BEST TIME TO VISIT BALI
Bali Mandira Beach Resort & Spa Hotel Review
The Walking Critic | Legian, Bali | 2024
Ah Bali….– the legendary Island of the Gods – a firm favourite for Aussie travellers chasing the sun and a tropical escape. With miles of beach, lush rice terraces, warm hospitality and an unbeatable mix of culture, adventure and chill-out time, it’s no wonder everyone keeps coming back for more.
And it’s not just for beach-buffed surfer dudes clasping dented boards under their armpit. No, Bali is for everyone. Old and young. Fit and slovenly. Escapists and exhibitionists. From tree huggers and café dwellers, to yoga disciples and simply those that don’t want to see anyone or anything, except a shop or bar…even their own kids!
Don’t be surprised if the greatest brains in the gig-economy are hiding in the side shadows of a coffee shop, chowing down on a bowl of fresh fruit and granola. Behind the quiet clacking of keyboards, they’re likely making squillions in Bitcoin.
For “grey wizards” like me, there is no magic involved. Just a whole lot of wisdom from those with their fingers on the pulse. Which brings me to the plinth and footstep of this great conundrum: “When is the best time to visit Bali?”
(Or in equal breath, “When should I not go there?”).
The answer is thankfully less up to the Gods and more to do with the Island…geographically and meteorologically speaking.
The winning combo of great weather, fewer crowds and better still flights deals and accommodation packages are much more prevalent during the shoulder seasons – May to June and September to October. When you visit Bali during the off-piste shoulder season, expect less sting to your wallet. Better still, you get to enjoy the island beauty with a lot more elbow-room. Yet the question of “When is best to visit?” is not that easy to answer. It's impossible to reel off an executive summary like one-glove-fits-all.
It comes down to you. What are you looking and searching for? Who are you seeking? Yourself or someone else? May be both?
This may sound somewhat philosophical, or inflective and introspective, or probably an amalgam of all three. That’s because so many travellers visit Bali to find something, or someone. Often themselves. You will not be alone in that quest.
Bali bonds you to rock and sea and forest and above all else, other people. Nature reaches out to you from all quarters, There is no perfect stitch and weave in the great lattice of Bali life. Everything is intertwined, no matter what shape or colour.
Let’s be real – there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Everyone has their own calling. There is no best time to visit Bali. There are simply too many variables at play: a mish mash of wants and needs.
The young at heart might go chasing sun-soaked days at beach clubs in Canggu, rounded off with dancing from sunset ‘til dawn. Or they might run to Kuta and Legian for the nocturnal party vibe. Uluwatu is a massive draw card for the surfing lifestyle. It’s not as hectic but it equally fun. No matter where the young hunt and stalk, there is always action somewhere close by.
As for families, they are not left out. Far from it. They will flock to Nusa Dua’s fun-filled estates loaded with swimming pools and white beaches. Even Seminyak is home to tons of great hotels and villas, superb shopping, wonderful cafes and heaps of great restaurants. Beach life is a way of life there. From budget to luxury, you’ll never lack choice.
For those seeking a more meaningful switch off – think yoga, detox juices and jungle views – the surrounds of peaceful Ubud calls loudest. Stunning tropical hotels and sweeping views over rice paddies towards Mount Batur are the norm. Likewise are t awesome local boutiques and spas.
Truth is, the best time to visit Bali really comes down to what you want, whether it’s perfect weather, low-cost luxury, fewer crowds, or the best festivals and events.
Some months are ideal for outdoor adventure, others better for wellness and solitude. Love the buzz of peak season? July and August are lively and packed. Prefer to keep it chill and score a good deal? The wet season (November to April) brings quieter beaches and cheaper prices – plus, it doesn’t rain all day, every day.
In short, there is a season for everything and everyone, which is why these categories are such a useful guide to start with:
Cheat sheet on when to go to Bali:
| Season | Months | ||
| Best Weather | May to Oct | ||
| Fewer Crowds | Oct to Nov, Feb to Mar | ||
| Best Prices | Oct to Nov, Feb to Mar | ||
| Best Surfing | Apr to Oct | ||
| Best Diving | May to Nov | ||
| Best Snorkelling | May to Sep | ||
| Best Time for Honeymoons | May to Oct |
Let’s be honest—Bali is pretty awesome all year round. Average temperatures are around 27-30ºC (or 81-86ºF) – war but not oppressive. But if you’re keen to dodge the downpours, soak up those tropical rays, and make the most of the outdoors, it helps to know what each season brings. Being that Bali sits close to the equator, there are times when you will suffer more from the humidity, so do come armed with a change of T-shirts!
Bali’s weather runs on two speeds: dry and wet. Here’s how the months stack up:
🌴 Dry Season: May to October – Bali at its Best
This is the time when Bali really shines—literally. You’ll get long, sunny days, warm temps, and ideal conditions for beach-hopping, surf sessions, volcano hikes, and sipping cocktails by the pool.
- May & June – The sweet spot. Glorious weather, fewer tourists, and lower prices before the holiday rush hits. Think perfect beach days and balmy evenings.
- July & August – Peak season vibes. Expect buzzing beach clubs, packed sunsets, and textbook tropical weather. Great if you love the energy, but book early—it’s busy (especially with school holidays).
- September – Underrated and awesome. Still dry and warm, but way less crowded. Ideal for couples, solo travellers, or anyone who wants the best of Bali without the chaos.
- October – Still good, just a touch more humid. A few more clouds and the occasional quick shower, but plenty of sunshine and space to yourself. Plus, great deals!
🌦️ Wet Season: November to April – The Laidback, Lush Side of Bali
Yes, it rains—but not all the time! You’ll often get sunny mornings with tropical downpours in the arvo. And with fewer tourists around, it’s a top time for a more relaxed, affordable escape.
- November & December – Start of the wet season. Still warm and beautiful, but with some rain rolling in. Early December is peaceful, but the Christmas rush brings a festive (and pricier) vibe.
- January & February – Bali’s wettest months. Expect hot, sticky days and dramatic downpours. Not great for hiking, but perfect for spa days, yoga retreats, and slower travel. Plus, fewer crowds!
- March – The rain starts to ease. A bit of a mixed bag weather-wise, but it’s quieter and cheaper—great if you don’t mind a little unpredictability.
- April – One of Bali’s best-kept secrets. Things start drying out, humidity drops, and the island blooms back to life. A great time to beat the peak-season rush and still get fab weather.
Quick Bali Weather Cheat Sheet:
| Month | Vibe | Weather | Great For |
| May–June | Relaxed & sunny | Dry, 28–30°C | Everything! Beach, surf, wellness |
| July–Aug | Buzzing & busy | Dry, cooler | Party people, families, social scenes |
| September | Chilled-out gem | Dry, warm | Couples, culture, value |
| October | Warm & quiet | Mostly dry | Good deals, fewer tourists |
| Nov–Feb | Wet & green | Humid, rainy | Budget breaks, spa retreats, nature lovers |
| March | Transition time | Mixed | Offbeat adventures, fewer crowds |
| April | Shoulder season win | Drying up | Early-bird beach escapes |
Depending on what you’re after – sunshine, surf, or savings – timing your trip right can make all the difference.
Bottom line? If you want sun and surf, May to September is golden. But if you’re after good deals, quiet streets and a greener side of Bali, don’t rule out the wet season—it’s got its own kind of magic.
If you’ve ever tried to snap a serene temple selfie only to find 14 strangers in the background… you’ll know that timing your Bali trip around the crowds is a very smart move.
Bali is one of the most popular holiday spots for Aussies (and, let’s be real, just about everyone else too). So depending on when you go, you’ll either be sharing paradise with loads of new mates—or enjoying a bit more peace and quiet.
Here’s how the Bali crowd calendar shakes out in my opinion:
🎉 Peak Season (July, August & Late December) – Buzzing and Busy
This is when Bali is at its busiest. Think packed beach clubs, busy streets in Seminyak and Canggu, and plenty of tourists soaking up the dry-season sunshine.
- July & August: Aussie school holidays, European summer break—everyone’s here. Expect queues at cafes, higher prices, and traffic that’s... well, let’s call it “leisurely.”
- Late December – New Year: It’s party time! Bali goes all out for the festive season. Great if you love the energy, not so much if you’re craving quiet beach days.
😌 Shoulder Seasons (May–June & September–October) – The Sweet Spot
Ahhh, this is where the magic happens. These months hit that beautiful balance of great weather and fewer people.
- The beaches are quieter, it’s easier to grab a sunset seat at your fave warung, and you’ll actually get that photo of you on a swing without 12 people in line behind you.
- Accommodation is easier to book, often cheaper, and you won’t be elbowing your way through the Monkey Forest.
🌧️ Low Season (November to March) – Peaceful and Laidback
This is Bali’s wet season, but it comes with a big upside: way fewer crowds.
- Streets are less hectic, popular sights like Tanah Lot and Uluwatu Temple are far less crowded, and you can find some serious bargains on accommodation.
- Sure, you might get a tropical shower or two—but between the quieter beaches, empty yoga studios and relaxed vibes, it’s a dream for chill travellers.
Crowd Levels at a Glance
| Season | Months | Vibe | Crowd Level |
| Peak | July–Aug, Dec–Jan | Busy, energetic, festive | Very High |
| Shoulder | May–June, Sept–Oct | Balanced, relaxed, great weather | Low–Moderate |
| Low Season | Nov–March (ex. Dec) | Peaceful, slower pace, lush | Low |
So, when’s the best time to avoid the crowds?
If you love space to breathe and hate waiting in line, aim for May, early June, September or October. You’ll get all the beauty of Bali without the bustle.
Prefer a total chill-out, don’t mind a bit of rain, and love a good deal? February and March are your quiet-time heroes.
If surfing is on your Bali bucket list (or your main reason for going), you’re in for a treat. Bali is one of the world’s top surf destinations, with warm water, year-round swell, and breaks for all levels—from mellow beach waves to pro-level barrels.
But timing does matter, because different coasts fire at different times of the year. Here’s when and where to paddle out:
🌊 Dry Season (May to September) – West Coast Goes Off
This is prime surf season in Bali, especially on the island’s famous west and southwest coasts. Why? The Indian Ocean sends in consistent swells, and the winds blow offshore, making for clean, dreamy waves.
- Best spots during dry season:
- Uluwatu – World-class reef break for experienced surfers.
- Padang Padang – Known as the “Balinese Pipeline” (advanced only!).
- Bingin – Perfect barrels and a laid-back vibe.
- Canggu – Great for intermediates, with a mix of beach and reef breaks.
- Kuta Beach – Beginner-friendly and easy board rentals everywhere.
- Vibe: Dry, sunny, and packed with surfers from around the world. If you love that buzzing surf culture, this is your season.
🌧️ Wet Season (November to March) – East Coast Lights Up
When the wet season rolls in, the winds shift, and the east coast becomes the go-to surf zone. The crowds thin out a bit, and while the weather can be more unpredictable, the waves still deliver.
- Best spots during wet season:
- Keramas – Powerful reef break, popular for early-morning surf sessions.
- Nusa Dua – Consistent waves and suitable for a mix of skill levels.
- Sanur – Smooth long rides when the swell lines up.
- Vibe: Quieter surf scene, cooler mornings, and the chance to score uncrowded waves if you’re keen to explore beyond the typical west coast hotspots.
🏄♀️ Best Time for Beginners?
You’ll find beginner-friendly waves year-round, especially at:
- Kuta Beach
- Legian
- Seminyak
These spots have sandy bottoms, mellow whitewash, and loads of surf schools. For calmer conditions, April to October is best—less wind and cleaner swell.
Quick Surf Guide:
| Season | Months | Best Coast | Skill Level |
| Dry Season | May–Sept | West & South | All levels (esp. advanced) |
| Wet Season | Nov–March | East | Intermediate to advanced |
| Shoulder Months | April & October | Both! Great mix | Great for beginners & intermediates |
Final Tip:
If surfing is your #1 priority, May to September is the gold standard. But Bali’s got waves every month—just pick your coast, grab a board, and get amongst it.
Want help matching surf spots to your skill level or building a surf-focused Bali itinerary?
