Bali, people say it is the Island of God, who isn’t attracted by the charm of this island? With its amazing natural beauty, fascinating culture, and unforgettable friendly people, Bali always manages to steal the heart of anyone who visits.
For all travelers who are planning your dream holiday to Bali, choosing the right time to visit is of course very important.
Here I will share the information of when is the best time to visit Bali, while considering various aspects like weather, tourist seasons, and interesting local events.
When is the Right Time to Go to Bali?
Before discussing the right time to go to Bali, let’s first learn about the climate in Bali.
Bali has a tropical climate with two main seasons: dry season (April to October) and rainy season (November to March). The temperature is quite stable, average around 27°C all year. Now, for a general picture, here are the tourist seasons in Bali:
Peak Season (Busy Season):
July – August
Third week of December – First week of January
Shoulder Season (Transition Season):
April – June
September – Early December
Low Season (Quiet Season):
Mid-January – March
October – November
In short, the climate in Bali determines whether it’s busy or quiet in Bali at that time. Therefore, if you want to find the right time to go to Bali, it also depends on what you want. Do you want it busy? Or quiet? Or do you want dry weather with gentle breeze? and so on.
Now read the following explanation.
Want to Go to Bali to See Culture?
In general, the best time to enjoy Balinese culture is during the shoulder season, which is around April-May and September-October.
During this period, the weather is very sunny and ideal for exploring traditional villages and temples in open spaces. The biggest advantage is that tourists are not as crowded as during peak holidays, so you can enjoy cultural sites more peacefully and respectfully, and see the authentic life of Balinese people in a comfortable atmosphere.
However, if you want to see the most iconic and grand cultural festivals, the best time becomes very specific.
You can plan your trip to coincide with Galungan and Kuningan holidays to see streets decorated with magical penjor, or come the night before Nyepi Day to see the spectacular Ogoh-ogoh parade. For this, you need to check the Balinese Saka calendar first because the celebration dates change every year.
As an alternative, if your priority is peace and deeper interaction with local people, you can consider the low season between January to March.
Although you can get more personal experiences and more affordable prices, remember that this period is the peak of rainy season which might limit your movement.
See also : The Most Convenient Bali Airport Transfer
Want to Go to Bali When It’s Not Too Crowded?
The quiet season in Bali runs from January to March. Weather can be humid and rainy, so you won’t find many people looking for sunny weather for sunbathing or diving. Because you’re also avoiding big holiday seasons (like November and December), the island atmosphere becomes calmer and is more filled with locals and expats.
Although rainy season can be challenging for activities like diving or surfing, it’s still okay for visiting temples, yoga, or just relaxing. Even the sound of rain in Ubud forest can make your experience more peaceful. Nature is also at its most lush—rice fields are bright green and tropical forests look amazingly fresh.
Want Cheap Tickets When Going to Bali?
No surprise, dry season is also the busiest and most expensive season in Bali. Hotels tend to raise prices from June to September. November and December also become expensive periods because of holidays.
If you want to save money, come between October to March (outside holiday moments). This is rainy season, so demand drops and hotel prices are much friendlier. You might get an ocean view villa or luxury room at a more reasonable price. Transition months sometimes also have interesting promotions!
See also : Arrival Tips for Bali Firtstimers
If You Want Sunny and Dry Weather
For sun seekers, the best time to go to Bali is during dry season, from April to October. This is the perfect time to go to the beach, surfing, snorkeling, or diving because rain decreases and humidity drops.
Although April, May, and October sometimes still have rain, it’s usually just for a short time then the sky becomes clear again. May is one of the hottest months, but the peak of dry season is in July and August, with average temperature around 27°C and cooler air, perfect for outdoor activities. Oh yes, if you want to surf, big waves usually appear between June to August on the southwest side of the island.