When to go to Bali?
To know when to go to Bali and fully enjoy the Island of the Gods, the ideal time is between May and October, during the dry season. This period guarantees a dry tropical climate, maximum sunshine, and perfect conditions for the beach, diving, snorkeling, Ubud's rice paddies, and excursions to the Gili Islands or Lombok. The rainy season, from November to March, marks the low tourist season with a generous monsoon but softer prices. May, June, and September form the ideal interseason, a perfect compromise between stable Balinese weather and reasonable crowds, outside the peak tourist season of July and August.
When to go to Bali in 2026: seasonal summary table
Bali benefits from an equatorial climate with two distinct seasons. The table below summarizes the conditions by period, to identify at a glance the ideal time depending on your travel profile.
| Bali travel period 2026 | Balinese climate season | Temperatures and rainfall | Tourist crowds | GYL recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May to June | Beginning of dry season | 27 to 30 °C, 70 mm rain | Moderate (interseason) | Sweet spot for informed travelers |
| July to August | Heart of dry season | 26 to 29 °C, 50 mm rain | Very high (peak season) | Best weather, higher budget |
| September to October | End of dry season | 27 to 31 °C, 70 mm rain | Moderate (interseason) | Excellent price/weather compromise |
| November to March | Rainy season (monsoon) | 26 to 30 °C, 200 to 350 mm | Low (low season) | Small budget, tolerates showers |
| April | Transition wet to dry | 27 to 30 °C, 100 mm rain | Low to moderate | Good compromise for end of monsoon |
BALI TRAVEL 2026
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The dry season from May to October: the ideal time for Bali
The dry season, which runs from May to October, is the best time to discover Bali. The southeast trade winds sweep across the island, sunshine reaches 8 to 9 hours a day, and rainfall drops below 80 mm per month. This is the ideal time for diving in Amed or Tulamben, snorkeling around the Gili Islands and Nusa Penida, beach relaxation in Seminyak or Canggu, and hiking Mount Batur or Agung Volcano.
Why choose the dry season to visit Bali
During the dry season, humidity drops, skies clear, and sunsets over Tanah Lot or Uluwatu become spectacular. The terraced rice paddies of Tegallalang and Jatiluwih remain green thanks to traditional subak irrigation systems, without relying on rain. Underwater visibility reaches 25 to 30 meters, ideal for observing manta rays in Nusa Penida and schools of fish at the Liberty shipwreck in Tulamben.
Beach and sea conditions in the dry season
The southern beaches (Kuta, Seminyak, Sanur) offer calmer waters on the east side, and a regular swell on the west side, perfect for surfing enthusiasts in Uluwatu and Canggu. The water temperature remains pleasant between 26 and 28 °C throughout the season. Travelers coming for swimming and relaxation will find the best conditions, without unexpected storms or showers.
What's the weather like in Bali in April and October?
April and October are transitional months in Bali. April emerges from the rainy season with rainfall dropping to 100 mm and increasing sunshine. October signals the gradual return of the monsoon with some late afternoon showers, but still offers 7 hours of daily sunshine. These two months are perfect for those who want to avoid both the intense monsoon and the peak tourist season.
The rainy season from November to March: what to know before booking
The rainy season in Bali, or monsoon, runs from November to March. Rainfall climbs to 350 mm in January and February, the wettest months. Showers are often intense but brief, concentrated in the late afternoon or at night. This low season remains feasible for travel, provided you accept high humidity (80 to 90%) and plan a flexible itinerary.
The hidden advantages of Bali's low tourist season
Traveling to Bali during the rainy season offers three concrete advantages: airfare up to 30% cheaper than in July, accommodation in a villa in Ubud or Canggu negotiable from 20 to 40%, and sites like the Monkey Forest, Besakih or Tanah Lot almost empty of tourists. The Balinese climate remains hot (26 to 30 °C) and the water-soaked vegetation offers spectacular landscapes of rice paddies and jungles.
Regions of Bali to favor during the monsoon
Not all regions of Bali receive the same amount of rainfall. The north (Lovina, Amed) and east remain drier due to the sheltering effect of the volcanoes. The center (Ubud) and west (Canggu, Tanah Lot) receive more rain. For a trip during the wet season, favor the northeast coast or the Gili Islands on the Lombok side, which benefit from a more stable microclimate.
Cyclones and weather risks during the wet season
Tropical cyclones are very rare in Bali, as the island is located 8 degrees south of the equator, outside the main Indonesian cyclone belt. The main risks concern thunderstorms, urban flooding in Denpasar, and slippery roads. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes its travel advice for Indonesia, which should be consulted before any departure to check the security and health situation.
Tropical climate and average temperatures in Bali
Bali enjoys a stable equatorial climate, with temperatures between 26 and 31 °C all year round. The proximity to the equator (8 degrees south) smooths out seasonal variations: no winter, no spring, no summer, nor autumn in the European sense. Only rainfall and humidity vary significantly between the dry and rainy seasons.
Monthly temperatures in Bali in 2026
| Bali travel calendar month | Average temperature (°C) | Monthly rainfall (mm) | Daily sunshine hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26 to 30 | 340 | 6 |
| February | 26 to 30 | 290 | 6 |
| March | 26 to 31 | 220 | 7 |
| April | 27 to 31 | 100 | 8 |
| May | 27 to 31 | 80 | 9 |
| June | 26 to 30 | 70 | 9 |
| July | 26 to 29 | 50 | 9 |
| August | 26 to 29 | 40 | 10 |
| September | 26 to 30 | 70 | 9 |
| October | 27 to 31 | 100 | 8 |
| November | 27 to 31 | 180 | 7 |
| December | 27 to 31 | 280 | 6 |
Climatic variations by region in Bali
Bali's climate varies significantly with altitude and exposure. Ubud, located 200 meters deep in the jungle, is 2 to 3 °C cooler than the coasts and has higher humidity. Mount Batur (1,717 meters) drops to 15 °C at night; bring a fleece for the dawn ascent. The coasts of Sanur, Nusa Dua, and Lovina remain the most stable and dry, ideal for those who fear intense heat.
Humidity and travel comfort in an equatorial climate
Humidity ranges from 70% in the dry season to 90% in the rainy season. This high humidity accentuates the feeling of heat, especially in Denpasar and Kuta where urbanization limits the circulation of trade winds. For comfort, opt for linen or cotton clothing, bring a reusable water bottle, and plan temple visits in the morning, before the late-afternoon storm.
Tourist crowds in peak season: July and August
July and August constitute the high season in Bali, with a peak in crowds driven by European, Australian, and Japanese school holidays. Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar welcomes over 600,000 international passengers per month during this period. Major sites (Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, Ubud Monkey Forest, Tegallalang rice paddies) become saturated, especially between 10 am and 4 pm.
Which Bali sites are most crowded in summer
The beach areas of Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu attract the most tourists, followed by the cultural center of Ubud and the Monkey Forest. The Gili Islands and Nusa Penida reach their maximum capacity, with ferries often full. Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts find popular spots (Manta Point, Crystal Bay) very crowded, but visibility remains excellent.
How much does a trip to Bali cost in high season
Prices soar in July and August: airfare Paris-Denpasar at 1,100 to 1,300 euros return, compared to 700 to 900 euros in the interseason. Accommodation in a villa in Ubud goes from 80 to 130 euros per night, and a 4-star hotel in Seminyak climbs to 200 euros. For a complete detail of the cost of a trip to Bali, expect 1,800 to 2,500 euros per person for two weeks in July, excluding souvenirs.
Periods to avoid to escape mass tourism
To avoid mass tourist season, exclude mid-July to end of August, as well as the last week of December and the first week of January (Australian New Year). French long weekends in May (Ascension, Pentecost) and All Saints' Day also generate micro-peaks. Conversely, February, March (excluding Nyepi), and the first half of June remain particularly calm, perfect for visiting Bali in serenity mode.
May, June, and September: the ideal compromise months
The months of May, June, and September represent the perfect interseason for when to travel to Bali. You benefit from a dry climate with 8 or 9 hours of daily sunshine, warm sea at 27 °C, moderate crowds, and prices up to 25% lower than in high season. This is the sweet spot identified by most specialist agencies for travel to Indonesia.
Which is the best month among May, June, and September
September is often considered the best overall month: stable dry weather, crystal clear sea, end of Australian rains, and beginning of post-August calm. May offers landscapes that are still very green thanks to recent rains. June combines ideal weather and the start of manta migrations in Nusa Penida, a must for scuba diving enthusiasts.
Typical two-week itinerary during interseason
A classic two-week itinerary combines 4 days in Ubud (rice paddies, temples, yoga, massages, Balinese cuisine), 3 days on the Gili Islands or Nusa Lembongan (snorkeling, beach, relaxation), 3 days in the east or north (Amed for diving, Lovina for dolphins), and 4 days in the south (Uluwatu, Canggu, Seminyak). This circuit works ideally from May to September.
Average budget during interseason for two weeks
Expect a budget of 1,300 to 1,800 euros per person during the interseason, flight included, for mid-range accommodation. The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR); 1 euro is worth approximately 17,000 IDR in 2026. To compare with other Asian destinations, consult our guides when to go to Vietnam and when to travel to Thailand, two popular alternatives in Southeast Asia.
Preparing your trip to Bali: visa, flight, luggage, and rituals
A trip to Bali should be planned at least two months in advance to optimize the price of the flight ticket, secure the electronic visa, and organize a coherent itinerary between Ubud, the south, and the islands. Here are the essential elements to validate before departure.
Flight, duration, and time difference to Denpasar
The duration of a flight from Paris to Denpasar varies from 17 to 19 hours with one stopover (Singapore, Doha, Dubai, or Kuala Lumpur). No airline operates direct flights from France. The time difference is +6 hours in summer and +7 hours in winter. Allow 2 to 3 days to adapt to jet lag, especially for sensitive travelers. To organize a structured trip, plan internal transfers from Denpasar to Ubud (1h30) or Denpasar to the Gili Islands (2h30 by speed boat).
Visa, passport, and entry formalities for Indonesia
French travelers must have a passport valid for at least 6 months after the return date and obtain an electronic visa (eVOA) at a cost of 35 USD (approximately 32 euros) for 30 days, extendable once on site. The visa can be obtained online on the official Indonesian immigration website before departure or upon arrival. Travel insurance covering medical care and repatriation is highly recommended.
What to pack for Bali
When packing for Bali, bring light cotton clothing, a sarong (mandatory for visiting temples like Besakih or Tanah Lot), a two-piece swimsuit, a windbreaker for climbing Mount Batur, light hiking shoes, and mosquito repellent. Check recommended vaccinations by the Pasteur Institute (hepatitis A and B, typhoid, DTP booster). For a detailed guide, consult our article what to pack for a week.
Balinese Rituals: Nyepi and Galungan, key dates 2026
Balinese Hinduism festivals punctuate the year and can impact your trip. Nyepi, the day of silence, falls on March 19, 2026: everything is closed for 24 hours (airport, hotels, beaches, restaurants), no going out, lights off. Galungan, a celebration of the victory of dharma, takes place twice in 2026: from May 28 to June 7, then from December 23 to January 2, 2027. Balinese villages are adorned with penjor, ceremonies, and spectacular offerings.
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FAQ: Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling to Bali
When is the best time to visit Bali?
The best time to visit Bali is between May and October, during the dry season. You will enjoy 8 to 9 hours of sunshine, stable temperatures between 27 and 30 °C, and low rainfall. May, June, and September offer the best compromise of weather, prices, and crowd levels.
What is the best month to go to Bali?
September is generally considered the best month to go to Bali. The climate is dry, post-holiday crowds decrease, prices drop by 20 to 30% compared to August, and the sea remains at 27 °C, ideal for diving and snorkeling around the Gili Islands and Nusa Penida.
What period should be avoided in Bali?
The months to avoid in Bali are January and February, the heart of the rainy season, with 290 to 340 mm of monthly rainfall. Intense downpours, 90% humidity, and sometimes impassable roads make visits to Ubud, Mount Batur, and isolated temples difficult.
When is the rainy season in Bali?
The rainy season in Bali, or monsoon, runs from November to March. Peak rainfall occurs in January and February. Showers are brief and concentrated at the end of the day. The low tourist season is offset by airfares and accommodation up to 30% cheaper.
Which periods should be avoided to escape mass tourism?
To escape the mass tourism season in Bali, avoid mid-July to end of August (European and Australian holidays), the last week of December, and New Year's. Instead, prefer May, the first half of June, September, and early October, with crowds halved and reasonable prices.
Conclusion: Choosing the Ideal Time to Go to Bali
To choose when to go to Bali, remember a simple rule: May to October for the weather, May, June, and September for the ideal compromise between dry climate, low crowds, and a reasonable budget. The rainy season from November to March remains viable for flexible travelers seeking the best prices on airfare and accommodation, prioritizing the north and east of the island which are less exposed to the monsoon.
Whether you are planning a Ubud-Gili Islands-Lombok tour in high season, a beach week in Seminyak in the shoulder season, or a discovery stay in Lovina in low season, the key is to anticipate your visa, flight, vaccinations, and packing. Bali rewards prepared travelers with one of the most memorable experiences in Southeast Asia, combining beaches, rice paddies, diving, Balinese Hinduism, and warm hospitality.
