The summary
| Period | Weather | Crowds | Remember |
|---|---|---|---|
| April to June | End of the rains, increasingly clear sky | Medium, rising in June | Good compromise on price and weather |
| July and August | The driest months | The highest | Book early, high prices |
| September and October | Dry, then first showers in October | Medium | Very good time after the crowds |
| November to March | Frequent rain, humid heat | Low, except year-end holidays | Lower prices, very green rice fields |
The dry season: April to October
This is the period when you can plan beach, volcano and snorkelling with the least risk. August is the driest month according to several sources, with about 4 rainy days against 15 in April according to one of them. Even in the dry season it can rain: showers are usually short. July to September are the busiest months, so the most sought-after stays and excursions must be booked early, for example the sunrise on Mount Batur or Nusa Penida.
The rainy season: November to March
Rain is more frequent, often in the afternoon or evening, with heavy showers. The rice fields are greener and prices drop, but some excursions are cancelled or riskier: rough seas for crossings to Nusa Penida, slippery trails and hidden views at volcano summits. Plan a plan B for each outing and stay flexible. Christmas and New Year are a busy period despite the rain, with high rates.
Month by month
- January and February: rainy and humid; very green rice fields.
- March: the rains ease; it is also often the time of Nyepi, the Balinese day of silence, when the island stops for 24 hours and the airport closes (check the date for your year).
- April and May: increasingly dry; May is often good value for price and weather.
- June: dry, crowds rise.
- July and August: the driest and busiest.
- September: dry, fewer people than in August.
- October: still warm, with more showers than in August.
- November and December: the rains return; Christmas and New Year in high demand.
When to go depending on what you want
- Beach and surf: May to September; the swell is bigger in the dry season on the west coast and at Uluwatu, so suited to experienced surfers, with good beginner spots at Canggu.
- Diving and snorkelling: April to October for visibility, for example at Amed.
- Rice fields and nature: all year; greener in the rainy season, easier in the dry season.
- Sunset: Tanah Lot and Uluwatu Temple are better from May to September.
- Tight budget: April, May, September and November (outside holidays).
Going further
To choose your area, read where to stay in Bali. To plan your stay, see Bali in 3 days, Bali in 10 days and travel budget for Bali.
