The short answer
- Best balance: May, June and September, with mostly dry weather and fewer crowds than peak season.
- Driest and busiest: July and August, with the highest prices.
- Cheapest and quietest: November to March, with more rain. The Christmas and New Year fortnight is the exception, as it is expensive.
- Dry season: roughly May to October. Wet season: roughly November to March.
Bali sits close to the equator, so it is warm all year. What changes is rain, crowds and prices. The island has a clear dry season and a wet season, and the best time for you depends on what matters most: perfect beach weather, a lower budget, or space to enjoy the sights without crowds.
Dry season vs wet season in Bali
The dry season, roughly May to October, brings reliable sunshine, lower humidity and the best conditions for beaches and for surfing on the west coast. It is also when most visitors come, especially in July and August.
The wet season, roughly November to March, is hot, humid and greener. Mornings are often bright, with heavy showers later in the day. Streets are quieter and prices are lower, except over Christmas and New Year. Ubud and the interior cope with rain better than the beaches, so a wet-season trip often works best if you spend more time inland.
Month by month
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Wet, often the wettest month | Low, busy around New Year | Low to moderate | Good value if you accept rain |
| February | Wet | Low | Often the lowest of the year | Quiet, with cheap villas |
| March | Wet, easing late in the month | Low | Low | Nyepi falls in early March in 2027 |
| April | Drying out, warm | Medium | Moderate | Shoulder season |
| May | Mostly dry | Medium | Moderate | One of the best-value months |
| June | Dry | Medium to high | Moderate | Busier as school holidays approach |
| July | Dry | Very high | Highest | Book early |
| August | Driest month | Very high | Highest | Cooler evenings in Ubud |
| September | Dry | Medium | Moderate | Peak crowds ease; a favorite month |
| October | Mostly dry, rain building late | Medium | Moderate to low | Good value; Ubud Writers Festival is in late October |
| November | Wet season begins | Low | Low | Quiet before the holidays |
| December | Wet | High over Christmas and New Year | High over the holidays | First half is cheaper than the holiday fortnight |
These are typical patterns based on published climate data and travel guides, not guarantees. Weather varies year to year, and the island has different conditions in the south, the interior and the islands off the coast.
Which time of year suits you?
- You want the best beach weather and don't mind crowds: July and August.
- You want good weather without the peak crowds: May, June or September.
- You are on a tight budget: February or November, or early December before the holiday fortnight.
- You love temples, rice terraces and culture: any month, but the wet season is greener, and Ubud is easier in the rain than the coast.
- You are traveling over Christmas or New Year: book flights and villas well ahead, and expect higher prices and rain.
Plan around Nyepi, the Day of Silence
Nyepi is Bali's Hindu new year, and for 24 hours the entire island shuts down. The airport closes, roads are empty, and people are asked to stay inside and keep lights low. In 2027 it falls in early March, with sources giving March 8 or 9, so confirm the date before booking flights. If you land the day before, make sure your hotel can host you quietly for the full day.
Book ahead for the busy months
Flights, villas and popular transfers fill up first in July, August and over Christmas and New Year. For flight timing, our general guide to how far ahead to book flights applies to Bali too: aim to book earlier for peak periods and you can wait longer for quiet ones. It also pays to arrange your airport transfer before you land: see Bali Airport to Seminyak or Ubud.
Planning to explore beyond your resort? Compare Bali car rentals before you go, especially for July, August and the holidays, when availability tightens.
Compare Bali car rentalsNot sure whether to drive? Read renting a car in Bali: what tourists get wrong.
Get online as soon as you land
Whatever month you choose, you'll want maps, ride apps and messaging working from the moment you leave the airport. An eSIM installed before you fly connects on arrival. See how to install an Airalo eSIM step by step.
Land connected: compare eSIM plans for Indonesia before your trip so you don't need to find a SIM at the airport.
See eSIM plans for IndonesiaFrequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Bali?
May, June and September are the best balance for most travelers: mostly dry weather, with fewer crowds and lower prices than the peak months of July and August. If you want the driest weather and don't mind crowds, July and August are the safest bet.
What is the cheapest time to visit Bali?
The wet season, roughly November to March, is usually the cheapest, apart from the Christmas and New Year fortnight, which is expensive and busy. You trade lower prices and quieter streets for more rain, mostly in short, heavy showers.
Is Bali worth visiting in the rainy season?
Yes, if you are flexible. Mornings are often bright, with showers later in the day, and the rice terraces are greener. January is usually the wettest month. It suits travelers who prioritize low prices and fewer people over perfect beach weather.
Is August a bad time to go to Bali?
August is the driest month, but it is also one of the most crowded and expensive. Book flights and hotels early, expect busy roads and beaches, and consider an early start for popular sights. If crowds put you off, May, June or September are calmer.
When is Nyepi, the Day of Silence?
Nyepi falls in early March in 2027, and sources give March 8 or 9, so confirm the date with your airline before booking. The whole island, including the airport, shuts down for 24 hours, so plan your arrival and departure around it.
What is the best time to visit Bali for surfing and beaches?
The dry season, roughly May to October, is the best time for beach days and for surfing on the west coast. The wet season has more rain and cloud, though there can still be good days between showers.
Related reading
The short version
For most travelers the best time to visit Bali is May, June or September: mostly dry, fewer crowds and fairer prices. July and August are the driest but the busiest and most expensive. November to March is the cheapest and quietest, with more rain. Book earlier for the peak months, check Nyepi if you travel in early March, and sort your transfer and data before you land.