The famous Indonesian island of Bali in South East Asia is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations. The number of tourists visiting Bali yearly has always been on the rise. In 2023, Bali had around 5,273,258 international visitors. In 2024, around 469,227 visited Bali in March. Bali’s stunning beaches, scenic locales, and rich cultural heritage attract immense visitors yearly. Can you visit Bali all year round? Or is Bali thronged with the most visitors at a particular time? That’s what we will learn about in this article. We will also take a sneak peek into the popular destinations of Bali. So, let’s get started.
When is the Best Time to Visit Bali?
When planning a holiday in Bali, knowing the best time to go and have a fun-filled vacation is always essential. Bali has hot and humid weather throughout the year, with a consistent humidity of over 75%. Bali has a dry season as well as a wet season. The dry seasons are preferable for holidaying to the months when it rains a lot.
However, the island’s peak season is July-August and December-January, when it bustles with visitors. The weather isn’t the only reason behind the increased number of visitors during that span. In July and August, most of the Indonesian schools remain closed. At the same time, December and January are the Christmas and New Year holidays, when visitors come to Bali for a whale of a time during the holiday seasons. Make your bookings early, as there is a significant price hike.
When Is It Off-season In Bali?
While May-October is the dry season, November – April is the wet season in Bali. So, it’s pretty evident that the months of October-November and February-March are the off-seasons in Bali. So, if you aren’t too fond of crowds, you may plan a visit in these months when the prices are lower, and you even get many promotional offers and discounts on food, accommodation, and travel. However, visiting Bali during the rainy season means more indoor activities, less outdoor sports, and fun.
How is Bali During the Dry Season?
Pleasant weather marks the dry season in Bali. The days are clear and sunny, while the nights are cool, with minimal humidity and rain. The temperature in the dry season is between 20 and 30°C. This is the perfect time to soak yourself in an array of watersports, for which Bali is well-reputed. You could opt for snorkeling, scuba diving, rafting, surfing, sea walking, parasailing, and much more. The dry season is the best period to relish the scenic beauty of Bali. The dry season has rain showers, but that isn’t severe and won’t prevent you from enjoying a gala time outdoors.
How is Bali During the Wet Season?
The wet season in Bali isn’t as comfortable as its dryer counterpart, but it isn’t bad either. Spanning from October to February, the wet season in Bali is marked by sporadic thunderstorms and intense downpours. The sea gets rough during this period. That doesn’t mean you cannot visit Bali when it is wet.
The prices are incredibly low. You may not be able to indulge in outdoor activities. However, if you are in for a cosy time with your loved one indoors, visiting Bali in the rainy season won’t be a bad idea. Having a relaxing spa session, enjoying a sumptuous meal at one of the many food joints in Bali, or going for a museum visit are some of the many things you can opt for when it rains in the island country.
Bali – Monthly Weather
| Month | Weather | Things to do |
| January | Winters have an average temperature of 26°C. They are wet, and there may be frequent short-span showers. | It’s the best time to visit some of Bali’s famous temples, such as Tana Lot and Uluwatu Temple. You can also visit the rice fields, outdoor markets, and terraces. You’ll have around 6 hours of sunshine daily. So make the most of it. |
| February | The weather in February remains mostly the same as that in January. However, the temperature could rise slightly from 26°C to 27.5°C. The temperatures are warm and pleasant – perfect for exploring the island’s various tourist attractions. | You could indulge in beach activities when it isn’t raining. You may visit rice terraces, explore temples, and enjoy cultural performances. The warm waters are perfect for water sports like snorkeling and surfing |
| March | By March, the dry season is set to set in. The days begin to get warmer, and humidity spikes. The temperature is from 22°C- 31°C. Though it may rain 14 to 20 days a month, you could get around 7 hours of sunshine. | As the weather gets pleasant, you can take full advantage of many watersports in Bali in March. March also marks the beginning of many festivals. Nyepi is the Balinese New Year, marked by a day of silence, meditation, and fasting. Life seems to come to a halt that day. The day following, Nyepi again sees many social activities and gatherings. So, if you visit Bali in March, you will see a different side of the island. |
| April | April is warmer than March, and the temperature may rise to around 28°C. There’s sunshine for almost 8-9 hours, and the average rainfall decreases. | You may indulge in swimming, snorkeling, jet-skiing, and other water sports. Going on a hiking spree to Lake Batur, White Crate Lake, or any other scenic location would be unique. When you visit Bali in April, you will have the pleasure of witnessing the three-day Ubud Food Festival and get a chance to enjoy the mouth-watering delicacies. |
| May | May marks the end of the wet season and the beginning of the dryer months. The skies are clear, and the weather is pleasant. The average temperature is more than 28 °C. No wonder May attracts a lot of tourists to Bali. | The beaches will be a perfect place to enjoy your vacation in May. You could take pleasure in swimming, snorkeling, and other beach sports. Hiking to the White Crater Lake in the pleasant weather would be bliss. Visiting the Banyumala Twin Waterfall by taking advantage of May’s fascinating weather would be thrilling. Surfing and scuba diving can be high on your to-do list in May when the weather is bright and sunny. |
| June | June is marked by clear skies and pleasant weather. However, showers may occur briefly now and then. The average temperature is 30°C. | You’ll barely experience rainfall and can enjoy beach activities and water sports. The Seminyak Beach will be a perfect pick if you are looking for some adventurous beach sports. You may even enjoy a fascinating horse ride along the beach. If you have an affinity for the arts, do not miss the Bali Arts Festival, which is held from mid-June to mid-July. |
| July | The saga of fascinating weather continues in July as well. You will enjoy around eleven hours of sunlight. That’s why a lot of visitors come to Bali then. | The rustic temples of Bali, known for their uniqueness and incredible architecture, cannot be missed, especially when the weather is soothing. The Tanah Lot temple and Besakih temple are a few must-visits. Trek to the top of the volcanic mountains—Mount Batur, Mount Merbuk, Mount Bratan, and Mount Agung—and enjoy breathtaking views amidst splendid weather conditions. In July, you can also enjoy the Bali Arts Festival. |
| August | In August, you will have the best of Bali and can enjoy it in full swing. The average temperature is 27°C. You will get around ten hours of sunlight. | In August, when weather conditions are perfect, the beautiful beaches in Bali become a hub of water sports like snorkeling and surfing. For a delightful experience of natural beauty amidst bright sunshine, trek to Mount Balur. Another fascinating thing to watch is the Bali Kites Festival, which runs from July to August and even up to October at times. |
| September | The temperature in Bali in September varies from 23°C – 26.3°C. The transition from dry to wet months begins. The sky starts getting cloudier, and the chances of rain increase as the month ends. | You can enjoy surfing and snorkeling in the sparkling blue waters. However, by this time, the number of visitors to the beach has started to decline significantly. The Bali Zoo is another great place to visit in September when the crowds are less intense. The annual beach festival held in Lovina Beach between September and October is a treat to watch. |
| October | The average temperature varies from 24°C – 31°C. In October, the dry season ends. You’ll experience moderate humidity, gentle winds, and occasional showers. | October is the off-season, and if you’re looking for a quiet vacation, this is the best month to visit Bali. You can visit the Jatiluwih rice terrace, an epitome of picturesqueness and scenic beauty. The shops and restaurants aren’t crowded; you’ll also get reasonable offers. So you can spend considerable time shopping and gorging on Balinese delicacies. |
| November | This month is an out-and-out wet season in Bali. Though the month marks the onset of the rainy season, it doesn’t rain long at a stretch. The nights are cool, and you receive seven hours of sunshine daily. | If you are a shopaholic, you could visit the markets of Bali for a wonderful shopping experience. The Kuta Art Market will provide you with souvenirs at a reasonable price. The Badung Market, open all day long, offers diverse items, from edibles to garments. You could visit the rice terraces decked up gloriously after a shower spell. However, it is advisable to visit the rice terrace when it doesn’t rain heavily. This is because the floor isn’t muddy or slippery then, making it easier for you to walk by. |
| December | The average temperature in December is 24-33°C. The weather is pleasant and warm. The month is a part of the rainy season, though. In fact, in December, you can experience rain for 22 days. On average, there will be sunlight for seven hours. | December is one of the peak seasons for many tourists visiting Bali.You could participate in the Denpasar Festival, celebrated between the 28th and 31st of December. It’s an amalgamation of local foods, products, traditional Balinese music and dance, and so on. December is one of the best times to get mesmerized by the lush green landscape, tropical jungles, and rice terraces. |
Top 5 Destinations of Bali
- Kuta Beach
It is one of Bali’s best beaches, offering breathtaking picturesque views. Besides admiring the scenic beauty, you can indulge in sports like river rafting, tubing, kite surfing, windsurfing, etc.
- Uluwatu Temple
This unique temple is important not only for its cultural significance but also for its scenic beauty. Lying 70 m above the Indian Ocean, the temple offers breathtaking panoramic views. The architectural brilliance clearly signifies the past and the religious customs of the yesteryears. You will surely encounter the long-tailed macaques, a permanent resident of the temples who won’t fail to enthrall you with their delightful antiques.
- Seminyak Beach
The white sandy beach will appeal to visitors with its scenic beauty and is also a perfect spot for water adventures, particularly surfing. The waters here are ideal for swimming, and you may also go scuba diving if the sport fascinates you.
- Tegenungan Waterfall
This magnificent waterfall is a perfect destination for nature lovers searching for a picturesque location. During good weather conditions, you could take a plunge into the pool at the waterfall’s base. Get to the viewpoint at the entrance for a bird’ s-eye view of this fascinating waterfall. This isn’t the only waterfall in Bali. A guided tour will help to explore the other brilliant waterfalls Bali boasts.
- Waterbom Bali
One of the most fascinating waterparks in Bali, Waterbom Bali offers perfect entertainment for your family. The splendid waterslides and other great attractions are enough to give you an adrenaline rush. It’s an ideal go-to, especially when holidaying with kids or teens.
Conclusion
So, that was Bali for you in a nutshell. Knowing the best time to visit the island makes planning the trip convenient. Pack your bags well and carry all the essentials to cope with the changing seasons.
FAQs
The dry season spanning from May to October is the best time to visit Bali. However, if you aren’t a beach person looking for a quiet vacation, then November, February, March, and April are ideal.
Bali is the cheapest during the wet season: November, February, March, and April. That’s the wet season. December and January are also included in the wet season. However, those months are crowded because of the holiday season.
The wet or rainy season in Bali lasts from November to February and is characterized by increased humidity, heavy rainfall, and immense storms.
Many travel experts recommend that you avoid visiting Bali in December. This is not only because of the rain but also the increased crowds.
If you stay in Bali for 30 days or less, you won’t need a visa. However, you must produce a visa if your stay lasts for 30 to 60 days.
January is Bali’s coldest month, with the temperatures dropping to as low as 26°C.
It depends on your schedule and planning. While some may plan a short trip of as little as three days, five days is a decent duration. However, 10-14 days are needed to explore the island thoroughly.
Some of Bali’s famous festivals include the Bali Spirit Festival (held in March), Nyepi, Galungan (celebrating good over evil), and Nusa Dua Fiesta.