Best Time to Visit Bali: Weather, Seasons & Crowds (2026)

When is the best time to visit Bali?

The simple answer is the whole year long. Bali has only two seasons: rainy and dry, so the experience you get depends on the time of the year you arrive on the island. But whichever season you pick, there are always things to do in Bali, whether it’s a sunny or rainy day. Before you plan a trip to Bali, checking the weather forecast just doesn’t cut it anymore. The crowd and accommodation rates also change with the season and the temperature in Bali, especially during peak holiday seasons. Keep reading to get the full breakdown of what the weather in Bali by month looks like to give you the clearest idea of when to book that plane ticket.

Quick Answer: The Best Months to Visit Bali

The best months to visit Bali are May, June, and September. The months fall within the dry season in Bali, which runs from April to October, giving you plenty of sunny days. These months also make the best time to visit Bali because you get fewer or moderate crowds, and you can actually enjoy Bali. May, June, and September are known as the shoulder months. Hotel prices in Bali are 20-30% cheaper during this period because they fall outside the school holiday seasons, which peak in July and August.

Bali's Two Seasons Explained

The difference between the dry and rainy seasons in Bali is minimal. Mountainous areas in Bali (such as Ubud, Bedugul, and Kintamani) tend to have lower nighttime temperatures than coastal areas. Here’s a cheat sheet about two seasons in Bali.

Dry Season in Bali (April to October)

• Average temperature 27°C - 32°C
• Average of 20-27 sunny days per month
• Low humidity, ranging from 60% to 65%
• Low season (except the July-August period)
• Perfect for outdoor activities
• Calm sea surfaces
• Mostly clear sky and minimal rainfall

Rainy Season in Bali (November to March)

• Average temperature 23°C - 33°C
• Average 15-27 rainy days per month
• High humidity, ranging from 80% to 85%
• Low season (except the End of the Year Holiday period)
• Cheaper accommodation prices and fewer tourists
• Lush greenery (rice planting starts in the wet season)
• Rain showers are frequent
• Possibilities of flooding in a few areas

Peak Season (July–August): Pros & Cons

Is July or August the best time to visit Bali? The answer depends on whether you’re willing to pay more. July and August are the peak season because they coincide with school holidays in Indonesia and winter in Australia. The accommodation price is higher, with an increase of around 30%- 60% over the normal price. Tourist spots are packed, you may have to wait a bit longer for service in restaurants, and traffic is worse than in other months.

Shoulder Months (May, June, September): The Sweet Spot

The shoulder months of May, June, September, and October are the best time to visit Bali. You still get all the perks of the dry season in Bali, but you also get the best deal on accommodations because it’s outside the high season. May and June bring a bit of cooler air, while September is very pleasant, though humidity starts picking up. It’s not too crowded even in the famous tourist hot spots, so you can enjoy the cultural and nature tour.

The shoulder season answers the basic question of when is the best time to go to Bali. You can save some bucks, and if you book months in advance, many hotels in Bali offer lower prices. Whether you’re honeymooners looking for post-wedding escapade or solo travelers exploring Bali for the first time, you can have Bali at its most beautiful without paying the premium price.

Green Season (November–March): The Quiet, Lush Bali

To visit Bali during the rainy season is the secret recipe for having the best time of your life without many of the tourist crowds. Especially if you’re more of an indoor type, think of spending a day in the spa or having dinner with live jazz. While the wet season can give you nonstop showers, you still get some sunny weather to get your Bali beach dose, even during the wettest months of December and January.

The best thing about the rainy season in Bali is that you get cheaper rates and fewer tourists, except during the Christmas and New Year holiday period. It can also be the best time to visit Bali because the rain makes the landscape greener and lusher, which is why it’s called the green season. Waterfalls are also at their peak, though when the rain is heavy, some areas are closed due to the risk of flooding and landslides.

Month-by-Month Weather Guide

Here’s your quick info about Bali weather by month:

• January– Peak rainy season with 20-27 days of heavy downpour and fewer tourists after the New Year period. Good for– Indoor activities like spa and silver jewelry workshops
• February – Short bursts, but with more sunny days, and quiet all around. Good for – Yoga retreat and wellness meditation
• March– Fewer rainy days with more clear skies, and a moderate crowd, especially before and after the Balinese Silent Day. Good for – Hiking Mount Batur and waterfall hopping
• April – The transitional season is mostly sunny with a short high season during the Easter holiday. Good for – Adrenaline-rush activities like ATV rides and white-water rafting
• May – Clear skies bring cooler temperatures, with no significant spike in tourist visits yet. _Good for _– Diving in Eastern Bali or Nusa Penida
• June – One of the driest months with almost no rain, and the crowd level is moderate. Good for – Day trip to Nusa Penida
• July– Cooler mornings can turn into scorching days, and it’s the peak school holidays in Indonesia. Good for – Temple visits and traditional dance in Uluwatu
• August – The hottest month with high humidity in Bali, with tourists arriving for a late summer holiday. Good for – Water sports like jet skiing
• September – Mostly sunny with short showers at the end of the month, while tourist visits remain low. Good for – Lake visits to Bedugul and North Bali
• October – Humidity starts rising, and the rainy season begins, though the crowd is still moderate. Good for – Surfing on the Western coast
• November – Rain starts daily with varying intensity, and visitor numbers are low. Good for – Trekking rice fields
• December – One of the wettest months, and a high volume of visitors for the Christmas and NYE holiday. Good for – Beach club, exploring shops, and markets

Best Time for Specific Activities

Surfing

One of the things to do in Canggu is surfing during the dry season, which lasts from April-October. This is the best month for surfing in Bali if you chase the excellent swell and breaks on the southern coast, like Padang-Padang and Uluwatu, or if you plan to learn how to surf. The rainy season in Bali still offers the best waves and great breaks for surfers, especially on the East Coast, where Sanur, Nusa Dua, and Keramas.

Diving & Snorkelling

During the dry season, diving and snorkeling in Bali offer excellent underwater visibility, a calm sea surface, and warm water temperatures. Manta Ray season also happens during the April-October period, while mola-mola can be seen during July-October. Even though the wet season from January to March is not the best time to visit Bali in general, it’s a great period to see sharks, even though visibility is low and water temperatures are cooler.

Honeymoon / Couples

For honeymooners or couples looking to celebrate their wedding or anniversary, nothing says the best time to visit Bali like the shoulder months. You get the best combo of clear and sunny weather, you pay less for your accommodations, and you don’t have to deal with the crowds in the tourist spots in Bali. Since you can enjoy Bali at your own pace and get the holiday that you deserve, your trip will be more memorable and pleasant.

Budget Travel

Do you want to save some bucks on your Bali trip? Then the best time for you to visit Bali is during the rainy season. You can book a hostel more cheaply, or even stay in a nice hotel without digging deep into your pocket. Many travel guides about Bali warn about the weather in the wet season, but it’s actually when the transportation and tours are quiet, making last-minute booking is possible outside the busy Christmas and New Year holiday period.

Nyepi & Key Dates to Know

Bali celebrates Nyepi Day, or the Balinese Day of Silence, every March. The night before Nyepi, you can see the Ogoh-Ogoh parade. During Nyepi, you can’t leave your hostel/house for 24 hours, except in an emergency to go to the hospital. Traditional police (pecalang) will be patrolling around the area. All the shops and access to Bali are closed, including airports and harbors. In 2027, Nyepi falls on March 9. Galungan and Kuningan can be the best time to visit Bali. You will find beautiful penjor (decorative bamboo poles) installed along the streets. The festivities occur every 210 days in the Balinese calendar, and in 2026, Galungan falls on June 17 and Kuningan on June 27.

No Matter When You Visit: Some Things Don't Change

Whichever month you pick to visit Bali, there’s no reason to skip some of the all-year-round activities. Exploring the dining scene on the island knows no sunny or rainy days, because some of the best restaurants in Canggu bring the most scrumptious food to your plate.

While you’re in Canggu, nothing says relaxing like sitting inside a wine bar, having a few Merlot while the rain is pouring outside. And when you book a table at ESKQ, you’re in for the juiciest steak and cozy late-night drink, with the bonus of a jazz saxophonist on Friday as a great way to end your day.

FAQ

What is the rainiest month in Bali?

December, January, and February are the peak of the wet season in Bali. The average number of rainy days during this period is 19-27 days each month, with the humidity reaching up to 85%, making it perfect for indoor activities like spas or shopping.

What is the cheapest time to visit Bali?

The wet season and the shoulder season are two of the best times to visit Bali if you’re on a budget. Many hotels in Bali offer a lower rate with 20%-40% off the normal price. Christmas and New Year are the peak holiday period in Bali, so prices tend to rise, so avoid last-minute booking.

Is the rainy season a bad time to visit Bali?

When the rainy season occurs, it can be the best period to go to Bali. It’s when the landscape of the jungle and the rice fields becomes greener, and waterfalls are at their most incredible. It’s the best time to visit for anyone who wants to save a few bucks, since there are fewer tourists.

When is Bali least crowded?

You see fewer tourists in the wet season (outside the Christmas and New Year holidays) and the shoulder months (May, June, Sept, and Oct). The shoulder period brings a moderate crowd to Bali, and you pay less for accommodation while the weather stays warm and sunny.

What should I pack for Bali's weather?

In the rainy season, definitely bring waterproof bags, a poncho/umbrella, and a light jacket. If you’re visiting in the dry season, bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Bug repellent is mandatory whether you come in the rainy or dry season.

Final Word: Choosing Your Time to Visit Bali

As an all-year-round destination, planning your 7-day Bali itinerary is easy, whether you come in the dry or wet season. The dry season brings plenty of sunny days, making it a no-brainer for outdoor activities. The wet season is a perfect time to see the greenest rice fields without the tourist crowd.

The shoulder season remains the best time to come to Bali for budget travelers, honeymooners, and solo travelers alike, as you can get lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds, while getting that sunny weather. If you want a breezy, easy evening, book a table at ESKQ when you drive by Canggu for some wine, dining, and jazz music.