have the highest chances of sun and the lowest chances of precipitation; these are also the busiest months
What Does the Rainy Season in Bali Look Like?
From November through March is the rainy season in Bali. If you’re mainly coming for the sun and plan to spend a lot of time at the beach and by the pool, it’s best to avoid December, January, and February. These months see the peak of the rainy season, and you’re likely to experience heavy showers that can last for extended periods. Most days during the rainy season consist of brief, intense downpours to expect, often occurring for about half an hour to an hour in the morning and similar showers in the evening. However, you might also have the misfortune of experiencing several consecutive days of rain. It’s hard to predict exactly how much and how often it will rain during the rainy season in Bali, but it’s certain that you should bring a rain jacket. It can be beautifully sunny at times, occasionally with short, heavy showers, and sometimes you’ll have days of continuous rain.
Tip: Keep in mind that the sea can be much rougher during the rainy season. As a result, boats from Bali to the Gili Islands may not operate.
The Best Time for Activities in Bali
Read below about the best time for surfing, visiting rice fields, and diving and snorkeling.
The Best Time for Surfers
Good news for the surfers among us; you can surf in Bali year-round. The waves are at their best during the dry season, from April to October. This is also peak season, so it will be busier, and you’ll have to share the waves with more surfers.
The Best Time for Green Rice Fields in Bali
Bali is, of course, known for its beautiful rice fields. Rice is harvested about three times a year, so you can enjoy the lush green fields multiple times a year. One thing is for sure: at the end of the rainy season, around February and March, the rice fields are beautifully green. September is also a great month to see the green rice fields in all their glory in Bali.
The Best Time for Diving and Snorkeling
You can dive in Bali year-round, but the absolute best period is from May to October. The sea is calm, and the underwater visibility is excellent. The sea temperature averages around 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit).
Important Holidays in Bali
Bali has a rich culture with a variety of unique and important holidays. Here’s a list of the most significant holidays.
Nyepi Day
Nyepi Day is the Day of Silence, during which the New Year is celebrated. This New Year follows a special lunar calendar, so it doesn’t align with our New Year. The entire population stays home to meditate. There is no traffic, no light, and no noise. All schools, shops, and restaurants are closed. The purpose of this is to mislead evil spirits into thinking that Bali is uninhabited.
The day before Nyepi Day is Melasti, a ceremony aimed at purifying the spiritual world and driving away evil. In the evening, the Ogoh-Ogoh parade takes place, where enormous demonic puppets are carried through the streets and then burned. From the next morning at 6:00 AM, Nyepi Day begins, and total silence is required. This lasts for 24 hours. Everyone, including travelers, must adhere to this. You are expected to stay in your hotel room and not go out onto the streets.
Nyepi Day 2025: Saturday, March 29. Nyepi Day 2026: Thursday, March 19, 2026.
Galungan and Kuningan
Galungan and Kuningan are also two important Balinese holidays celebrated every 210 days. Galungan is celebrated first, followed ten days later by Kuningan. Galungan celebrates the victory of dharma (good) over adharma (evil) and marks the beginning of a ten-day festival period. During this period, the spirits of ancestors return to Earth. Balinese people make bamboo poles decorated with palm leaves, rice, and offerings, which they place along the streets. Elaborate offerings are also made, and temple ceremonies are held.
Galungan and Kuningan 2025: Wednesday, April 23 – Saturday, May 3.
Galungan and Kuningan 2025: Wednesday, November 19 – Saturday, November 20.
Discover the Most Beautiful Places in Bali
Bali is an easy and safe travel destination that you can explore independently without a travel organization. By planning your own trip, you save a lot of money and have the freedom to choose your destinations and accommodations. We have visited Bali five times and have always had a fantastic time. With all these experiences, we’ve created the ultimate itinerary through Bali. There, we share all the tips you need to plan an amazing trip to Bali yourself!
