Bali is full of idyllic beaches, mesmerising religious festivities, and rich and vibrant culture. It is a small province in Indonesia and an affordable travel destination. The best thing about Bali is that it has all of nature’s most stunning sceneries. From waterfalls and mountains to rice fields and forests, the Balinese landscape is the hallmark of natural beauty.
The dry season in Bali lasts from April to October and is the best time to travel to Bali. With tropical temperatures and almost no rain, the summer months are also known to be the peak tourist season. The average temperatures stay between 26-28°C throughout the year, so you can travel to Bali at any time and enjoy its lush outdoor scenery.
Bali in January
January is perhaps the wettest month on this Indonesian island. Bali starts off the New Year with tropical rain showers to cool off its hot temperatures. The downpours are usually limited to the early afternoon and don’t last more than your afternoon nap. January is the best time to travel to Bali without tourist crowds as the province gets fewer visitors. However, the greenery is at its most lush during this period, and the low tourist season means better holiday deals!
The Mekotek and the Suwat Water Garden Festival are some major festivals taking place in January.
- Average Temperature: 26°C
- Average Rainfall: 90mm
Bali in February
The February weather in Bali is not much different than in January. The abundant sunlight and hot temperatures are perfectly balanced by short spells of tropical rain in the afternoon. February is great for basking in the sun, thanks to its average of 9 hours of daily sunshine. The resorts and tourist hotspots are also less busy so visitors often enjoy great bargains. February is when the Balingkang Festival and the Berawa Beach Festival take place in Bali, so you can expect a lot of temporary stalls selling handmade items.
- Average Temperature: 26°C
- Average Rainfall: 90mm
Bali in March
As the year enters spring, the temperatures in Bali rise higher and higher. March is the last month of the Balinese wet season, so you can expect less humidity, hot temperatures, and clear blue skies. There is still some rain, but it’s only limited to afternoon showers. This is a great time to witness the flourishing landscapes in the uplands — the Tegallalang rice terrace and Ubud’s Monkey Forest have some great views and a fascinating history. The Ogoh Ogoh Parade, Omed Omedan, Bali Spirit Festival in Ubud, and the Purnama Kedasa are some major festivals celebrated throughout March in Bali.
- Average Temperature: 27°C
- Average Rainfall: 90mm
Bali in April
With the arrival of April, rain showers are steadily lower in Bali. The weather may be slightly humid and hotter, but overall it is quite pleasant for outdoor activities, including picnics, hikes, day trips to temples, and waterfall swims. The Ubud Food Festival is a major attraction for April holiday goers in Bali. You may also find spas, theatres, and shopping malls filling up with people as more and more tourists choose to visit the province.
- Average Temperature: 27°C
- Average Rainfall: 70mm
Bali in May
The month of May ramps up the heat, so most tourists head to the beach for a refreshing swim in the coral reefs. The plethora of surf breaks along the coast make Bali fantastic for surfing enthusiasts — there are plenty of surf schools offering equipment and beginner lessons. The evening breeze and sunsets are a fantastic way to end a day full of water sport activities in Bali’s hottest month. Buleleng Arts Festival, Bali Blues Festival, and the anniversary of the Bangli region are worth attending in May.
- Average Temperature: 28°C
- Average Rainfall: 70mm
Bali in June
June is the driest and sunniest month in Bali, with next to no showers and bigger crowds of tourists. Humidity and precipitation may change every few days, but you can generally expect cloudless skies with lots of sunshine! Booking well in advance is recommended as resorts can get busy at this time of year. Tenganan Pandan War, Bali Arts Festival, and the Karangasem Festival provide visitors with several fantastic opportunities to explore Bali’s culture in June.
- Average Temperature: 27°C
- Average Rainfall: 50mm
Bali in July
Bali in July is hot, sunny, and dry, making it a tourist favourite. If you’re looking for cooler places, you may want to go for a trip to the mountains of Bali as there are plenty of temples and old-growth forests to explore. If you are a fan of paddling or snorkelling, head to the beaches, as this will be the best time to travel to Bali. The Twin Lake Festival, Bali Kite Festival, and the Makepung Festival are the most popular cultural events held in July.
- Average Temperature: 27°C
- Average Rainfall: 40mm
Bali in August
Like July, August is also mostly dry with only the bare minimum of rain. The temperatures remain moderately hot during the day and you may encounter the occasional cool breeze in the evenings. The dry season is the perfect time to try snorkelling or scuba diving as the sea is calm and offers fantastic underwater views of its vibrant soft coral and hard coral patches. Kuta Sea Sand Land, Badung Agricultural Festival, and the Sanur Village Festival, which are held in August, attract huge crowds with bazaars and performances.
- Average Temperature: 27°C
- Average Rainfall: 40mm
Bali in September
The weather in September barely differs from the one in August and July, with hot temperatures and very little to no rain. As tourism drops, this month is considered one of the best times to travel to Bali if you want to take advantage of the dry season while getting good deals on flights and accommodation. Snorkelling and diving visibility is great with safe conditions for most watersports. The Bali International Film Festival, Petitenget Festival, and the Taman Ujung Festival held in September are some incredible events attracting large numbers of tourists.
- Average Temperature: 27°C
- Average Rainfall: 50mm
Bali in October
The last month of the Balinese dry season stays sunny and hot with slightly more rain than September. There’s a partial off-season for tourists in October, so those who are fond of the tropical sunshine and beaches should take advantage of the great holiday deals. The water is perfect for swimming thanks to its average temperature of 27°C! Water visibility is very good especially on the East Coast. Due to the reduced number of tourists, this is a great time to learn scuba diving and explore the shipwrecks along the coast. The Nusa Penida Festivals, Perang Tipat Bantal, and the Ubud Writers and Readers Festivals are held in October.
- Average Temperature: 27°C
- Average Rainfall: 60mm
Bali in November
In November, Bali bids goodbye to the dry season and welcomes its short afternoon rain spells once again. The weather is just as hot and sunny with an average of 8 hours of sunshine a day. Water temperatures stay hot and surfing picks up pace on the eastern coastline of the island. Legian Beach Festival and Sidemen Festival are celebrated in Bali during November and offer a plethora of cultural activities at both indoor and outdoor locations.
- Average Temperature: 27°C
- Average Rainfall: 70mm
Bali in December
Sea conditions are quite rough in December, so it’s the best time to travel to Bali if you love the surf. There are short rain showers in the afternoon, complementing the 8 hours of warm sunshine a day. Outdoor activities are still very popular and there is a significant decrease in tourism, allowing for a more authentic experience of Balinese culture. During December, Bali hosts the Pemuteran Bay Festival, the Nusa Dua Light Festival, and the Panglipuran Village Festival, offering an array of culinary bazaars, competitions, and dance performances.
- Average Temperature: 27°C
- Average Rainfall: 90mm
What we have learned
Bali’s unique festival heritage and its pleasant weather make it a destination that’s enjoyable all year round. Make sure to look out for sea conditions, high and low seasons, and travel restrictions to make sure you get the best out of your trip whichever month you choose!
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