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When to go to Bali? Best Time to Visit Indonesia
When to go to Bali? Best Time to Visit Indonesia
Unsure when to go to Bali to make the most of your vacation?
Choosing the right time depends on your preferences for weather, activities, and budget. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it all comes down to what you want from your trip.
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When Is The Best Time to Visit Bali
There are two major factors that influence people’s decision on when to visit Bali: weather and costs.
- When it comes to weather, Bali experiences two distinct seasons: the wet season and the dry season. Understanding the local conditions during these two seasons can help you determine the best time to visit.
- In terms of expenses, there are peak and off-peak seasons which are driven by tourist influx. These can greatly impact prices of everything from flight tickets to souvenirs.
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Wet Season
- Duration: November to March
- Bali’s wet season is signified by intense rainfall and high humidity, with peak rainfall between December and February.
- Average temperatures range between 26-30°C (79-86°F).
- There are frequent tropical downpours, often lasting an hour or two before giving way to the sun.
- Bali’s natural beauty shines during the wet season, with cleaner greenery and fresher landscapes that make the rainfall worth it.
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Activities to Enjoy During the Wet Season
Explore Ubud’s Cultural Treasures
- Visit mystical temples like the Tirta Empul Temple (Holy Water Spring) and the stunning Pura Saraswati (Ubud Water Palace). On rainy days, these temples are much less crowded and create opportunities for stunning photos.
- Go on heritage walking tours to understand how Bali evolved through time. These tours can help you understand the art, heritage, and history of Bali. Check out some famous tours here.
- Visit museums and art galleries showcasing Balinese art and local talent.
Relax and Slow Down
- You can sign up for yoga retreats, enjoy luxurious spa treatments, or meditate with the soothing sound of rain in the background.
Visit Waterfalls
- Bali’s waterfalls, like Tegenungan or Gitgit, are at their most majestic during the wet season. While it demands extra caution due to the slippery conditions, rainy weather increases the waterfall volume and creates breathtaking views.
Indoor Activities
- Get hands-on with a Balinese cooking or jewelry-making class.
- Visit Balinese malls for souvenir shopping.
- Cozy up at Ubud’s cafés with a steaming cup of local coffee.
Why Visit During the Wet Season?
- Enjoy crisp, green landscapes that are perfect for nature photography.
- Avoid crowds at popular attractions, and get a more intimate experience.
- Take advantage of lower accommodation prices and off-season deals.
Dry Season
- Duration: April to October
- Bali’s dry season brings bright, sunny days with clear blue skies, cool winds, and occasional light showers.
- Average temperatures during Bali’s dry season hover around 25-29°C (77-84°F).
- The humidity is generally low due to minimal rain.
- Calm seas make this season perfect for water-based activities.
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Activities to Enjoy During the Dry Season
Outdoor Adventures
- Trek the Campuhan Ridge Walk in Ubud or hike up Mount Batur for an unforgettable sunrise view.
- Cycle through Tegalalang’s iconic rice terraces or explore Bali’s countryside.
- Go on ATV quad bike rides on rugged terrains.
- Sign up for tours to caves and temples like the Lempuyang Temple or the Pura Gunuh Lebah.
Beach Trips and Water Adventures
- Relax on Bali’s beaches while enjoying coastal views and dining at seaside restaurants.
- Surfing, paddleboarding, and boat trips to nearby islands are great activities during the dry season.
- Snorkeling and diving spots are easily accessible and much more enjoyable during this season.
Cultural Highlights
- Visit temples like Tanah Lot or Uluwatu and witness mesmerizing Kecak dance performances. Festivals during this season are a cultural feast.
- Attend the Bali Kite Festival when the sky is full of large, bright kites. You can even get yourself one and give kite flying a shot.
Why Visit During the Dry Season
- Perfect weather for outdoor and water activities.
- Bustling festivals bring Balinese culture to life.
- A lively social scene and plenty of opportunities to meet fellow travelers.
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Activities Available Year-Round
While the dry and wet seasons make certain activities better, Bali offers countless experiences to enjoy throughout the year.
Here are some activities you can enjoy in Bali year-round:
1. Participate in Balinese cooking or jewelry-making classes, visit traditional villages, and witness daily offerings and ceremonies at temples.
2. Try out Balinese cuisine at local warungs or indulge in fine dining at one of Bali’s many fusion restaurants.
3. Go on guided historical tours or enjoy traditional dance performances.
4. Experience thrilling adventures like quad bike rides while navigating muddy trails and splashing through puddles.
5. Meditate or attend wellness workshops with spiritual practices like sound healing and mindfulness sessions.
Peak and Off-Peak Travel
Peak Season
- Duration: June-August, December
- More activities are accessible during the high season. However, as more tourists visit, there are larger crowds, longer waiting lines, and higher rents and fares.
Off-Peak Season
- Duration: January-May, October-November
- The low season is marked by heavier rains, which often discourage tourists from visiting. On the positive side, however, it offers quieter, more peaceful attractions, lower costs, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Check Out: 15 Best Activities in Ubud [Things to Do]
Summary: When to Go to Bali?
While there isn’t a major difference, the type of activities you prefer plays a key role in determining the best time to visit Bali.
- If you’re not a fan of water sports or mountainous adventures, the wet season might be ideal for your trip.
- If you prefer clear skies, greater mobility, and fewer crowds, then the dry season would be the better choice for you.
- Costs are a significant factor. Define your budget well in advance and plan accordingly.
Ready for an immersive vacation? Check out Ubud Story Walks for engaging tours in Bali available year-round.
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Read what people say about Ubud Story Walks...
Ubud Story Walks is something different. It’s a fun, entertaining and refreshing way to delve into Ubud’s past. The knowledgeable guides place as much emphasis on how they tell a story as they do on what they’re sharing, which means all sorts of magical and mystifying details are revealed. I believe the best way to get to know a place is to walk its streets, which makes Ubud Story Walks one of the best ways to get to know Ubud.
Julia Winterflood
We had a fantastic time walking around the historical centre of Ubud! Even though we've been based in Bali for a few years, we'd never had an actual tour of some of Bali's most iconic landmarks and learning about the history was fascinating. Our guide was hilarious and full of information and it was a lovely and relaxing way to learn so much. The tour was early in the morning which was perfect timing as the temperature was still cool and we were able to witness the morning bustle of Ubud's famous markets. 10/10 would recommend!
Rahima Saikal
Vicky Ilankovan2024-12-13A great way to get to know Ubud, past and present. Win and Kelly were fantastic tour guide: knowledgeable, friendly, and open. I’d just landed in the country and this was the best welcome to immerse myself in some of the culture and historic as well as get a bit of a lay of the land. It was great to visit historic sites as well as the museum, and here fun stories. Bonus points for traditional sweets! Many thanks to both. Would definitely recommend this walking tour
LH Sim2024-12-10Joe was our guide for the Ubud Story Walk Tour : Past To Present. He is very professional and knowledgeable who has many interesting stories to share. During the tour, he showed pictures related to the history for our better understanding. Besides pictures, he also showed us coins that were used in the past. Apart from being proficient in conducting the tour, he is also a very caring guide as he offered us sunscreen, mosquito repellent prior to his tour and brought us snacks and water when we had our short break during the tour. Thank you Joe for the excellent commentary. Will definitely join the other Ubud Story Walks on my next trip to Bali.
Jessica HĂĽbner2024-12-05Ubud story walk past to presents was one of our favorite things to do in Ubud. Our guide Joe was super fun and very informative! Thank you Joe for the great time we had. I highly recommend this tour
Andrea Slosar2024-12-03I was on two tours and I really liked them. They are beautifully and comprehensively designed. Old black and white photos are an interesting addition. I was especially impressed by Windari with her communication skills and knowledge of the English language and Balinese culture. I wish the whole team much success in their future business and on discovering and solving pieces of the puzzle of Balinese culture.
Neeraj Goswami2024-12-01I went on two walking tours, loved both! The guides Ira and Win shared excellent insights on Balinese culture, history and traditions - helping me understand local context, beyond the usual pics on social media. I hope they add many more such interesting tours in the future!
Vinay Kashyap2024-11-26It's an essential part of a traveller's journey to know the history of a place he visits and my decision to choose Ubud Story walks was a good one. Joe, the guide took us through Ubud, the past to present and the walk was very informative. Its a good initiative done by a small team and I am happy to learn the efforts that the team is putting. Those who are coming to Ubud must consider opting for their guided tour.
tamara fields2024-11-26Enjoy a lovely morning with Ira as she expland the story of Bali, Ubud, Hinduism, the style of the houses and much more. Would recommend this walk to anyone that is interested in connected with the history and culture of bali while having someone who can answer your questions to have a deeper look into the life of the people living here.
David Hodgins2024-11-25We had a lovely and informative morning walk with Win. Her perfect pace, both physically and with information sharing , provided us with a rich understanding of Bali’s history and culture
Jill Boulter2024-11-22Great walking tour of Ubud. Ira was very knowledgable and spoke good English. Nice places to stop, little alleyways and quieter parts of Ubud. Very well looked after. Would recommend đź‘Ť.
Shafiga Elshan2024-11-15It was an amazing experience to learn more about Bali's history and culture. Our guide, Ira, was incredibly knowledgeable, positive, and caring. Thank you for such a wonderful experience!