Bali is one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia! However, before planning your trip you should know that there is definitely a best and worst time to visit Bali. Travelers have been drawn here for years for its tropical climate, beaches, and fun lifestyle. This article is not only about the weather, but also about the crowds and other important information to know before you go.
How to Get to Bali Indonesia
Bali has an international airport which makes it easy to get here from around the world. There are also cheap domestic flights from Jakarta and other major hubs in Asia.
If you’re coming from Europe, you may have to make a stop in places like Singapore, Jakarta, Bangkok, or Kuala Lumpur before continuing on. The island is very popular with Australians as well and there are many direct flights to the island.
Once you arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport you will need to catch a taxi or hire a private transfer through your hotel. The airport is located in the capital city of Denpasar which can be a 30 to 60 minute drive to the south depending on traffic and where you’re staying.
→ Where is Bali Located? What You NEED to Know Before You Go!
What to Know About Visiting Bali
Unlike the United States and Europe, Bali has two distinct seasons. Knowing the difference between dry and rainy season is essential to planning your visit.
Also, know that the peak months of dry season will bring more tourists to Bali. You’ll want to consider everything before booking your flights!
The most popular region of Bali to visit is the south in coastal towns like Kuta, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, and Canggu. Ubud is a calmer area made famous for its relaxed vibe, temples, and yoga. The northern region of Bali is largely untouched, and can make for an adventurous day trip or completely different type of holiday.
You will also meet many travelers who work remotely from Bali and live their full time. As you’ll see in this blog, the best time to visit Bali may depend on what you want to do and see and your tolerance for crowds.
We can’t overstate enough the fact that this is one of the most popular tourist islands to visit in all of Asia! The beaches will be packed during peak season and the traffic can sometimes be unbearable.
→ Is Bali Worth Visiting? Pros and Cons of Indonesia’s Famous Island
What is the Best Time to Visit Bali?
The best time to visit Bali weather-wise is during dry season from April to September. This is when the average rainfall will be lower and you will have the most sunshine at the beaches. Uluwatu is one of our favorite beach towns in Bali as you can see here!
This is the best time of year to visit Bali for outdoor activities such as snorkeling, surfing, scuba diving, and hiking. The peak tourist season stretches from June to August and this is when you will experience clear skies, but also the most crowds.
When figuring out the best month and when to go to Bali you may want to consider more than just the weather. For instance, if you can’t stand being around thousands of tourists, you may want to sacrifice some of those sunny days for fewer crowds. For many, this time of year can make for the worst time to visit Bali!
Yet, if you don’t mind being there with loads of other people (or are looking to check out the fun party scene), then the high season is probably for you. You can even hit Bali in the shoulder season to get the best of both worlds.
Worst Time to Visit Bali
For many travelers, the worst time visit Bali is the wet season. This goes from October to March when heavy rains come to the island.
While this may not be the ideal time for some, you should also know this is when you can find lower prices compared to high season. Many of the hotels are marketed at 1/3rd of the price as they are in the sunny months. This makes for the cheapest time if you’re looking for when to visit Bali on a budget.
Even though these are the wettest months of the year, know that it won’t be raining non-stop. The average temperature stays nice year round and you’ll still have plenty of sunny weather.
The main draw may be the beaches of Bali, but know that there is so much more to do outside of the dry season. You can experience amazing temples and cultural events like the Kecak fire show. This is also when you’ll see the beautiful rice paddies in their full element on your Bali vacation.
When it comes down to it, it’s all about what you’re trying to see and do. It’s completely understandable if you’re traveling there for Bali’s weather and warm waters. However, if you don’t mind a little rain, then being here in the months with fewer tourists can be more enjoyable.
Best Things to do in Bali
Eat at the Local Warungs: Bali has some great local food to enjoy and the very best can be found at the warung eateries. These are buffet style restaurants where you pick your plate along with rice and other goodies. Many of the most delicious warungs offer amazing vegetarian options with plates costing between $2 and $5 USD.
Hit the Beaches: It should be no surprise that many people visit Bali for its incredible beaches. The most desirable are on the southern end of the island along the Bukit Peninsula. Some are popular for their famous surf breaks, while others are perfect for floating and playing in the waves. Check out some of the articles below to see our favorite Bali beaches!
Visit the Temples: Did you know Bali has more than 10,000 Buddhist temples? Many are smaller ones attached to local homes, but there are plenty of larger temples that you can go and visit for yourself. One of the best ones is in Uluwatu on the cliffs that tower over the sea. This is also one of the nicest places to watch the sunset on the island.
Hang at the Funky Cafes: Another large draw to Bali is its unique cafes. This is where you can get all your healthy eats ranging from smoothie bowls to fresh juices, and vegetarian meals. Remote workers will enjoy these spaces as well and it’s very common to see people with their laptops out.
Water Sports: Bali is one of the best places in the world to surf! The waves bring travelers from around the world, from experts to beginners and everything in between. Competitions are held throughout the year here which can be entertaining to watch even if you don’t surf. You’ll also want to jump on a snorkeling or scuba diving tour to see Bali’s majestic underwater life.
Where to Stay in Bali Indonesia
There are so many amazing parts of Bali to see and stay in. As we’ve mentioned, the most popular area is the beach towns on the southern part of the island. Still, just know Bali is absolutely massive. Don’t rule out the vast northern region when planning your trip!
Canggu: Laid-back town with hip cafes and beach bars. Popular for digital nomads and surfers.
Seminyak: High-end area of Bali with nightclubs and shopping.
Uluwatu: Known for its cliff views, sunsets, and world-class surf breaks.
Kuta: This is party central! There is a long sandy beach and a variety of restaurants and beach bars to enjoy.
Nusa Dua: Where many of the best luxury resorts are located. Perfect if you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation during Bali’s dry season.
Sanur: Family friendly area with a long boardwalk along the beach. Many different hotel options for every budget.
Ubud: This is the cultural capital of Bali with a unique vibe to it. Great place to take a yoga class, see temples, and experience the stunning rice terraces. Perfect town to go to during rainy season, whether it’s best or worst time to visit Bali.
Lovina: Quiet town on the northern coast famous for its black sand beach and dolphin watching tours. Consider heading to the north if you’re looking for something different type of Bali trip.
Amed: Located right next to the Mount Agung volcano. You’ll also find black sand beaches here as well as snorkeling and scuba diving trips.
More Islands to See From Bali
If you’re planning a longer trip to Indonesia then you should there are so many more incredible islands to see! We have always enjoyed our time on Bali, but it’s actually not our favorite destination we’ve been to in the country.
The good news is it’s easy to get to the nearby islands using the ferry system. Below are some of the best islands you can visit directly from Bali to include in your itinerary. Be sure to click the links as well to see our in-depth travel guides for each place.
Gili Islands: The main Gili Islands are Gili T, Gili Air, and Gili Meno. They’re popular for snorkeling and a bit more laid-back than the busy streets of Bali. Also, know that they are actually closer to Lombok so you can visit from there, too.
Nusa Penida: You may have seen photos of this island and its famous T-rex shaped beach. Yet, there is so much to explore on Nusa Penida! Rent a motorbike to discover the island and check out its unique beaches and restaurants. This is a nice escape during the worst time to visit Bali when the crowds can be overwhelming.
Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan: Close by to Nusa Penida you will find the two islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Both have their own unique qualities, with incredible beaches and hotels to enjoy.
So What is the Best and Worst Time to Visit Bali?
Now that you know all about the different seasons, activities, and where to stay, what is the actual best time to visit Bali?? It all comes down to what you want to see and do on this tropical island!
As you may have noticed, the best time of year to visit Bali all depends on your own travel style and preferences. If you’re looking for a cheap budget vacation then you’ll probably want to go during the low season or shoulder months when the prices are lower. This is also when you can escape the crowds that come during the busiest time of the year.
However, the best season for dry weather is obviously between April and September. This is when you can take advantage of the many great water activities and beautiful beaches.
Really, there is no “bad time” of year to go. The best and worst time to visit Bali completely depends on your own travel style and preferences. Hopefully, after reading this article, you can figure out your own itinerary.
Have any questions on this blog or want to share what you think are the best and worst time to visit Bali? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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Indonesia Travel Planning
Flights: We always find deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we got flights from Singapore to Bali for $60 USD, and Bali to Surabaya for less than $40!
Accommodation: Compare competitive sites for hotels such as Booking.com and Agoda. Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Transportation: 12Go is where we look first in Asia for ferries, trains, buses, and transfers! From speed boats to the Gili Islands and bus transfers around the country.
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for activities all over Bali. We recommend taking a sunrise Mount Batur hike with breakfast, an authentic cooking class in a local village, and the Ubud waterfall tour!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Here’s all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
Thanks for the tips! I’m hoping to visit Bali in early 2024, and I had no idea about not going during the month of January until March if I want to enjoy my stay. I’ll come back to your tips before booking my trip!
Author
No problem! You can definitely still go to Bali in January, but it’s the reverse rainy season of countries like Thailand and Vietnam. Hope you enjoy your trip!