Best Time to Visit Bali (Weather & Crowds)

Bali is a beautiful island in Indonesia known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and lush landscapes. It attracts travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences. Choosing the right time to visit Bali is important because weather, crowd sizes, and travel costs vary throughout the year.

The best time to visit depends on what you want from your trip. Some travelers prefer dry, sunny days for beach activities, while others enjoy quieter times with fewer tourists. Understanding Bali's seasonal patterns helps you pick the ideal time for your travel style and budget.

Overall Best Time to Visit Bali

The best months to visit Bali are generally from April to October. This period is the dry season, offering warm, sunny weather and lower chances of rain. You can enjoy outdoor activities like surfing, hiking, and exploring temples without weather disruptions.

This season also balances crowds and costs well. While July and August are busier, the shoulder months of April, May, September, and October have fewer tourists and better prices. This time is best for travelers who want good weather and manageable crowds.

• April to October offers mostly dry, sunny days ideal for outdoor activities and beach time in Bali.

• July and August see the highest number of tourists, which means more crowds but lively events and festivals.

• April, May, September, and October provide a quieter experience with lower prices and pleasant weather.

• This period suits travelers looking for a balance between good weather, fewer crowds, and reasonable costs.

Visiting during these months helps you enjoy Bali’s natural beauty and culture comfortably. However, your best time might differ if you prefer lower prices or don’t mind some rain.

Best Time to Visit Bali by Month

January

January is part of Bali’s wet season. You can expect heavy rainfall and high humidity, which may limit outdoor activities. Tourist numbers are low, so prices are generally cheaper.

• Weather is hot and humid with frequent heavy rain showers, making outdoor plans less predictable.

• Crowds are low, so popular sites and beaches are less busy than in dry months.

• Accommodation and flight prices tend to be lower due to the off-peak season.

• This month suits travelers who want to avoid crowds and don’t mind rainy weather or indoor activities.

If you don’t mind occasional rain, January can be a peaceful time to explore Bali’s culture and indoor attractions.

February

February remains in the wet season with similar weather to January. Rainfall is still high, but you may find occasional sunny breaks. Tourist numbers stay low, keeping costs down.

• Expect hot, humid weather with frequent rain, sometimes causing flooding in some areas.

• Low tourist crowds mean quieter beaches and attractions.

• Prices for hotels and flights remain affordable during this off-peak period.

• Best for travelers who want budget-friendly trips and don’t mind wet weather interruptions.

February is good if you want to save money and explore Bali’s indoor cultural sites despite the rain.

March

March marks the transition from wet to dry season. Rainfall decreases, and the weather starts to improve. Crowds begin to pick up slightly, but prices remain moderate.

• Weather becomes drier with more sunny days and less humidity compared to earlier months.

• Tourist numbers slowly increase but are still manageable compared to peak months.

• Accommodation and flight prices start to rise but are still reasonable.

• Ideal for travelers wanting better weather without the high-season crowds and costs.

March is a good month to visit if you want a balance between improving weather and affordable travel.

April

April is the start of Bali’s dry season. You can expect warm, sunny weather with minimal rain. Tourist numbers are moderate, and prices are lower than peak season.

• Mostly dry and sunny weather creates perfect conditions for outdoor activities and beach visits.

• Moderate crowds mean you can enjoy popular spots without feeling overwhelmed.

• Prices for hotels and flights are lower than in July and August.

• Great for travelers seeking good weather and a quieter atmosphere before peak season.

April is an excellent month to experience Bali’s natural beauty and culture comfortably.

May

May continues the dry season with warm temperatures and little rain. Crowds increase slightly but remain manageable. Prices start to rise but are still more affordable than peak months.

• Sunny, dry days make it ideal for beach activities, hiking, and sightseeing.

• Tourist numbers grow but are not as high as in July and August.

• Accommodation and flight costs increase but remain reasonable.

• Perfect for travelers who want good weather and fewer crowds than peak season.

May offers a great mix of pleasant weather and a relaxed atmosphere for your Bali trip.

June

June is in the heart of the dry season with warm, sunny weather and low humidity. Tourist numbers rise as more travelers visit Bali, and prices increase accordingly.

• Consistently dry and sunny weather supports outdoor adventures and beach time.

• Tourist crowds grow, especially around popular beaches and cultural sites.

• Prices for accommodation and flights are higher due to increased demand.

• Best for travelers who want excellent weather and don’t mind busier locations.

June is a popular month for visitors who prioritize weather over crowds and costs.

July

July is one of Bali’s busiest months. The dry season continues with excellent weather, but crowds and prices peak. Expect lively events and full beaches.

• Perfect dry, sunny weather with warm temperatures ideal for all outdoor activities.

• High tourist crowds can make popular spots busy and accommodations harder to book.

• Prices for hotels and flights reach their highest levels of the year.

• Suitable for travelers who want vibrant atmospheres and don’t mind crowds or costs.

July is great if you enjoy social scenes and festivals but want to book well in advance.

August

August remains peak season with excellent weather and large crowds. Prices stay high, and popular attractions can be very busy.

• Dry, sunny weather continues with warm temperatures perfect for beach and outdoor fun.

• Tourist crowds peak, especially around major events and holidays.

• Accommodation and flight prices are at their highest due to demand.

• Best for travelers who want lively experiences and don’t mind paying premium prices.

August is ideal for those who enjoy busy, festive environments and perfect weather.

September

September marks the start of the shoulder season. Weather remains mostly dry and pleasant. Crowds begin to thin, and prices start to drop.

• Warm, sunny days with less humidity and minimal rain make it comfortable for all activities.

• Tourist numbers decrease, offering a more relaxed experience.

• Prices for hotels and flights become more affordable than peak months.

• Great for travelers wanting good weather with fewer crowds and better deals.

September is a smart choice for a balanced Bali trip after the busy summer months.

October

October continues the dry season with warm weather and low rainfall. Crowds are lighter, and prices remain reasonable.

• Mostly dry and sunny weather supports outdoor exploration and beach visits.

• Tourist crowds are moderate, making it easier to enjoy popular sites.

• Accommodation and flight prices are lower than peak season but higher than wet season.

• Ideal for travelers seeking good weather and a quieter atmosphere.

October is a pleasant month to visit Bali with fewer tourists and good weather.

November

November is the start of the wet season. Rainfall increases, and humidity rises. Tourist numbers drop, and prices become more affordable.

• Weather becomes wetter with frequent rain showers and higher humidity levels.

• Lower tourist crowds provide a quieter experience at attractions and beaches.

• Accommodation and flight prices decrease as demand falls.

• Suitable for travelers on a budget who don’t mind rainy weather.

November is best if you want to avoid crowds and save money despite the wetter conditions.

December

December is part of the wet season with heavy rains and high humidity. Crowds increase slightly due to holiday travel, and prices rise accordingly.

• Frequent heavy rain and humid weather may limit outdoor plans and beach time.

• Tourist numbers rise around Christmas and New Year holidays, increasing crowds.

• Prices for accommodation and flights increase during holiday periods.

• Best for travelers who want festive events but can handle wet weather.

December offers a festive atmosphere but expect rain and higher prices during holidays.

Crowds and Travel Costs Throughout the Year

Bali’s tourism year divides into peak, shoulder, and off-seasons. Peak season runs from July to August and around December holidays. During this time, expect large crowds and high prices.

Shoulder seasons in April to June and September to October offer fewer tourists and better prices. Off-season from November to March has the lowest crowds and costs but wetter weather.

• Peak season features busy attractions, crowded beaches, and premium prices for flights and hotels.

• Shoulder seasons provide a balance with moderate crowds and more affordable travel costs.

• Off-season has the fewest tourists and lowest prices but comes with frequent rain and humidity.

• Crowds affect your experience by influencing wait times, availability, and atmosphere at popular sites.

Choosing when to visit Bali depends on whether you prioritize weather, cost savings, or avoiding crowds.

Worst Time to Visit Bali

The worst time to visit Bali is during the peak wet season from January to March. Heavy rains and high humidity can disrupt outdoor plans and cause flooding in some areas.

During this period, some attractions may close or have limited access. Tourist numbers are low, but the weather challenges and occasional travel delays make it less ideal for many visitors.

• Heavy, frequent rain limits outdoor activities like beach visits and hiking.

• High humidity can make exploring uncomfortable for some travelers.

• Flooding and road closures may affect transportation and access to sites.

• Some businesses and attractions may close or reduce hours during this period.

If you want to avoid weather disruptions and have a full experience, it is best to skip these months unless you are on a tight budget or prefer fewer tourists.

Special Travel Tips for Visiting Bali

When packing for Bali, bring lightweight, breathable clothing for warm weather. During the wet season, include a rain jacket and waterproof shoes. Sunscreen and insect repellent are essential year-round.

Book accommodations and flights early if traveling in peak season to secure better rates and availability. Check local events and holidays that might affect crowds and prices.

• Pack light, breathable clothes for dry months and waterproof gear for wet season travel.

• Reserve accommodations and flights well in advance during peak months to avoid high prices and sold-out options.

• Be aware of local festivals and holidays that can increase crowds and affect transportation.

• Avoid common mistakes like underestimating the sun’s strength or not preparing for sudden rain showers.

Planning ahead and packing appropriately will help you enjoy Bali comfortably no matter when you visit.

Conclusion

The best overall time to visit Bali is during the dry season from April to October. This period offers warm, sunny weather and a good balance of crowds and costs. Shoulder months like April, May, September, and October provide quieter experiences and better prices.

Peak months of July and August bring lively atmospheres but higher prices and crowds. The wet season from November to March has fewer tourists and lower costs but comes with heavy rain and humidity. Choose your travel time based on your weather preferences, budget, and tolerance for crowds.

FAQs

What is the cheapest time to visit Bali?

The cheapest time to visit Bali is during the wet season from January to March. During these months, prices for flights and accommodations drop due to lower tourist demand despite the rainy weather.

Which month has the best weather in Bali?

The best weather in Bali is typically from April to October, with July and August offering the driest and sunniest conditions. These months are ideal for outdoor activities and beach visits.

When is the peak tourist season in Bali?

Peak tourist season in Bali occurs in July and August and around the December holiday period. These months have the highest number of visitors, leading to crowded attractions and higher prices.

Is Bali safe to visit during the off-season?

Bali is generally safe during the off-season from November to March. However, heavy rains may cause flooding and travel delays. Some attractions might have limited hours, so plan accordingly.

What is the best time for first-time visitors to Bali?

First-time visitors should consider traveling during the shoulder seasons of April to June or September to October. These months offer good weather, fewer crowds, and reasonable prices for a comfortable experience.