Bali has always been a favorite destination among travelers as there is never a dull moment irrespective of what time of the year it is. Be it the dry or wet season, Bali’s stunning landscapes, vibrant beaches, avid activities and delicious cuisines makes it an excellent destination for people year-round. Each season has its own advantages and dis-advantages. To make the most of any trip the personal preferences and priorities of the visitor play a crucial role. So whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a family vacation, a rejuvenating trip or a trip to indulge in specific activities, this guide will help you pick the best time to visit Bali Island.
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Geographical Overview Of Bali
Bali is one of the 17,000+ islands in Indonesia and is spread across 3,500 sq. miles in area. Since the place is very small the weather conditions don’t vary much from coast to coast. It lies 3.2 km east of Java and 8 degrees south of the equator. It is so close to the equator that the sunrise and sunset time are pretty consistent year round. Bali is known for its religious sites, volcanic mountains, rice paddy fields, beaches and coral reefs. The highest point of Bali is Mount Agung or Bali Peak which is 10,308 feet in height.
Bali’s Year Round Climatic Conditions At A Glance
This glorious destination Bali has a tropical climate throughout the year. Hence the twelve months in Bali experiences only two seasons: Dry Climate from April to September and Wet Climate from October to March. So here’s a month by month overview of how the climate in Bali looks throughout the year.
Bali Weather In January – Wettest
Though January is the wettest month in Bali, it’s very unlikely that daily activities will be affected by heavy downpours. An average of five to six hours of sunshine per day can be expect even during the peak rainy season. Average temperature can be anywhere between 22 – 31°C during the day and can drop to 15°C at night.
Bali Weather In February – Wet Days
Expect more rains in February, the weather is going to get hotter and humid as the tropical rains intensifies. Temperature will stay at a consistent 26°C and can go up to 31°C by the end of Feb. Generally light showers are expected in the afternoon and evening.
Bali Weather In March – Humid
Hot and rainy conditions are to continue throughout the month of March. Temperature increases to an average of 27°C with humidity also going up. Towards the end of the month there is a transition from the wet to the dry season.
Bali Weather In April – Clear Skies
The reduced rain and increasing sunshine are a sign that Bali’s wet season is coming to an end. With lesser rain and wind, the temperature too starts to go up. An average temperature between the ranges of 25 – 31°C can be felt during this month.
Bali Weather In May – Dry & Hot
The dry and sunny weather throughout makes May the hottest month of the year in Bali. Average temperature reaches 29°C during this time. Don’t be surprised if there are a few refreshing showers.
Bali Weather In June – Warm Weather
The not so hot, not so cold weather makes June the month with almost-perfect weather. The skies are mostly clear which makes for hot and sunny days. Average temperatures range between 21 – 30°C, with the humidity level ranging between 79 – 80%.
Bali Weather In July – Clear & Dry
July is a dry month with only four days of rain during this time. The entire month is warm and sunny with clear blue skies. Average temperature can go over 27°C.
Bali Weather In August – Best Month
Bali receives an average of 10 hours of sunshine a day and that makes August the sunniest month of the year. It’s another dry month in Bali with no rain and the average temperature stays at 27°C.
Bali Weather In September – Balmy Weather
September being the last month to have a dry season is again dry, sunny, and breezy like the previous two months. However, towards the end of the month light rainfall is expected. The average daytime temperature is 31 degrees and night temperature is 22 degrees celsius.
Bali Weather In October – End Of Dry Season
Brief bursts of rainfall are expected in October, so officially it’s the start of the wet season. Though there are short tropical downpours the weather remains very warm throughout the month.
Bali Weather In November – Off Season
Though there are many sunny days in November, you can expect a good amount of rainfall towards the end of the month. This month is warm and pleasant with average temperature ranging between 24°C to 31°C.
Bali Weather In December – Rainy Season
Weather in December is generally warm and sunny despite higher chances of rain showers. But towards the end of the month the weather in Bali gets awesome. Daily average temperatures can range from 24 degrees to 33 degrees Celsius.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Bali
Every season in Bali has its own charm, but to get the most out of it, your trip should be planned in a certain way and at a certain time of the year that suits you the best. Listed below is the best time to go to Bali depending on how you want to spend your vacation.
Best Time To Visit Bali For A Romantic Getaway
Generally there is no bad time to enjoy a Honeymoon holiday in Bali. The wetter months between November to April are the best time to visit Bali for a honeymoon. Beautiful Bali is at its best during this time. The lush greenery creates the perfect setting for private indoor time and couples massages. Some Best Resorts in Bali Ubud offer great deals on honeymoon packages and accommodation during this time. For the adventurous couples the dry season from May and October is ideal time as they get to enjoy the outdoors by indulging in adventure activities like snorkeling and hiking.
Best Time To Visit Bali Beaches
Bali beaches are a heaven for beach and watersport lovers. Kuta, Jimbaran, Canggu and Lovina Beaches are some of the most popular beaches in Bali. The best time to enjoy a beach vacation in Bali is during the months of May to September. During this time the weather is warm and sunny with lots of water activities available at the beach. The weather conditions are quite favorable for snorkeling and diving during this time. It’s a great time to soak in the Balinese serenity as the beaches observe low tides and hence safe for swimming and other water activities.
Best Time To Visit Bali With Family
April to October is the best time for a family holiday in Bali. With less chance of rain showers interrupting activities and everything else being on point, this time is ideally the peak season in Bali. Activities that are enjoyed by the entire family like, swimming, snorkeling, water park visits, temple tours and other family-friendly activities are best enjoyed during these months. Young and old alike can enjoy all that Bali has to offer. As this is the peak season, book early to secure good deals on tickets and accommodations.
Best Time To Visit Bali For Festivals
Bali has a lot of festivals that are spread across the year. Attending these festivals are your best chance to enhance your Bali experience. The most iconic festival is the Bali Arts Festival, which happens in June and July. Other popular festivals like festival Nyepi in Bali happens in March, Bali Spirit festival happens in the month of April, Arts festival happens from June to July, Kuta Carnival happens in October and the Indonesian Independence Day that falls on August 17 which is commemorated with parades and other outdoor celebrations are must attend festivals.
Best Time To Visit Bali For Celebrations
Except during the religious festival of Nyepi where all venues are closed, the nightlife scene in Bali on any other day is very lively. July, August and December are months where Bali’s bars, beach clubs and nightclubs have an electrical atmosphere. People come in from all over the world to celebrate until early hours of the morning because Bali is a place where partying and drinking is possible not just in the night but during the day too. The weekdays are also as lively as the weekends where celebrations start at midnight and continue until the next day.
Best Time To Visit Bali To Avoid Crowds
If you wish to explore Bali without the throngs of tourists, the rainy months of December, January and February are much quieter months compared to the rest. Advantage of booking for the off season comes with an added advantage of getting cheaper hotel rates and discounted holiday activities. However please note that the rainy season isn’t a great time to indulge in outdoor and water activities as visibility tends to be very poor. Other activities like visiting temples, cooking classes, chilling in Ubud’s trendy cafes and yoga studios are the best during this season.
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Final Thoughts
The warmth and hospitality of the Balinese people makes any time of the year the best time to visit Bali. So be it the dry season or wet season, whenever you plan to visit Bali make sure you check the weather and intensity of the season so that you can pack and plan accordingly.
FAQs On Best Time To Visit Bali Indonesia
The best time to travel to Bali is during the dry season (April to September) and it’s best to avoid the rainy season (October to March).
With average temperatures soaring to a maximum of 32°C in the month of May, this month can be easily labeled as the hottest month in Bali. However this time is ideal for water and mountain activities.
The cheapest and best time to visit Bali from India is during the off-peak months of February and March. Due to rain you are most likely to get cheaper accommodation, tours and flights to Bali.
The coolest months in Bali are July and August. The weather during these two months is always pleasant with sunshine and clear skies. It’s the best time to explore beautiful Bali.
