When to Go to Bali: Dry and Rainy Seasons Compared

The most popular time to visit Bali is the dry season, which runs roughly from April to October; the air is less humid, the skies clearer and conditions better for nature walks. November to March is the rainy season, but the rain usually comes in short, heavy downpours rather than all day. As Bali is close to the equator, it is warm all year round; the real differences are in humidity, rainfall and crowds.

Dry season (roughly April to October)

This is Bali's most popular period. In these months:

• The air is drier and the skies are usually clear.
• Conditions are more favourable for the Mount Batur trek and the sunrise view.
• For surfing, the island's west and south coasts (around Uluwatu and Canggu) come into their own in this period.
• Boat crossings to islands such as Nusa Penida usually run more smoothly.

The middle of the dry season, especially July and August, coincides with the European summer holidays and is the busiest period. Popular temples, beaches and the streets of Ubud are busier in these months, so you need to book accommodation and activities early.

The shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October are, for many travellers, Bali's most balanced times: the weather is mostly dry, and there are fewer crowds than at the peak.

Rainy season (roughly November to March)

In the rainy season humidity rises and downpours become more frequent; the wettest months are usually December, January and February. However, this does not mean your whole holiday will be spent in the rain. Downpours mostly come in the afternoon or evening and can ease off within a few hours.

The advantages and disadvantages of this period:

• Advantage: The rice fields and forests are at their greenest, and tourist numbers drop (except around New Year).
• Disadvantage: Walking trails can be slippery, the sea is rough and murky in some areas, and boat trips may be cancelled. Mosquito numbers increase after rain.
• New Year: Late December to early January is a period of high demand despite the rain.

If you are going in the rainy season, it helps to choose accommodation in areas less affected by rain, keep your programme flexible and have indoor activities (spa, cooking class, museums) in reserve.

Weather differences by area

Bali may be a small island, but its climate is not the same everywhere.

• Ubud and the interior: A little cooler and more humid than the coast, with more frequent rain.
• The mountains (Bedugul, Kintamani, Munduk): Noticeably cooler; an extra layer is essential, especially in the mornings and evenings. Mist is common.
• The southern coasts: Hotter and sunnier.
• The north and east (Lovina, Amed): Generally drier and quieter.

Nyepi: Bali's day of silence

Nyepi, the Balinese New Year, is one of the most special days in the island's calendar. As it is set by the Balinese calendar, its date changes every year and usually falls around March. On Nyepi, life on the island stops for a whole day: no one goes out, no lights are lit and no noise is made. The airport is also closed during this time. Tourists should not leave their hotels; hotels offer limited services inside.

The evening before Nyepi, by contrast, is very colourful: villages celebrate by parading giant figures representing evil spirits (ogoh-ogoh) through the streets. If your travel dates fall in this period, check that year's Nyepi date in advance and plan your flights accordingly.

Other important periods

• Galungan and Kuningan: Festivals celebrated once or twice a year according to the Balinese calendar, symbolising the victory of good over evil. The streets are decorated with ornate bamboo poles called penjor. Visually, they are very impressive for visitors.
• Temple ceremonies (odalan): Every temple has its own anniversary ceremony; you are quite likely to come across one during your trip.

We explain how to behave at ceremonies in our article on Bali culture and temple etiquette.

Sea and surf conditions

Sea conditions in Bali also change with the seasons. In the dry season, the waves get stronger on the west and south coasts; good news for surfers, but swimmers need to pay attention to flags and lifeguard warnings. In the rainy season the wind changes direction, so waves can become more pronounced on the east coast. If you are looking for calm seas, reef-protected Sanur and Nusa Dua are the better choices in most periods.

In short: which period suits whom?

• For trekking, sunrise and surfing: The dry season.
• For those who want to avoid the crowds but still want dry weather: April to May or September to October.
• For lush green scenery and a quiet holiday: The weeks of the rainy season outside New Year.
• For culture lovers: The Nyepi or Galungan period, allowing for travel restrictions.

To prepare for the season, take a look at our article What to pack for Bali. We do not have a ready-made catalogue programme for this route; if you would like us to plan one for your group, you can write to us via our contact page.

Frequently asked questions

Which month makes sense for a trip to Bali?

In general, April to October is the dry season. If you also want to avoid the crowds, April to May or September to October are balanced options.

Can you holiday in Bali in the rainy season?

Yes. The rain mostly comes in short, heavy downpours. However, as boat trips and treks may be affected, you need to keep your programme flexible.

What happens in Bali on Nyepi?

For a whole day, no one goes out across the island, no lights are lit and the airport is closed. Tourists are expected to stay in their hotels. As the date changes every year, check it in advance.

Is the weather always hot in Bali?

It is warm all year round on the coasts. However, inland Ubud and especially mountainous areas such as Bedugul and Kintamani are noticeably cooler.