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Bali is a favourite sun destination for many and is especially favoured by solo travellers. Balinese culture is quite different from the rest of Indonesia and the beauty of its temples and landscapes is unrivalled. But when is the best time to visit Bali and sample Bali’s many top activities?
Although the temperatures in Bali remain fairly consistent throughout the year, there is a distinct wet and dry season. The dry season generally runs from May to September and the monsoon season starts in October and lasts until April. Of course, as with all-weather these dates can be changeable.
How to Decide When to Visit Bali
As with any destination, there are lots of factors to consider when deciding the best time to visit Bali. You will need to ask yourself certain questions. For starters what is it you want to do in Bali?
Do you plan to lay on the beach every day or are you going for a cultural experience? Are you ok with crowds of other tourists or is it important for you to have a more solitary experience? Is budget a big factor or are you able to splurge?
Plan Your Trip with Skip the Line Tickets to Top Attractions in Bali
During the dry season, you’ll be guaranteed lots of sun with little rain and the beaches will be great. July and August are the most recommended because of the weather but they are also the months during which there are more tourists in Bali.
Furthermore, the summer months are also the usual vacation season for tourists from Australia, Europe and North America who are the bulk of the island’s visitors.
Many people prefer to go in June or September when the weather is also good and they can enjoy the island in a more solitary way. During the monsoon season, it rains every day.
But unlike other places in Asia, it doesn’t usually rain all day. Normally there are big clouds that discharge for an hour or two and then you can have another three or four hours of sunshine.
For people on tighter budgets who want a more authentic experience, the monsoon season may be the best time to visit Bali. The rainy season can also be a good opportunity to get to know the Balinese culture.
Especially in March, when the Balinese New Year is celebrated, one of the most incredible holidays that you can see in the whole world.
As long as you’re prepared for the weather any time of the year can be a good time to enjoy this slice of tropical paradise. The following mini-guide on what to expect throughout the year should help you determine the best time to visit Bali for yourself.
Monthly Rundown of the Best Time to Visit Bali
Bali in January: Rainiest Month
Many people decide to celebrate the New Year in Bali. However, January is the rainiest month of the year, so after the Christmas and NYE celebrations are over there are hardly any visitors.
Rainfall reaches up to 345 mm but tends to come in brief downfalls. The average temperature is 26 degrees Celsius but the humidity can make it feel much hotter.
Bali in February: Romantic Getaway
Bali can be a great choice for a romantic Valentine’s getaway. It is still rainy season but it’s a little drier than January. It is also the time of year when fewer people decide to travel to the island making it a good choice for those who don’t want crowds.
The average temperature is like January but rainfall drops to about 274 mm, the third-highest figure of the year.
Bali in March: Experience Nyepi
The 6-day celebration of the Balinese New Year happens in March. The 3rd day of this celebration is the sacred Nyepi or Day of Silence where everyone must stay silent and stay inside. The Balinese spend the day meditating and there is no travel or outdoor activity allowed.
However, the days before and after Nyepi are full of festivities and the famous ogoh-ogoh parades. Many tourists come to experience the celebrations during this very unique time in Bali. You can easily book a luxury villa in Bali at affordable rates.
Bali in April: Easter Holiday
The Easter holiday falls in April which brings an influx of tourists to the island. The average rainfall is 90 mm, with much of the rain falling at the beginning of the month. Humidity drops from about 90% to 65%, which alleviates the feeling of oppressive heat. The average temperature in April is 28 Celsius.
Bali in May: Ideal Beach Weather
The month of May is a great time to discover Bali. With an average temperature of between 24 and 33 degrees and lower humidity, May is ideal for the beach. It’s also a great time for scuba diving or going trekking in the mountains.
Compared to April when the beaches still are not completely clean of the remains of the monsoon, in May they will look much more presentable. Rainfall drops to an average of 75 mm, so it can still rain from time to time.
Bali in June: Start of Summer
In June the rains are reduced to half of that of May. The arrival of summer makes it one of the best times to go to Bali. You will enjoy sunny skies throughout your stay with temperatures ranging between 22 and 31 degrees, a slight drop from the previous month.
The rainfall sits at about 70 mm, so you can expect mostly sunny weather.
Bali in July: Perfect Weather
July is the height of peak season in Bali as it is one of the best months to get to know this beautiful Pacific Island. Of course, this means more visitors.
The average temperature is a pleasant 26 degrees with a maximum of 30 degrees making it one of the coolest months of the year. You will still see a bit of rain in July with an average of 50 mm.
Bali in August: Busiest Month
As August is the best month for weather, it is also the one with the most visitors. The beaches are beautiful, the sun remains high and the humidity is at its minimum levels. This means that you can do any excursion or activity that you feel like without worrying about the weather.
The 15 mm of rain on average, like in Madrid in June or September, ensure you’ll rarely get wet. The temperature also reaches its lowest levels which means pleasant weather both day and night.
Bali in September: A Nice Balance
Many people recommend travelling to Bali in September to avoid the huge crowds of July and August. However, there are still quite a few people touring the island.
September in Bali is an ideal time to enjoy both the beaches and the cities and temples without intense heat or humidity and with slightly fewer people. Temperatures range between 23 and 31 degrees and it is second only to August in terms of low rainfall.
October in Bali: Transition
October is a transition month between the dry season and the monsoon season. Travelling at the beginning of the month can be a good idea since the trade winds from Australia arrive and prevent heavy rains.
However, as the month goes by, the storms begin to arrive. By the end of October, you can already feel the monsoons setting in. On average it rains 90 mm and the temperature ranges between 24 and 33 degrees. The first weeks of October, if the wet season does not come early, can be a great option to enjoy Bali.
Bali in November: Fewer Visitors
If you want to avoid crowds, November is in line with February as the best month to visit Bali. With temperatures between 23 and 32 degrees and 150 mm of rain on average, there is considerably less rainfall than during the other winter months. Plus, there are far fewer visitors.
In November you may even have a few full days of sunshine, although there is usually a mix of heavy storms and sunny hours.
Bali in December: Celebrate Christmas
Christmas is quite crowded in Bali, despite being in the middle of the wet season. Of course, you will have to endure 85% humidity and the second rainiest month of the year with an average of 276 mm. As for the temperatures, they are between 23 and 33 degrees.
In any case, a Christmas in Bali is an unforgettable experience that cloudy days and rain will not be able to overshadow.
Book This Trip
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Author Bio: Julien Chbib is the founder of Julius Homes. His interest in hiking, skiing, and adventure holidays made him bring together the choicest accommodations around the globe to make holidays relaxing and comfortable.
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