When is the Best Time to Visit Bali, Indonesia?

April to October is the best time for foreign travellers to visit Bali. You can visit the tourist destinations and enjoy multiple activities. Interestingly, the travel and living costs in Bali are comparatively lower than in other months. To make the most of your budget, you can also check our guide on how to save money on travel.

Bali, Indonesia, is a popular tourist destination. It is famous for natural wonders, unique culture, tradition, and warm hospitality.  It is also called the Island of Gods with its spiritual atmosphere, delicious cuisine, and art. For the latest official tourism updates and entry requirements, it's always good to check the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism's portal.

But travellers are generally confused about the best time to visit Bali, Indonesia. It depends on travel preference. You can plan the trip any time of the year to visit Bali. But selecting the right time helps you to avoid hardships. 

This article is a guide on when the best time is to visit Bali. Moreover, what are the things you can do to make your trip unforgettable?

Understanding Bali’s Seasons

Dry Season (April to October)

April to October is the best time to visit Bali. During this time, the weather remains dry with clear skies and low humidity. It is the perfect time to visit beaches, temples, and to go island hopping. Places like Nusa Dua, Ubud, and Seminyak are crowded during this season. 

Wet Season (November to March)

November to March is the wet season. You can expect to experience the heavy showers and higher humidity. Most days are rainy, but you can still have a great time enjoying yoga retreats, cooking classes, and spa experiences. You can enjoy lush landscapes, waterfalls, and water sports, which are often ranked among the most beautiful places in the world.

Peak, Off-Peak & Shoulder Seasons

Peak Season (July, August & December)

July to August and December are the peak seasons in Bali, Indonesia. Temperature during these months ranges from 81 to 90°F. The weather remains dry with minimal rainfall and sunshine. Detailed Bali climate patterns show that July and August consistently offer the most sunshine hours for beach activities.

It is the best time to visit Bali and enjoy exploring the beaches and the culture of the island. Tourists prefer to travel to Bali during this time. But the travel cost, accommodation, and transportation are higher in this season. 

Off-Peak Season (January to March)

January to March is the off-season in Bali. It is the wet season here, and you can experience potential rain bursts. The temperature during this time ranges from 78°F to 79°F. You can enjoy surfing or diving, visit the temple, and explore the vibrant jungle scenery in the off-season. 

It is the ideal time to visit Bali with fewer crowds. The cost of living on the island is also lower than in peak season. 

Shoulder Seasons (April–June & September–October)

Shoulder season is also considered the best time to visit Bali for international travellers. The temperature during this time ranges from 75 to 90°F. These are the ideal months for travellers to enjoy the outdoor activities with dry and sunny weather. 

It is the perfect season to enjoy visiting the Island with fewer crowds. The hotel rates, transportation, and flight costs are lower. It is ideal for budget travellers to visit Bali.  

Bali Festivals & Cultural Highlights

If you love exploring new cultures and festivals, Bali is the best destination to visit. You can choose the time according to your preference. 

• Nyepi (March): It is Bali’s Silent Day, where the entire island pauses.
• Bali Arts Festival (June-July): The festival is a celebration of dance, music, and traditional crafts.
• Galungan & Kuningan: It's the Hindu festivals celebrated with vibrant ceremonies.
• Bali Kite Festival (July): In the festival, villagers from across Bali compete to fly kites. 
• Sanur Village Festival (August): The event is organised to promote Sanur's local culture and heritage. 
• Makepung Buffalo Races (October): It is the traditional race in which jockeys ride buffaloes. It is most popular in the Jembrana region. 
• Ubud Writers and Readers Festival (October-November): A literary festival to attracts authors and readers worldwide. 
• Chinese New Year (January-February): It is a festive time to experience  Chinese-Indonesian cultural influences. 

Activities and Places to Visit in Bali

July, August & December

• You can visit the beaches at Kuta, Seminyak, and Nusa Dua for swimming, surfing, and water sports.
• Visit Nusa Penida, Menjangan Island for Snorkelling, diving, and marine life exploration. 
• Explore Mount Batur Sunrise Trek for breathtaking views.
• Visit Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Ubud Palace, and Monkey Forest to bring a lively vibe.

(April – June, September – October)

• Go for the Temple Tours at Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, and Besakih for a peaceful spiritual experience.
• It is the ideal time to explore Waterfalls at Tegenungan, Sekumpul, and Gitgit.
• You can visit Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, and the Gili Islands for Island Hopping.
• You can get the relaxed retreats like Yoga and Wellness in Ubud. 

(November – March)

• Visit Ubud art galleries, Balinese cooking classes for cultural and indoor experiences.
• Explore the Rice Terraces at Atiluwih and Tegallalang.
• Visit the hot springs near Mount Batur and enjoy the landscapes. 

Travel Tips for Every Season in Bali

The following are some tips that might help you enjoy your travel smoothly without any hindrance. 

• Make sure to confirm the weather conditions and pack your luggage accordingly. 
• Keep the water bottle to stay hydrated and mosquito protection in the wet season.
• Book your flight and accommodation in advance to avoid any delay.
• Download the travel apps to stay updated with the routes in Bali, Indonesia. 
• Buy the travel eSIM card to stay connected with flexible data during travel. 
• Keep the Indonesian currency with you to visit local shops. 
• Buy travel insurance to get financial aid in case of emergencies. This is especially important for digital nomads planning long-term stays on the island 

How to stay connected in Bali?

Local SIM cards, portable wifi, and data roaming are the common means of data connection that travellers use. Using these tools leads to high bill shocks. The modern solution to avoid the expensive plans and inconsistent data is travel eSIM. 

An eSIM card is a digital technology; compared to a physical SIM, it is more secure to use. You can digitally activate it on your device with a QR code. It ensures to provide a flexible data connection without overspending. 

But before setting up eSIM in your device, confirm your device's eSIM compatibility. Then choose a reliable eSIM carrier like Yaalo and buy an eSIM for Indonesia. The eSIM will help you to stay connected whether you are visiting Bali or any other island. 

Yaalo eSIM for Indonesia 

The provider offers fixed and unlimited eSIM plans for over 200 countries. The feature that makes Yaalo stand out from other providers, it offers data, voice, and SMS plans for some countries.

Let's explore what the Yaalo eSIM for Indonesia offers you. 

• Fast 4G and 5G network coverage throughout the country.
• Allow data tethering with other devices. 
• The basic fixed data plan for 7 days with 1GB data costs $3.20. 
• The unlimited data for 3 days costs $6.83. 
• Digital QR code eSIM activation in iPhone and Android devices. 
• Zero data roaming, without any hidden charges. 

Conclusion

The best time to explore Bali depends on what you especially want to explore here. Most tourists visit the island in peak season. But the living costs are quite higher during this time. Shoulder and off-season are the perfect times for budget travellers to visit Bali. 

In the article, I have discussed the activitie, places, and events you can explore in Bali, Indonesia. Connectivity is the essential thing that can’t be missed. Yaalo is the best carrier that will help you keep your device online throughout your travel. 

FAQs

What is the best month to visit Bali?

June to September are the best months to visit Bali. The weather remains moderate with fewer crowds. It is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoor activities.  

Which season in Bali is the cheapest for travel?

The off-season from January to March is the cheapest time to travel to Bali. The flight and hotel costs are lower than in the peak season. 

Is Bali expensive to visit?

Bali is not expensive to visit. The cost depends on your lifestyle. The per-day budget for a budget traveller ranges from $30 to $50.