Tuesday, November 5

Top and Unfavorable Times to Visit Bali in 2024 (Guide for Newcomers)

Top and Unfavorable Times to Visit Bali in 2024 (Guide for Newcomers)

Bali’s best times to visit are May, June, September, and October, which mark its dry season. During these months, tourist numbers are lower, making it perfect for enjoying the island’s sunny beaches, clear skies, and pristine islands without the crowds.

Bali enjoys a tropical climate with consistent warm temperatures around 30°C (86°F) throughout the year. The island experiences two distinct seasons: the dry season from April to October and the rainy season from November to March.

 

  • Dry season: April to October
  • Rainy season: November to March
  • Hottest month: May
  • High season: May to September

When Are the Best Months to Go to Bali?

Undoubtedly, the best time to visit Bali is April to October for a sun-soaked vacation. During this period, we’ve thoughtfully singled out the best months for popular activities and travel themes.

  • For a romantic getaway in Bali: the best times to visit Bali are late April to mid-June and late August to early October for fewer peak season crowds.
  • For family trips: the island’s best weather time (April to October) lines up perfectly with kids’ spring break and summer vacations. To avoid local holidaymakers, you’re suggested to take your family trip in April, June, or August.
  • For water fun: If you seek minimal rainfall and calm seas for water fun, you’re suggested to travel to Bali between June and September.

Insider tips: As Bali experiences its peak season during these times, you’re suggested to make your bookings at least 3 months in advance, particularly for hotels with great views or family rooms.

The Worst Time to Visit Bali

The rainy season (November to March) seems to be the worst time to visit, particularly the rainiest month, January. So for sun seekers with flexible schedules, avoid this period or go to sunbathing island destinations, like Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

Rainfalls are occurring every 2 or 3 days during these months. The sky may be overcast. It is very humid on the beaches.

However, if your travel date is fixed, traveling in the rainy season still brings benefits: the lowest costs along with the smallest crowds.

Tips to Make “Worst Time” a Better Experience

  • Consider late March and early November: They are perfect for enjoying a balance of good weather, fewer crowds, and lower costs.
  • Staying on the east coast: consider places like Nusa Dua and Uluwatu, is helpful to get drier experiences too.
  • Indulge in indoor activities: such as yoga classes, cooking classes, and hands-on experiences in local workshops.
  • Travel with a flexible private Bali tour: You can maximize the sunny intervals and easily adapt to short-lived afternoon downpours with minimal hassle.

Temperature and Rainfall in Bali

Bali Weather by Month

Bali Rainfall by Month

Click the sign of each month to check the travel guide information.

Bali in January: Wettest Month, The Most Affordable Month

Rice Terraces in Bali

  • Average temperature range: 24°C to 33°C (75°F to 91°F)
  • Weather: warm/hot, humid, stormy, averaging 27 rainy days, very high rainfall
  • Recommended 2024 festival: Gulungan, Bali’s most important Hindu festival celebrates ancestral spirits visiting in a great cultural event every 210 days.

January weather conditions may be the worst of the year, but Bali is still warm/hot, and the rain can even offer respite from the heat when it comes as afternoon downpours.

This is the month for finding the best deals on hotels and flights. You’ll find uncrowded temples and plenty of space on the beaches. The exception is January 1st to 6th when there are New Year vacationers.

It is not the time for diving, snorkeling, etc. or island hopping, but if you are content to grab some rays when you can on the beach and bring waterproofs/umbrellas for any time in the jungle or on the rice terraces, you could make Bali in January an enjoyable and economical trip.

Bali in February: Wet, Low Prices

  • Average temperature range: 24°C to 33°C (75°F to 91°F)
  • Weather: some downpours, humid, averaging 22 rainy days, high rainfall

Though better than January, February is still an off-season month, featuring regular heavy rain, but low prices and low visitor numbers at top sights…

You could enjoy a peaceful holiday in this monthwith some dry hours on the beach on most days, if you’re prepared to take it easy, dodge the rain, and spend more time indoors.

Avoid diving and other ocean activities due to poor visibility underwater and strong currents. Rough seas mean ferry crossings aren’t recommended. Visibility on Mount Batur is often poor and long hikes are not recommended.

Bali in March: Great Deals and Few Crowds

Enjoy a peaceful time in Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple near Ubud.

  • Average temperature range: 24°C to 34°C (75°F to 93°F)
  • Weather: some downpours, humid, averaging 20 rainy days, high rainfall

March is still a wet month in Bali, especially in the first half of the month. It starts to get a little warmer and the showers start to peter out at the end of March.

Enjoy low prices and longer gaps between rain. Diving’s still out, and hiking’s still not recommended. Taking (morning) opportunities to see the scenery and enjoy the beaches, reserving temple visits and other indoor activities for when the rain comes is advised.

Bali in April: Outdoor Adventures Firmly Back

Surfing in Bali

  • Average temperature range: 25°C to 34°C (77°F to 93°F)
  • Weather: hottest month, but less humid, 9 rainy days, low rainfall

April is the hottest month in Bali. It is not unusual for temperatures to exceed 30°C (95°F) all day, and nights often stay in the high 20s Celsius (the 80s Fahrenheit)!

For beach lovers, hikers, divers… you are almost guaranteed some blue sky days and clear seas, but there will still be some rain on about 1 day in 3.

Bali is busy around Easter, but the rest of the month is a shoulder season time. Staying in a lovely beach resort with air-con in the April shoulder season offers a compromise between economy and the absolute best weather.

Bali in May: Good for Island Hopping

Enjoy your holiday in Bali with clear sky and blue sea

  • Average temperature range: 24°C to 33°C (75°F to 91°F)
  • Weather: hot/warm, pleasant, averaging 8 rainy days, low rainfall

May offers good conditions for Bali’s activities, from island hopping to jungle swinging, with minimal chance of disruption.

In May, the shoulder season continues. It’s a little cooler and drier than April, so better weather with similar prices.

Bali in June: Fine Weather

Enjoy water activities in Bali – water scooter

  • Average temperature range: 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F)
  • Weather: warm, clear skies/ocean, averaging 6 rainy days, low rainfall
  • Recommended yearly festival: Bali Arts Festival (always mid-June–mid-July) in Denpasar offers a colorful journey into the world of Bali art.

June has lots of sunshine and balmy temperatures. It does not feel humid. This is an ideal month for all the island’s outdoor activities.

June is the end of the shoulder season and the peak tourism season will arrive at the end of June. Be prepared for full hotels and full prices. Booking early is recommended.

Bali in July: Great Island Conditions

  • Average temperature range: 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F)
  • Weather: warm, clear skies/waters, just 4 rainy days, low rainfall
  • Recommended yearly festivals: Bali Arts Festival (always mid-June–mid-July) in Denpasar is a great opportunity to see local costumes, dances, and displays. Bali Kite Festival is also held through July at Sanur Beach, south Bali.

Enjoy great conditions for tropical relaxation and adventure. You could even plan to climb Mount Batur, Bali’s iconic volcano with a lake, with only a slim chance of any significant rain. Sunrise treks with high visibility are a highlight of Bali’s dry season.

Tourism comes to a peak in July and prices for accommodation reach their highest. It is best to book accommodation early (at least three months in advance) to avoid extra cost or hotels being fully booked.

Bali in August: Best Month Weatherwise

  • Average temperature range: 23°C to 30°C (73°F to 86°F)
  • Weather: warm, clear skies/waters, just 4 rainy days, very low rainfall
  • Recommended festival: Indonesian Independence Day on August 17 has parades and other outdoor festivities.

August is the peak month for traveling to Bali. Virtually no rain means travel plans can be made with certainty and the best of snorkeling etc. conditions can be enjoyed.

Get your rooms and tours booked early, whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a tropical family vacation, or a well-earned treat to boost your wellness for the rest of the year.

Bali in September: More Balmy Weather

  • Average temperature range: 23°C to 30°C (73°F to 86°F)
  • Weather: warm, clear skies/waters, 8 rainy days, low rainfall

Tourism starts to drop off a bit after August, and September is considered a shoulder month (mainly as it’s the back-to-school month for many nations).

Though there is a little more rain, it’s still not significant. If you can visit in September, it should be good conditions for less money.

Bali in October: End of the Dry Season

  • Average temperature range: 24°C to 34°C (75°F to 93°F)
  • Weather: heat/humidity builds, showers more often, ~12 rainy days, low rainfall

Bali experiences increasing rainfall towards the end of October, making it another month where deals can be had, as hotels try to fill rooms as demand drops.

In general, October is good value for money. It is your last chance to enjoy diving in Bali before the rainy season sets in and the ocean clouds up.

Bali in November: Off Season Starts

  • Average temperature range: 24°C to 33°C (75°F to 91°F)
  • Weather: hot/humid, a few downpours, averaging 16 rainy days, moderate rainfall

The sea in Bali is noticeably rougher during November, which is not good for water activities, though rainfall doesn’t reach high amounts yet, so you might still get a day’s hiking in carrying waterproofs.

November is definitely in the off season, but there are still plenty of things that you can do.

Bali in December: Rainy Season in Full Swing

Yoga practice in the jungle in Bali

  • Average temperature range: 24°C to 33°C (75°F to 91°F)
  • Weather: hot/warm, some downpours, averaging 22 rainy days, high rainfall

Although the wet season means some things like diving and mountain hikes are off the cards, you could still dodge the rain for sunny spells on the beach and yoga in the jungle. Enjoy delicious Balinese food indoors and its cultural attractions while you wait for the rain to stop.

Further north in SE Asia, the weather is much better. See The Best Times to Visit Southeast Asia.

Though low season, some tourists still come to Bali, particularly in late December as there are Christmas and southern hemisphere summer holidays, bringing up prices a little.

 

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