When's the Best Time of Year to Visit Bali?

If you’re thinking of heading to Bali in June, you can join Culture Trip on a carefully curated tour of the island, which includes hidden waterfall hikes, Balinese cooking classes, tiny island day trips and much more.
No matter when you book your flight, Bali has something to offer. The high season may bring crowds, but it also brings the best parties. The rainy season may be wetter, but it means heading to the nearest temple for a closer look at the island’s fascinating culture. Furthermore, Balinese cultural celebrations and festivals depend on the lunar calendar, meaning no two years are the same. Here is our guide to enjoying Bali every month of the year.

With an average of 16 days of rain, January is Bali’s wettest and “coldest” month (although the average temperature is still 26C). The rainfall changes depending on the area. The central-north highlands see more rain than the southern coast. Heavy showers usually occur in the early afternoon. It’s suggested not to drive around when that happens as the streets can flood easily. Always pack a rain poncho if you are getting around by scooter. If you are keen to surf, this might not be the best month. However, there are some good surfing spots in Serangan, Sanur and Nusa Dua, on the east coast of the island.

Rainfall: 16 days

Temperature: 26C (79F)

Very similar to January, February is a wet, humid month on the Island of Gods. However, it’s low season, which means fewer tourists and better prices. If you are staying on the coast, pack light cottons and breathable clothes: it can get pretty sticky out there. If you are venturing inland and onto the central peaks, make sure to bring layers as it does get cold, especially with the rain and in the evening. Rainy season in Bali means the rivers get full with water – and rubbish. Yes, littering is a big problem on the island and during the rainy season, the rivers bring waste down to the beach. Every year, in February, the association One Island One Voice organizes Bali’s Biggest Clean Up. With approximately 20,000 participants, the event has a huge impact and could be a sustainable and conscious add-on to your holiday.

Rainfall: 15 days

Temperature: 26C (79F)

Sunny days with bright clear blue sky will welcome you in March. Rainy days can still happen, but the sunshine will be priceless and the air very clean. Being the last month of the rainy season, March is where nature blooms. The lush tropical forest breathes the steam out and the rice fields look more emerald than ever. It’s a perfect time to explore the central highlands. Just make sure to always pack your wet weather gear, in case of sudden rainfall. Also, March is the month of Nyepi, the most magical day in Bali that marks the beginning of the New Lunar Calendar, the Caka Sunda calendar. Its exact date varies, depending on the moon’s cycle. It’s a day of reflection and introspection. Bali International airport is closed and it’s forbidden to go out, walk or drive in the streets. This means you can’t leave your hotel, guesthouse or homestay – the local police strictly enforce that. According to the tradition, it’s prohibited to work, use “fire” (to cook) or electricity, or indulge in any sort of entertainment. The whole island is in deep silence, to foster purification for a healthy start to the new year.

Rainfall: 14 days

Temperature: 27C (81F)

April is the month with most sunshine hours. The island awakes: it’s dry season – and festival season. It’s when Bali Spirit Festival – the largest yoga, arts and music festival in Asia, held in a dreamy location close to the town of Ubud, on the central highlands – takes place. It’s the perfect place to go and unwind, through yoga and meditation practices, taught by world-class instructors. There are cacao ceremonies, concerts and dance sessions, together with healing sessions and workshops.

Rainfall: 12 days

Temperature: 27C (81F)

With average temperatures of 28C (82F), May is usually the hottest month on the island. Pack light clothes and get ready to enjoy one of the best months in Bali: few tourists, sunny days and blue sky. Plus, it’s a perfect time to surf on the southern coast of Uluwatu, Seminyak and Canggu. Do not forget the sunscreen and to hydrate: young coconut water is ideal for that.

Rainfall: 9 days

Temperature: 28C (82F)

During the last few years, June’s weather has been pretty unpredictable. The dry season doesn’t always mean it is not going to rain, especially when visiting the highlands or mountain areas, so come prepared. June is also the month when the annual Bali Arts Festival is held, from the second Saturday of the month through to the second Saturday of July each year. It’s one of the best events to fully experience Balinese culture and performances. June is also the beginning of high season, so expect the island to get busier and busier.

Rainfall: 5 days

Temperature: 27C (81F)

High season has officially started. The weather is usually excellent, but the island is full of tourists. Traffic can get a bit overwhelming. Plan your transport ahead and do not trust the times given by Google Maps: it will take much longer to reach your destination than that. Despite this, July is an amazing month to visit the island. The wind is blowing with a specific intensity and direction: it’s kite time. Local people get their kites out and paint Bali’s sky with flowy colours and flying shapes. In July, the Bali Kite Festival is held, an annual celebration of one of the cultural icons of the island: the traditional Balinese kite. The event summons kite clubs from the local villages and showcases their unique – and giant – creations, in a mix of traditional and contemporary design.

Rainfall: 4 days

Temperature: 81℉ (27℃)

August is the busiest month on the island. If you are looking for off-the-beaten-track adventures, this month is perfect to venture north and discover the lush Balinese jungle and northern beaches. There are also some awesome events in August, including Ubud Village Jazz Festival and Sanur Village Festival, both must-go events, one on the highlands and one on the beach. You’ll be spoiled for choice. Also, August 17 is Indonesia’s Independence Day so make sure to celebrate with local people, play popular tunes and traditional local games. Indonesian flags will be displayed everywhere.

Our very own Bali trip departs in August and includes hidden waterfall hikes, Balinese cooking classes, tiny island day trips and much more!

Rainfall: 3 days

Temperature: 27C (81F)

Still dry season, but right after the tourist storm, September is one of the best months to visit Bali. The surf is good, as is the weather, and prices get lower. Lovina Festival usually happens during this month, so why not venture towards the north coast where the village of Lovina is? The drive is worth it for a windy road, caressing the lush jungle, topped up with views and some waterfall spots. September is the month of the Balinale, the island’s International Film Festival in Kuta and for music festival fans, both UltraBali and Bestival take place in September. What a time to be on holiday.

Rainfall: 4 days

Temperature: 27C (81F)

The rainy season is about to begin and some days are already wet on the central highlands. However, Ubud is the place to be in October for vegan foodies and book lovers. Bali Vegan Festival, an annual three-day event held at Paradiso Ubud and the surrounding streets takes place this month. It’s a celebration of the animal kingdom, the environment and the Earth, open to both vegans and the vegan-curious. Ubud Writers & Readers Festival is on at the end of October and it’s a perfect event to discover dreamy books and participate in creative writing workshops.

If you want to travel to Bali in October, you can join Culture Trip on an immersive tour which includes hidden waterfall hikes, Balinese cooking classes, tiny island day trips and much more.

Rainfall: 8 days

Temperature: 27C (81F)

November is probably the quietest month in Bali. A perfect time for those who come here to recharge, reconnect and relax. So why not celebrate the purnama kedasa (full moon) as many Balinese Hindus do? People make offerings of fruit and flowers, recite mantras and scriptures, and pray together, often wearing traditional clothes. Temples also hold ceremonies honouring the full moon, are beautiful for the eyes and soul.

Rainfall: 13 days

Temperature: 27C (81F)

Despite it being the rainy season, December is a busy month in Bali, due to Christmas and New Year holidays. But there’s more than that happening on the island. It’s when Nusa Dua lantern festival, where buildings are lit up and the island is decorated with lanterns on a theme, takes place. Plan your moves and accommodation in advance and if you are keen for an adventure, travel up the northern coast, where Pemutaran Bay Festival takes place – it’s a celebration of ecotourism, dance, music and food.

Rainfall: 13 days

Temperature: 27C (81F)

Bali’s weather can be pretty unpredictable sometimes, but if you want to avoid the rainy season, don’t travel between October and March. The high season peaks are in August and during the Christmas holidays.
Interested in visiting Bali but not quite sure where to start with planning your itinerary? Culture Trip has you covered with our specially curated 12-day Bali adventure, led by our Local Insider.