Indonesia, a country unlike any other in the world. Over 17,000 small islands make up this Asian country. Quite a lot, isn’t it? What’s even more astonishing is that among so many islands, one of them is particularly famous: Bali! You’ve probably always dreamed of exploring the beaches of Bali, surfing the waves, and strolling through the world-famous rice terraces. If you’re planning a trip to Bali, you should definitely familiarize yourself with the climate beforehand. You can find out everything about the best time to travel to Bali in this article.
- The most important information at a glance
- Best time to travel to Bali
- Climate in Bali
- Rainy season & dry season
- Best time to travel for diving
- Best time to travel for surfing
- Conclusion on the best time to travel to Bali
The most important information at a glance
Best time to travel to Bali
For a summer vacation in Bali, the dry season between April and October offers a long window for your travel planning. The peak season for the tropical island with its grassy rice terraces is between July and September, as the southeast monsoon brings hot, dry air.
You can only expect rain very rarely during this time. Instead, you can expect up to 8 hours of sunshine per day. That sounds fantastic, doesn’t it? Since this is the dream of many travelers, you should also expect crowded beaches and considerably more expensive flights and hotels during this time.
Climate in Bali
The climate in Bali can be described as tropical and hot all year round, with average temperatures a warm 27°C. In the summer months, you can expect temperatures of up to 33°C. In the mountainous regions and also in Ubud, it is slightly cooler; during the day, the thermometer climbs to 20°C to 30°C, depending on the time of year.
At higher elevations, such as the famous volcano Gunung Agung, it can get significantly cooler, especially at night. It is also important to note that humidity increases again during the rainy season, which makes activities considerably more strenuous. The water temperature in Bali averages at least 28°C and above. So you don’t need a wetsuit for surfing.
Rainy Season & Dry Season
The rainy season in Bali is between November and March. During this time, the sun is replaced almost daily by monsoon-like showers. These sometimes appear as short, heavy showers in the afternoon. However, there are also days when the monsoon lasts from morning until late evening. During this time, traveling around the island is hardly fun, as the rain showers often flood the entire road in minutes, and you’re completely soaked within seconds. The humidity also rises to over 95%.
I myself was in Bali at the end of the rainy season, in March, and spent a lot of time in the Ubud region. Traveling was quite possible again, but you shouldn’t rely on a fixed schedule; you can adjust your daily routine spontaneously according to the weather. The advantage of this time was that the high season hadn’t started yet, and hotels were considerably cheaper.
The dry season, which begins slowly in April, is definitely recommended. Here, the sun shines almost continuously, the air becomes a little drier, and the surfing season begins on the island. You’ll also notice how more and more vacationers are slowly arriving and how prices are rising again. The dry season lasts until October, which is a good six months, perfect for surfing, diving, and hiking on the volcanoes.
Best Time to Go Diving
Are you dreaming of turquoise waters, coral reefs, sunfish, manta rays, and reef sharks? Then you should definitely come to Bali between June and the beginning of October. Divers consider this time the best time to go diving in Bali. The sea offers clear visibility, as it’s outside the rainy season, meaning the monsoon rains don’t stir up the sea.
The water is also pleasantly warm, so you can enjoy your underwater experience to the fullest. Despite it being peak season, I would highly recommend this time of year if you’re looking for an unforgettable dive. Bolle and Marco also went on a snorkeling trip to Nusa Lembongan and can highly recommend this trip.
Best Time to Surf
Probably the most popular activity in Bali is surfing. No matter where you look on the beach, you’ll find surfboards as far as the eye can see. Whether in the water, on the beach, or at the wooden shacks, you can rent colorful boards on every corner. The surfing season for all surfers begins in Bali as early as April. During this time, many Australians, in particular, come to the island to enjoy the waves before the peak season. The most popular surf spots in Bali definitely include Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, and Changgu. Surfing in Bali is best during the dry season, meaning until October.
Conclusion on the best time to travel to Bali
The best time to travel to Bali is definitely during the dry season between April and October. During this time, you can expect pleasant to hot temperatures between 27°C and 32°C every day, as well as long sunny days. This time also offers the best opportunities for outdoor activities such as surfing, diving, walking in the rice terraces, or climbing volcanoes.
If you’re flexible and not just coming to Bali for diving, I would recommend avoiding the peak season between July and August, as the island is very crowded and hectic with so many tourists. I would avoid the months of December, January, February, and March due to the many rainy days. But no matter what time you choose, Bali awaits you with consistently warm summer temperatures.