The beautiful holiday island of Bali is always appealing thanks to a multitude of wonderful attractions. From breathtaking jungles to gorgeous beaches to an enchanting culture, there is so much to see and do. Travelers can visit Bali and make it a tour at their convenience. A trip to explore the many temples on the island, a spiritual vacation to gain insight into Hinduism or Buddhism, or simply go on a wild adventure and explore the multiple outdoor opportunities it offers. Visiting at the right time is one of the best ways to prepare for an unforgettable trip to Bali. So when should you visit Bali? Here’s everything you need to know.
Visit during peak tourist season
Bali’s high season runs from June to August, the busiest time of the year. This is summer, this is like winter in Indonesia. It is the perfect time to visit this beautiful island in good weather. So travelers who don’t mind rubbing shoulders on the beaches and heavy traffic on the roads can explore Bali in high season. July and August are the driest months with glorious temperatures. While locals consider these months “cold” due to the occasional rainfall, they rank among the best months for seeking warm, dry weather.
However, these months can also be the worst time to visit Bali for someone who doesn’t want to deal with crowds and high prices for accommodation and flights. Many tourists flock to the island hoping to get a taste of the tropics. This is also the holiday season for schools, which means the children are out of school and families are making holiday plans. The island gets crowded quickly and can have serious problems finding accommodation, even if you’re willing to pay the high prices. The best trick is to book accommodation before you travel to at least improve the price and claim a spot before others take all available rooms. Indonesia’s Independence Day on August 31st and the Bali Arts Festival are some of the events to visit when visiting Bali during the high season.
- Why it’s the best time to travel: good weather for sightseeing and staying outdoors
- Why it’s the worst time to visit: too many crowds, price hikes
- Events to watch: Indonesia’s Independence Day, Bali Arts Festival
Book accommodation and flights at least two months in advance to avoid missing a room or paying 30% or 50% more.
When to visit Bali on a budget
The low season in Bali is the cheapest time to travel, which can also be rainy. While rain doesn’t make for a comfortable holiday, especially on the beach, one benefit of exploring the island at this time is better deals on flights and accommodation. Travelers get elegant rooms for the same price they would pay for a budget hotel or less. So if you want to visit Bali on a budget then the low season lasts from March to May.
January and February are also affordable months to visit as they are rainy so there will not be crowds looking for good weather for a beach holiday. January is the rainiest month in Bali.
Travelers will also enjoy fewer crowds during the off-season, making it the perfect time to explore Bali’s popular attractions like Ubud and Goa Gajah. Vacationers may have to wait outside during peak season before having a chance to explore these attractions.
When is Bali the least busy?
Bali receives the fewest tourists from mid-January to June. November and December are the months full of events, holidays and celebrations, however these usually thin out at the end of the celebrations. The island remains quiet until around July when tourism peaks. During this period the weather is generally mild, with fairly rainy weather from January to March. For a perfect mix of less crowds and good weather, try to visit between mid to late March, April and May. From June, the island sees more tourists, but things really get going by July. So travelers will only deal with a handful of crowds at any time during the first half of the year and enjoy the best deals on hotels and flights.
When to go hiking in Bali
If you’re looking for a time for the perfect hiking adventure, visit before the start of the rainy season. April to October is the best time for hiking. The rainy season can also work for hiking, but is a challenge as holidaymakers have to constantly check the weather. A short walk is possible on some sunny mornings in the rainy season. But if you’re here solely for a hiking adventure or a visit to the beach, then the dry season is a perfect time. Mount Batur is the most famous trek on the island, and hiking is one of the top things to do when visiting Bali. May to September is the best time to climb this mountain with good weather and stunning views from the summit. Standing at 5,633 feet, Mount Batur is a must-see on a Bali vacation.
When is the best time to explore Bali?
The best time to visit Bali is mid to late March, April and May as it offers holidaymakers a perfect mix of good weather, fewer crowds and better prices on accommodation and flights.
