Bali: when to go and what to see, seasons, temples and sunsets

Bali takes visitors all year round, but the trip feels very different depending on the month. According to Wikivoyage, the daytime temperature stays between +20 and +33°C at any time, and the real difference comes from rainfall and humidity. Here is when to fly and which places are worth seeing.

Seasons: dry and rainy

From June to September the island is dry: air humidity is low, rain is unlikely on the lowland coasts and the evenings can be cool. This is the most comfortable time for the beach, surfing and long scooter rides. But July and August are among the most crowded months, so rooms and flights cost more.

From December to March the western monsoons arrive: heavy downpours and high humidity. The days are often still sunny, and the rain comes in the late afternoon and passes quickly. Plan the morning for excursions and the beach, and keep the second half of the day for cafes, museums and massage.

April, May, October and November are the shoulder months. There are fewer people and accommodation is more often discounted. Outside the high seasons Bali can be surprisingly quiet, as Wikivoyage notes. If you want to see how seasons work in another Asian country, read when to go to Phuket.

The high seasons in Bali are July to August and the Christmas and New Year period. Book flights for those dates in advance and pick days in the HotTrip flight search.

Where it stays dry even in the rain

The Bukit Peninsula in the south gets far less rain than anywhere else on the island. Even when it rains on the rest of the territory, the sun often shines there. So in winter, if you love the beach, stay in the south and keep Ubud and the mountains for a couple of days.

What to see

Uluwatu Temple. A shrine on a cliff at the southern tip of Bali. People also come for the kecak dance, which according to Wikivoyage is performed every day. Allow time for the sunset and the trip back.

Tanah Lot. A 15th-century temple on a coastal rock and a popular sunset spot. It is in the southwest, toward Canggu and Tabanan, and is usually combined with a trip along the west coast.

Ulun Danu Beratan. A temple on a lake in the Bedugul area in the mountains. It is noticeably cooler than on the coast, and you need a warm layer in the evening.

Kintamani and Mount Batur. An active volcano, mountain scenery and fresh air. It is cloudier and rainier in the mountains than by the sea, so factor that into your plans.

Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. Islands in the southeast with reefs, diving, snorkeling and surfing. Nusa Penida has the wildest trails on the island, and Nusa Lembongan is easier to relax on. You get there by boat, so check the weather and the waves.

Ubud and the rice terraces. The cultural center with museums, a monkey forest, theaters and terraces. Allow 3-4 days after the beach.

Festivals that change your plans

The Balinese hold many ceremonies all year: the island has about 20,000 temples, and each holds an odalan festival twice a year. This works in a visitor's favor, since you can often see processions on the road.

The most important day of the year is Nyepi, a day of complete silence. The island stops, visitors stay in their hotels and the streets are empty. The date changes every year and usually falls in March. Check it in a Nyepi calendar before buying tickets and do not plan a flight on that day or the neighboring ones.

Getting there and around

Pick your route and price in the HotTrip flight search: compare nearby dates and connection options. Bali time is UTC+8, so jet lag can throw you off at first. Do not plan active excursions on the day you arrive.

What to pack and what to keep in mind

• Light clothing, a rain jacket or umbrella for December to March, a warm layer for the mountains.
• Covered shoulders and knees for visiting temples.
• Sunscreen and insect repellent.
• Travel insurance before you buy tickets.

Compare with another Asian beach destination, for example Nha Trang: when to go and what to see.

Frequently asked questions

Which month is best for Bali?

The most comfortable months for the beach are June to September: dry and low humidity. If you want quiet and discounts, the shoulder months of April and May and October and November work well.

Is it true that it rains all the time in Bali in winter?

From December to March there are heavy downpours, but the days often stay sunny, and the rain starts later in the day and ends quickly.

Where does it rain least in Bali?

On the Bukit Peninsula: rainfall there is noticeably lower than in any other part of the island.

How many days do I need in Bali?

For a first visit 10 days is enough: a beach in the south and Ubud, with one day for Nusa Penida or the temples.

What time zone is Bali in?

Bali is on UTC+8.

Cover: photo by Tom Fisk on Pexels