Best Time to Visit Bali

January is the middle of the wet season in Bali, and you’re likely to experience heavy rainfall and high humidity. The heavier rainfall does mean you’ll experience a much quieter island, landscapes looking lush with rain terraces at their greenest, which can more than make up for the short bursts of rainfall (mornings and evenings are usually clear).

Festivals: January is a quieter month in Bali for festivals. However, New Year’s Eve and Day are widely celebrated in tourist areas, such as Sanur, Jimbaran and Ubud, where you’ll find parties, fireworks and lots of festive celebrations.

Best for: Exploring Ubud’s cultural and natural attractions, chasing waterfalls, enjoying quiet beaches, and surfing on the west coast.

In February the weather is similar to January, with the odd rainfall but still plenty of sunshine to be found. Temperatures average between 25°c to 30°c, and with the island’s natural beauty at its peak and visitors number still small, making February a great time to visit for those wanting to escape the crowds.

Festivals: Chinese New Year (which takes place in January or February) is celebrated with enthusiasm in Bali, especially in areas like Sanur, Jimbaran and Ubud. Expect to see dragon dances, lion dances, lantern decorations, and many other traditional performances. Lots of restaurants and hotels also host special events and meals for the holiday.

Best for: Surfing, exploring waterfalls in Munduk, relaxing in rainforests, and enjoying fewer tourists.

March is the turning point in Bali, leaving the wet season behind and moving into dry season. Rainfall gradually decreases, though you should still expect the odd shower. Humidity is high and temperatures remain between 25°c and 30°c.

Festivals: Nyepi is the Balinese New Year, which is based on the Saka calendar and the most important Hindu holiday in Bali. On Nyepi Day, which typically falls in March, the entire island takes a 24-hour period of silence, fasting, and meditation. No lights, work, travel, or entertainment are allowed, and even the airport shuts down. The streets are empty, making it a unique time to experience Bali’s tranquillity and spiritual depth.

Best for: Witnessing Balinese ceremonies, exploring Ubud and Sidemen, and enjoying early dry-season perks with fewer crowds.

April signals the beginning of dry season in Bali. The humidity begins to drop and there is more sunshine than rain, which, alongside temperatures ranging around the early 30Cs, make April a pleasant month to visit Bali. It’s a great time of year to visit for beach activities and water sports, as well as more adventurous activities including trekking Mount Batur.

Festivals: The Ubud food festival usually falls around mid to late April and is a major highlight for food lovers. The festival attracts chefs, restaurateurs, food writers, and culinary enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate Indonesian and Balinese cuisine. You’ll find cooking demonstrations, food stalls, masterclasses, panel discussions, and special dining events throughout the whole of Ubud.

Best for: Trekking Mount Batur, diving in Tulamben, family-friendly beaches, and exploring outdoor attractions.

One of the best months to visit Bali, during May the weather is consistently warm, with temperatures averaging 25°C to 30°C, and rainfall is minimal. Low humidity and clear skies make it perfect for outdoor activities. Beaches may start getting busy, but head inland to find serene rice fields and cultural experiences away from the crowds.

Festivals: Vesak, also known as Waisak in Indonesia, is an important Buddhist holiday that takes place on the day of the full moon in May and celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. It’s marked by solemn ceremonies, prayer, and meditation at various Buddhist temples. One of the most prominent places for Vesak in Bali is Brahmavihara-Arama, a large Buddhist monastery in North Bali, where monks and devotees gather to commemorate this sacred day with offerings and chanting.

Best for: Surfing, exploring rice terraces and diving.

June is the beginning of Bali’s peak season, with warm days and cool evenings to be expected. A great time to visit to enjoy the best weather conditions, discover Bali’s culture and to take part in outdoor activities.

Festivals: The Bali Arts Festival is one of Bali’s biggest and most celebrated cultural events, held annually in Denpasar. It usually kicks off around mid-June and lasts for one month. There are daily performances, art exhibitions, traditional music, dance shows, shadow puppet performances, and craft displays showcasing Balinese culture. The festival begins with a grand parade and is an excellent way to experience traditional Balinese art forms and ceremonies.

Best for: Surfing, exploring rice terraces, diving, and kicking-back on a beach.

July is super peak season, with perfect weather and fun festivals. Temperatures average between 24C and 30C, with refreshing cool breezes and little rain. If you want a quieter experience, we suggest heading to Lovina for dolphin watching and calm beaches.

Festivals:

Bali Kite Festival is a colourful festival to celebrate the windy season on the island, with teams from various villages competing in kite-flying contests. The kites are often large and intricately designed, representing traditional themes and deities. The event is a visual spectacle, attracting locals and tourists alike, with the beaches filled with vibrant kites soaring high in the sky.

Best for: Culture in Ubud, dolphin watching in Lovina and diving in the Gili islands.

August continues the peak dry season with warm, sunny days and cool nights. One of the driest months, it’s a perfect time for pretty much any type of outdoor activity. Popular spots see surfers from around the world, while Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan attract travellers for their towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters.

Festivals: Independence Day (Hari Kemerdekaan) falls on 17 August and is a significant national holiday in Indonesia to mark the country’s independence from Dutch colonial rule in 1945. In Bali, you can expect flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and community celebrations. Schools and local communities organise activities, such as traditional games, cultural performances, and festivities showcasing Indonesian pride and unity.

Best for: Surfing, snorkelling in Nusa Penida, and outdoor adventures.

And relax…. September offers the same sunny weather as August but with fewer visitors. The weather remains pleasant at an average of 28°C and more popular beaches begin to be less crowded. The inland areas of Sidemen and Munduk offer a calm alternative, with lots of opportunities for hiking and getting under a waterfall.

October begins Bali’s transition back to the wet season. The odd rain shower can be experienced, particularly later in the month, but the weather is still warm and sunny most days.

Festivals: National Batik Day in Indonesia is 2 October. It is celebrated throughout Indonesia and emphasises the cultural significance of batik fabric, which is an integral part of Indonesian heritage. In Bali, you will find various events showcasing batik exhibitions, fashion shows, and workshops.

Best for: Snorkelling in Nusa Penida, exploring Jimbaran, and enjoying quieter beaches before the wet season fully settles in.

November marks the start of Bali’s wet season, with rainfall becoming more frequent and some tropical showers, though the morning still sees plenty of sunshine. Despite the rain, Bali’s landscapes flourish, making it a great time to visit Ubud’s rainforests and rice paddies or enjoy a spa retreat.

Festivals and events: One for the runners out there! The Bali Marathon is usually held early in November and attracts participants from around the world, featuring various race categories and including full marathons, half marathons, and fun runs. The event highlights the scenic beauty of Bali whilst promoting health and fitness.

Best for: Exploring Ubud, spa retreats, visiting waterfalls, and cultural experiences.

In December, Bali’s wet season is in full swing, with frequent rain showers and high humidity. Despite the rain, the island is vibrant with holiday festivities, particularly in areas like Seminyak and Ubud, and is a great time to experience Bali’s cultural celebrations and lush, green landscapes. Waterfalls and rice terraces are particularly picture-perfect during this time.

Festivals & events: Christmas! Bali celebrates Christmas with festive decorations and celebrations, particularly in areas with a significant expat community and tourist presence. Many hotels and restaurants offer special Christmas dinners and events, and churches hold services for those celebrating the holiday.

Best for: Exploring lush rice terraces, visiting waterfalls, and soaking in Bali’s festive atmosphere.