One of the biggest considerations for the best month to visit Bali is Bali’s two different types of seasons the warm-dry season (May to September) and the cool-wet (November to March). The dry season is generally characterized by low humidity, clear skies and calm seas; this type of weather produces what most people think of as the “Bali experience.” The wet season is typically characterized by daily downpours, higher humidity, rougher coastal conditions however they can also produce lower prices, beautiful green landscapes and fewer tourists. Here’s an overview of both seasons.
When Is It Best to Go to Bali? Quick overview
| Month | Season | Avg Temp | Rainfall | Best For |
| January | Wet | 27–29°C | High | Budget travel, rice terraces |
| February | Wet | 27–29°C | Very High | Budget, cultural visits |
| March | Wet (easing) | 27–29°C | High | Budget, shoulder transition |
| April | Shoulder | 27–30°C | Medium | Value, fewer crowds |
| May | Dry begins | 27–30°C | Low–Medium | Beaches, outdoor activities |
| June | Dry | 26–29°C | Low | All activities, surfing |
| July | Peak dry | 25–28°C | Very Low | Everything, peak season |
| August | Peak dry | 25–28°C | Very Low | Everything, peak season |
| September | Dry | 26–29°C | Low | Best balance, fewer crowds |
| October | Shoulder | 27–30°C | Low–Medium | Value, shoulder season |
| November | Wet begins | 27–30°C | Medium–High | Budget transition |
| December | Wet | 27–29°C | High | Festive period, rain likely |
Bali’s Wet Season vs. Dry Season
Located 8 degrees south of the equator, the temperature in Bali is fairly consistent throughout the year (25° – 30° C) whereas the only difference between when is the best time to visit Bali vs when is the least optimal time to visit Bali is rainfall, humidity and ocean conditions.
Bali Dry Season (May to September)
The Bali dry season runs from approximately May through September, driven by southeast trade winds that push dry air across the island from Australia. Humidity drops noticeably, rainfall is minimal, and the skies stay clear for days at a time. This is when Bali’s beaches, outdoor activities, and sunset views are at their best.
Bali Rainy Season (November to March)
The rainy season in Bali runs from November through March, when the northwest monsoon brings warm, moisture-laden air from the Indian Ocean. When is monsoon season in Bali? A question with a consistent answer: November is when the rains begin to build seriously, December through February are the wettest months, and March starts the gradual transition back toward dry conditions.
When Is Monsoon Season in Bali?
Crucially, the rainy season Bali rarely means all-day rain. The typical wet season pattern is warm sunny mornings, cloud build-up through the afternoon, and heavy downpours in the late afternoon or evening that clear overnight. Many travellers visit Bali in the wet season and have perfectly functional beaches and sightseeing days.
Best Month to Visit Bali for Different Travel Styles: Dry Season (May–September)
The Bali dry season is the best overall window, and the five months between May and September cover the full range of what Bali does best.
June, July, and August are peak seasons. The most reliable weather, the most consistent surf conditions on the west-facing beaches of the Bukit Peninsula (Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Bingin), and the full operation of every tour, activity, and restaurant on the island. July and August are the busiest months, driven by European summer holidays and Australian school breaks. Popular areas like Seminyak, Ubud, and Uluwatu get genuinely crowded, and accommodation prices are at their annual peak.
- The consistent southeast trade winds during the dry season also make Bali’s Sanur Beach and the waters around Nusa Lembongan excellent for water sports.
- Visibility for diving and snorkelling is at its best during the dry months. The waters around Nusa Penida (where manta ray encounters are concentrated) are clearest from May through October.
- For cultural activities, like temple ceremonies, rice terrace walks, and cooking classes in Ubud, the dry season is simply more enjoyable. Walking the Campuhan Ridge Walk above Ubud or cycling through the Jatiluwih rice terraces in clear morning light is one of the defining Bali experiences, and both are considerably more pleasant without wet-season humidity.
Bali Weather in September: Best Month to Visit Bali?
Temp in Bali in September averages 26–29°C slightly cooler than the July and August peak, with low rainfall and excellent conditions across the island. September is one of the most consistently recommended months by experienced Bali travellers for one simple reason: the dry season conditions continue while the peak season crowds begin to ease.
- Accommodation prices drop from the July and August peak, but the weather remains excellent. The Bukit Peninsula surf breaks are still working well. Ubud is noticeably more relaxed. And the rice terraces at Tegalalang and Jatiluwih, approaching the beginning of the harvest cycle, are at their most photogenic.
- September is arguably the best month to visit Bali for travellers who want dry season conditions without peak season pricing and crowds the ideal combination that the months of July and August can’t quite offer.
Shoulder Season in Bali: April and October Travel Guide
April and October sit on either side of the dry season, and both deserve serious consideration as to when is it best to go to Bali alternatives.
- April is transitioning from wet to dry as rainfall decreases steadily through the month, humidity is still higher than peak dry season, and prices are lower than in May onward. The rice terraces are intensely green from the wet season rains, waterfalls (particularly Tegenungan and Gitgit) are at their most powerful, and the island has a lushness that the dry months gradually lose. Late April (particularly from the third week onward) is often excellent with conditions close to early dry season.
- October mirrors April on the other side — the dry season is ending but the serious Bali rainy season hasn’t yet established. Early to mid-October typically gives dry conditions with the beginning of greenness returning to the landscape. Prices are below peak, beaches are quieter, and the surf on the Bukit Peninsula is still consistent. The second half of October sees rainfall increase — flexible travel dates help in this month.
Rainy Season in Bali: What to Expect
When is rainy season in Bali, and is it worth visiting anyway? The rainy season Bali officially runs from November through March, with December, January, and February as the three wettest months.
The practical reality for visitors is more nuanced than “avoid the wet season entirely.” Several factors make a wet-season trip workable and sometimes preferable:
- Prices drop significantly, and accommodation and flights in January and February are at their annual lowest. Popular areas like Seminyak and Ubud are noticeably less crowded, and the island feels more authentic and local.
- The rain pattern afternoon and evening downpours rather than all-day rain on most days means mornings are typically usable for beach time, temple visits, and outdoor activities. Carrying a small packable rain jacket and adapting the day’s schedule around the afternoon showers is a manageable strategy.
- The landscape is at its most dramatically green during the wet season. The rice terraces are vivid, waterfalls are thundering, and the volcanic peaks (Gunung Agung, Gunung Batur) are wreathed in dramatic cloud formations that make for extraordinary photography.
What genuinely doesn’t work in the Bali rainy season: Snorkelling and diving visibility is reduced, sea conditions around Nusa Penida can be rough, and beach days are unreliable. For beach-focused trips specifically, the wet season is a genuine compromise.
Bali Weather in May: Is May a Good Time to Visit Bali?
Bali weather in May is one of the best transitions on the travel calendar. May in Bali weather sees rainfall drop sharply from April levels, humidity falls noticeably, and the skies begin to clear consistently.
- Early May can still see occasional afternoon showers from the retreating wet season, but from the second week onward, conditions are reliably dry across most of the island.
- Prices are below the June–August peak, the surf season is opening on the Bukit Peninsula, and the rice terraces still carry the vivid green of the wet season months without the rain that produces it.
May is one of the most underrated months in the Bali calendar genuinely good conditions at below-peak pricing, without the October uncertainty of when exactly the rains will return.
Best Time to Visit Bali by Activity
| Activity | Best Months |
| Beach and swimming | May–September |
| Surfing (Uluwatu, Padang Padang) | June–September |
| Diving and snorkelling | May–October |
| Manta ray encounters (Nusa Penida) | May–October |
| Rice terrace walks | April–May, October (greenest) |
| Waterfalls | November–April (most powerful) |
| Hiking (Gunung Batur, Agung) | May–September |
| Budget travel | January–March |
| Avoiding crowds | April, October, January–February |
Planning your Asia and tropical travel? Read our guides on the best places to visit in the Philippines, the best time to visit the Maldives, the best Asian countries to travel to, the best honeymoon destinations, the best places to visit in October, and the best places to visit in December to keep building your travel plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best month to visit Bali for most travellers is July or August for guaranteed dry weather and full activity availability, or September for the same conditions with fewer crowds and lower prices. May and June are excellent alternatives with dry conditions and below-peak pricing.
The rainy season in Bali runs from November through March, with December, January, and February as the three wettest months. The typical pattern is warm sunny mornings followed by heavy afternoon or evening downpours that usually clear overnight.
Yes, with adjusted expectations. The Bali rainy season brings lower prices, greener landscapes, fewer tourists, and mornings that are often perfectly usable for outdoor activities. It’s not ideal for beach-focused holidays, but it works well for cultural travel, Ubud, and budget-conscious visitors.
What is the weather like in Bali in May?
Bali weather in May is excellent. The dry season is opening, rainfall is low, humidity is dropping from wet season levels, and temperatures sit comfortably at 27–30°C. It’s one of the most underrated months on the Bali travel calendar.
Temp in Bali in September averages 26–29°C, slightly cooler than peak summer months, with minimal rainfall and low humidity. September is one of the best months to visit for dry season conditions with easing crowds and lower prices than July and August.
