The climate in Indonesia is tropical and characterized by high temperatures throughout the year with only the humidity and precipitation patterns changing. You can explore the country all year round but the best time to visit Bali is between April and October, when temperatures range from 22°C to 32°C.
Travel Seasons | Min/Max Temperature | Season |
January to March | 24-34°C | High Rainfall |
May to June | 23-32°C | Moderate rainfall |
July to August | 22-30°C | Dry and windy |
October to December | 23-33°C | Moderate rainfall |
Data sourced from National Centers for Environmental Information
April to October – The Dry Season
Best time to travel to Bali and for good weather
Bali‘s dry season is the best season for many travellers around the globe.
With warm temperatures, not too much rainfall and humidity, it is the ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities like sunbathing or hiking.
The skies are blue and the air is dry. The sunny weather of the day cool-off to lower temperatures in the evenings.
It is not surprising that the peak season for tourism in Bali corresponds with the dry season.
Hotel room rates are going through the roof. So make sure to book your accomodations in advance to avoid high costs.
November to March – The Wet Season
The period from November through March coincides with the wet season for Bali.
The rise in temperatures, as well as tremendous amount of rain, makes the whole country hot an humid with average range temperature from 23°C to 34°C.
Wet season in Bali, means grey and cloudy skies, the beaches aren’t in the best condition and the rain makes it difficult to dive as it reduces visibility. But there are others activities to do like canyoning and water rafting if you look for thrill.
Obviously, low season means less crowds and cheaper accommodation prices. If you’re looking for a bargain, then you’ll have the most luck during this period.
Travel to Bali month by month
January
During January, it is raining throughout the country and it’s very difficult to find sun. It is definitely not the time for diving, snorkeling or island hopping.
January is the best month to find the best deals on hotels and flights except for 1st to 6th, when travelers come for New Year.
Average temperatures: 24°C to 33°C
Events and festivals:
- Chinese New Year: Chinese New Year is celebrated in Indonesia as a public holiday, with traditional festivals taking place throughout the country.
- Galungan: Bali’s most important Hindu festival celebrates ancestral spirits visiting the earth.
February
Similar to the weather of January, during February, Bali remains under rainfalls.
I recommend avoiding water activities like diving because of the strong currents and the low visibility underwater.
Average temperatures: 24°C to 33°C
March
March is the last wet season month. Rain is still around in the first half of the month and the sun appears in longer intervals between the rains.
Take those opportunities to enjoy the landscapes and the beaches, and reserve temple visits and other indoor activities for when the rain comes.
Average temperatures: 24°C to 34°C
Events and festivals:
- Hari Raya Nyepi or Balinese Day of Silence: A Hindu celebration to mark the Saka New Year. People spend the day in silence and meditation.
April
April is the hottest month in Bali. The sun returns to most of Indonesia.
Temperatures often go higher than 30°C all day and stay in the 20°C during the nights. But there will still be some rain – 1 day in 3 in average.
You can expect blue skies and clear seas, making it the best time for water and outdoors activities.
Average temperatures: 25°C to 34°C
Events and festivals:
- Ramadan: The month of Ramadan will probably impact your daily schedule as shops and restaurants close during the day.
May
May offers the best weather of the year with clear blue skies and sunshine. It’s a little colder and drier than April.
This is a good time to spot orangutans as they come out to play in the forests.
Average temperatures: 24°C to 33°C
Events and festivals:
- Idul Fitri/Lebaran: A major two-day national holiday celebrated at the end of Ramadan. Families get together and enjoy a feast.
June
June is the month marking the end of the shoulder season in Bali. It has a lots of sunshine and warm temperatures.
The peak season arrives at the end of the month. I highly recommend booking in advance as hotels prices will rise.
Wildlife is also at its peak. This is an ideal month for all the island’s outdoor activities, especially treks through the forests.
Average temperatures: 24°C to 31°C
Events and festivals:
- Bali Arts Festival: The festival takes place in Denpasar and offers a colorful journey into the world of Bali art.
July
July is the month when tourism in Bali comes to a peak. The whole of Indonesia also experiences hot and dry weather.
Beach locations are crowded. So take the chance to climb Mount Batur, Bali’s iconic volcano with a lake.
Peak season means prices for accommodation reach their highest and accommodation tends to get booked up far in advance.
Average temperatures: 23°C to 31°C
Events and festivals:
- Bali Kite Festival: Held through July at Sanur Beach, south Bali, it marks the start of the windy season in Bali.
August
Peak season continues in Bali and August will see even more visitors than July.
Hot and dry weather with no rain means that it’s the best time to enjoy some snorkeling or hiking.
Don’t forget to book early to avoid any disappointment.
Average temperatures: 23°C to 30°C
Events and festivals:
- Indonesian Independence Day: A public holiday to celebrate the anniversary of Indonesia’s independence on August 17th. It has parades and other outdoor festivities.
September
During September, tourism in Bali starts to drop-off a little bit.
As it’s the back-to-school month for many countries, it’s a fantastic time to visit Bali without the crowds and high season prices.
Average temperatures: 23°C to 30°C
Events and festivals:
- Muharram 1 or Islamic New Year: The Islamic New Year is celebrated throughout Indonesia with parades, festivals and prayers.
October
In October, enjoy the last of the sunshine as Bali experiences increasing rainfall.
As the tourism demand drops and hotels are trying to fill rooms, it could be a good time to get some good shoulder season bargain.
Average temperatures: 24°C to 34°C
November
In November, the rains return throughout Indonesia and the sea in Bali is noticeably rougher which is not good for water activities.
Temperatures still average around 30°C in most areas but the humidity can be overwhelming.
Average temperatures: 24°C to 33°C
December
During December, you will probably experience rain and high humidity levels.
Even if the wet season means some activities like hiking or diving are no longer relevant, you can still enjoy indoors activities like temple visiting or enjoying Balinese food.
Be careful though, as Christmas prices are approaching, it may be best to get there early in the month.
Average temperatures: 24°C to 33°C
FAQ
The best time to visit Bali is between April and October when the weather is warm and dry. But it’s also the tourist peak season and hotels and flight prices are rising for July and August. The worst time to visit Bali is during the rainy season that occurs between November and March.
The cheapest time to visit Bali is between October to March. It’s the off-peak season due to massive rainfalls, meaning there are an excellent range of low season deals to take advantage of.
Tourist peak season in Bali is from April to August. Tourist period starts to climb in March. Hotels and flight prices are reflecting that trend, rising for July and August.
The best time to surf in Bali is during the dry seasons of May and September. This is when the swells and strong offshore winds come together for the best surfing experience.
The average cost to travel to Bali is around $1700 (USD) for two people for one week. This budget includes flights, accommodation, food, activities, and transport throughout Bali. I wrote an entire extensive budget breakdown article about the cost of a trip to Bali.