The best time to visit Bali

From its beautiful beaches and soul-stirring temples, Bali is a diverse and richly rewarding destination for all kinds of travellers. But in order to make the most of your trip, you’ll want to wise-up on the best travel tips for Bali, and decide when to go. On that subject, read on to find out when's the best time to visit Bali, courtesy of our overview of the island’s seasonal shifts, and run-down of what to expect during different months of the year.

What's the best time to visit Bali?

When considering that all-important question — what's the best time to visit Bali? — bear in mind that Bali experiences an annual monsoon season. This brings rain, wind and intense humidity from October through to March. 

If you’re coming to Bali to enjoy adventure activities, note that mountain-climbing is unrewarding and dangerous during monsoon time. You’ll also be unable to access volcano hikes. 

When pondering when’s the best time to visit Bali, you should also be aware of the peak tourist seasons. Resorts and guest houses become packed to the brim between mid-June and mid-September, over the Christmas–New Year period, and lso at Idul Fitry (Eid al-Fitri, usually May–June). 

At this time, prices rocket and rooms are usually booked for weeks in advance. 

Travel tip: want to avoid well-walked paths and sky-high prices? Arrange an itinerary during the shoulder months of May, June and September for largely-clear days that are lighter on rain, and your pocket.

You might also want to read up on incredible places in Indonesia beyond the Bali tourist trail.

High season

Given that Bali — along with Lombok, and the gorgeous Gili Islands — is an Indonesian tourist hotspot at this time of year, you’ll want to weigh up the pros and cons of visiting Bali during peak season. 

Pros

• Opportunities for livelier socialising with more fellow travellers.
• Maximum access to tours and trips.
• Better conditions for hiking, diving, surfing and sun-lounging.  

Cons

• Higher prices.
• Needing to book further in advance. 
• Bigger crowds might spoil your idea of an idyllic island break.

Need help planning your trip? Find inspiration in our guide to the best Bali tours, or contact our local experts.

Rainy season

As a result, it’s easy to find good deals when visiting Bali — and Indonesia more generally — in the rainy season.  

For example, from October to March/April, you can travel with little advance booking and low prices.  

While you can expect frequent, heavy downpours, temperatures remain around 30 degrees. 

While it’s not wise to visit Bail in the rainy season if you want to hike, or spend a lot of time chilling out on the beach, it could be an option if you’re planning to focus on visiting temples, for example.

Already planning your trip to Bali? Read up on Bali visas.

Bali month-by-month

January

As a result, outdoor activities like trekking and volcano hikes are difficult. That said, experienced surfers and rafters might relish the extra thrills of wilder waves and waters. 

In addition, visiting Bali in January means you could experience Chinese New Year celebrations, though this sometimes falls in February.

February

As a result of the wind and waves, south-west destinations like Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu can be great for experienced surfers and paragliders. 

March

However, the weather can still be unpredictable, so expect occasional showers. 

March is a great time for culture vultures to visit Bali, with Nyepi, the Balinese New Year, kicking off at the end of March or in early April.

April

This makes April a great time to visit Bali to appreciate the island’s natural attractions at their lushest. 

While Easter sees an influx of travellers, April remains a quieter month to visit than the upcoming summer peak.

May

May is an ideal time to dive in Bali, and also great for enjoying outdoor activities like hiking and biking.

June

With consistent surf, June is also the ideal time for water-sports’ lovers to visit Bali. 

If that wasn’t enough temptation, Bali Arts Festival runs from June to mid-July.

July

Along with soaring visitor numbers (and prices!), be aware that temperatures can also soar in July, especially in urban areas. 

If you’ve come to party, though, July might be the best month for you to visit Bali. This month also sees the opening of the Bali Kite Festival. 

Love diving? Between July and October, the waters around Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida offer the best chance most people will ever have of spotting a mola mola (oceanic sunfish), one of the world's most elusive and startling underwater creatures.

August

These include Indonesia’s independence day, which is celebrated on 17th August.  

Love exploring rural locations and local culture? August kicks off clove harvest season, so you might get to see death-defying pickers on rickety ladders plucking buds before they flower.

September

September also sees Bali host the Taman Ujung Festival, and the Lovina Festival.

October

Just be prepared to have back-up ideas for your beach day plans.  

October also sees Bali host a number of festivals, among them the Nusa Penida Festival, Uluwatu Festival and Nusa Dua Festival.

November

As a result, November is a good time to visit Bali to relax, visit museums and enjoy rock bottom room rates. 

With Tumpek Wayan celebrated in November, it’s also a top time to take-in the island’s culture. This scared Hindu festival sees puppeteers come to together to perform purification rites.

In addition, the Pemuteran Bay festival is due to be held on 11th-13th November 2023.

December

As for some of the big events held in December, the week-long Pandawa Beach Festival is usually held in Kutuh Village in mid-December.

Meanwhile, New Year’s Eve sees remarkable firework displays all over the island.

Note that poor visibility sees dive centres wind down activities from December to March.

Consdering exploring beyond Bali? Read up on the best time to go to Indonesia, and browse our customisable itineraries for inspiration.

From basking in the beauty of Bail and Gili's beaches, to island-hopping Indonesia, they'll give you plenty of food for thought.

If you're already planning your trip, get The Rough Guide to Bali and Lombok to enhance every step of your journey.