Best Time To Visit Bali - Weather, Festivals and Places to Visit

Thousands of Islands, active volcanoes, terraced rice paddies surrounded by lush vegetation and the world's largest island country. Can you guess the place? We are talking about Indonesia. A beautiful island country that is well known to everyone and definitely on every beach lover's travel bucket list. An archipelagic country where Bali is the most loved among tourists. Its beautiful beaches and vibrant cultural festivals are welcomed by Indonesian to all their tourists. Not to be surprised, it is one of the best places to visit in south-east Asia. If your next destination is Bali then undoubtedly you are thinking about what is the best time to visit Bali on workation, solo, vacation or honeymoon trips! In this article, you will find the answers to all your questions! Just stay with me!

Weather in Bali

As Indonesia is an island country, it is a year-round destination. Bali is located very near to the equator so its warm and tropical nature is a big attraction to tourists. Also, Bali’s volcanic nature merges with the mountains that are responsible for the weather in Bali. It brings rain which results in the whole country covered with more greenery and pleasing scenery views. Let's take a look at its year-round weather.

Unlike many countries with a variety of seasons, Bali has simply two: Dry season and Wet season. The dry season is arguably the favourite amongst travellers across the globe as you can see them surfing on the famous beaches. This is why after America and Australia, Bali is often called the Surfing Mecca. In the Wet season, you can find Bali a little less crowded but definitely not empty. People arrive and enjoy every place and every festival all around the calendar.

Bali Dry Season: April to October

Bali’s dry season brings lots of adventure and water sports as the climate generates thrilling waves and crisp winds which makes it a delightful time to visit. Southeast winds carry warm, dry air on their wings from Australia to Bali’s sunny shores. In this season July and August are the peak months when you can find a storm of travellers in Bali. The dry season brings out beautiful beaches and a lot of festivals are celebrated with fellow travellers. 

Places to Visit in Bali - Dry Season

You can keep the following places on your list while visiting Bali in the dry season.

Ubud

Ubud is the major city to visit in Bali. It is the epicentre of Balinese art and culture. Ubud is considered the best place to explore and enjoy the beautiful Balinese culture. Some of the major attractions are - Neka Art museum, Setia house of Dramas and Puppets, Ubud Art Market (a top tourist attraction for shopping, bargaining is necessary).

Pura Tanah Lot

“Pura” means temple in Bali. This magnificent temple is located by the seaside but not too inside, its waves hit the surrounding rocks and give a wow factor to those who visit.

Mount Batur

If you love trekking and hiking then Mount Batur should be on your list. Tourists go up there to see the jaw-dropping and breathtaking mist-shrouded mountains at sunrise and it is totally worth it.

Tegallalang and Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Bali's Rice Terraces are well known in the world. The main reason is that rice is the major crop in Indonesia and the water management system they use to grow them is traditional. The broadly spread rice fields are a UNESCO recognised irrigation system.

Pura Besakih

The largest, holiest and most important temple complex in Bali is located in Besakih village on the slopes of active volcano Mount Agung. This sacred temple, Pura Besakih, has its importance because of its architecture where its split gateway attracts everyone.

Popular Beaches In Bali

While in Bali, you can enjoy your moments on these popular beaches.

Kuta Beach

The top-ranked beach Kuta with its thrilling waves and waist levelled waters is the best place for surfers. Bars, restaurants, seafood stalls and everything else is available all around. As a precaution, it is recommended not to be with kids as the waves are very active here.

Nusa Dua Beach

Nusa Dua is the best beach for honeymooners and family. The flawless beach has all those things wanted for the perfect destination to relax and enjoy the views with the added charm of sheltered palm trees. It has five-star hotels, family-friendly restaurants, shopping complexes and water sports as recreational activities.

Blue Lagoon Beach

Just like its name the Blue Lagoon beach is a white sand beach with beautiful blue water. It is calm and perfect for those looking for tranquillity. Blue lagoon is also the home of Nemo fish and coral reefs. So if you love to see underwater wildlife then you can see it in Blue Lagoon.

Seminyak Beach

Another outstanding beach of Bali is the Seminyak beach. The best thing to experience in Seminyak is the sunset as the sand becomes golden when the sun slowly goes down. People on the beanbags with a cocktail in their hand is a common scenery at the Seminyak beach. 

Sanur Beach

Sanur is an ideal place for relaxing and enjoying your day. It is not too crowded and also a recommended place for staying. If Seminyak is best for experiencing the sunset then Sanur is known for the sunrise. Its 7 km pathway offers walking and cycling alongside the beach which is best to spend time away from crowded places with your loved one.

Festivals Celebrated in Bali

If you are planning for a vacation in Bali, you can schedule your stay according to any of the following popular festivals celebrated in Bali.

Bali Arts Festival

Bali is famous for its month-long festivals, especially in its dry season. Bali Arts Festival is one of them. This is a fascinating festival with the traditional dance of the island, music, cultural expressions and different competitions. The major attraction of this festival is the Cultural parade which is the opening of the festival. Besides cultural performances, visitors find area lined with exhibitions, culinary stalls, handicrafts, competitions like fashion, literary, painting and culinary.

Location: The Bali Arts Centre, Denpasar

Kite Festival

The sky full of colourful and different shapes of kites is the major attraction of the Kite festival. It is an annual international festival held in July in Bali. It is now celebrated as a competition too. The Kite festival in Bali is celebrated to express appreciation to god and send messages through kites for the harvest of the crop. There are three main types of kites you will see called - Bebean (fish-shaped), Janggan (bird-shaped) and Pecukan (leaf-shaped).
Location: Padang Galak, Sanur Beach

Nusa Dua Light Festival

On a dark evening on Peninsula Island, you can experience spectacular views of colourful lights in this festival which is organised by ITDC (Indonesian Tourism Development Corporation) held from May to July. This beautiful glittering festival offers different types of Bali’s cultural, natural lights loaded attractions.
Location: Peninsula Island, Nusa Dua

Bali Wet season: October to March

October knocks the wet season in Bali and it lasts till March and early April. The heavy rains in Bali restrict tourists from holidays. The wet season is a little bothersome because the sea is rough and can be dangerous. December and January are the heavy rain months. So it's recommended to avoid water activities at beaches in Bali and rather tour the cities. But if you love rain then you can plan your trip in the wet season as well. Some tourists love to be there to enjoy the rain and celebrate their Christmas and New year in Balinese festivals.

Places to Visit in Bali - Wet Season

Although these places can be visited in the Dry season, Bali's beautiful beaches lure people to spend more time there.

Agung Rai Museum of Arts

Explore the vast collection of Indonesian, Balinese and foreign works at Agung Rai Museum in Bali. Head here to learn the history and development of local and national culture, with paintings, textiles, and sculptures all showcased in well-designed exhibition spaces.

Setia Darma Museum of Masks and Puppets

A place where various types of masks and puppets have been collected, stored and displayed for the public since 2006 from Indonesian culture to other cultures around the world. It includes more than 1300 masks and 5700 puppets in the museum. This museum is a great attraction to see the cultural jewels of Indonesia.

Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu temple or Pura Luhur Uluwatu is another important temple along with Pura Besakih. Perched on top of a steep cliff approximately 70 metres above sea level. It is best to visit this temple just before sunset because of its major attraction Kecak Dance.

Sekumpul Waterfall

Sekumpul Waterfall is said to be the highest waterfall fall of Bali. It is not only one waterfall but includes three spectacular falls. It has different spots to see these waterfalls for the best-suited view.

Festivals of Wet Season in Bali

You can enjoy the following seasons if you are visiting Bali in the wet season.

Makepung Buffalo race in Jembrana

A unique and thrilling traditional event that falls in Mid-July and Mid-November. Makepung is derived from the base word “kepung” which means “to chase”. This exciting competition is held every year after the crop harvests. Apart from the race, the annual day of the finale race shows the Buffalo Fashion show where buffalos carefully dressed with ornaments from horn to hoof are shown to the public. So, if you are there in November don't miss this exciting event in Bali.

Denpasar Festival

The annual cultural festival is conducted by the Government of Denpasar from 28th to 31st December every year. The festival consists of many activities, cultural events and exhibitions to boost the economic benefits of locals. Every year the festival has different activities like dances, the mask parade, talk shows and many more.


Are you still thinking about when is the best time to visit Bali? As you see, Bali is a round the year destination with airports flooding with tourists in both the season. Bali is for tourism mainly in the months of May, June and September. The best time to go to Bali depends on the requirements and what pleases you the most. If beaches are the main reason for your visit, go in the dry season. If any festival pleases you, go in the wet season etc. Bali is a great destination and will definitely not disappoint you!!

This post was contributed by Vibha Negi. To contribute or queries, reach us out on Facebook!