When to Visit Bali: Season, Weather, Prices & Monthly Tips
07.07.2025
ARTICLE BY GTS BALI — PREMIUM CONCIERGE SERVICE ON THE ISLAND
Bali is more than beaches, surfing, and coconuts. It’s also a tropical island with its own climate rhythms: in some months, the sun shines bright and the ocean calls for surfing, while in others, evening downpours and high humidity can be quite the challenge. Choosing the right time to travel to Bali is key to your comfort, budget, and overall experience.
Bali is more than beaches, surfing, and coconuts. It’s also a tropical island with its own climate rhythms: in some months, the sun shines bright and the ocean calls for surfing, while in others, evening downpours and high humidity can be quite the challenge. Choosing the right time to travel to Bali is key to your comfort, budget, and overall experience.
In this article, we’ll break down:
- When the season starts in Bali and how long it lasts
- Which months are best for beach holidays and which for peace and low accommodation rates
- When the rainy season hits and whether you should worry about it
- The best months for surfing, yoga, beach vacations, or solitude
This guide is useful whether you’re visiting for 10 days or planning a full winter stay — all based on our years of experience living and working in Bali.
PLANNING YOUR MOVE TO BALI?
Don’t miss our guide: How to Move to Bali in 2025: Visas, Housing, Budget & Family Tips
Don’t miss our guide: How to Move to Bali in 2025: Visas, Housing, Budget & Family Tips
This article was prepared by the team at GTS Bali, a premium concierge service on the island
WE ASSIST WITH:
- all types of visas (e-VOA, C1, D1, D12, KITAS),
- full relocation to Bali,
- housing search and rental (apartments, villas),
- transfer bookings,
- leisure, excursions, and entertainment.
Bali’s Climate: What You Need to Know
Bali lies just south of the equator, so instead of the typical four seasons, it has only two: dry and wet. This affects everything — temperature, humidity, wind, tourism flow, and even which parts of the island are ideal for travel at any given time.
Dry Season: April to October
Rainfall is minimal, the average temperature stays around 28−31°C, the air is dry, and ocean water is 27−29°C. May, June, and September are especially comfortable: the sun is gentle, and the island isn’t too crowded.
This is when Bali is at its best — surf spots are reliable, mountain roads are passable, waterfalls are full, and beach days can go uninterrupted by rain.
This is when Bali is at its best — surf spots are reliable, mountain roads are passable, waterfalls are full, and beach days can go uninterrupted by rain.
THINKING OF STAYING LONGER?
Check out: Renting a Villa in Bali Without Surprises: How to Find the Right Place the First Time
Check out: Renting a Villa in Bali Without Surprises: How to Find the Right Place the First Time
Wet Season: November to March
This is Bali’s summer — also known as the rainy season. But that doesn’t mean it rains non-stop. Showers mostly occur in the evenings or at night, and sunny days are still common. The main difference is the high humidity and murkier ocean waters, especially along the southern and eastern coasts.
Temperatures remain steady at 29−32°C, but it feels hotter due to humidity. Some tropical trails may be inaccessible, but the island transforms into lush, vibrant greenery.
Temperatures remain steady at 29−32°C, but it feels hotter due to humidity. Some tropical trails may be inaccessible, but the island transforms into lush, vibrant greenery.
CONCLUSION:
If you want comfort, sun, and full access to infrastructure, go during the dry season. But if you don’t mind tropical showers, the wet season can also be a great time to visit.
If you want comfort, sun, and full access to infrastructure, go during the dry season. But if you don’t mind tropical showers, the wet season can also be a great time to visit.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Bali? General Advice
It all depends on your priorities — beach time, surfing, sightseeing, or remote work. Here’s a quick summary of the best months based on your travel goals.
For Beach Holidays
Visit in the dry season (May-September), when it’s not too hot. It’s actually winter in Bali, so sunbathing is pleasant, but the ocean can be cold — mostly surfers brave the water.
For Surfing (Depending on Skill Level)
- Beginners: Dry season (May-September), especially mornings — waves are steady, beaches are clean, lots of surf schools with easy access.
- Advanced surfers: Wet season offers more powerful waves, especially on the east coast (Serangan, Keramas).
For Sightseeing & Island Travel
Go during the dry season — waterfalls, rice terraces, volcanoes, and mountains are safer and more accessible when it’s not pouring.
For Remote Work & Long Stays
Try March, April, October, or November — this mild shoulder season has fewer rains, especially in April and October, and prices are still reasonable. Internet is stable, too.
Prices & Tourist Crowds: High vs. Low Season
Like most popular destinations, Bali has its peaks and off-peaks:
High Season: July, August, December, January
Tourist inflow is at its highest: European and Australian holidays in July-August, and Christmas/New Year in December-January.
- Prices for housing and scooter rentals can jump 30−60%
- Popular villas and hotels are booked 1−2 months in advance
- Canggu and Kuta get jam-packed — even surf spots feel like downtown parking lots If you prefer avoiding crowds and high prices, steer clear of peak weeks, especially Dec 20 — Jan 10.
Low Season: April, May, November
These are the months to experience a quieter Bali. April-May marks the start of the dry season, but prices haven’t spiked yet. November begins the rainy season, but compared to December-January, accommodation is much more affordable.
Need Help with Planning Your Trip to Bali?
Our concierge service GTS Bali helps tourists, freelancers and families with organizing a comfortable trip around the island. We can:
- Arrange visas
- Find ideal accommodation
- Organize transfers from the airport
- Select personnel according to the request (nanny, cook, personal butler who solves any issues 24/7)
- Prepare a travel plan according to the request
- Organize events on the island
Monthly Breakdown: Bali Weather & Travel Tips
Bali’s weather is more consistent than you might think. Temperatures don’t fluctuate much, but rainfall, humidity, and sunshine hours do. Here’s a monthly breakdown of what to expect and who each month is best for:
Month
Weather/Season
Good to Know
January
Rainy Season
Rain nearly every day, high humidity. New Year = peak tourism and prices.
February
Rainy Season
Wettest month. Fewer tourists. Great for advanced surfers. Lower prices than January.
March
Transition Period
Less rain, heat eases up. Great for budget travel.
April
Start of Dry Season
Clear skies, lower humidity. Perfect for excursions.
May
Dry Season
One of the best months: sunny, moderate prices, very comfortable.
June
Dry Season
Little rain, not too crowded yet. Great for beach and surfing, though the ocean is chilly.
July
Dry Season (Peak)
High season, lots of tourists, especially in Canggu & Ubud.
August
Dry Season (Peak)
Peak season. Book in advance. Windy — ideal for kite surfing.
September
Dry Season
Crowds thin out, weather stays great. A fantastic time to visit.
October
Transition to Wet Season
Hotter, occasional short rains. Still a good time to visit.
November
Start of Rainy Season
More rainfall, fewer tourists, moderate prices. Great for solitude.
December
Rainy Season
Rainy start, tourist boom later. Price hikes before New Year.
Final Thoughts
There’s no single "perfect" month — it all depends on your goals. But in general:
- For a comfortable beach holiday: May, June, or September — warm, sunny, and not too crowded (though ocean might be cold).
- For budget travel: April, May, or November offer the best value.
- The rainy season (December-March) isn’t a dealbreaker — ideal for escaping winter and enjoying the tropics.
Still unsure about entry rules? Read our full guide: Bali Visa in 2025: Do You Need One, How Much Does It Cost, and How to Get It
At GTS Bali, we help make your trip perfect — whether it’s a family holiday, honeymoon, surf adventure, or remote work winter. We can book your villa, arrange airport transfers, recommend top restaurants, find yoga classes, and even help with visas.
Message us — we’ll create a custom plan just for you. Your vacation doesn’t start with a flight — it starts with good planning.
Message us — we’ll create a custom plan just for you. Your vacation doesn’t start with a flight — it starts with good planning.