The best time to visit Bali is during the shoulder seasons, April to May and September to October. Travel specialists there call these months the sweet spot for good weather and fewer crowds. May, June and September are the very best months to visit. May falls inside both windows.
Bali has two seasons. The dry season runs from April to October, and the rainy season runs from November to March. Daytime temperatures stay in the low 80s Fahrenheit year-round. Only humidity and rain change.
Dry season: April to October
This is the classic beach window. Dry-season temperatures typically range from 80 to 90°F (27 to 32°C), with lower humidity and a pleasant evening breeze. May to September is the best stretch for beaches, diving and snorkeling because rainfall is low and visibility is excellent. Multi-day hikes are also safer when the ground is dry.
The dry season is also high season. Crowds peak in June and July, and flights, rooms and activities cost more. July and August bring a spike in room rates. Rates dip slightly just before the peak (April, May, June) or just after it (September).
Events can shape your dates. The Bali Arts Festival runs June to July and the Nusa Dua Light Festival in July. The Bali Kite Festival takes place in July and August, and Indonesia Independence Day falls on August 17.
Rainy season: November to March
The wet months are quieter and cheaper. Storms are often short, with plenty of sun in between. Rain tends to get a little heavier from December to February. Temperatures still run 75 to 85°F (24 to 29°C).
There are trade-offs. Bali can see heavier rain and strong winds between January and mid-April because of tropical cyclones. Visibility for diving, snorkeling and surfing is poor, and mosquitoes thrive. December brings a brief spike in visitors for the festive period.
The wet season suits culture. Temples, cooking classes and Ubud’s cafes work well in the rain.
Month by month: January to June
January. Heavy showers come most afternoons, but the island is very quiet and hotels are cheap. Weather data lists 34.5 cm of rain for January.
February. Short, sharp showers fall most days, and rough seas hurt diving and snorkeling. The Ubud rice terraces are lush and green, so it suits cultural touring.
March. Rains slow, though afternoon showers persist. Nyepi, the day before Balinese New Year, plunges the island into silence. Nyepi falls in March.
April. The dry season begins, humidity drops and snorkeling is good around Menjangan Island. Expect many families around Easter. April rainfall drops to 8.8 cm.
May. The weather is dry and sunny, the seas are calm enough for the Nusa Islands, and it is still relatively quiet.
June. It is warm, sunny and dry, with a buzzy but not crowded feel.
What are the best and worst months to go to Bali?
May, June and September are the best months if you are flexible. For the wettest weather, look at December to February. Rain tends to be heavier then. Wet months still suit temples and museums. July and August are dry but pricey.
Which month is the cheapest in Bali?
No single month is named as cheapest. The wet season is the bargain period, though. November to March offers the best chance at a bargain and fewer crowds. January stands out: it is very quiet, with cheap hotel prices.
Which months to pick
Pick May or September for dry weather, calmer crowds and softer prices. Choose June if you want a livelier island and do not mind some visitors. Go from November to March if you prefer culture, green rice terraces and low prices over beach days. Avoid July and August if budget matters most.
Opening hours, prices and visiting details: Goa Gajah, Gunung Kawi, Bali Museum, Neka Art Museum.