Best Time To Visit Bali, Indonesia

Paolo Ii
Contributing Writer
Published
| 6 min read
best time of year to visit bali

Bali in the archipelago of Indonesia is among the most popular island destinations in the world. Surrounded by the natural splendor of the region, it also boasts of some of the warmest, most welcoming people you can meet anywhere in the world. It’s little wonder why the island is Indonesia’s main tourist draw. In March 2017, Bali won TripAdvisor’s admiration as the world’s top destination in the Traveller’s Choice category. All year round there is much to enjoy and experience in Bali. In fact, smart travelers will be wise to heed the annual “calendar” of Bali as different seasons correspond to different great and fun activities that can be enjoyed—or take place—around the island. There’s certainly something for everybody on the island. Check out the best times to visit Bali, Indonesia here.

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1. Surfing – April to early October

best time of year to visit bali | surfing – april to early october
Source: Pixabay

Surfing in Bali has always been one of the biggest tourist draws of the island since the 1980s. The best part is that different sides of the island receive waves in varying strengths. This makes the island friendly to beginners and experts alike. April to October is your best bet for relatively tame waves. Every other month the waves are far too strong to be safely surfed. In fact, they don’t allow you to do so. Besides, these months coincide with the summer months in Asia, guaranteeing sunshine and cool breezes throughout the duration of your stay.

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2. Great weather – April to October

Dreamland Beach (Bali, Indonesia)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Krismartin used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Even if you don’t quite enjoy surfing, April to October is a great season to experience Bali at its best. Coinciding with the summer season in the South Asian region, this season sees the perfect blend of warm summer sun and cool ocean breezes. The balance is so perfect that you can simply enjoy soaking in the rays on the beachfront without a care in the world. Take note, however, that this tends to also be the busiest season in Bali as everyone else knows exactly how great it is. Fortunately, there are many accommodations to choose from so this wouldn’t be a problem. Just make sure to book in advance as trying to do so on the fly can prove to be very frustrating.

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3. Romantic getaway/honeymoon – June or September

best time of year to visit bali | romantic getaway/honeymoon – june or september
Source: Pixabay

There are few things quite as romantic as a tropical getaway. While Bali is absolutely beautiful all year round, if what you’re looking for are ideal conditions to pull off a truly romantic escape, then July and September are your best bets. The reason that July is a safe bet is that the overall climate—wonderfully sunny—is extremely consistent over the course of the entire month. There is hardly any chance of rain at all that could potentially ruin any romantic or wedding plans that you may have. Also, there are not that many people crowding the beachfront. September nears the end of the dry season but isn’t too extreme when it comes to the rains. This time, the reason why there aren’t too many people is that people are starting to leave in anticipation of the wet season.

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4. Sightseeing and outdoor activities – May to September

best time of year to visit bali | sightseeing and outdoor activities – may to september
Source: Pixabay

May to September in Bali is the very height of summer. The sun is up high with few clouds obstructing and the greenery and other colors of nature are in full swing and vibrant. By this point, resorts and providers of a range of fun activities and around the island are in full operation and raring to go. There are a ton of water-based activities that you can enjoy in Bali around this time. You can chase all 13 of the island’s best waterfalls—and to go over the edge, you can take up surfing and wakeboarding, and you can also rent a scooter to explore the island on your own. If you’re particularly sociable, these months are great because everyone is there and ready to party.

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Bali Tour Guide

toni kenpachi

Toni Kenpachi

Hello my name is Toni and I live in Jakarta- Indonesia, I've been working as a Tour Guide since 2008, I have licensed from Jakarta City Government Tourism Office, I choose to be a Tourist guide due to my background education because I graduated from Tourism Academy, I'll be glad to assist your trip in Indonesia especially in Jakarta and surrounding areas also if you would like to do overland t... Read more

Tours by Toni

Bali Tour Guide

Dori Januhari

Dori Januhari

I am a legal and licensed tourist guide from Indonesia. I have been guiding for 20 years. I live in Jakarta, Indonesia, but I have traveled to many places in the country. My guiding areas are Java, Bali, and Lombok Island. I obtained my license from the Indonesia Tourism Ministry. On days when there is no tour, I work as an English and German private teacher, teaching mathematics and science ph... Read more

Tours by Dori

5. Discounted hotel tariff – February to early June and late September to early December

The Legian Bali-Overview-Infinity-Pool-Sunset
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ishan Mallaik used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Like every tropical island getaway, Bali has its downtimes. That doesn’t mean that it closes down completely, just that its businesses and hotels expect far less in the way of visitors. This does mean that prices and tariffs are much lower if you visit the island offseason. There’s still much in the way to explore and discover on the island in these months. While there is a distinct lack of visitors, that also means that there is less of a crowd at the most famous of Bali sights like the Uluwatu Temple, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, the Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, among many others. This is certainly the best months to visit for those who want an adventure on a budget.

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6. Avoid crowds – March to May

best time of year to visit bali | avoid crowds – march to may
Source: Pixabay

While Bali might be seen as a place to party and mingle by some, there are those who would rather enjoy the island at its most serene and peaceful. The best months to do that are between March and May. This is the very midst of the offseason and many of the revelers and partygoers have long petered out. Better than that, many of the beaches will have been cleaned and naturally acclimated to the weather of the season. If your idea of a dream Bali vacation are quiet beach strolls, peaceful and not crowded explorations, or solo immersions in nature, then this season is when Bali is all of that combined.

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7. Swimming – April to October

swimming – april to october
Source: Pexels

Sure, Bali is known for all manner of water sports from the globally popular to the simply fun, but most people don’t need anything beyond themselves to enjoy the water. If you’re looking to Bali as a great place to swim, it is—just make sure you’re there between April and October. These months see the seas and waters around Bali to be far calmer and therefore safer. There is little risk of having to contend with harsh waves and a rolling, roiling surf if you arrive at these summer months.

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8. Bali Spirit Festival – March

BaliSpirit Festival summons yoga enthusiasts, dancers, musicians and spirituality seekers from all corners of the globe,...

Posted by BaliSpirit Festival on Wednesday, 16 January 2019

With the promise of “harmony with God, harmony in the community, harmony with Nature”, the Bali Spirit Festival is one of the most popular events held on the island around March every year. The goal, based on the Hindu concept of Tri Hita Karana, is to awaken everyone’s potential for positive change which hopefully translates to more positivity back home. There are seminars from some of the world’s top experts in the field, music festivals, workshops, fairs and markets, and even activities for the whole family. While the venue changes year after year, the offerings are fairly consistent and extremely enjoyable. Make sure to check this one out if you want to experience a little calm in your life while indulging in an aura of positivity and happiness with fellow festival goers.

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9. Bali Kites Festival – July To August

Posted by Bali Kite Festival on Saturday, 5 August 2017

Normally kicking off the start of the windy season on the island, the Bali Kites Festival brings kite enthusiasts from all over the world to the eastern coast of Padanggalak. While it is normally held towards the end of June, that usually depends on confirmation of favorable weather. What began as a ceremony to thank the heavens for favorable harvests, the event soon evolved to its present incarnation bringing all manner of kiting troupes from across Indonesia and the world as well as their colorful and diverse range of kites. These gigantic kites are beautiful to behold and the festive spirit will infect any visitor to those grounds.

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10. Nusa Dua Fiesta – October or November

A beautiful @anggisdevakii as Dewi Saraswati perform in Tridatu Art Kolosal ??? . . #bali #pesonanusaduafiesta2018 #badungnightrun #run #artexhibition #festival #creatingdestinations #thenusadua

Posted by Nusa Dua Fiesta on Monday, 1 October 2018

The Nusa Dua Fiesta is all about celebrating arts, culture, and even sporting prowess. Held at the luxury beach resort area that bears its name—on Bali’s southeast coast—the event welcomes visitors and tourists the world over for the festivals five-activity packed and fun days. There is certainly a party atmosphere to be enjoyed at Nusa Dua with performances nearly every hour, bazaars offering great bargains on some memorable items, as well as delectable treats to sample, savor, and enjoy. There’s definitely something for everybody here.

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An island for all

The beauty of Bali is in its diversity. That diversity isn’t limited to the natural wonder and beauty that the island offers. It also extends to the experiences that are sure to excite the widest range of personalities and preferences. Find the season that best matches who you are and what you want out of Bali, and you can’t possibly go wrong.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Paolo loves travelling, listicles, and Star Wars. When he isn't wandering off to explore someplace new, you can find him enjoying the confines of his own home office reading some Top 10 list or...Read more

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