Planning a trip to Bali is exciting, but picking the wrong time can lead to a lot of rain. You need to know when the peak season hits and which months offer the best weather for the beach. This list of the 5 top months to visit Bali for ideal weather breaks down the dry season and the cheapest times to fly so you can plan the perfect getaway.
1. August for peak dry season sun
If you’re planning a trip where rain is absolutely not an option, this is your safest bet. It’s the height of the dry season, meaning you’ll get endless blue skies and the lowest humidity levels of the year. This makes it the best time to visit Bali for honeymoon couples who want to lounge by a private pool without a single cloud in sight.
The weather is crisp and breezy, which keeps the tropical heat from feeling oppressive while you’re out visiting temples or hiking. You’ll notice the landscapes are a bit drier, but the offshore winds create world class surfing conditions on the western beaches. It is arguably the most reliable month for outdoor weddings or sunset boat trips because the chance of a downpour is nearly zero.
Keep in mind that since this is the best time to visit Bali for honeymoon travelers and families, the island is at its busiest. You’ll need to book your favorite villas and beach club daybeds well in advance to avoid missing out. The cooler evenings also mean you might actually want a light sweater if you’re riding a scooter through the hills of Ubud at night.
2. July for cool breezes and festivals
Imagine sitting on a beach in Canggu at sunset and actually needing a light sweater because the air feels crisp. That is the magic of July, when the southeast trade winds bring a refreshing break from the usual tropical humidity.
| Feature | July Experience | Other Months |
|---|---|---|
| Humidity | Low and crisp | High and sticky |
| Activity | Kite festivals | Standard beach days |
| Surfing | World class swells | Smaller waves |
You will see hundreds of massive traditional kites flying over the rice fields near Sanur during this month. It is a local spectacle that makes the landscape look like a moving painting against a bright blue sky.
While this is not the cheapest time to visit Bali due to school holidays, the weather is nearly perfect for hiking Mount Batur. You can climb to the summit without being drenched in sweat before the sun even rises.
If you want to know the best and worst months to go to Bali, July sits firmly in the best category for outdoor lovers. Just be sure to book your villas early since the island gets quite busy with families and surfers.
3. September for clear skies and low humidity
September is the sweet spot for anyone who hates feeling sticky the second they walk outside. The low humidity makes a massive difference when you are hiking up Mount Batur or walking through the Ubud monkey forest.
You get crisp, blue skies almost every single day. Since the rainy season for Bali usually starts in late October or November, you are safely away from those heavy afternoon downpours.
The ocean water stays incredibly clear this month, which is perfect for snorkeling around Menjangan Island. While it is not the cheapest time to visit Bali, the prices are much better than the July peak.
You will find shorter lines at popular cafes in Canggu and more breathing room on the beach. It is basically the best version of tropical weather without the oppressive heat or constant rain clouds.
4. May for perfect beach weather
May is the sweet spot for grabbing your towel and heading to places like Uluwatu or Nusa Dua. The humidity finally drops after the heavy humidity of the rainy season for Bali, which typically wraps up in March or April.
You get those bright blue skies without the intense, scorching heat that usually hits later in the summer. It is also just before the peak crowds arrive in June, so you can actually find a quiet patch of sand to yourself.
- Book a boat trip to the Gili Islands while the ocean is still calm and flat.
- Head to the west coast beaches around 4:00 PM to catch the clearest sunsets of the year.
- Stick to the southern peninsula if you want the most consistent offshore winds for surfing.
It is a much more comfortable experience than trying to find the best time to visit Bali February, when the tropical downpours are still quite frequent and heavy.
5. June for outdoor adventures with family
If you’re wondering when to pack the kids’ bags for a trip to the tropics, June is honestly hard to beat. The humidity finally starts to drop, so you won’t feel like you’re walking through a thick soup every time you leave the hotel. It’s the sweet spot for family trekking around the rice terraces in Sidemen or cycling through the backstreets of Ubud.
The trails are dry and firm underfoot, which is a huge relief compared to the slippery mud you’d find if you chose the best time to visit Bali February instead. You can spend the whole day at Waterbom park or lounging at a beach club in Sanur without worrying about a sudden afternoon downpour ruining the fun. The sky stays a bright, clear blue, making those family photos look much better than they would during the grey rainy season.
Just a quick tip for your planning, make sure you double check your passports for the 6 month rule in Bali before you book those flights. Indonesian immigration is very strict about your passport being valid for at least six months from the date you arrive. You don’t want to get turned away at the airport when the weather in June is this perfect for a holiday.
6. April for lush landscapes and hiking
April marks the sweet spot when the rainy season in Bali finally starts to fade away. The landscape is still incredibly vibrant and green from the months of heavy downpours, but the skies begin to clear up for outdoor adventures.
It is the perfect window for hitting the trails before the humidity becomes too intense. You can see the rice terraces at their most photogenic state while the temperatures remain relatively cool in the mornings.
- Rice Terrace Trekking: The paddies in Tegalalang are bright neon green this month because they are fully hydrated from the recent rains.
- Waterfall Hunting: Massive falls like Sekumpul are at their most powerful stage, offering a mist that feels amazing after a long hike.
- Mount Batur Climbs: Clearer morning skies mean you have a much higher chance of seeing the sunrise without thick cloud cover blocking the view.
- Travel Documents: Just remember that your passport needs at least six months of validity left to enter the country, often called the 6 month rule in Bali, so check your expiration date before booking flights.
You’ll also notice that the crowds are much thinner than in July or August. It feels like you have the jungle paths to yourself most of the time.
7. October for diving and calm waters
You might think the peak season to visit Bali in July is the best time for the ocean, but the water is actually quite choppy then. While those months are great for surfing, the wind creates whitecaps and reduces visibility for anyone wanting to see the reefs.
October offers a different experience because the winds die down right before the rainy season in Bali starts to kick in. The surface becomes glass like, which makes the boat ride out to spots like Crystal Bay or the USAT Liberty wreck much smoother.
I recommend choosing October if you want to see the Mola Mola or manta rays without fighting heavy swells. You get the benefit of warm water and clear views before the November downpours wash sediment into the sea.
8. November for quiet resorts and deals
November is the sweet spot if you want luxury for half the price. Since the massive crowds from the peak season to visit Bali have long since headed home, hotels are desperate to fill rooms before the Christmas rush. You can often snag a private pool villa in Ubud or Uluwatu for a fraction of the usual cost.
The weather is shifting now so you should expect some afternoon showers. When looking at Bali rain by month, November marks the start of the wet season, but it usually doesn’t pour all day long. You’ll get bright, humid mornings perfect for the beach and cozy afternoons to relax during the rain.
Traffic is much lighter this month which makes getting around the island significantly faster. You won’t have to fight for a sunbed at beach clubs or wait an hour for a table at popular cafes in Canggu. It’s the best time to see the real Bali without the intense tourist pressure.
9. December for tropical holiday celebrations
| Feature | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Vibe | High energy beach clubs and fireworks |
| Rainfall | Frequent heavy afternoon showers |
| Crowds | Peak season with packed restaurants |
Picture yourself sipping a cold Bintang at a beach club in Seminyak while a sudden tropical downpour clears the humidity. Everyone ducks under the thatched roof for twenty minutes, laughs through the storm, and then jumps right back into the pool once the sun returns.
December is a wild card because it often feels like the worst time to travel to Bali if you hate crowds or wet socks. It marks a significant peak in Bali rain by month data, yet the island feels more alive than ever with holiday parties.
You’ll find massive Christmas displays made of bamboo and surfboards at every major resort. While the humidity is high, the festive spirit at places like Finns or Potato Head makes the occasional rain felt like a small price to pay.
10. January for warm temperatures and surfing
January is the secret sweet spot for surfers who want to trade the crowds for massive, consistent swells on the east coast. While many people label this the worst time to travel to Bali due to the rain, the water stays a balmy 29 degrees Celsius. You can spend hours in the waves at Keramas or Hyatt Reef without needing a wetsuit or fighting for space.
The tropical downpours are usually short and intense, clearing the air and leaving everything looking incredibly lush. Since it is technically the off-season, you can often snag a villa in Sanur for a fraction of the dry season price. It is the perfect time to soak in the warm Indian Ocean while everyone else stays home to avoid a little bit of water.
Even if you aren’t a pro surfer, the humid heat makes every pool session feel like a luxury. You might get wet during a scooter ride, but the lack of traffic makes the island feel much more authentic. Just keep a poncho in your seat and enjoy the fact that you aren’t visiting during the worst time to travel to Bali for your wallet.
11. February for a romantic honeymoon escape
February is the sweet spot for couples who want luxury villas at a fraction of the peak season price. While it’s technically the rainy season, the showers usually hit in short, heavy bursts during the night, leaving the afternoons clear for private candlelit dinners on the beach.
The humidity keeps the landscape incredibly lush and green, which makes for stunning photos near the Ubud rice terraces. Since it’s a quieter month, you won’t have to fight crowds at the most popular sunset bars in Uluwatu or Seminyak.
- Book a private pool villa in Ubud to enjoy the misty, tropical rain forest views from your balcony.
- Snag reservations at high end spots like Locavore or Merah Putih without needing to book weeks in advance.
- Visit the Tegenungan Waterfall early in the morning when the water volume is high and the tourist buses are empty.
This is also a surprisingly great time to visit Bali with family if you want to enjoy the island’s best resorts without the summer holiday madness. You’ll find that the staff have more time to give you personalized attention during this slower month.
12. March for cultural experiences and Nyepi
If you’re wondering when to catch the island at its most spiritual, March is the month you want. It’s the best time to visit Bali with family if you want your kids to see something more meaningful than just a hotel pool.
The entire island shuts down for Nyepi, the Day of Silence, where no lights or sounds are allowed for twenty four hours. Before that quiet hits, you’ll see massive paper mache monsters called Ogoh-Ogoh paraded through the streets to scare off evil spirits.
The weather is a bit of a gamble since the rainy season is just starting to wrap up. You’ll likely deal with some afternoon showers, but they usually pass quickly and leave everything looking incredibly green.
Prices for villas are often lower this month because it’s a shoulder season between the holidays. It’s a smart window for a best time to visit Bali with family trip because you get the cultural spectacle without the peak season crowds at the airport.
13. The shoulder season for budget travelers
May and September are the sweet spots for anyone trying to save a few bucks without getting soaked by rain. You get the benefit of the dry season breeze but miss the massive crowds that hike up hotel prices in July.
The Bali temperature by month stays pretty steady during these times, usually hovering around 82 degrees. It is just cool enough to hike Mount Batur without melting, but still warm enough for a long surf session in Canggu.
- Flight prices drop significantly compared to the peak summer months.
- Popular beach clubs like Potato Head have plenty of open daybeds without a massive minimum spend.
- Traffic in Ubud is much more manageable, making it easier to zip between waterfalls on a scooter.
- Guesthouses often offer walk-in discounts since they aren’t fully booked weeks in advance.
Since the humidity is lower, you won’t be constantly ducking into air conditioning to escape the heat. It is the best time to see the rice terraces while they are still vibrant green from the earlier rains.
14. Surviving the peak of rainy season
You might feel tempted to hunker down in your villa when the January skies open up, waiting for the clouds to clear. This approach lets you catch up on reading, but you’ll likely miss out on the moody, electric energy that defines monsoon season in the tropics.
The alternative is to lean into the wetness by planning indoor activities like a traditional Balinese silver-making class or a long lunch in a jungle cafe. While the Bali temperature by month stays fairly steady around 80 degrees, the humidity makes the rain feel like a warm, refreshing shower rather than a cold storm.
My best advice is to pack a high quality poncho and head to the waterfalls in Ubud or Munduk. The rain turns the island into a neon green paradise, and the falls are at their most powerful during this peak period. Just make sure to book a hotel with a reliable laundry service, because nothing stays dry for long in this humidity.
15. Understanding the six month passport rule
Nothing ruins a honeymoon faster than being turned away at the boarding gate because of a simple paperwork oversight. Indonesian immigration is incredibly strict about their entry requirements, and they don’t make exceptions for expired validity even if your flight leaves in an hour.
The rule states that your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive in Bali. Even if you’re only staying for a week, officials will deny your entry if your document expires five months and twenty-nine days after you land.
Check your expiration date before you book that luxury villa or plan the best time to visit Bali for honeymoon celebrations. If you are close to that six month window, renew your passport immediately to avoid a heartbreaking and expensive travel mistake at the airport.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right time to fly depends on your budget and what you want to do. This list of the 15 top months to visit Bali for ideal weather helps you avoid the heavy rainy season in Bali while finding the best deals for your family. Pick your dates and start booking your trip to paradise today.
