Best Time to Visit Bali

Dry season (April-October)

Generally the most reliable weather, with July-August as the busiest and most expensive stretch within it.

Shoulder months

April-May and September, right at the edges of dry season, often balance good weather with thinner crowds.

Wet season (November-March)

Rain typically comes in short, heavy bursts rather than all-day downpours, and prices drop noticeably — a reasonable trade-off for many travelers.

Nyepi (Day of Silence)

Once a year, the whole island shuts down for 24 hours — no flights, no lights, no leaving your accommodation — worth checking the date against your travel plans.

Who each season suits

Dry season suits travelers prioritizing reliable weather over crowds and price. Shoulder months suit those wanting a balance of both. Wet season suits budget-focused travelers comfortable with short, heavy afternoon showers rather than all-day rain.

Regional weather variation

Ubud, being inland and slightly higher, tends to be marginally cooler and wetter than the southern beach towns even within the same season.

Booking around Nyepi

Since the entire island effectively shuts down for Nyepi, check the date for your travel year specifically and avoid scheduling arrival or departure flights around it.

Month-by-month at a glance

April–June: drying out and pleasant, moderate crowds and prices. July–August: dry and warm, peak crowds, highest prices. September: dry and pleasant, moderate crowds and prices. November–March: wet with short, heavy showers, low-to-moderate crowds, lowest prices.

Treat this as a general guide — Bali's wet season brings intense but often brief showers rather than all-day rain, so it's less disruptive than the label suggests.

A practical takeaway

May, June, and September offer the most reliable balance of good weather and manageable crowds across the year.

Comparing Bali's regions

The Bukit Peninsula (Uluwatu) tends to be drier than Ubud even within the same season, given its lower rainfall and more exposed coastal position.

Surf season considerations

Surfers often prefer the dry season's more consistent swell, particularly around Uluwatu and Canggu, while the wet season can bring less predictable conditions.

Full moon and religious ceremonies

Balinese Hindu ceremonies follow their own lunar calendar, and encountering a temple ceremony or village procession, while not plannable in advance around specific dates, is a genuine highlight for travelers who happen to be nearby.

Whatever the season, Bali's tropical climate means humidity stays a factor year-round — light, breathable clothing matters regardless of which month you visit.

Booking ahead regardless of season

Popular villas and well-reviewed restaurants in Canggu and Seminyak can book out even in shoulder season, so reserving ahead is worth it whenever you're visiting.

In the end, Bali works across most of the year — the real differences come down to rain risk and how much company you'll have at the same viewpoints.

Whichever month you land on, a flexible attitude toward the occasional rainy afternoon serves you better than a rigid weather-dependent plan.