Best Time to Visit Bali — Seasons and Weather by Month

Bali sits right on the equator and stays tropical year-round, but the dry and rainy seasons still decide what kind of trip you'll actually have.

The Two Seasons in Bali: When is the Best Time to Go?

Bali's year splits into a dry season (April–October) built for beaches and volcanoes and a rainy season (November–March) with short but intense downpours.

In the dry season, humidity drops to 60-70% and rain turns rare — the best window for swimming and volcano treks.

From November to March, humidity climbs to 85-95% and heavy showers roll in by evening or at night, usually clearing within 1-2 hours.

Ogoh-Ogoh demon puppet parade on the eve of Nyepi, Bali

Bali Weather by Month: A Detailed Breakdown

Rainfall peaks in January-February, the dry season peaks in June-August, and between those extremes sit the mild shoulder months and Nyepi, the day of total silence in March.

January and February bring the heaviest rain and marine debris on southern beaches — but also the lowest villa rates and shortest temple queues.

In March or late February, the island shuts down for 24 hours during Nyepi: the airport closes and no lights or streets are allowed — a singular cultural event.

April and May are among the best months: everything is green after the rains, waterfalls run full, and humidity is already dropping.

June through August is the climatic peak: cool evenings, the best sunsets, and the best surfing on the west coast.

Sunrise at the summit of Mount Batur volcano

When is the Best Time to Visit Bali?

The best month depends on your goal for Bali: beaches favor May and September, surfers want the dry season, and volcano treks only run May through October.

For beaches and sightseeing, aim for May, June, September, or October — sunny weather at noticeably lower prices than peak July and August.

The best west-coast swells run May through September; once the rains arrive, surfers shift east to Nusa Dua and Sanur.

Climbing Batur or Agung is only safe in the dry season, May through October, while trails stay dry and the summit stays clear of cloud.

March, April, and November are shoulder season — decent weather with real savings on accommodation.

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Best Time to Visit Bali — Seasons and Weather by Month

June 5, 2025

8 min read

Planning a trip to the "Island of the Gods" and wondering what the weather will be like? Located just 8 degrees south of the equator, Bali enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures hovering between 29–33°C and water temperatures averaging 28°C year-round. However, your travel experience will be heavily influenced by rainfall, which divides the year into two distinct seasons.

The Two Seasons in Bali: When is the Best Time to Go?

Seasons in bali are split between the dry season and the rainy season. Each offers a different atmosphere, affecting beach quality, sightseeing, and outdoor activities.

The Dry Season (April — October)

Running from April to October, the dry season is widely considered the best time to visit Bali. During these months, humidity drops to a comfortable 60–70%, cool Australian breezes sweep across the island, and rain is rare. This is the optimal window for sunbathing, touring the sights, and trekking.

VolcanoKintamani

Mount Batur

The Rainy Season in Bali (November — March)

The wet season begins in November and lasts through March. Due to shifting monsoon winds, humidity rises to 85–95%, making the air feel heavy. Showers occur mostly in the afternoon or at night. While these downpours can be torrential, they typically clear up within 1–2 hours.

Bali Weather by Month: A Detailed Breakdown

To help you plan your itinerary, here is what to expect from Bali's weather throughout the year:

January and February: Peak Monsoon Season

Bali in January and February sees the highest rainfall of the year. Skies are often overcast, and ocean currents can bring significant amounts of marine debris onto the southern beaches (Kuta, Seminyak). Water temperature remains warm at 29°C, but visibility can be poor due to swell. On the plus side, crowds at major temples are minimal, and villa rates are at their lowest.

March: Transition Month and Nyepi (Day of Silence)

Rain showers start to clear up, and the sun shines more frequently. In March or late February, the Balinese celebrate Nyepi, the Hindu Day of Silence. For 24 hours, the entire island shuts down completely: the airport closes, no lights are allowed, and everyone must stay indoors. It is a deeply spiritual and unique cultural event.

April and May: Ideal Shoulder Months

Bali in May and April is beautiful. The landscape is lush and green after the rains, waterfalls are flowing in full force, and the sky is mostly clear. The daytime temperature sits around 31°C, and humidity decreases. These months offer a fantastic balance of excellent weather and lower prices.

WaterfallBuleleng

Sekumpul Waterfall

June, July, and August: The Climatic Peak

The period from June to August is the height of the dry season. Bali in July and August brings crisp, cool evenings (dipping to 21°C on the coast and 15°C in the mountains of Kintamani). This is the best time for spectacular sunsets and world-class surfing along the west coast.

Surfer riding a sunset barrel wave at Canggu Beach, Bali

TempleUluwatu

Uluwatu Temple

September and October: The Golden Window

September and October mark the end of the dry season. Temperatures rise slightly, and the ocean warms up to 27°C. Tourist crowds thin out, and accommodation rates decrease, while the weather remains warm, dry, and sunny.

November and December: The Return of the Rain

November brings the first tropical thunderstorms. Bali in December sees a massive surge of holiday travelers despite daily downpours. High humidity creates a "sauna-like" feel, but the festive holiday energy is high.

When is the Best Time to Visit Bali?

The perfect time for your trip depends on what you want to experience:

Beaches and Sightseeing: Aim for May, June, September, and October. You will enjoy excellent weather and avoid the peak crowds and prices of July and August.

Surfing: The best swells hit the west coast (Kuta, Canggu, Uluwatu) from May to September. During the rainy season, winds shift, making the east coast (Nusa Dua, Sanur) the preferred surfing zone.
Volcano Trekking: Climbing Mount Batur or Mount Agung is only recommended during the dry season (from May to October) when the hiking trails are dry and the summits are free from heavy cloud cover.

Budget Travel: The shoulder months of March, April, and November offer great discounts on flights and accommodation with decent weather.

Frequently asked questions

The best time is the dry season, April to October: sunny, 27–32°C, ideal for beaches and tours. The busiest and priciest months are July–August (plus the New Year period); the sweet spot for weather, prices and thinner crowds is May, June, September and early October. The wet season runs November to March — showers are short but frequent and it's humid, though prices drop and there are fewer tourists. December and January are the wettest.

Nyepi is the Balinese New Year, a Day of Silence: 24 hours of complete quiet and stillness (next is 8 March 2027; the date shifts each year). On this day even Denpasar airport closes — no flights land or take off, and no one may go outside, tourists included. You must stay on your hotel grounds, keep noise down and lights dim; internet may be limited in places. Hotels stay open and usually run indoor programmes for guests, and local wardens (pecalang) enforce the rules. Plan your arrival and departure around this date.

Comfortable closed shoes with good grip, a warm layer or windbreaker (it's cold and windy at the top before sunrise), water and a light snack, a head torch or flashlight for the climb in the dark, and a hat and sunscreen for the way back down. Keep your phone or camera in an inside pocket so the cold doesn't drain the battery. Anything else — water for the trail, breakfast at the summit — is usually already included in the programme, so check the details when you book.