Best Time to Travel to Bali for Every Activity and When to Avoid

-Best Time to Travel to Bali-

Bali is one amazing place anybody would want to visit. The environment is superb; it is classy with lots of fun activities to do. However, knowing the best time to travel to Bali is important as it would determine how well you spend quality time there and that is exactly what we’ll be looking at in this article, the best time to travel to Bali.

Best Time to Travel to Bali

Bali Geography Overview

Bali is a pretty small island situated in Southeast Asia between the Indian and the Pacific oceans. As one of the many islands that make up the nation of Indonesia, Bali is usually the most known and easily the most visited by tourists.

This volcanic island is made up of peaks, some of which are up over 3,000 meters (almost 10,000 ft. high!). And some are still very active.

Actually, recent eruptions in the past years have been known to cause flight delays and cancelations due to ash in the air. Bali’s volcanic nature joined with the mountain peaks that bring rain, add to its lush greens and outstanding fertility.

Rice is the most common crop grown in Bali and you’ll see evidence everywhere you go with terracing rice fields making beautiful backdrops in your photos.

When is the Best Time to Travel to Bali Weather?

Bali makes an ideal place for vacationers year-round; though, each season has its distinctive draws and drawbacks. In this article, we’re going over the pros and cons of each season to help you determine the best time to visit Bali for YOU.

High Season–July to August and December 

One of the best times to travel is the High season. The high season matches with the traditional summer vacation season in Europe, America, and Australia in July and August.

 And also it’s at the height of the dry season and the high time for surfing on the west coast. Travelers, who come to look at the island flood Bali’s many delights and enjoy some of its most colorful festivals.

Also, The period around Christmas and New Year also sees a lot of influxes of travelers looking for a reprieve from cold northern winters. High season means high prices and pressing hordes in tightly packed tourist areas.

Dry Season Months at a Glance

April: This monthThe Island will usually see the warmest temps during April. The Easter holiday week is a demanding time in Bali, but the rest of the month tends to see more “shoulder season” traffic.

This month the average daily temp: 77-94° F (25-34° C)

May: Moving into the “shoulder season” for tourism, May is still boiling but humidity is going down. Average daily temp: 75-92° F (24-33° C)

June: The first month of the winter in the Southern hemisphere, and temperatures continue to drop. June is on the edge of “shoulder season” and peak tourism near the end of the month.

July: Tourism kick-up in the month of July and expenses for housing may jump as much as 50%. I advise you to book accommodation timely if you’re planning on visiting during July as places tend to book up quickly. The Average daily temp this period is: 73-87° F (23-31° C)

August: Bali normally has the coolest temperatures of the year through the month of August. The peak of tourism runs through August and accommodation prices stay as high as they were in July.

They celebrated Indonesian Independence Day on Aug 17th. Average daily temp: 72-85° F (22-29° C)

September: Tourism reduce a little after August as September is the first month of the typical “shoulder season” in Bali. Average daily temp: 73-89° F (23-32° C)

October: Temperatures are beginning to rise, but it’s still fairly dry with less humidity. Crowds are slightly thinner during this month. Average daily temp: 75-93° F (24-34° C)

Best Places to Visit During the Dry Season in Bali

  1. Amed is the famous diving region on Bali’s east coast and is home to the popular USAT Liberty Shipwreck. It’s Just a 2-hour drive from Denpasar.
  2. An off-the-beaten-track location such as Sideman. It’s a 45-minute drive from Ubud, beautiful laid-back countryside full of rolling hills and rice terraces.
  3. Getaway to the nearby islands such as Nusa Penida, Lombok (which includes the famous Gili Islands), or Flores. 

Best Things to do During the Dry Season in Bali

  1. The weather during this time is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, sailing, etc. 
  2. Try a new water sport such as surfing or diving
  3. Hike Mount Batur at sunrise
  4. Do a bike tour of the Balinese countryside with Ring a Bike Tour

Pros of Visiting Bali During the Dry Season

  1. There’s little or no rain this period
  2. The humidity is tolerable
  3. Mosquitoes/insects won’t be much of a concern
  4. Many festivals and events will happen

Cons of visiting Bali During the Dry Season

  1. Peak tourism season (particularly July/Aug)
  2. Hotel prices will increase in July/Aug
  3. Traffic can get very crazy in Bali (all the time), especially in the major tourist areas such as Kuta and North Kuta during the high season. There will be more tourists on the roads, which means a higher chance for accidents from people driving in the unacquainted territory. 
  4. Major tourist attractions such as temples and parks will be very crowded 

Rainy Season in Bali

The rainy season in Bali begins between November and March, with precipitation peaking in January. While the rain breeds mosquitos and wouldn’t support activities like diving and surfing off the table.

It’s not really ideal if you’re in Bali to tour temples, do yoga, and find pure recreation.

 Actually, you might find that the quiet rain in the Ubud forest increases the general serenity of your experience.

The jungle and rice paddies thrive in this season and the magnificent green color and sprouting vegetation are worth seeing if you don’t mind a little rain.

 A quick warning: Rainy season is mosquito season, too. The risk of mosquito-borne illnesses (like dengue fever and malaria) increases in these months.

To ward off the insects, some locals drink lemongrass tea, which is a delicious and all-natural bug repellent. 

Rainy Season Months at a Glance

November: You’ve probably been tempted to beat the rising November heat by swimming, surfing, or diving in Bali. Though, you should keep in mind that the sea is generally very rough during November. This time of the month has an Average daily temp of 74-91° F (23-33° C’)

December: Bali is usually most populated over the Christmas/New Year’s holidays. Prices will go up during the holidays as foreigners come to celebrate while on vacation.

 Accommodation in the holidays will be pretty high and tend to fill up fast. Nonetheless, the rest of the month is quite less crowded. This time of the month has an Average daily temp of 74-91° F (23-33° C)

January: The least crowded month in Bali, but also the month with the most rainfall. January normally sees very few days without at least a drizzle.

That being said, even during the rainy season, the skies dry out every once in a while. Average daily temp: 74-91° F (23-33° C)

February: Between low and “shoulder season,” February is still quite hot and humid. However, with the frequent precipitation, you’re likely to see slightly fewer tourists.

This month has an Average daily temp of 76-92° F (24-33° C)

March: In this month, the Crowds start building up as spring breaks in the northern hemisphere and people are beginning to filter in for the dry season.

 Nyepi, the Hindu New Year, falls in March. It is significant to be mindful of this date because the Balinese Hindu people celebrate this day with a day of silence.

During this time, everyone (even tourists) is expected to remain indoors, and no noise is allowed for 24 hours. They shut beaches and businesses down for the day, plus the international airport.

 So this will certainly affect your trip if you are planning to visit Bali in March. 

Best Places to Visit During the Rainy Season in Bali

Best Places to Visit During the Rainy Season in Bali

‣ Tannah Lot Temple: Endeavor to visit Bali during low tide so you can walk out to the entry of the temple and be blessed with the spring water that flows from the temple and is said to be holy. 

‣ Uluwatu Temple: Be very careful here! Pocket pickers are much and are very sneaky. Ensure you have your bags zipped and close to your body at all times.

Put on sunglasses and anything loose inside your bags while here or that money may just try to rob you. If you are holding a phone or camera, ensure you hold it well and close to your body when not in use. 

‣ Ubud Monkey Forest: This is one of the most famous attractions in Ubud and is a good place to visit during the low season, mainly if you go while it’s drizzling out.

Also, amazing waterfalls there such as

‣ Sekumpul Waterfall–Often referred to as the most beautiful waterfall in Bali, we tend to agree!

‣ Banyumala Twin Falls–This stunning waterfall doesn’t always have enough water flow, so it’d best to visit during the rainy season to ensure an epic view.

Pros of visiting Bali During the rainy Season

  1. There’s high humidity/high temps prevent some visitors from visiting during this time, so Bali has a tendency to be less crowded.
  2. Usual tourist attractions such as temples and beaches will be less populated than in the busy season.
  3. During this period, Traffic on the roads won’t be quite as busy as the typical hustle and bustle of high season.
  4. Bali’s weather is still fairly sunny, even during the rainy season you’ll usually see sunny skies for at least part of the day.

Cons of Visiting Bali During the Rainy Season

  1. There’s a high chance of rain, as often as daily in January
  2. High temperatures and high humidity
  3. Mosquitos… eek!
  4. Reduced visibility at dive sites because of weather

Best Months for Hiking in Bali

If you’re planning on spending your days hiking, then visiting between April and October is a perfect time. You can’t really predict the rainy season for daily hikes, especially if you’re trying to cram in serious mileage.

 For those who are game to watch the weather, find a sunny morning, and take one short trek, visiting during the rainy season can work.

 If on the other hand, you’re traveling to Bali precisely to hike, much like those visiting for the beaches, you’ll want to visit in the dry season.

Equally, if you’d like to rent a motorbike and spend your days zipping around the island, the dry season is also a better fit. 

Best Time to Hike Mount Batur

Mount Batur is possibly the most popular Bali hike. Normally, you’ll have to book through a tour firm that will pick you up from your hotel at about 2 a.m. for the 1,717-meter (5,633-foot) trek.

You’ll also summit the active volcano as the sun comes up, and depending on your guide, you could even be treated to eggs boiled in the volcanic steam at the top of Mount Batur.

The two-hour hike to the summit is best done between May and September to ensure dry weather and clear views.

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When to Visit Bali to Avoid Crowds

The month of October, January, and February are Bali’s true off-season. All three months is formally the rainy period in Bali (it falls very heavy in January).

This means you won’t find crowds in search of ideal beach weather and likewise diving conditions.

 And because you’ll also be escaping the major holiday months (November and December), you’ll find the island to be calm and filled with locals and ex-pats.

Ultimately, October, January, and February offer the best opportunities to see the temples without the tourist throngs, have the beaches to you, and cash in on the best hotel deals in Bali. 

Best Times to Visit Bali Around Specific Holidays and Festivals

One of the well-known festivals in Bali is the Bali Arts Festival, which happens in June and July. Indonesian Independence Day (or Hari Merdeka) falls on Aug. 17.

 It is celebrated with parades and outdoor celebrations. Meanwhile, Galungan, which is a 10-day holiday is been celebrated to honor the triumph of good over evil (dharma over adharma).

This happens in November. Remember that if you’re traveling for a Hindu celebration, Balinese Hindus repeatedly celebrate more diverse holidays than Hindus in India.

Galungan, for instance, is a celebration that isn’t observed in India but is very important in Bali. Nyepi, a day of fasting before the New Year, usually takes place in the month of March (and it’s akin to Navreh or Ugadi in India, which occurs in April).

Best Months to Visit the Beach in Bali

The best months to enjoy the classic Bali beach vacation are May, June, July, August, and the month of September. August is the dried-up month on the island.

These months are also the best months for snorkeling and diving, as rain reduces visibility below the water’s surface and sunshine enhances the underwater experience.

 Obviously, the downside of coming to Bali between May and September is that you’re visiting during peak season.

The temples, beaches, hotels, and yoga classes will be full, so it’s possible you won’t have lots of opportunities to soak up that sweet Balinese serenity you’re treated to in the low season. 

Festivals in Bali

Experience some of the world’s most exciting local festivities and celebrations. From traditional Balinese observances to celebrations of food, art, and wellness, there’s a festival to suit every traveler.   

Below are some of the exciting festivals you can find in Bali.

‣ Nyepi

Though most nations will celebrate their New Year with loud parties and fireworks, it differs in Bali. New Year follows the Balinese calendar and mostly falls in March.

The days before Nyepi include activities street processions and a loud, festive evening the night before. Fire torches and fireworks light up the night to drive evil forces before the New Year starts.

There is a parade of monsters carried by locals that dance through the streets, soaring above the buildings.

Nyepi itself is a day of stillness and silence, so that bad spirits will think the island is deserted and not return.

Everyone stays home, tourists stay in their hotels, and general inactivity takes over the island for the day. Even the airport is closed!

‣ Bali Spirit Festival

This festival is a seven-day wellness festival that takes place yearly between April and March. Yoga lessons, dance, music, and arts are done together with holistic healing and spirituality workshops, attracting wellness tourists all around the world. 

‣ Galungan and Kuningan

This is a traditional Balinese festival to celebrate the defeat of good over evil. The festival follows the 210-day ‘pawukon’ calendar, and can sometimes happen two times a year. 

Over the 10 days of Galungan, lesser festivals are been held, and it is believed that the gods and ancestors come down to earth for the celebrations.

On the very last day of the festivities, the Balinese celebrate Kuningan, a day devoted to prayer to honor the ancestors. 

‣ Ubud Food Festival

For seven days in April, in the mountain town of Ubud, you’ll perceive good fragrance, with spices and delicious aromas that celebrate traditional Indonesian cuisine.

Local and intercontinental chefs host talks and workshops, and those who attend can sample authentic Balinese and international dishes. 

‣ Bali Arts Festival

Each year, between July and August, the skies above Bali’s southeast coast are strewn with colorful kites. These are not your average kites, they are huge, some even bigger larger than 10m, ornate, and fly remarkably high. 

These brightly-colored kites come in a range of creative designs, plus boats, dragons, and numerous animals. Once they’re released on the wind, the sky turns to a magical battlefield where they fight it out for the main cash prize. 

Best Time to Travel in Our Opinion

One of the best times to travel to Bali is the month of April, then followed by May, September, and October. These are the months on the shoulder of the high season.

Though during this time the island will still be crowded, it won’t be very busy or even as expensive as the peak tourist season of June, July, and August.

The weather is warm and beautiful during these months, with only occasional rain showers. Also, there are lots of special events.

The festival season in Bali kicks off in April, usually with the Bali Spirit Festival (a celebration of yoga, music, and art) and the Ubud Food Festival, a multi-day event that showcases the best foods and drinks on the island.

FAQs

1. Is August a Good Time to Visit Bali?

The best time to visit Bali is generally during the summer months of June, July, and August when the weather is driest and the days are sunny. Unfortunately, that’s also when the island becomes the most crowded, so it depends.

2. Is December a Good Time to Visit Bali?

The rainy season and end-of-year getaway described Bali in December. Even though there is a substantial chance of rain in Bali in the month of December, Bali still has lots of thrilling things.

3. Is Bali a Good Holiday Destination From May to June?

Yes, There are weather was quite awesome. There are so many beautiful places to see in Bali like Tanah Lot temple, Ubud, Monkey forest, Twin waterfall, and loads more. I would recommend you to definitely visit this place.

4. What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Indonesia?

Best time to visit Indonesia fall between April and October, when the weather is ideal for island-hopping, snorkeling, and beach relaxation. Bridging the Equator, Indonesia is hot all year round, with the only change coming between November and March when the country sees widespread rain, particularly in the south.

5. Is August a Good Time to Visit Bali?

During August, the Bali climate is in its dry season and is less likely to receive rain. So, it’s a good time to visit.

After reading this, you’ve possibly made up your mind on the best time to visit Bali that fits your needs, and carefully weighed up all your options. 

It doesn’t matter if you plan to lay on Seminyak beach, or by the pool, hike the volcanoes, or take to the ocean on a surfboard, Bali is the type of location that people return to time and time again.

The thriving expatriate and digital nomad community are proof that Bali living is good living. 

If you enjoyed reading this article, do well to share it with family and friends.

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