Back to blog
Experiences

The Best Time To Visit Bali For Your Activity of Choice

Whatever you choose to fill your days with upon your visit to Bali, there’ll be a time of year that provides the most suitable weather conditions and temperature to enjoy any activity to its fullest. Whether you want to catch the best surf with friends, enjoy sunny days without a cloud in the sky on your honeymoon, or enjoy the clearest of visibility on a diving expedition, discover the best time to visit Bali for your activity of choice. The best time to visit Bali is now, if not tomorrow!

Best time to visit Bali for good weather

Everyone hopes for “good weather” when they go on holiday. Sometimes, all you need for optimal rest and rejuvenation is a beach or a poolside and some good weather to match. In Bali, you’re in luck.

Bali has two main seasons, the wet season and the dry season. The Bali wet season runs from November to March, while the Bali dry season runs from April to October. Both cater to a range of activities and experiences, so it’s well worth knowing which weather is best suited to exactly what it is that you seek to do while in Bali. 

Bali wet season (November to March)

Bali’s wet season, otherwise known as the rainy season or monsoon season, is a time of year in the southern hemisphere characterised by a high level of humidity and frequent rainfall. Rain showers are often heavy and sudden, but usually short-lived, with temperatures ranging between 24°C to 31°C. 

All too often, Bali’s wet season gets a bad reputation, with assumptions that it will put a stopper on plans and make any activities difficult to achieve. If you’re someone who enjoys the prospect of fewer tourists, paving the way for a more authentic and intimate experience of Bali, the wet season may be the ideal time for you to visit. Bali’s lush landscapes become even more vibrant, increasing the chance of experiencing Bali’s natural beauty unhindered. From rice terraces and lush jungles to flowing waterfalls, wet season means there’ll be less crowds at many hotspots, making for a more tranquil experience of the archipelago.

Wet season wouldn’t be wet without a little rainfall. Bali’s heavy rainfall does have the potential to disrupt beautifully planned beach days, hiking or sightseeing, so it may not be an ideal time of year for everyone. With a higher chance of flooding and often intense humidity, you’ll need to ensure you’re aware of weather forecasts, equipped with waterproof clothing and prepared for any unexpected weather changes, with a few backup plans up your sleeve just in case the weather decides to take a turn.

Bali dry season (April to October)

Bali’s peak season, otherwise known as the dry season, is characterised by minimal rainfall, blue, sunny skies and lower humidity levels. It is often considered the best time of year to visit the island, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 31°C, with warm and sunny days paired with cooler evenings and nights. When you think of Bali, you think of perfect beach days and outdoor activities, all of which are given a helping hand by Bali’s dry season. Another draw of this time of year is the abundance of cultural events and festivals offering the chance to experience local traditions and celebrations.

Best time to visit Bali for honeymoon

The ideal honeymoon in Bali is best enjoyed in combination with clear, sunny days and idyllic, romantic activities, from sunset cruises to beachfront dinners. Peak, dry season is the best time to visit for a honeymoon, ensuring optimal temperatures and picture-perfect memories that are less likely to be disrupted by unpredictable weather. The lower humidity will also ensure a more comfortable time exploring the island, or simply relaxing on the beach or by your villa pool. 

On the other hand, Bali’s wet season could be ideal for what you seek to do. If fewer tourists, a more intimate and secluded experience and more vibrant, lush landscapes sounds like your kind of honeymoon, you may want to visit Bali during the rainy season. After all, what’s more romantic than the pitter patter of rain as you relax within the comfort of your accommodation after a day exploring your scenic surroundings? 

It really does depend what type of honeymoon you’re searching for. Book your trip from April to October for a classic experience of Bali with sunshine galore accompanied by a wide range of outdoor activities to choose from. Opt for November to March for a different perspective of Bali’s landscapes, albeit with the possibility of much more rainfall, but with far more lush landscapes.

Best time to visit Bali for diving

When embarking on a dive in Bali, visibility is usually a crucial consideration. Since this aspect is largely dependent on the weather, it’s good to be well aware of the best time to visit Bali for diving. The answer is, the dry season, which runs from April to October. During this period, diving benefits from visibility ranging from 20 to 30 metres, offering beginners and advanced divers a truly enhanced experience, as well as the chance to fully appreciate the underwater landscapes and marine life that await. Not only this, but the dry season offers far calmer waters, making a diving experience more pleasant and reducing the risk for strong currents to occur. 

In particular, Mola Mola (sunfish) season peaks from August to October, the likes of which can often be spotted on diving expeditions around Nusa Penida.

While it is possible to dive all year round in Bali, during the dry season, you’re more likely to spot iconic marine life and experience clearer and calmer underwater conditions.

Best time to visit Bali for surfing

The best time to visit Bali for surfing depends heavily on which part of the coast you’ll be looking to get on your board and take to the waves. 

The dry season offers peak surfing on the west coast, with the ability to experience some of the best breaks at some of the most popular surfing spots in Bali. Locations like Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Bingin, Balangan and Canggu become a mecca, with surfers all keen to catch the best waves. Due to the larger swells at this time of year, it’s the ideal environment for intermediate to advanced surfers to truly thrive on the water.

The east coast of Bali becomes prime for surfing in the wet season, particularly the surf spots of Nusa Dua, Sanur, Keramas and Serangan. With waves generally being smaller at this time of year, the conditions are ideal for beginners to test the waters. Heavy rains can often affect the clarity of the water, so you’ll want to consider the weather forecast before taking to the high seas, particularly for safety reasons. Surfing in Bali may prove a more enjoyable experience during the off-season as surf spots are far less crowded, allowing you to try out the waves in a quieter environment.

Best time to visit Bali with family

The best time to visit Bali with family largely depends on what you seek out of your holiday. Whether it’s less crowds, consistent temperatures, activities or affordability, the wet season and the dry season both offer different benefits.

For families with kids whose main focus is outdoor activities, time spent at the beach and exploration of Bali’s varied landscapes and natural beauty, the Bali dry season, which runs from April to October, may be the ideal choice. With temperatures ranging from 27°C to 32°C and with low humidity and rainfall, exploring Bali to its fullest potential becomes an easy feat, with reliable weather that doesn’t require you to change plans last minute. The only drawback for families visiting Bali in the dry season may be the busier areas and attractions, although this may also be a draw, since popular areas and restaurants will come alive with an energetic atmosphere. Most of Bali’s cultural festivals and local events also take place in the dry season, including Galungan and Kuningan, which can be a fun addition to Bali family holidays. 

For a quieter experience of Bali, but with the chance of frequent, heavy rainfall, the wet season, which runs from November to March is perfect for families who prioritise cultural experiences and indoor activities, such as museums, art galleries, Bali’s temples and cultural performances. Temperatures range from 25°C to 29°C with higher humidity levels.

Back to Blog

    Enquire Now

    Error: Contact form not found.