Are you thinking of visiting Bali soon? This quick travel guide will help you find the best time to go for incredible tropical weather, cheap prices, and fewer crowds.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best time to visit Bali, the cheapest time to go, the least busy time of year, and the worst time to go. We’ll also share tips to make the most of your trip, including a few pointers for first-time travelers.
So get in a Bali state of mind and start planning your trip today!
Why You Should Visit Bali
Bali, known as the “Island of the Gods,” is a beautiful group of islands near the equator on the Bali Sea and Indian Ocean.
This destination’s tropical scenery and warm climate make it a popular choice for international travelers looking for a sunny getaway.
Bali is a place so beautiful, it’s worth writing home about. More than 6 million people from around the world visit each year to experience its natural beauty firsthand.
The stunning Bali landscape is a feast for the senses, with soft, white-sand beaches, lush greenery, tranquil lakes and rushing waterfalls, majestic mountains, volcanoes, and deep canyons.
The rainforests of Bali are a living museum, with plants and animals that have been around for millions of years.
The island is home to a variety of towering trees, including banyan, tamarind, acacia, coconut palm, and fiery red flame trees. The dense vines, bamboo, and lush undergrowth of the rainforests provide the ideal habitat for Balinese long-tailed macaque monkeys, who live there in the thousands.
Bali’s volcanoes are both active and sacred, but many people are unaware of this. Mount Agung, the highest peak and most sacred place on the island, and Mount Batur are relatively active, so researching the best time to visit Bali and current volcanic activity is important before planning your trip.
Mount Batur is less active than Mount Agung, but it still erupted in 2000. Bali is also home to architectural marvels, such as ancient Balinese Hindu temples and ruins. These sites are best explored during the optimal times of the year.
Bali is a unique destination that offers something for everyone. It is a party island with a vibrant nightlife, but it is also a serene getaway with beautiful beaches and lush rainforests. People come here to join in the revelry day and night, or to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Those seeking calm and relaxation will find a favorite spot in this island, with its many beaches, religious temples, and quiet cluster of islands just off the coast. When you’re ready to head off the beaches, there are tons of options to choose from.
Here are a few of the most popular activities and sights that tourists enjoy.
- Mount Agung & Mount Batur: These two volcanoes offer challenging hiking trails for adventurous visitors. The views from the summits are breathtaking.
- West Bali National Park: This park is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and reptiles. Visitors can go snorkeling, scuba diving, or hiking in the park.
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: This sanctuary is home to over 1,000 monkeys. Visitors can learn about the monkeys and their culture.
- Goa Gajah: This 11th century cave sanctuary is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can enter the cave through a carved “demon’s mouth.”
- Tirta Gangga: This former royal palace is now a popular tourist destination. Visitors can swim in the palace pools and visit the temples.
- Bali Bird Park: This park is home to over 1,000 birds. Visitors can learn about the birds and their habitats.
- Temples and ruins: Bali is home to over 20,000 temples and ruins. Visitors can explore these temples and ruins to learn about Balinese culture.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to venture out into the local communities of Bali. You’ll be greeted by friendly locals who are more than happy to help you find your way around and learn about their culture. Many of them also speak English, so you won’t have any trouble communicating.
Travelers who prefer to stay close to home base on trips will find all-inclusive resorts in Bali to be a great option. These resorts offer a variety of amenities, including restaurants, pools, bars, and activities, so you can have everything you need right at your fingertips.
Make sure to try some of the delicious Balinese food while you’re on the island!
Lawar, bebek betutu, and sate lilit are three mouth-watering regional foods from Bali that will make your taste buds sing.
Bali is a land of mystery and wonder, where the language, landscape, and ancient architecture transport you to a different world.
You’ll be welcomed by the friendly locals and the familiar sights of white-sand beaches and coconut palms, much like in other tropical destinations. But first, let’s take a look at the best time to visit Bali!
Overall Best Time to Visit Bali
“The shoulder season between April and June” refers to the period of time in Bali that falls between the dry season (April-October) and the rainy season (November-March). During the shoulder season, the weather is still warm and sunny, but there is less rain than in the dry season. This makes it a good time to visit Bali for those who want to enjoy the island’s beaches and other outdoor activities without having to deal with the crowds of the peak summer season.
“Is the best time to visit Bali for ideal weather” means that the weather during this time of year is generally perfect for enjoying Bali’s beaches, temples, and other attractions. There is little rain, and the temperatures are warm and comfortable.
“And fewer crowds” refers to the fact that there are fewer tourists in Bali during the shoulder season than in the peak summer months. This means that you will have more space to relax on the beaches, explore the temples, and enjoy the local culture.
Bali’s dry season starts in April and runs through October. During this time, the island receives little rainfall or severe weather. The temperatures are typically in the 80s and 90s, and it is a little less humid if you visit during April or May.
Book your Bali hotel in April, May, or early June to enjoy 30-50% savings on room rates. This is the early part of the high season, when the weather is still perfect and the crowds are not yet as big.
The crowds in Bali start to grow in April and June, but they are not yet at their peak. By July and August, Bali is in full swing with the highest number of visitors arriving. This means that hotel rates and availability are higher during these months.
May is the hottest month in Bali, with average temperatures around 82°F. If you want to experience Bali at its hottest and driest, this is the month to go.
The weather in May is perfect for outdoor activities, with dry, sunny evenings and a gentle breeze. Whether you’re on the beach, climbing mountains, or exploring the rainforest, you’ll be comfortable and refreshed. Plus, with fewer visitors during this time of year, you’ll have an easier time booking flights and hotels at a lower price.
Cheapest Time to Visit Bali
The cheapest times to visit Bali are January-February, April, and October-November. These months are during the rainy season, but there are fewer tourists, cooler temperatures, and amazing deals. While travel sites may disagree on the cheapest time to visit Bali, it is generally cheapest to fly to Bali and book a hotel or resort room during these months.
If you want to avoid the crowds and get cheaper rates on your Bali trip, avoid traveling during the holiday season (December and early January), March, and the peak season (July-August).
January-February is the rainy season in Bali, with average temperatures of 78°F. This can make for a wet and humid trip, but it also means fewer crowds and cheaper prices. The seas are also rougher during this time, so it’s not ideal for swimming or surfing. However, if you’re looking to beat the heat and save money, January-February can be a good time to visit Bali.
April is a great month to visit Bali if you’re looking for clear water, warm weather, and less rainfall. It’s also one of the cheaper months to visit, although it’s not quite as cheap as January-February or October-November.
October and November are shoulder seasons in Bali, meaning there will be more visitors than during the low season (January-February and April), but not as many as during the peak season (July-August). The weather is also still warm and sunny during this time, with average temperatures in the low 80s.
Be aware of strong winds, increased rainfall (though less than in January and February), and rougher seas. You can get some of the cheapest airfares of the year in October, and it is less rainy than November.
Least Busy Time to Visit Bali
Bali is less crowded and has cheaper flights and hotels from mid-January to June, when the weather is also pleasant. This is the best time to visit Bali if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the island’s natural beauty.
The weather in Bali is mild from mid-January to June, but it can be rainy in January and February. The best time to visit Bali for mild weather and low crowds is during mid-to-late March, April, or May.
Bali’s summer high season begins in June, but the crowds don’t really start to pick up until July and August. If you visit Bali in the first half of the year, you’ll find fewer tourists and lower prices on flights and hotels.
Now is the time to visit Bali and take advantage of the low season discounts on all-inclusive resorts. Hotels and tourist attractions are offering great deals to entice visitors during this less popular time of year.
If you want to experience Bali at its best, visit from mid-March to late May. You’ll find few crowds, lower prices, and good weather. However, if you’re not afraid of a little rain, you can visit in the earlier part of the year to save even more money.
The currents in the sea shift in March, which means the sea will be less rough and the debris will be washed away. However, rainfall is still an almost-daily occurrence from January to March, though it is usually brief showers with sunshine afterward.
Worst Time to Visit Bali
During the dry season of July and August, summer tourists flock to Bali for its tropical climate and beaches. In December, holiday tourists arrive in droves, driving up prices on flights and hotels.
July and August are the busiest months in Bali, as families with school-aged children flock to the island for its dry season weather and endless activities. Hotels and resorts fill up quickly during this time, so it’s important to book your stay well in advance.
Hotel prices in Bali can increase by 30-50% during the peak summer season of July and August. The holidays in December, especially the middle and end of the month, also bring in a large number of tourists, driving up prices even further. The crowds typically start to dissipate in early January.
December is the time of year when the rains come to Bali. If you’re planning on spending a lot of time outdoors, you may want to reconsider your travel plans. The average rainfall in December is 17 days, so you’re likely to be wet more often than not. If you must visit Bali in December, I recommend planning your activities around the rain, such as visiting museums or taking cooking classes.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed and affordable Balinese vacation, avoid the peak season months of July, August, and December. Instead, visit in late March, April, or May for perfect weather, friendly prices, and smaller crowds.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Bali?
To summarize, the best time to visit Bali is from April to June. These three months are part of the spring/summer shoulder season, which means that the weather is still beautiful and the crowds are not as big as they are during the peak season (July-August).
The weather in Bali is dry and sunny during this time of year, making it a perfect time to visit for picture-perfect photos. Prices are also much cheaper than during the peak months of July and August, so you can save a lot of money on your vacation.
When to Travel for Cheap
If you are looking for the best deals on a trip to Bali, the cheapest time to visit is during the months of January-February, April, and October-November. Flights and hotel rooms are most affordable during these months, often discounted by 50% or more.
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The weather in Bali is extremely rainy in January and February, with an average of 27 days of rainfall per month. It is pretty perfect in April, with only 10 days of rainfall per month. And it is slightly rainy in October and November, with an average of 15 days of rainfall per month.
When to Visit Without the Crowds
If you want to avoid the crowds and have the best overall experience in Bali, the best time to visit Bali is the spring months of March to May. The weather is still warm and sunny, but the crowds have not yet arrived in full force. This is the perfect time to explore the island’s many temples, beaches, and rice fields without having to fight your way through throngs of tourists.
When to Avoid Tourist Traps
Avoid visiting Bali during the months of July, August, and December, as these are the busiest months and the island can become overcrowded.
July and August are the driest months in Bali, with warm and sunny weather. However, these are also the busiest months, so you will be competing with hundreds of thousands of tourists for hotel rooms and flights. Prices also tend to be higher during this time. December is slightly cooler and rainier, with rougher seas and murkier water.
Final Thoughts on the Best Time to Visit Bali
No matter when you visit Bali, you’re sure to fall in love with it.
The choice is yours: high season with its flurry of activity and best weather, or the alluring calm and serenity of relaxing beaches, dense rainforests, and ancient temples and ruins.
Bali is uniquely magnetic because it can be anything you want it to be. With the help of this guide, you can plan your trip to meet your vacation goals and avoid the things you don’t want.
(FAQs) About The Best Time to Visit Bali
When is the best time to visit Bali for good weather?
The best time to visit Bali for good weather is from April to October, when the island experiences dry conditions, lower humidity, and plenty of sunshine. This is an ideal time for outdoor activities and beach vacations.
What is the rainy season in Bali, and should I avoid it?
Bali’s rainy season typically runs from November to March. Although it rains more often during this time, it doesn’t rain all day every day. In fact, the rain often comes in short bursts, which can be refreshing and invigorating. Many travelers still visit Bali during the rainy season, as the rain helps to create lush, green landscapes that are even more beautiful than usual.
When is the peak tourist season in Bali?
Bali’s peak tourist season coincides with the dry season, from July to August and around Christmas and New Year. During these times, the island can be very crowded, and prices for accommodation and activities may be higher. It is advisable to book in advance if you plan to visit during these periods.
What are the benefits of visiting Bali during the shoulder season?
The shoulder seasons in Bali (April to June and September to October) offer a great compromise between pleasant weather and fewer crowds. You can enjoy the island’s attractions and activities without the large crowds that are common during peak months.
Are there any cultural events or festivals that influence the best time to visit Bali?
Yes, Bali’s rich cultural calendar features festivals such as Nyepi (Balinese New Year), Galungan, and Kuningan. These events are based on the Balinese calendar, which means their dates change every year. If you want to experience Bali’s unique culture, planning your trip around these festivals can add a special touch to your visit.
