The best time to visit Bali is the dry season, April–October, with May, June and September offering great weather and thinner crowds than peak July–August. The wet season (November–March) is greener, cheaper and quieter, with short afternoon showers.
Below is a month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds and prices, plus the best times for surfing and diving and the dates to avoid.
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Add it in the trip planner →| Month | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Wettest month, humid | Low–mid | Low | Green & cheap; daily afternoon showers |
| February | Wet, humid | Low | Low | Quiet and lush, occasional storms |
| March | Wet easing; Nyepi | Low | Low | Fewer crowds — plan around Nyepi (Day of Silence) |
| April | Dry begins, sunny | Mid | Mid | Great-value shoulder — top pick |
| May | Dry, sunny | Mid | Mid | Sweet spot: sun, thinner crowds |
| June | Dry, sunny | Mid–high | Mid–high | Excellent weather, getting busier |
| July | Dry, low humidity | High | High | Best weather but busiest & priciest |
| August | Dry, low humidity | High | High | Peak season — book far ahead |
| September | Dry, sunny | Mid | Mid | Sweet spot: great weather, quieter |
| October | Dry ending | Mid | Mid | Good shoulder, deals return |
| November | Wet begins | Low–mid | Low–mid | Greener and good value, some showers |
| December | Wet + festive peak | High (Xmas/NY) | High late | Rainy but festive; New Year is peak |
In short: for the best balance of sunshine, quiet and price, aim for the shoulder months — late April to June or September to early October.
This is the classic high season: plenty of sunshine, low humidity and the best time for beaches and islands. July and August are the busiest and most expensive. The shoulder periods April/May and September/October offer the best balance of weather, quiet and price — often the smartest choice.
In the rainy season Bali is greener, quieter and better value. The showers often come briefly in the afternoon; mornings are frequently sunny. Ideal if you want to avoid the crowds and stay flexible. January is the wettest month.
Surfing: the west coast (Uluwatu, Canggu) is best from May to September. Diving & snorkelling: good year-round; manta rays off Nusa Penida are often best in the dry season. Rice fields at their greenest: towards the end of the wet season.
Bali is small, but the weather isn't the same everywhere. The south (Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu) and the Nusa islands are the driest and sunniest — perfect for beaches. Ubud and the central hills run a few degrees cooler and greener, with more afternoon cloud and short showers even in the dry season. The mountains around Kintamani and Munduk are cooler still and can be genuinely chilly at dawn (bring a layer for the Mount Batur sunrise trek). The far north and east — Lovina, Amed and Sidemen — sit in a rain shadow and often stay dry when the south is wet, a handy trick in the shoulder months.
Two dates really shape a trip. Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence (usually March), shuts the whole island down for 24 hours: the airport closes, no one drives, and even tourists stay inside their hotel with the lights low. It's a remarkable experience if you plan for it — but never schedule arrivals, departures or day trips on that date. Galungan and Kuningan fill the streets with tall penjor bamboo poles and temple ceremonies, and are beautiful to witness. Indonesian school holidays and the Idul Fitri week bring domestic crowds to the beaches, while Christmas and New Year is peak international season with the highest prices.
Prices track the crowds: July–August and the Christmas–New Year fortnight are dearest, the wet season cheapest. For the sweet spot — dry weather at shoulder-season prices — aim for late April to June or September to early October, and book flights and popular villas two to four months ahead. Last-minute deals still appear in the low season if you can stay flexible.