Best Time to Visit Bali, Indonesia 2025/2026

Bali, a tropical pearl dotted amongst the Indonesian archipelago, attracts tourists from all over the world with its mesmerizing beaches, rich and diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty. But for travelers eager to experience the island's great charms, a key query always hangs in the air: when exactly is the best month to visit Bali? This article will be a complete Bali trip planning guide to help you clear the fog and find the answer.

Climate and weather

First, we need to start with Bali's climate. Bali is located near the equator and has a tropical rainforest climate, so the year is divided into two distinct seasons: dry and wet. The dry season usually starts in April and lasts until October, when the weather is relatively dry and sunny. The period from November to March of the following year is the wet season with more rain heat and humidity. Therefore, if you have to choose the best time to travel, I would recommend going to Bali during the dry season, especially between May and September when the weather is clear and stable, which is the best time for beach vacations, outdoor activities, and exploring the various attractions on the island.

Let's take an in-depth look at Bali during the dry season. This is the time when the ocean conditions are most suitable for diving and snorkeling, with high visibility, coral reefs, and their colorful marine life looking stunning and mesmerizing in the crystal clear water. Imagine diving in warm waters with fish happily passing by while you are in a colorful underwater world, an experience that is undoubtedly unforgettable.

Aside from beach activities, the dry season is also ideal for exploring Bali's interior, such as getting close to the adorable monkeys at the Monkey Forest Temple in Ubud or strolling through the terraced rice fields of Tigarararang for stunning green terrace views. The sunny weather also provides ideal conditions for hiking adventures, and climbing up Bali's holy mountain, Mount Agung, to experience the sacred moment of welcoming the sunrise will be a high point of the trip that will be hard to replicate.

Of course, the upsurge in tourism during the dry season also means more visitors and higher costs. Therefore, when planning a trip, it is wise to book flights and accommodation in advance. Also, avoid international holidays and school holidays as much as possible so that you can enjoy Bali in relative peace.
However, the dry season is not without its drawbacks. While the sun is warm and wonderful on tropical islands, direct sunlight can be intense, so proper sun protection is a must. Additionally, since it is the peak tourist season, crowds are high and prices are high, so budgeting and planning need to be relatively thorough when selecting this season for your trip.

If you are open to a wetter climate, perhaps consider visiting Bali during the wet season. At this time of year, it rains more, but the rain is usually in showers and does not last the whole day. In fact, after the rain, Bali is as if washed away, more vibrant, fresh, and sparsely populated with tourists, allowing you to experience the locals more deeply. In addition, prices in the wet season are cheaper than in the dry season, so you can enjoy upscale accommodations and services at a more affordable price.

Bali is a tourist destination with different flavors in all seasons. However, if you are looking for a holiday experience with uninterrupted sun, sand, and outdoor activities, then the dry season between May and September will be your best choice. And, at this time, Bali festival activities are also quite rich, such as the well-known Bali Art Festival is usually held in June and July, and can not be missed. Of course, in both the dry and wet seasons, proper planning and preparation are key to enjoying this beautiful island. Remember, at any given time, Bali always has something special to discover.

Tourist season and off-season

Bali's peak tourist season is generally between July and August and December to January when the island's hotels and attractions are crowded and prices rise accordingly. Therefore, if you want to avoid the crowds and high costs, you can choose to visit Bali during the off-season.

Dressing Suggestion:

Bali is categorized as a typical tropical jungle climate, with average mean temperatures ranging from 21-33 degrees Celsius. In the core area of Bali, Ubud and poverty-stricken areas, the long-term temperature is cloudy and rainy, the average temperature is slightly lower than the beach. In areas with relatively high altitude such as Kinnamani, it is necessary to wear woolen clothes and jackets at sunset. In the heart of Bali, in Ubud and the poorer areas, the temperature is cloudy and rainy for a long time, and the average temperature is slightly lower than the beach. In areas with relatively high altitude, such as Kinnamani, woolen clothing and jackets are required for sunset.

Events and festivals

Bali is blessed with colorful activities and festivals, some of the important ones include.

Bali Tranquility Day: It is held during the Lunar New Year, which is on March 21st. 
This festival is marked by poetry readings, gamelan playing, and the appearance of Nyale2.
This festival is marked by poetry readings, gamelan playing, and the appearance of Nyale. 
 

Serenity Day (Nyepi): also known as Bali's most special day, usually held in late March or early April. On this day everything on the island shuts down and does not reopen until 6 am the next morning. The purpose is to convince the demons that the island is uninhabited and thus leave Bali to wait for the next year. 
 

Galungan Festival: Dated through the Wuku calendar of 210 days a year, this is one of the most important festivals in Bali to celebrate the death of the legendary tyrant Mayadenawa. The festival lasts for 10 days and all the gods descend to the mortal world to celebrate with the people. 
 

Kuningan Festival: Held in February, April, and September, this is a time for the Balinese to give thanks and say goodbye to the deities, with the celebration culminating in the Kuningan Festival.