Bali sits just 8 degrees south of the equator, which means warm temperatures year-round. But the island has two distinct seasons that dramatically affect your experience — and your wallet.
Dry Season (April – October)
This is peak season for good reason. Expect clear skies, lower humidity, and calm seas perfect for diving and snorkelling off Nusa Penida. July and August are the busiest months, with hotel rates at their highest and popular spots like Uluwatu Temple packed by mid-morning.
If you want dry season weather without peak season crowds, aim for April, May, or early June. Rates at top resorts like Alila Villas Uluwatu and The Mulia can be 30-40% lower than August prices.
Wet Season (November – March)
Don't write off Bali's wet season entirely. Rain typically falls in short, intense afternoon bursts — mornings are often sunny and beautiful. This is when you'll find the best hotel deals. Properties like COMO Uma Ubud and Viceroy Bali offer significant discounts, sometimes 50% off peak rates.
The rice terraces in Tegallalang and Jatiluwih are at their most luminous green during wet season. Photographers specifically time visits for November and December.
January & February
The wettest months. Expect rain most afternoons and occasional full-day downpours. Some surf breaks become dangerous. But Ubud's artistic scene thrives, and you'll have many temples and cultural sites largely to yourself.
March
A transition month. Rain starts tapering off mid-March. This is one of the best value months — wet season prices but increasingly dry weather. Nyepi (Balinese New Year) typically falls in March, when the entire island goes silent for 24 hours. A remarkable cultural experience if you time it right.
Best Months by Activity
For surfing: May to September (consistent swells, offshore winds at Uluwatu and Padang Padang)
For diving: April to November (best visibility around Nusa Penida for manta rays)
For culture: March (Nyepi), October (post-peak but dry), December (temple ceremonies)
For budget luxury: November, early December, late March, April
Our Recommendation
For most travellers, May or September offers the ideal balance. You get dry season weather, fewer crowds than July-August, and hotels that are eager to fill rooms at competitive rates. We've seen SEA Hotel Score leaders like The Ritz-Carlton Bali and Bulgari Resort available at 25% below their published rates during these shoulder months.
Use our price comparison tool to track rates across Booking.com, Agoda, and Hotels.com — prices for the same room can vary by $100+ per night depending on the platform.
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