In this guide
Bali is warm all year, with daytime temperatures around 27–32°C on the coast and cooler air in the highlands. What changes is the rain, the crowds and the prices. Here's how the year works, so you can choose the months that suit your trip.
Bali's two seasons
Dry season (roughly April to October) brings sunny days, lower humidity and calm seas on the west coast. It's the best time for beach days, hiking Mount Batur and boat trips to Nusa Penida.
Wet season (roughly November to March) brings more humidity and tropical downpours, often in the afternoon or overnight. Mornings are frequently clear, and the rice fields are at their greenest.
Month by month
| Months | Weather | Crowds and prices |
|---|---|---|
| January–February | Wettest months, warm | Low, except Chinese New Year |
| March | Rain easing; Nyepi closes the island for a day | Low |
| April–June | Dry, sunny, green | Medium, good value |
| July–August | Dry, breezy, sunny | Peak: book early |
| September–October | Dry and warm | Medium, great choice |
| November | Rains begin | Low |
| December | Wet, humid | Peak around Christmas and New Year |
Best time for…
- Beaches and sunshine: May to September.
- Surfing: the west coast (Uluwatu, Canggu) is best in the dry season; the east coast works better in the wet season.
- Diving and snorkelling: April to November for clearer water; manta rays are seen all year, and mola mola (sunfish) visit Nusa Penida around July to October.
- Hiking volcanoes: dry season, when trails are safer and views clearer.
- Lower prices: February, March, November and early December, avoiding holiday weeks.
Festivals to plan around
- Nyepi (usually March): a day of silence and stillness; the evening before brings ogoh-ogoh parades.
- Galungan and Kuningan: a ten-day period, about every 210 days, when villages are decorated with tall bamboo penjor.
- School holidays: Indonesian, Australian and European school breaks and the Christmas period fill hotels quickly.
When are flights to Bali cheapest?
Fares follow demand. They tend to rise for July–August, Christmas–New Year and major holidays in your home country, and soften in the wet season and shoulder months. See our guide to the cheapest time to fly to Bali and check the price calendar on flights to Bali to spot the cheapest days for your dates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Bali?
May, June and September usually give the best balance: dry, sunny weather with fewer crowds and lower prices than July, August and the Christmas holidays.
Is it worth going to Bali in the rainy season?
Yes, for many travellers. Rain often comes in short, heavy bursts in the afternoon or evening, the island is green, and hotels and flights are often cheaper. Some hikes and boat trips may be cancelled on stormy days.
When is Nyepi in Bali?
Nyepi, the Day of Silence, follows the Balinese calendar and usually falls in March. The whole island, including the airport, closes for 24 hours, so check the date before booking.
Prices are estimates and can change. Check entry rules, opening times and safety advice before you travel. Some links are partner links: if you book, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
