By Subhasree Nag
Bali is on the wishlist of numerous people, and it is not without reason. It offers a lot, from the jungles to the shore’s beaches. However, visiting any tourist spot depends on your motive to visit the place, as Bali has something to offer in all the seasons and every month.
However, if you are thinking conventionally, the rainy season is the worst time to travel to Bali. When in Bali, you will be looking for a lot of sunshine and outdoor activities. And the rain would be an obstacle to that.
December and January are the wettest months, and you will experience muddy trails, choppy seas, and stormy afternoons. Not that you cannot enjoy the beauty of Bali during the rainy seasons, but if you don’t, Bali in December is something you should avoid.
So, which is the worst time to travel to Bali?
The worst time to travel to Bali is during the rainy season, from November to April when December and January are the wettest months. Like most of Asia, Bali also experiences a wet and intense rainy season.
It often starts by the end of October but starts to get worse by November. However, you should expect most of the rainfall during December and January. This is the peak time, and if you visit for outdoor activities, you will be disappointed.
How is the monsoon in Bali?
It is not as bad as people might tell you. There will be a lot of rainfall, obviously, however, it is not constant. You can go out with moderate interruption. Bali is a beauty during its wet seasons, and it is something worth experiencing.
You do not have to cancel all your plans just because it is raining outside. Moreover, there are a smaller number of tourists during this time, which will be kind of a relief if you do not live in overly crowded places.
And if you somehow get caught in a downpour during your trip, which is likely to happen, you will always find a cozy cafe nearby or a Warung to dive into and wait till it stops. Or, if you want, you can definitely enjoy the rain with a lifesaving raincoat.
Even during the monsoons, the days are hot and humid. It is usually overcast and sometimes has sunny weather, which keeps the heat going. In between this hide-and-seek, outdoor activities, which are still open, get uncomfortable. So, it is best to chill by the sea or stay somewhere with an air-conditioner or where you can enjoy yourself in the pool.
So, visiting Bali during the rainy season might also get disrupted by sudden landslides and flash floods. Due to the sudden rise in the water levels, waves of garbage can wash up the shore on some beaches. This is not something usual in Bali, but it could definitely ruin your holiday.
Apart from the major cities and twins, Bali’s infrastructure is quite poor. So it is needed that you listen to the locals and take advice from the hotel reception. If you have to roam around, you can also connect with a rental agency and rent a scooter.
Things you will find during this season
If you are visiting during the wet season, these are some things you will come across.
- Ubud food festival
- Bali spirit festival
- Mekepung Lampit
- Nyepi Day (Balinese New Year 2025 falls on 29th March)
Best time to visit Bali
The best time to visit Bali is from April to October. This is dry season of Bali and the weather is ideal for travellers. However, there are some humid days, which makes the environment uncomfortable and heavy.
This is an amazing time for going hiking, and getting outdoors. This is a very busy time as the climate is amazing, and everyone wants to enjoy Bali in this weather. All shops, bars, and restaurants are packed during this time, and the hotel prices are also a bit high.
So, try visiting during the months of May, June, and September and try to avoid the school holidays.
Things you will find during this season
Similarly, during the dry season, there are certain things that you will come across, and those are:
- Nusa Dua Fiesta
- Ubud Writers and Readers Festival
- Tenganan Festival
- Bali Kite Festival
Why are you visiting Bali?
As I mentioned earlier, Bali has something to offer you every month. However, that depends on why you are visiting the place. Here is a month-wise breakdown of things you can do in Bali, and you can choose your time to travel there accordingly.
- Outdoor activities – May to September
- Surfing – April to September
- Diving – Septer to November
- Good Weather – April to October
- Beaches & Sun – April to October
- Budget-friendly – February to early tune and October to early December
- No tourists – November to April
Bali weather by month
Let’s have a look at the month by month weather that Bali experiences, so you can be prepared before you visit.
January (Average temp: 30-86 degrees Fahrenheit)
This is one of the wettest months and best if you are looking for ways to travel cheaply.
February (Average temp: 30-86 degrees Fahrenheit )
It is a bit hot and humid. Try not to indulge in underwater activities, as there is poor visibility and also strong currents.
March (Average temp: 31-89 degrees Fahrenheit)
Rainfall starts to reduce during this time, and you get to enjoy the weather and spend some time indoors if that is your idea of going on a vacation.
April (Average temp: 32-90 degrees Fahrenheit)
This is Bali’s hottest month. It occasionally rains this time, but it will not hamper any of your outdoor activities.
May (Average temp: 31-89 degrees Fahrenheit)
The weather is pleasant with less crowds, and you can try whatever you want, from jungle swinging to island hopping.
June (Average temp: 31-89 degrees Fahrenheit)
This is the time when Bali starts to get crowded, and by the end of the month, it is the peak season for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
July (Average temp: 30-86 degrees Fahrenheit)
Flight and hotel prices are high during this time, and an amazing time to visit if you would like to witness the dances and costumes during the Bali Arts Festival.
August (Average temp: 30-86 degrees Fahrenheit)
This is still a popular time, and you have to book your tickets and places early to have a budget-friendly holiday.
September (Average temp: 31-89 degrees Fahrenheit)
By this month, tourism starts to drop off, and you get to enjoy the weather with a lot fewer people around.
October (Average temp: 31-89 degrees Fahrenheit)
This is the beginning of the rainy season and an amazing time to look into that shoulder season bargain.
November (Average temp: 30-86 degrees Fahrenheit)
The rainfall makes it difficult to take part in any water activities. So carry waterproof gear and try taking part in indoor activities.
December (Average temp: 30-86 degrees Fahrenheit)
This is a cheap month to visit Bali. However, avoid the festive periods to get a better deal.
Should you visit Bali during the rainy season?
Even though the rainy season is the worst time to travel to Bali, it is still worth visiting. Because of the rain, it is the lowest season in Bali. Compared to the peak time, this is much quieter and has less few crowds. If you are worried thinking “is Bali expensive,” then this is the time for you to visit. You will get some amazing desks on accommodation and flights.
Another bonus is the lush greenery that you can experience because of the extreme rainfall. If you don’t mind getting in the middle of thunderstorms and downpours, this is an amazing time to visit the place.
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