A practical guide to help you pick the right time for sun, surf, culture or value.

Bali’s climate and visitor experience are shaped by two main seasons: a dry season (roughly April-October) and a wet season (roughly November-March). But “best” and “worst” depend on what you want: blue-sky beach days, fewer crowds, festival experiences, cheaper travel, or avoiding heavy rain and flooding. Below is a month-by-month breakdown — showing the months most travelers target and the ones you’ll probably want to avoid.

May, June, and September - Bali’s Perfect Travel Season

When nature, comfort, and calm align — discover why these months are Bali’s golden window for travelers.

  • Great weather with lower crowds: These months are in the dry/shoulder season: you’ll get lots of sun, lower humidity and calm seas — ideal for beaches, diving, hiking and exploring temples, but without the peak crowds and rates of July-August or major holidays. Many travel guides list May, June and September as the sweet spot for weather + value. 

  • Good for activities: Surf, snorkeling and outdoor trips tend to be reliable; visibility for diving is good and daytrips to inland attractions are comfortable.

When to expect crowds and higher prices

best time and villa in bali

Peak season: June, July, August (northern summer in many source markets) and festive periods like late December, expect full hotels and higher rates. If you want a guaranteed party atmosphere, festivals and busy beach clubs, this is the time.

When to expect rain and disruptions

Wet season: November-March (peaks vary). Heavy, sometimes intense rainfall is most likely between December and March; January is frequently the single wettest month on average. Short, heavy tropical downpours are common; they can be brief, but in some years bring flooding and travel disruption. If avoiding rain is your priority, don’t plan your trip for these months.

Month-by-month quick guide

  • January: Wettest month on average — high rainfall and more rainy days. Not recommended unless you want low prices and don’t mind interruptions.

  • February - March: Still in wet season; occasional good windows, but rainy risk remains. Nyepi (Balinese Day of Silence) often falls in March, a unique cultural experience but note that travel/activities stop on Nyepi itself.

  • April - May: Shoulder → weather improves, fewer tourists than peak months; April can be a good compromise. May is often recommended as one of the best months.

  • June - August: Dry season peak, excellent weather but busier and more expensive (especially July-August). Great for festivals, nightlife, and outdoor activities.

  • September: Another top pick — weather remains excellent but crowds begin to thin and prices can become friendlier.

  • October - November: October can still be pleasant. November usually marks the return of wetter patterns — watch for short heavy rains.

  • December: Mixed, early December can be calm and reasonably priced, but later in the month demand and prices spike around Christmas/New Year and the wet season becomes more likely. 

Special Notes: Festivals and Experiences

nyepi and galungan in bali

  • Nyepi (Day of Silence): usually in March. Nyepi is a once-in-a-lifetime cultural event (island shuts down for 24 hours). Great for culture-seekers but plan around the travel restrictions for that day.

  • Galungan, Kuningan and Bali Arts Festival: Dates vary (Galungan cycles on a Balinese calendar; Arts Festival often in June-July), and visiting during these offers rich cultural experiences, but some areas may be busier.

Practical tips for picking dates

  • If you want sun + fewer crowds: aim for May, June or September.

  • If you want the most reliable dry weather and don’t mind crowds: July-August.

  • If you want low prices and don’t mind rain: January-March (but be prepared for downpours and occasional flooding).

  • Check local forecasts and alerts: Bali’s weather can vary year to year; in some cycles, the wet season can be heavier or longer. Follow local weather alerts and news close to departure.

Bottom line

  • Best months overall: May, June, September (shoulder months with great weather, fewer crowds, and good value).

  • Worst month overall: January is usually the wettest and carries the highest risk for heavy rain and disruption — the November-March wet season as a whole is the riskiest period for weather-related impacts.