Best time to go
Best time to visit Bali: dry season, crowds and Nyepi
When the weather is best, when it gets busy, and the one day each year the whole island stops.
By Traveljin Editorial Team · Updated · 2 min read
Quick answer
- April to October is Bali's dry season and the best time to visit.
- May, June and September give the best mix of good weather, fewer crowds and lower prices.
- On Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence in March, the airport closes for 24 hours and visitors must stay in their hotel.
| Dry season | Apr–Oct |
|---|---|
| Wet season | Nov–Mar |
| Busiest | Jul–Aug, Christmas–New Year |
| Best value | May, Jun, Sep |
| Nyepi | March (date changes yearly) |
Dry season (April to October)
Expect sunny days, lower humidity and calm conditions for diving and snorkelling around Nusa Penida and Amed. July and August are the busiest months, with higher villa prices and heavy traffic in the south.
Wet season (November to March)
Rain usually falls in heavy afternoon or evening showers rather than all day. Rice terraces around Ubud are at their greenest, and hotel prices are lower outside Christmas and New Year.
Nyepi, the Day of Silence
Nyepi marks the Balinese new year and usually falls in March. For 24 hours there are no flights, no traffic and no lights; visitors stay inside their hotel, which still serves meals.
The night before, villages parade huge ogoh-ogoh effigies through the streets, one of the island's most memorable sights.
Where to stay by season
Nusa Dua and Sanur have calmer water for children all year. Uluwatu's cliff-top temples and sunset Kecak dance are best in the dry season, while Ubud works in any month.
Before you go
Since February 2024, foreign visitors pay a Bali tourist levy, which can be paid online before arrival. Check the current amount and the entry rules for your passport before you fly.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Bali?
May, June or September: dry weather with fewer crowds than July and August.
Is Bali worth visiting in the rainy season?
Yes. Rain mostly comes in short, heavy showers, the island is green and prices are lower, except over Christmas and New Year.
What happens in Bali on Nyepi?
The whole island goes silent for 24 hours: the airport closes, there is no traffic and visitors must stay in their hotel.
