The Best Time to Visit Bali (2026)

The Quick Answer

• Peak season in Bali is in July and August. We'd recommend visiting between April and June, or in September to experience the island without the crowds. 

Bali has long been Indonesia's most famous destination. A tropical island of palm-fringed beaches, glistening rice fields and jungle-clad mountains, Bali is full of natural beauty. Studded with thousands of temples, the island also has a rich cultural heritage, which is bound to fascinate travellers from across the globe. Whether you're dreaming of a romantic honeymoon, a fun-filled family holiday or a laid-back beach escape, our guide offers a real insight into the best time to visit Bali.

Table of contents

When is the best time to visit Bali for good weather?

The best time to visit Bali for sunshine is between April and early October. Close to the equator, this tropical Indonesian island is hot and humid throughout the year. The school summer holidays (July and August) and the Christmas break are particularly popular with travellers, but we'd suggest planning your trip for April - June or September to avoid the crowds. 

Expect temperatures to hover around 30°C for much of the year. The heat reaches its peak towards the end of April, and the climate begins to cool slightly from May. Whenever you choose to travel, come well-prepared with sun cream, hats and rash vests for little ones if you plan to spend your days at the beach. 

Beach Hotels in Bali

• The Oberoi opened in 1978 as the island's first luxury resort, and remains an opulent favourite on Seminyak Beach.
• The Mulia promises lavish five-star style in Nusa Dua.
• Puri Ganesha will delight seekers of seclusion, who can escape to one of four thatched villas.  
• Explore our list of beautiful beach hotels in Bali.

When is the dry season in Bali?

Bali's dry season falls between April and October, when you can expect plenty of sunshine. The rains usually begin in late October and last until March. Consider travelling in the shoulder season months of October or March for great hotel deals, and a more laid-back atmosphere without the peak season crowds. The rains rarely last for the entire day, so there's still plenty of opportunity to see the sights at this time of year. 

As well as being brilliant for beach-goers, Bali's dry season is ideal for surfers eager to ride the waves of the island's west coast and the Bukit Peninsula. These include Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Impossibles, Bingin, Dreamland, Echo Beach and famously tricky Temples. Come during the much quieter wet season to surf the smaller east coast swells, including Keramas, Nusa Dua, Sanur and Green Bowl, free of busy peak season line-ups. 

Dry Season Surf Hotels in Bali

• Achingly cool Lost Lindenberg, a hip eight-suite hideaway on Bali's unspoilt west coast, is a surf haven.
• Nearby Kelapa Retreat & Spa, minutes from legendary Medewi Beach, is another favourite for surf and wellness-focused travellers.

Which annual celebrations or events could impact a trip to Bali?

As well as planning your trip to fit with Bali's climate, it's well worth considering particular annual events, festivals and traditions which might impact your holiday. Balinese New Year, usually held in March, is traditionally a six-day celebration, and the island's most significant. Do check the dates before you make your travel plans. Bali closes down almost entirely (the airport included) for 'Nyepi', the annual Day of Silence, on which sacred Hindu rituals are observed, and you will need to stay inside your hotel or villa for 24 hours. 

International visitors, on the other hand, flock to Bali for the prestigious Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, held each October for more than two decades, and the Bali Spirit Festival, Asia's biggest yoga and wellness festival. Unless you're planning to attend either event, we'd suggest travelling outside the festival dates to avoid crowds and higher room rates.

When is the best time for a honeymoon in Bali?

If you're planning a honeymoon in Bali, we'd suggest travelling in May, June or September. Most hotels, beaches and cultural sites will be far quieter outside of the school holidays, when you'll also find more reasonable flight rates.

Bali is a brilliantly romantic holiday destination, with gorgeous hotels offering secluded luxury suites and villas, rejuvenating spa treatments, and fabulous cuisine. Candlelit dinners are a real treat, with views towards the ocean or the jungle and glittering paddy fields.  

Honeymoon Hotels in Bali

• COMO Shambhala, with its 30 elegant suites and nine villas hidden in the forested hills above Ubud, is the perfect honeymoon pick. Promising a superb sense of privacy, this retreat also boasts a beautiful spa, top-notch cuisine and opportunities for outdoorsy adventures galore.
• Sanak Retreat offers 11 pared-back boutique bungalows with big balconies, Balinese antiques and lush garden views. A chic boutique choice for couples.
• Stone House Bali has six unique rustic villas with antique pieces, carved wood and vintage textiles. A characterful family-owned B&B and honeymoon favourite.
• The Balé in Nusa Dua, a minimalist, design-led spot with 25 villas, a soothing spa and superb Asian and European fare, is an adults-only gem.
• Alternatively, see our selection of the 18 Best Hotels for a Honeymoon in Bali, or the Best Glamping Experiences in Bali for further honeymoon ideas.

When is the best time to visit Bali with family?

If you're travelling with very young children, avoid the school holiday crowds and visit Bali between April and June, or in September. You'll find well-priced flights at these times, and quieter beaches for days spent swimming and building sandcastles with little ones. 

Families will school-aged children will need to travel during the summer holidays in July and August. This is peak season, so you can expect glorious sunshine, but hotels will be busy. Book your trip well in advance to guarantee a suite or villa at one of the best places to stay in Bali!

Family Hotels in Bali

• The Santai, with its two- and three-bedroom villas, offers myriad child-friendly activities ranging from cookery classes to face painting.
• Four Seasons Sayan is a blissful resort close to Ubud. Expect spacious family suites, outdoor adventures aplenty and a soothing spa for grown-ups to relax whilst the children are at the kids' club. 
• Our Gurus have also put together guides to the 12 Best Family Hotels in Bali and 9 of the Top Hotels in Bali with Kids' Clubs.

What are the best places to visit in Bali?

Ubud is one of the best places to visit in Bali. Close to the island's 20,000 temples, this cultural hotspot has long welcomed artists and bohemians, and now plays host to an increasing number of chic boutique hotels. 

When it comes to discovering Bali's beaches, trendy Seminyak and Canggu promise a lively seaside buzz. There are some marvellous luxury resorts around Uluwatu as well. You'll find ample opportunity for water sports in these areas, including snorkelling, diving, swimming and surfing. 

The verdant forests of Bali's mountainous interior are amongst the best places to visit on the island. Guided jungle hikes, bird-spotting excursions and cycles alongside iridescent paddy fields come highly recommended. Bali has a great reputation for sustainably-minded boutique hotels and jungle retreats, too.

Eco-Minded Escapes in Bali

• Bambu Indah is made up of an eclectic collection of heritage houses. Framed by paddy fields and inter-connected ponds, this characterful little resort is famously warm and welcoming. 
• The Menjangan, tucked within the Bali Barat National Park, is a pared-back eco-escape for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The birdwatching excursions are very special. 

Still not sure?

• Browse through our full list of the best places to stay in Bali.
• Expand your search to include Lombok and the Gili Islands.
• Or, contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.