The Best Time to Visit Bali: A Month-by-Month Guide to Weather, Festivals, and Travel Tips
Bali is a year-round paradise, offering stunning beaches, lush jungles, cultural experiences, and breathtaking landscapes in every season. However, the best time to visit Bali depends on what type of experience you’re looking for—whether it’s perfect beach weather, cultural festivals, fewer crowds, or budget-friendly deals.
This month-by-month guide will help you decide the best time to visit Bali, detailing the weather conditions, major events, and travel tips for each season. Additionally, we’ve included recommended accommodations ranging from luxury resorts to budget-friendly stays, ensuring you find the perfect place to stay, no matter when you visit.
Understanding Bali’s Seasons
🌞 Dry Season (April – October)
- Best for: Beach lovers, surfers, outdoor explorers
- Expect: Sunny days, little rainfall, cool breezes
- Ideal for: Surfing, hiking, sightseeing, diving
The dry season is the most popular time to visit Bali, as the warm and sunny weather makes it ideal for outdoor activities like beach-hopping, hiking, and diving. During these months, Bali is at its liveliest, with festivals, nightlife, and cultural events happening across the island. However, because it’s the peak travel season, hotel rates and flight prices tend to be higher. Booking accommodation well in advance is recommended if you’re planning to visit during this time.
🌧️ Rainy Season (November – March)
- Best for: Budget travelers, cultural experiences, relaxation
- Expect: Warm temperatures, tropical downpours, lush green landscapes
- Ideal for: Visiting temples, yoga retreats, spa resorts, waterfalls
While the rainy season brings heavy but short-lived tropical downpours, it also means fewer crowds, lower hotel prices, and a greener, more lush environment. This is the perfect time for cultural exploration, temple visits, and wellness retreats, as cooler temperatures and quieter attractions make for a more peaceful experience. The rain tends to fall in short bursts, so you can still enjoy plenty of outdoor activities, especially in the mornings.
Month-by-Month Breakdown of the Best Time to Visit Bali
🌸 January – Rainy Season & Quiet Retreats
✅ Expect: Warm but wet weather, fewer tourists, lush green landscapes.
✅ Best For: Relaxation, yoga retreats, exploring Ubud’s cultural sites.
✅ Festivals: New Year’s Celebrations, Bali Kite Festival (early season).
January is one of the quietest months in Bali, making it ideal for travelers who want a peaceful and budget-friendly experience. The rain brings out the best of Bali’s nature, with waterfalls at their most powerful and rice fields looking especially vibrant. It’s also a great time to experience Bali’s world-class spa resorts and wellness retreats, as fewer visitors mean more availability for treatments and yoga sessions.
🏨 Recommended Accommodations for January (From Luxury to Budget)
- The St. Regis Bali Resort – One of Bali’s most exclusive beachfront resorts, featuring butler service, a private lagoon, and world-class dining. Luxury
- Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan – A jungle paradise in Ubud, with private villas, a riverside infinity pool, and holistic wellness programs. High-end
- The Mulia Bali – A high-end Nusa Dua beachfront resort, perfect for honeymooners and spa lovers. Premium
- Alaya Resort Ubud – A stylish yet affordable boutique resort, featuring beautiful Balinese design and an excellent location. Mid-range
🌿 February – Tropical Showers & Romantic Escapes
✅ Expect: Afternoon showers, fewer crowds, lower hotel prices.
✅ Best For: Honeymooners, spa retreats, quiet beach resorts.
✅ Festivals: Chinese New Year (celebrated at various temples).
February is an excellent month for couples looking for a romantic getaway. The crowds remain low, and the island’s lush scenery makes for a dreamy backdrop. If you’re not worried about a little rain, this is the best time to book luxury hotels at a fraction of peak-season prices. Many high-end resorts offer special promotions during this month, making it ideal for honeymooners.
🏨 Recommended Accommodations for February (From Luxury to Budget)
- Bulgari Resort Bali – A secluded cliffside retreat with private infinity pools overlooking the ocean. Luxury
- Viceroy Bali – A luxurious jungle resort in Ubud, ideal for honeymooners and couples looking for privacy. High-end
- Ayana Resort and Spa Bali – Famous for Rock Bar and stunning ocean-view pools, perfect for a romantic escape. Premium
- The Anvaya Beach Resort Bali – A modern beachfront resort in Kuta offering a mix of comfort and affordability. Mid-range
☀️ March – Transition to Dry Season & Nyepi (Silent Day)
✅ Expect: Less rain, more sunshine, cultural experiences.
✅ Best For: Experiencing Bali’s spiritual side, visiting temples.
✅ Festivals: Nyepi (Bali’s Day of Silence) – Island-wide quiet and meditation.
March is a special month in Bali due to Nyepi, the Balinese New Year, also known as the Day of Silence. During this spiritual holiday, the entire island shuts down for 24 hours of reflection and peace. It’s an amazing time to experience Bali’s deep-rooted culture but requires planning since all activities and transport are halted for the day.
🏨 Recommended Accommodations for March (From Luxury to Budget)
- Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – A high-end luxury retreat along the Ayung River, perfect for a peaceful escape. Luxury
- Six Senses Uluwatu – A clifftop resort focused on wellness and sustainability, offering stunning ocean views. High-end
- Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach – A stylish resort with a beachfront location and modern Balinese design. Premium
- Element by Westin Bali Ubud – A comfortable, eco-conscious hotel with great amenities at a reasonable price. Mid-range
🌞 April – The Start of the Best Travel Season
✅ Expect: Sunny days, great surf conditions, start of peak season.
✅ Best For: Outdoor activities, beach holidays, cultural sightseeing.
✅ Festivals: Bali Spirit Festival (a world-renowned yoga and wellness event).
April marks the beginning of the dry season, making it one of the best months to visit Bali. The weather is warm and dry, and the crowds haven’t fully arrived yet, meaning you can still enjoy lower prices on hotels before the peak season kicks in. It’s a great time for outdoor activities, from surfing in Canggu to trekking Mount Batur at sunrise.
🏨 Recommended Accommodations for April (From Luxury to Budget)
- The Legian Bali – A beachfront resort in Seminyak perfect for sunset lovers and beachgoers. High-end
- Alila Villas Uluwatu – A clifftop eco-luxury resort with breathtaking infinity pools. Premium
- Komune Resort & Beach Club – A mid-range surf retreat in Keramas, perfect for active travelers. Mid-range
🌴 May – Perfect Weather & Fewer Crowds
✅ Expect: Warm, dry weather, ideal for exploring.
✅ Best For: Diving, surfing, outdoor adventures, island hopping.
✅ Festivals: Bali Blues Festival (live music event).
May is arguably one of the best months to visit Bali. The dry season is in full swing, but the summer crowds haven’t arrived yet, meaning you get great weather, lower prices, and peaceful experiences. It’s the perfect month for diving and snorkeling, with clear visibility in places like Nusa Penida and Amed.
🏨 Recommended Accommodations for May (From Luxury to Budget)
- Capella Ubud – A luxury jungle retreat featuring unique tented suites and five-star service. Luxury
- COMO Uma Canggu – A beachfront luxury surf resort with wellness programs. High-end
- The Kayon Jungle Resort – A romantic getaway in Ubud, overlooking lush rice terraces. Premium
- Bali Mandira Beach Resort – A family-friendly beach resort in Legian with waterslides and beachfront pools. Mid-range
🏄 June – Bali at Its Best
✅ Expect: Ideal weather, best surfing conditions, vibrant nightlife.
✅ Best For: Surfing, outdoor treks, cultural events, nightlife.
✅ Festivals: Bali Arts Festival (month-long celebration of Balinese culture).
June is Bali at its absolute best. The weather is perfect, the ocean is crystal clear, and the surf breaks in Uluwatu and Canggu are world-class. This is a fantastic time to explore temples, visit hidden waterfalls, and enjoy Bali’s lively nightlife scene.
🏨 Recommended Accommodations for June (From Luxury to Budget)
- Bulgari Resort Bali – A world-class luxury resort perched on Uluwatu’s cliffs. Luxury
- Six Senses Uluwatu – A wellness-focused luxury retreat with ocean-view villas. High-end
- The Anvaya Beach Resort Bali – A beachfront hotel in Kuta with great dining and pools. Premium
- Adiwana Monkey Forest – A cozy boutique hotel in the heart of Ubud. Mid-range
🌊 July – Peak Season & Festival Time
✅ Expect: Perfect beach weather, high energy, lots of events.
✅ Best For: Festivals, surfing, nightlife, socializing.
✅ Festivals: Bali Kites Festival, Ultra Bali Music Festival.
July is one of the busiest months in Bali, so expect higher prices and crowds at popular spots. However, this is also when Bali comes alive with energy—with beach clubs, cultural performances, and surf competitions happening across the island.
🏨 Recommended Accommodations for July (From Luxury to Budget)
- Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – A tranquil escape in Ubud with private villas. Luxury
- W Bali – Seminyak – A lively resort with beachfront parties and top-tier dining. High-end
- Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach – A stylish boutique hotel near the best nightlife. Premium
- Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana – A peaceful retreat surrounded by rice fields. Mid-range
🌅 August – Peak Season Continues
✅ Expect: Clear skies, packed beaches, lively atmosphere.
✅ Best For: Social travelers, adventure seekers, diving.
✅ Festivals: Indonesia Independence Day (August 17th).
August is still peak season, meaning packed beaches and high hotel prices, but it’s also a fantastic time for diving in Tulamben and Menjangan Island, where visibility is at its best.
🏨 Recommended Accommodations for August (From Luxury to Budget)
- The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah – A private luxury estate in Ubud. Luxury
- Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay – A romantic resort with beachfront villas. High-end
- The Apurva Kempinski Bali – A five-star beachfront resort with stunning architecture. Premium
- The Samaya Seminyak – A luxury beachfront hotel ideal for couples. Mid-range
🌴 September – Great Weather, Fewer Crowds
✅ Expect: Warm temperatures, clear skies, and thinning crowds after peak season.
✅ Best For: Couples, honeymooners, relaxing beach vacations.
✅ Festivals: Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, Bali International Film Festival.
September is one of the best months to visit Bali, as it offers perfect weather with less tourist congestion. Since it marks the end of the peak season, travelers can enjoy quieter beaches, lower hotel rates, and shorter wait times at popular attractions. It’s a fantastic month for couples and honeymooners, as luxury resorts and private villas offer discounts before the high season rush in December.
🏨 Recommended Accommodations for September (From Luxury to Budget)
- The St. Regis Bali Resort – One of Bali’s most luxurious beachfront resorts, featuring butler service, a private lagoon, and world-class dining. Luxury
- Viceroy Bali – A romantic jungle retreat in Ubud with private pools and stunning valley views. High-end
- The Mulia Bali – A sophisticated beachfront resort in Nusa Dua known for its luxury and privacy. Premium
- The Anvaya Beach Resort Bali – A beautifully designed beachfront resort in Kuta with excellent amenities. Mid-range
🌅 October – Start of Rainy Season
✅ Expect: Increasing humidity, occasional showers, lush green landscapes.
✅ Best For: Budget travelers, wellness retreats, cultural tourism.
✅ Festivals: Bali Vegan Festival, Tumpek Wayang (spiritual cleansing day).
October is a transition month as Bali begins to shift from dry season to wet season. While rain showers start to occur more frequently, they are usually short and followed by sunshine. This is an ideal month for budget-conscious travelers, as hotels start to lower their rates in preparation for the low season. The landscapes become incredibly lush, making it a great time for photography and nature hikes.
🏨 Recommended Accommodations for October (From Luxury to Budget)
- Bulgari Resort Bali – A stunning clifftop luxury retreat offering private villas with infinity pools. Luxury
- Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – A tranquil resort in Ubud surrounded by rice terraces and the Ayung River. High-end
- Maya Sanur Resort & Spa – A relaxing beachfront resort with wellness programs and spa retreats. Premium
- Element by Westin Bali Ubud – An eco-friendly hotel with great amenities at a reasonable price. Mid-ranget
🌧️ November – Green Season Begins
✅ Expect: More rain, lush greenery, very few crowds.
✅ Best For: Cultural experiences, spiritual retreats, yoga and wellness.
✅ Festivals: Bali International Triathlon, Bali Jani Arts Festival.
November is a quiet and peaceful time to visit Bali, as the rainy season brings fewer crowds. This is a great month for yoga retreats, temple visits, and cultural activities. The rain also enhances Bali’s natural beauty, making waterfalls more powerful and rice terraces greener.
🏨 Recommended Accommodations for November (From Luxury to Budget)
- Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan – A luxurious retreat in Ubud offering jungle views and riverside serenity. Luxury
- Six Senses Uluwatu – A wellness-focused resort with holistic spa treatments and ocean-facing infinity pools. High-end
- Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach – A stylish beachfront hotel with modern design and excellent dining options. Premium
- Adiwana Resort Jembawan – A mid-range wellness retreat perfect for yoga and healing. Mid-range
🎄 December – Festive Season & Holiday Crowds
✅ Expect: Warm temperatures, high humidity, Christmas & New Year celebrations.
✅ Best For: Families, holidaymakers, partygoers, festive experiences.
✅ Festivals: Christmas, New Year’s Eve Celebrations.
December is one of the busiest months in Bali, as travelers from around the world arrive to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s. This is a festive and energetic time, with fireworks, beach parties, and special holiday events taking place across the island. Luxury resorts fill up quickly, so booking early is a must.
🏨 Recommended Accommodations for December (From Luxury to Budget)
- The Mulia Bali – A high-end beachfront resort offering festive holiday events and world-class dining. Luxury
- The Apurva Kempinski Bali – A stunning architectural masterpiece with Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. High-end
- W Bali – Seminyak – A lively beachfront resort perfect for holiday parties and entertainment. Premium
- The Samaya Seminyak – A beachfront villa resort offering private pools and romantic holiday experiences. Mid-range
Final Thoughts: When Should You Visit Bali?
- For perfect weather: May – September
- For fewer crowds & best deals: January – April, October – November
- For cultural events & festivals: March (Nyepi), June-July (Bali Arts Festival), August (Kite Festival), December (Christmas & New Year’s Eve)
- For budget travel: February, October – November
No matter when you visit, Bali has something magical to offer year-round. Whether you’re here for surfing, temple visits, beach clubs, wellness retreats, or cultural experiences, there’s always an ideal time to explore.
Ready to plan your trip? Book your stay at one of Bali’s top resorts and experience the island in its best season! 🌴✨
