The BEST Time to Visit Bali: A Travel Guide for 2024

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I may have a little bit of bias here, but there isn’t ever a bad time to visit Bali. You can always seek out incredible moments on the small island. However, the BEST time to travel to Bali is during the dry season.

Usually running from April to October (I say usually as global warming is fucking everything up), the dry weather is perfect for being able to get out every day and explore all of the island’s beauty. ‘Dry’ may be a little misleading as there will be super humid days – your skin will be GLOWING in the tropical climate!

If you don’t need to worry about school holidays, I would definitely recommend coming in May or June. It is not quite high season, and you’ll have consistently good weather. It is also a brilliant time with some amazing festivals like the Bali Arts Festival taking place mid-June! You’ll also see a lot of domestic tourists in Bali during these months as Indonesian schools are on holiday.

During dry season you’ll want to be smothered in SPF all day long, even if it’s a little grey. The UV index is HIGH and you don’t want to ruin your trip with blistering sunburn and heat stroke.

There is no shortage of places to stay in Bali. Prices will vary throughout the year, with the wet season offering a little more bang for your buck. That being said, with a little research of areas and what’s available, you’ll be able to find your dream island accomm at the price you want to pay! Get on it and book your accommodation early for the best deals.

TLDR: Bali is ALWAYS amazing. But check out May or June for a bunch of sunny days on your Bali trip.

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The CHEAPEST time to visit Bali comes with the rain. October-March (it isn’t an exact science so don’t come for me) is the wet season with moderate rainfall, storms, and cooler temperatures. But shops offer sales, and you won’t have to share every Bali hotspot with a million tourists.

Now, I spend the majority of my year in Bali, and to be honest don’t find the rainy season to be too disabling. You can still get out and about, just need to be a little more prepared for setbacks and getting a lil (VERY) wet.

December, especially late December, is a mini high season as many visitors flock to the beautiful island for a tropical Christmas and New Year celebration. Other than those 2 weeks, it is off season throughout the rainy days and you’ll find heavily discounted accommodations and hotels.

If you’re searching for a laid-back, chill, no crazy plans kind of getaway, visiting Bali during the rainy season is ideal!

Ok, you want even MORE info? Here I present you with a DETAILED, fabulous, seasonal guide of what is going on in Bali including weather, events, tourists and more! Don’t say I don’t treat you well.

January -March in Bali

• Average Max. Temperature: 26-26.5°C
• Rainfall: 20-27 days, rainy season

January in Bali sees many of the Christmas and New Year tourists departing, ending the high season and leaving the island less crowded. It’s the rainiest month of the year, and if you’re heading inland to the highlands and mountains, things get torrential. Outdoor activities will be difficult and not very enjoyable during this time.

After the New Year buzz wears off there are much fewer tourists and cheaper hotel prices.

It’s still pretty wet in Bali over February with cooler temperatures and humidity – much like January. The showers don’t last all day long, but can be unpredictable, always be ready to throw on a raincoat. 

During March, the rain is still around and the humidity comes down. The chances of rain are lower – but never zero.

This is technically low season, but in recent years has still been a super busy month. Still, flights and accommodation are much cheaper now so, if you’re trying to keep costs low, this is your time.   

It is pretty common that the Balinese celebration of Nyepi will take place during March. The date changes every year, dependent on the Balinese calendar. You’ll want to read up on this one as not only is it an incredible show of culture, it can have an affect on your plans.

April-May in Bali

• Average Max. Temperature: 27-30°C
• Rainfall: 8-9 days, shoulder season

April is a great month to visit Bali. Not only is it my birthday month (;)), the weather is a bit more predictable with a lesser chance of crazy rain. It ain’t called April Showers for nothing! Temperatures are a little higher, but without the humidity it’s so much more bearable.

Often around the Easter holidays, tourists will begin to trickle in but not at the high rates of the July/August summer season (well technically it’s winter in Indonesia, but you get my point).

If you LOVE the sun, May is when you will wanna visit Bali. It is the hottest month of the year with average temperatures exceeding 30 C! The island’s dry season has officially hit and we love to see it.

During May, you won’t wanna be doing anything too crazy. Beach lounging, retail therapy, poolside cocktails – fun in the sun! Be sure you are stocked up on SPF.

June-September in Bali

• Average Max. Temperature: 26.5°C
• Rainfall: 4-8 days, dry season

During June you will start to see the island getting a buzz about it as Bali’s dry season really gets going. The great weather during June is consistently dry, but the chance of a tropical storm is never far – usually at night. This is also when the Nusa Dua Light Festival usually takes place, which is a true Bali lantern extravaganza!

July is the month of crowds, traffic and shit getting hella expensive. That being said, don’t knock it just yet. It is prime beach weather during July, though you may be fighting for a good spot on the sand. You’ll also see A LOT of kites soaring through the skies as the Bali Kite Festival kicks off and all the local kids get involved.

August 17th is Indonesia’s Independence Day which is celebrated with a public holiday, decorations, local events and parties. If you are lucky enough to have close Indonesian friends, this will be a big deal for them! Get ready to wave your Indo flags.

After a successful peak season, September is a great time to get out and explore the island, taking tours of temples, scuba diving, doing mountain hikes and immersing in the beautiful island.

October-December in Bali

• Average Max. Temperature: 26.5°C-27°C
• Rainfall: 12-22 days, rainy season

Here we go, the rains a-coming. In October, we start to see some more moderate rainfall and the transition from shoulder season to off season, so slow tourist traffic. If you don’t mind the risk of a downpour here and there, October can be an affordable time to visit Bali.

Bali has two distinct seasons, and November is when you can clearly see rainy season getting serious. Daily showers are more common, and while most don’t last long, some can keep at it for a few hours. Be warned, even if the day starts off clear, there’s no promise it’ll stay that way. Humidity is HIGH, making it a sticky time, yet at the same time still a great place for some winter sun.

The start of December is a relatively quiet time in Bali with fewer crowds and guaranteed rain. The cooler temperatures make it a great time to visit tourist spots, but be ready to whack on a waterproof.

Late December sees an influx of visitors heading to the island for Christmas and New Year in a tropical climate. There won’t be any outdoor celebrations, but you can definitely find yourself a knock-up Christmas dinner to feast on.

You know WHEN to head to Bali, but now we are going to get into geographical specifics!

Best Time to Visit Canggu

If you know anything about modern Bali, Canggu is the hip and happening place to go. It’s jam-packed with all kinds of trendy restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs, coworking spaces and some pretty epic hostels.

It’s relatively easy to explore Canggu on a budget, but you will defo be spending more than you would in the less trendy areas. It’s all about your preference!

The weather in Canggu is consistent with the Bali averages as it is a coastside town. There’s sunny weather, there’s humidity and there will be rain. The biggest impact the weather has on Canggu is the tide. If you are looking to get out and surf, you will wanna check on the tide reports and make sure you aren’t throwing yourself into a challenging current.

To sum up, the best time to visit Canggu is: always.

Best Time to Visit Ubud

Ubud is the cultural heart of the island with some incredible temples, the Royal Palace, rice terraces and the famous Monkey Forest. It is also literally in the heart of the island, up in the highlands with tall hills, swooping ravines and thick jungles.

The best time to visit Ubud is during the dry season. When it rains in Ubud, it POURS and can cause some nasty flooding, but it’s still one of the safest places in Bali as far as tsunami risks are concerned. Ubud is crowded year-round so you may want to look into the mid-season months for your trip.

It is a lot cooler in the evenings in Ubud than it is on the coast, so you will wanna pack a light jumper. Also be prepared for some crazy insects and mosquitoes around your accommodation in Ubud as the jungles bring out all kinds of creatures.

A place for spiritual healing, great yoga and fabulous vegan food, Ubud is where you can have your own Eat, Pray, Love experience.

Best Time to Visit Uluwatu

If you are thinking for exploring Uluwatu, you are probably thinking beaches, surfing, good food – and that’s probably it. What do you need for these activities? Good weather! It’s best to visit Uluwatu during the dry season when the weather is more predictable and you don’t find yourself stuck on a cliffside in a torrential downpour.  

The surfing conditions are also heavily dependent on Bali’s weather, and will be a much easier ride during the dry season.

Sure it might be cheaper to visit Uluwatu when the rainy season deals strike, but is it worth it if you can’t spend a full day on Bingin beach? That’s your decision to make.

Many of the best places to stay in Uluwatu look out over the cliffside for magnificent views of the ocean and horizon – the sunsets NEVER disappoint.

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There is a good mixture of cultural and party events throughout the year in Bali. From mandatory silent days to VIP, super celebrity performances, there’s a lil bit of something for everyone.

Here are all the must-know cultural events in Bali:

• Nyepi: As previously mentioned, Nyepi is the Balinese New Year that happens most commonly in March (but is dependent on the Balinese calendar). There are many celebrations in the lead up to actual Nyepi day, including the Ogoh-Ogoh parade. Incredibly fierce and gruesome looking monsters are paraded on the streets to intense, hypnotic music. It’s a breathtaking sight! The following day from 6am-6am the island closes – even the airport! You aren’t allowed to step out of your accommodation and are required to avoid any loud noise or open flames. It is a totally unique and fascinating celebration.
• Bali Spirit Festival: The Bali Spirit Festival is a seven-day wellness festival that hosts yoga lessons, dance and music performances, showcases arts, and offers holistic healing and spirituality workshops. If you are into wellness, this is the festival in Bali to try! It is most commonly held in May.
• Galungan and Kuningan: Galungan and Kuningan are 2 super important celebrations in the Balinese calendar. They are a celebration of the triumph of good over evil, and take place every 210 days. When these holidays roll around many businesses close, kids get holidays from school and the streets are decorated with incredible penjor.
• Ubud Food Festival: The amazing Ubud Food Festival is hosted during April showcasing the incredible food culture in Bali. From local businesses with traditional dishes to innovative, new concepts, the food festival has a whole range of things to try as well as classes, talks and workshops.
• Bali Arts Festival: A beautiful showcase of Balinese culture, the Bali Arts Festival has performances, workshops and many chances to learn about the magnificent, unique culture of the island. Its a long festival that runs from mid June through July.

Don’t Forget your Bali Travel Insurance

Bali travel insurance is a must for your visit – healthcare isn’t the cheapest for tourists!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

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Here’s what we’re usually asked about the best times for visiting Bali.

And there you have it folks, the best times to visit Bali laid out plain and simple for you. So, when are you coming?!

A magical holiday in the sun is a given, but are you happy to have the chance of a bit of rain to save some cash? No matter when you choose to come to Bali, I PROMISE you are going to have the most amazing time on the beautiful island.

Weather be damned, you can have an unforgettable time immersing in the culture, seeing outstanding landscapes and just having a great fucking time!

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