When to Go
Best Time to Visit Bali: Dry Season, Wet Season & Crowds
Updated August 30, 2026 · 2 min read
Quick answer
The best time to visit Bali is the dry season, April to October, with April, May, June, and September the sweet spot — dry, sunny, and less crowded than the July–August peak. The wet season (November to March) is hot, humid, and rainy, but greener, quieter, and cheaper.
Bali has a simple two-season climate — dry and wet — and knowing which is which saves you from booking a beach holiday into a month of afternoon downpours. Here’s how the year splits, and the honest picks within it.
Dry season (April–October): the main event
This is the best and most popular time to visit. Days are sunny and warm (around 27–30°C / 80–86°F), humidity is lower, and the sea is clearer — ideal for beaches, surfing, diving, and temple-hopping. July and August are the peak, coinciding with European and Australian holidays, so they’re the busiest and priciest. For dry-season weather without the crush, aim for April to June or September.
Wet season (November–March): green, cheap, and quieter
The wet season isn’t a washout, but it is wetter and more humid, with rain often arriving as heavy afternoon or evening downpours rather than all-day grey. January and February are the wettest. The upside is real: lush green rice terraces, far fewer tourists, and the lowest prices of the year. If you don’t mind planning around afternoon showers and want a calmer, cheaper trip, it’s a legitimate choice.
Where you go matters too
- South (Kuta, Seminyak, Uluwatu): Best surf and beach scene; busiest.
- Ubud (interior): Cooler, greener, rice terraces and culture — a touch more rain year-round.
- Nusa islands and east: Drier and quieter; excellent in shoulder months.
So when should you actually go?
For the best balance of weather, crowds, and cost, target May, June, or September. Go in July–August only if that’s your window, and book ahead. Choose the wet season for budget and green landscapes if you can work around the rain.