Bali doesn’t really have a “bad” time to visit, but it does have very different versions of itself depending on the month — dry and packed with festivals, or wet and quiet with dramatically lower prices. Here’s what to actually expect, month by month, so you can pick the trip that matches what you want.
Quick Answer
The best overall time to visit Bali is April–June or September–October — you get mostly dry weather, fewer crowds than peak season, and noticeably better hotel prices than July–August or the December holidays.
Bali’s Two Seasons
Bali sits close to the equator, so temperatures stay fairly consistent year-round (roughly 26–33°C / 79–91°F). The real difference is rainfall:
- Dry season: April to October — sunnier, less humid, ideal for beach days and outdoor activities.
- Wet season: November to March — hot, humid, with short but heavy tropical downpours, usually in the afternoon or evening rather than all day.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
January Peak wet season. Frequent rain, high humidity, but also lush green landscapes and thinner crowds outside of New Year’s week. Good for a quieter, budget-friendly trip if you don’t mind the occasional downpour.
February Still wet season, though slightly drier than January. Nyepi (Balinese Day of Silence) sometimes falls in early March, so check the exact date if traveling near the season’s end — the whole island shuts down for 24 hours.
March Transitional month — rain becomes less frequent as the dry season approaches. A good time for travelers who want lower prices and don’t mind some unpredictability in the weather.
April One of the best all-around months. Dry season is settling in, crowds are lower than peak summer, and prices are still reasonable before the June–August rush.
May Dry, sunny, and warm without the peak-season crowds. Widely considered one of the best months to visit for good weather without the highest prices.
June Start of peak season. Dry, sunny, and increasingly busy with European and Australian summer travelers. Prices begin climbing.
July Peak season. Driest, sunniest weather of the year, but also the busiest and most expensive — popular beaches and temples get crowded, and hotel prices rise sharply.
August Similar to July — peak dry season, peak crowds, peak prices. Book well in advance if traveling this month.
September Still dry, but crowds and prices start easing as the Northern Hemisphere summer holiday period ends. A strong alternative to June if you want similar weather with more breathing room.
October Transitional month heading into wet season, but often still mostly dry with lower prices and fewer tourists — one of the better-value months of the year.
November Wet season begins. Rain becomes more frequent, though often still limited to shorter afternoon storms. Prices drop noticeably compared to peak season.
December Wet season, but also the busiest month of the year due to the Christmas and New Year holidays — expect higher prices despite the rain, especially in the last two weeks of the month.
By Priority
Best weather: May, June, September Lowest prices: January, February, November (excluding Christmas/New Year) Fewest crowds: January, February, November Best balance of weather, crowds, and price: April, May, September, October
A Few Practical Notes
- Surfers generally prefer the dry season (April–October) for more consistent conditions on the west coast breaks.
- Nyepi (Day of Silence), usually in March, closes the entire island for 24 hours — no flights, no leaving your accommodation, no lights after dark. Fascinating to experience once, but plan around it if you have a tight itinerary.
- Ubud vs. the coast: Ubud’s inland, slightly higher elevation makes it a touch cooler and often feels less oppressive during humid stretches than coastal areas like Seminyak or Canggu.
The Bottom Line
If your dates are flexible, aim for May, September, or October — you get dry-season weather without the July–August crowds or prices. If you’re set on visiting during peak summer or the December holidays, book accommodation well in advance, since both weather and price certainty come at the cost of everyone else having the same idea.
