When is the best time to visit Bali?

Bali is a tropical paradise that offers lush forests, beautiful beaches, and magnificent temples. The Indonesian archipelago sits near the equator, ensuring a mostly sunny and/or balmy climate. But as with any other country, there are days when the weather just won’t cooperate. This is why planning ahead is crucial. You want to make sure the weather is perfect, at least when you have your best odds. And there are many factors to consider when it comes to determining the best time to visit Bali. So let’s talk about when’s the best time to visit the Island of the Gods. 
 

Wet and dry seasons

Being a tropical country, Bali has only two seasons: rainy and dry. Rainy season typically starts around October and starts to dry up in around March (though that’s the general pattern, not a hard-and-fast rule). During this time, the climate is humid and rain showers will come in short bursts while torrential rains come in intervals.

Traveling in Bali during rainy season is really not a big deal – you will still have long periods of sunshine most days and remember, it will still be nice and warm. Be prepared for the weather to change very quickly and don’t always trust the weather reports – it can be raining in one place and bone dry just a few hundred meters down the road.

During the dry season, from roughly around April to September, the temperature sits around 30 degrees Celsius. The weather is less humid, very sunny and there is often a cooling breeze. There may be some rain showers, but they are not as intense and frequent as the rainy season. The dry season is the best time to visit Bali if you’re after the beach and it’s also the perfect weather to fly kites with the kids.

Peak and off-peak periods

Bali’s peak tourist season coincides with the Australian, European and US school holiday times – between June and September and over Christmas.There are also increasing numbers of domestic tourists during Muslim holidays like Idul Fitri at the end of Ramadan. If you’re traveling during the peak season, you can expect everything from accommodation to tour package rates to skyrocket.

Vacationing for the holidays? You can expect higher numbers of beachgoers during Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year, and Easter in Bali. The hotel rates are still pricey, but you can negotiate for better deals. There are fewer crowds from July to September, but it can still be difficult to get around.

Is there really the best time to visit Bali?

Bali is a world-renowned tourist destination, so you should expect crowds year-round, but there are periods when things relax a little and traffic congestion is far more manageable. To make the most of your holiday, no matter what time of year you decide to go, plan well and be prepared for the weather! 

This article was originally published by Bali Kids Guide, a total guide for Bali with kids, holiday tips, reviews, currency & visa info, and more.