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It is very important to know the best time to visit Bali if you want to explore the island under the best conditions. However, keep in mind that you can generally visit Bali at any time of year and not be disappointed.
Even so, if you’re planning your Bali trip and are flexible about the dates, I recommend you try to avoid the rainy season or monsoon in Bali, as it might be difficult to do some excursions and visit some places.
In this article, we will delve deeper into which is the best time to visit Bali, depending on whether you are looking for green rice fields, diving, surfing, or just having good weather during your trip. In addition, we ‘ll see what the average temperature of Bali by month is, when the rainy season in Bali is, and what is considered the high season in Bali.
Bali Weather
The weather in Bali is the common type of weather found in any tropical climate. Throughout the year, the average temperature in Bali is 78ºF, reaching its maximum at noon and decreasing slightly during the nights.
In the mountainous areas surrounding the Bali volcanoes, such as, for example, the area of Kintamani, the climate is somewhat colder, with temperatures that can drop to 64ºF. You can download the geographical map of Bali here to see where the mountains are located.
As Bali is very close to the equator, the sunrise and sunset times remain virtually constant throughout the year, with dawn around 6 a.m. and dusk around 6 p.m. Because of this, it ‘s highly recommended that you get used to waking up early if you want to make the most of the daylight hours.
Although there is no summer and winter, at least in comparison to the seasons we experience in Europe or North America, there are two very different periods every year: the rainy season and the dry season. In general, the best time to visit Bali is during the dry season.
The Monsoon season in Bali
The monsoon usually passes through Bali from the end of October to April. But if your trip falls during those dates, don’t worry; even with the rain, there are plenty of attractions in Bali.
The Bali monsoon is quite weak compared to the ones in other Southeast Asian countries. That said, although during the Bali rainy season there are frequent rainfalls, strong rainstorms are not common and it will be sunny during the most of the day.
This time is also associated with the highest temperatures in Bali, so try to dress in light and breathable clothes and flip-flops. However, bringing an umbrella or raincoat is unnecessary; you can buy these useful items in Bali for very little money once you’re there.
The dry season in Bali
The dry season in Bali lasts from April to November. During this period, the rains are almost non-existent and the temperatures are milder. However, you should take special care in the sun, since the skies are usually clear and you can easily get sunburned.
Since it doesn’t rain, there is much less humidity than during the rest of the year and because of this, it is the best time to visit Bali. Although it will still be hot, remember to wear a sweater or lightweight jacket for the nights and Bali Tours to the highest and mountainous areas.
When is the best time to visit Bali?
Given the above information, the best time to visit Bali is during the dry season. However, if, in addition to wanting pleasant weather during your trip, you’re planning to do some specific activities, it might be more convenient for you to visit during the monsoon.
Below, we’ll talk about the best time to visit Bali if you want to see green rice fields, dive, surf, or even visit Ubud.
When is the best time to see Green Rice Terraces in Bali?
The rice paddies are the best of Bali. Thebest time to see green rice fields in Bali coincides with the end of the rainy season, that is, from January to March. Also, if you want to see them at their best, choose a sunny day.
However, don’t worry if you travel at any other time. You will find green areas in the rice fields in Bali throughout the year, so you won’t be disappointed.
When is the best time to dive in Bali?
Diving and snorkeling are some of the most popular things to do in Bali.
Although you can do it throughout the year, the best time to dive in Bali is generally from April to October, right during the dry season. During these months, the visibility is greater, although the water will be at a temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF compared to the warmer 80ºF during the monsoon.
Manta rays can be seen throughout the year, but if you want to see the Mola Mola giant fish, these species prefer colder waters, so July, August, and September would be the best months.
We snorkeled on Gili Trawangan, the largest island of the three that make up the Gili Islands, and the water temperature was great!
When is the best time to surf in Bali?
Although there are surfers catching waves all year round, July is considered the best month to surf in Bali.
On the west coast (Kuta & Canggu) the best months are from May to September, while on the East Coast (Sanur), the best time for surfing is from mid-November to early March.
When is the best time to do rafting in Bali?
You can go rafting in Bali throughout the year. If you travel during the monsoon season, you should know that the Ayung River will be full of water, with a possible rafting level IV during this time.
However, if you travel during Bali’s dry season, the rafting will be level II. Here you can book this tour with a discount.
When to visit Bali to climb the Batur Volcano?
The trek to the summit of Mt. Batur can be done all year round, although it is best to do it during the dry season to enjoy stunning views.
If you like adventure and supernatural landscapes you should not miss this tour that includes pick-up from hotels in Bali.
When is Bali’s high season?
There are two periods that are considered the high season in Bali: Christmas, when the island is visited mainly by Australians and New Zealanders, and July and August, which is the European summertime.
During these dates, the prices of accommodation in Bali skyrocket and the main places to visit in Bali will be overcrowded.
If you have the opportunity to avoid these dates, do it! Tourism in Bali has grown considerably in recent years, so I recommend, if possible, not choosing the high season. For instance, April falls under the dry season; the rice fields will still be green and there will not be as many tourists, so you’ll be able to book some of the best luxury villas in Bali for a very little price.
Bali climate: average temperature & precipitation
If you want to know the Bali average weather by month, you can check it out here. This will help you choose the best month to go to Bali according to your preferences. This data has been extracted from Holiday Weather.
Bali Temperature month by month
This is the maximum and minimum temperature in Bali month by month:
As you can see, May is the hottest month in Bali, with maximum temperatures of 91ºF.
How much does it rain in Bali?
On this graph, you can see the number of days that rain in Bali per month and the millimeters of water that fall. As you can see, July and August are the months with the least rainy days in Bali.
Finally, if you are going to rent a scooter in Bali and need an updated weather forecast, I recommend checking this website to know the weather in Bali now.
When to visit Bali
I hope that, with this information, you feel more certain about when to visit Bali. If you have total freedom in choosing the dates of your trip, I recommend that you first decide your Bali trip itinerary. Then come back here to finish defining the dates of your trip. In any case, whatever time of year you choose, I assure you that you won’t regret it.
If you can’t travel exactly when you want to, don’t stress too much. As we said at the beginning of the article, the Bali monsoon is very mild, and you can do practically the same activities whether you travel in the dry season or not.
Before you go, I’ll leave you with the essentials for your trip to Bali:
Essentials to save on your trip to Bali
Check the best no-foreign transaction fee credit cards.
Find the BEST DEALS for the top accommodation options in Bali.
Get a 5% discount on your travel insurance for Bali.
Check the best tours in Bali to make the most of your time HERE and HERE.
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Hi there,
This has been the most helpful blog on Bali i’ve seen so far. I’m planning a trip end of November to Bali and worried about monsoon season. and the rice paddies. Is it worth going during this time or wait for better time?
Thanks Sabeen,
My first trip to Bali was at the end of November of 2017 and I had the same concerns as you.
I was greatly surprised, we only got one day of rain and there weren’t many people around.
For the rice paddies, it’s not the best time since most of them are dry but there are many positive things about traveling during that period, like fewer tourists everywhere!
Enjoy your trip to Bali!