Choose the perfect season to enjoy the island’s beaches, hikes, or festivals.

Bali has something for everyone, from the lush jungles around Ubud (often called Bali’s cultural heart) to the stunning beaches along its southern coast. When to go really depends on what you want to do. Popular trips include exploring ancient temples, joining a yoga retreat, or going on a hiking adventure. You might even plan your visit around one of the island’s lively festivals.

Bali’s tropical climate has two main seasons: dry (April to October) and wet (November to March). Temperatures stay around 80°F all year. Here’s a quick look at Bali’s tourist seasons:

• High Season: June to August and November to December
• Shoulder Season: April to May and September to October
• Low Season: January to March

Below, we’ve outlined the best times to visit based on your travel plans.

Best Times to Visit Bali for Fewer Crowds

The off-season runs from January to March. These months can be humid and rainy, so you won’t see crowds chasing perfect beach weather or diving conditions. Since you’ll also miss the big holiday rush (November and December), the island feels quieter, with mostly locals and expats around.

While the rain brings mosquitos and can disrupt activities like diving and surfing, it’s not a problem if you’re here for temple tours, yoga, or just relaxing. In fact, the gentle rain in Ubud’s forests can make your trip even more peaceful. The jungles and rice fields flourish during this time—the vibrant greens and fresh growth are breathtaking.

Best Times to Visit Bali for Great Weather

If you love sunshine, plan your trip during Bali’s dry season (April to October). Humidity and rain drop, making it perfect for beach days, surfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. You might still get some rain, especially in April, May, and October, but showers are usually brief, with clear skies afterward. May tends to be the hottest, averaging around 82°F.

For the absolute best weather, visit in July and August—the heart of the dry season. With lower humidity, temperatures feel cooler (around 80°F), ideal for mixing adventure and beach time. Surfers should also aim for the dry season, with June to August bringing bigger waves to Bali’s southwest coast.

Best Times to Visit Bali for Lower Prices

Unsurprisingly, the dry season is Bali’s busiest and priciest time, with hotel rates highest between June and September. The holidays (November and December) also drive up prices.

For better deals, visit during the rainy season (October through March), outside the festive rush. Hotels slash prices due to lower demand, so you can snag ocean-view rooms or luxury villas for much less than in peak season. You might also find discounts during the quieter shoulder months.

Best Months for Hiking in Bali

If hiking is your goal, May to October is best—rainy-season trails can get muddy and slippery. Mount Batur, Bali’s most famous hike, is best tackled between July and October for dry trails and clear views. The climb takes about two hours.

For waterfall hikes, May and June are ideal—the falls are powerful from the wet season, and sunny days are more likely. If you’re renting a motorbike, the dry season is safer, as roads get tricky when wet.

Best Times to Visit Bali for Festivals

One of Bali’s biggest events is the Bali Arts Festival (June–July). Indonesian Independence Day (Hari Merdeka) on August 17 brings parades and celebrations. Note that Balinese Hindu holidays differ from India’s—for example, Galungan, a 10-day festival celebrating good over evil, happens every 210 days (based on the Balinese Pawukon calendar). Nyepi, a day of silence and meditation before the New Year, usually falls in March.

Best Months to Visit the Beach in Bali

April to October is perfect for classic beach trips—sunny, dry days are great for snorkeling, diving, and water sports. The downside? Most of these months are peak season, so temples, beaches, and hotels get crowded. You’ll miss some of Bali’s famous serenity compared to the quieter low season.

Worst Times to Visit Bali

If you want sunshine and outdoor adventures, skip the rainy season (especially December and January). Expect choppy seas, muddy trails, and afternoon storms that can ruin plans. But if you’re into indoor cultural experiences, you might enjoy the calmer vibe.

With more rain comes more mosquitos—and a higher risk of diseases like dengue fever. If you visit during the wet season, pack bug spray, especially for jungle hikes. Some locals swear by lemongrass tea as a natural repellent.The Best Time to Visit Bali for Every Activity