If you’re dreaming about a vacation to Bali, Indonesia, you’ll be happy to learn that much of the year is ideal for visitors. In fact, some folks say there isn’t a bad time to visit the island paradise. You simply must choose what you’re looking to do on the island and choose your travel dates based on this. The best time to visit Bali really depends on your ideal vacation type: lush, green scenery and indoor/outdoor adventures, or lower humidity and all outdoors fun.
Let’s take a quick look at the best time to visit Bali so you can decide when to plan your trip.
Bali’s Climate and Average Weather
Vacationers frequently visit Bali in search of adventure, enlightenment, and good old fashioned fun. But when is the best time to visit Bali for good weather? Let’s take a look!
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The Indonesian island of Bali, situated at just 8 degrees north of the Equator, has a tropical climate. Two distinct seasons visit the island each year: wet or rainy season and dry season. Dry season consists of temperatures between 77- and 86-degrees Fahrenheit with 75-percent humidity. The rainy season consists of 80- to 91-degrees Fahrenheit and humidity at 80-percent or higher.
With these two seasons in Bali, you’ll find average weather varies from one part of the year to the next. The warm to moderately hot temperatures of the island make the place an idyllic paradise for most any time of year.
But seasonal changes mean that most folks prefer the dry season to the wet season. Most experts say that the best time to visit Bali for the best weather is between April and October.
Hottest and Coldest Days on Record in Bali
The hottest day ever recorded in Bali landed at 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest day ever recorded here was just 64 degrees Fahrenheit. While some other tropical locations like Hawaii have had much more disparate temperature gaps, this 40-degree difference in Bali is not significantly outside its usual range of 68 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bali By Month
Bali basically enjoys two seasons, the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season runs from November to April, with the dry season going from May to October.
Rainy Season in Bali
For lush greenery, head to Bali in the rainy season. For outdoor adventure but less glorious landscapes, head to the island in dry season.
©Iryna Horbachova/Shutterstock.com
Running from roughly the end of October or early November to mid-April, the rainy season in Bali sees plenty of foul weather. However, even during this wet season, many folks still opt to visit the gorgeous island for its temperate, cooler season and enjoy the outdoors in the midday. Rainy season here usually means morning and evening rains, with clear midday and afternoon hours. Some days, though, the rain continues all day and there may not be able sunshine at all.
For those looking to avoid crowds, the rainy season is the best time to visit.
November in Bali
- Water temperature: 82.4 degrees Fahrenheit
- Air temperature: 83 degrees Fahrenheit
December in Bali
- Water temperature: 82.4 degrees Fahrenheit
- Air temperature: 82.5 degrees Fahrenheit
January in Bali
- Water temperature: 82.4 degrees Fahrenheit
- Air temperature: 82.1 degrees Fahrenheit
February in Bali
- Water temperature: 82.4 degrees Fahrenheit
- Air temperature: 82.3 degrees Fahrenheit
March in Bali
- Water temperature: 82.4 degrees Fahrenheit
- Air temperature: 82.3 degrees Fahrenheit
April in Bali
- Water temperature: 82.4 degrees Fahrenheit
- Air temperature: 82.5 degrees Fahrenheit
Dry Season on Bali
The dry season in Bali falls between May and the end of October. The landscape starts to wither a bit, due to the lack of rain, so though the weather is better, many folks opt to visit in the rainy season instead for more lush landscapes.
For those seeking outdoors activities, though, the dry season is the primary time to visit. You will likely encounter more crowds at this time, though.
May in Bali
- Water temperature: 82.4 degrees Fahrenheit
- Air temperature: 81.6 degrees Fahrenheit
June in Bali
- Water temperature: 78.8 degrees Fahrenheit
- Air temperature: 80.7 degrees Fahrenheit
July in Bali
- Water temperature: 77 degrees Fahrenheit
- Air temperature: 79.7 degrees Fahrenheit
August in Bali
- Water temperature: 77 degrees Fahrenheit
- Air temperature: 79.4 degrees Fahrenheit
September in Bali
- Water temperature: 77 degrees Fahrenheit
- Air temperature: 80.3 degrees Fahrenheit
October in Bali
- Water temperature: 80.6 degrees Fahrenheit
- Air temperature: 81.9 degrees Fahrenheit
Potential Natural Disasters to Consider Via Season
Bali is home to incredible landscapes, including 2 active volcanoes, like pictured Mount Agung. Some folks travel here when they think they’ll see smoke rising from the peaks. It’s hard to predict natural disasters here, though.
©Trev G/ via Getty Images
Over the millennia, many natural disasters and storms have reached Bali’s shores. Some of the wildlife, such as the Bali Tiger, have been wiped out due to these seasonal occurrences, but most of the time, folks have little to fear.
The most common natural disasters in Bali, though, are floods and landslides occurring during the rainy season. From the first heavy rains in October of November to the final rains April, warnings may occur. Despite this, rains here are not monsoonal.
Occasionally, hurricanes may hit near Bali, as well, though rarely does the wind increase beyond “bad weather” status.
More often, Bali experiences earthquakes. In fact, they frequently do occur here, often followed by tsunamis. This means the island exists under a persistent general threat of either or both. This happens because of the island’s close proximity to the subduction zone.
Bali also is home to two active volcanoes, Mount Agung and Bratan Volcano.
Volcanoes, tsunamis, and earthquakes are unpredictable by season or standard calendars. Anyone visiting the island potentially may be at risk of any when visiting.
The Best Time to Visit Bali
Head to Bali between November and April for lower crowds. Go there between May and October for better weather.
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Most folks opt to visit this island paradise known as Bali during dry season. That is, tourists generally want to prevent long, rainy weeks and avoid flooding and landslides.
Because of this, you’ll frequently find destination weddings, school vacationers, numerous parties, festivals, and events, surfing season, and much more during this time. Because of these things, most experts consider the dry season, from May to October, the best time to visit Bali. However, if you’re looking for a more laid-back trip and smaller crowds, head to Bali between November and April instead. You’ll want to bring your rain gear and plan plenty of indoor activities, but you’ll certainly enjoy the time here! You’ll also find much lusher scenery, loads of rushing waterfalls, and idyllic spa experiences all “off-season” long.
The photo featured at the top of this post is © Trev G/ via Getty Images
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