When is The Best Time to Visit Bali?

Best Time to Visit Bali

Bali is one of the best tourist destinations in the world. Bali has many variations of tourism that you can experience. Even though it has many recreational options, the most important things must be known before you go to Bali. When is the best time to visit Bali?

Weather in Bali

When visiting Bali, expect warm temperatures all year round. Ranging from 26-30°C, with only a slight drop in the more central areas around Ubud and the mountains. Bali has two distinct seasons to consider when deciding where to visit. The wet season, which falls between October and March, and the dry season, which runs from April to September.

The onset of the dry season means warmer weather and sunnier days. Still, the high season coinciding with the European summer holidays also means increased visitor numbers in July and August. Most visitors find May, June, and September the best times to visit the island when conditions remain warm and sunny. Still, there are fewer crowds in popular beach towns like Canggu, Sanur, and Seminyak.

Best Month to Avoid Crowds

October, January, and February are the real low season in Bali. Every three months is officially the rainy season (January is the wettest month). You won't find crowds looking for the perfect beach and snorkeling conditions. And because you'll also avoid the busier holiday months (November and December). You'll find the island quiet and buzzing with locals and ex-pats alike. Finally, October, January, and February offer the best opportunities to see the temples without the tourist crowds. You can also have the beaches to yourself, and take advantage of the best hotel deals in Bali.

Best Months for Hiking in Bali

A visit between April and October is ideal if you plan to spend days walking. The rainy season is unpredictable for day trips, especially if you want to get in some good miles. For those looking to keep an eye on the weather, find a sunny morning and go for a short walk. A visit during the rainy season might work. But if you go to Bali specifically for sightseeing, like those who visit the beaches, you should come in the dry season. If you rent a motorbike and want to spend your days touring the island, the dry season is also better.

Best Months to Visit the Beach in Bali

The best months for a classic beach holiday in Bali are May, June, July, August, and September - August is the driest month on the island. These are also the best months for snorkeling and diving, as rain limits visibility below the water's surface, and sunshine enhance the diving experience. Of course, the downside to visiting Bali between May and September is that you're visiting during peak season. Temples, beaches, hotels, and yoga classes will all be intertwined, so chances are you will have fewer opportunities to soak up that mellow Balinese serenity you enjoy out of season.

Best Month to Visit Bali Around Specific Holidays and Festivals

One of the most famous festivals in Bali is the Bali Arts Festival, which takes place in June and July. Indonesia's Independence Day (or Hari Merdeka) falls on August 17 and is marked with parades and open-air celebrations. Meanwhile, in November (or in other months, depending on the calculations from the Balinese calendar), there is Galungan and Kuningan. A 14-day festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil (dharma vs. adharma).

Please note that if you are traveling to a Hindu festival, Balinese Hindus often celebrate different festivals than Hindus in India. For example, Galungan is a festival not celebrated in India but is extremely important in Bali.

Nyepi is a day dedicated to self-reflection. Nyepi or "Day of Silence," a New Year's Day for Balinese people based on the Saka Calendar. Usually occurs in March (similar to Navreh or Ugadi in India, which occurs in April), commemorated from 6am to 6am the following day. As such, anything that might interfere with that purpose is restricted. The main restrictions are no fires (and lights must be kept low); it doesn't work; no entertainment or fun; do not travel, and for some, not speaking or eating.

Tourists will usually attend an event the day before Nyepi Day called "Pengerupukan". Where there will be an Ogoh-Ogoh parade, a giant statue in the form of a "Bhuta" creature or parable of creatures with negative traits which will be carried around the village and will later be burned at the cemetery, this is a symbol of expelling or eliminating negative things before celebrating the Nyepi Day.