The best time to visit Bali isn’t a question of timing your trip to the weather. As one of Indonesia’s 17,000 islands, Bali is just eight degrees south of the equator, with a gorgeous tropical climate year round. That said, expect some heat and humidity—it is Southeast Asia, after all. But of course, as with any destination, there are some factors to consider when planning your first (or tenth) trip to Bali. To get intel on the best time to visit Bali, we talked to some of our Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialists: Jacqueline Mattes of Ten Twenty Travel and Lauren Benson of Benson Bespoke, both of whom count trips to Bali as one of their areas of expertise.
“Bali is a deeply spiritual place,” says Mattes, describing local Hindu traditions like with daily offerings and ceremonies that give contour to the island’s reputation as an expat haven and a hub for partying travelers from all over the world. “And it’s full of artisan villages that showcase Bali’s rich craft practices from woodworking to painting and everything in between.” No matter what kind of trip you’re planning, here is the best time to go to Bali.
A version of this article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK. This article has been updated since its original publish date.
When is the best time to go to Bali?
The best time to go to Bali is during its shoulder seasons: April to May, then September to October. “These months are the sweet spot where you get the best of the weather with the least crowds,” Benson says. Visiting slightly off-peak also means Bali’s best hotels are quieter and usually have high-value offers on nightly rates.
The dry season begins in April and ends in October, when the humidity is low and average rainfall decreases, although showers do also occur during these months. But that doesn’t mean a little rain should make you press pause on your trip. “Even in March or November, the rain in Bali is usually only an afternoon shower,” Mattes says. She recommends simply packing an umbrella and appreciating the views of the lusher-than-usual jungles.
What time of year is cheapest in Bali?
Bali is considered to be a year-round destination, so there’s not necessarily a ‘cheaper time’ to visit. Plus, as Mattes says, “Bali is reasonable year-round, especially compared to more expensive places in Europe.” Generally speaking, Benson says, you’ll get the most bang for your buck in the period between October and March which is the rainy or “low” season. (That said, with a place as popular as Bali, there’s never a true “low.”) Prices spike again between Christmas and New Year. “Although these months experience frequent rain, the island usually still get periods of lovely clear weather,” Benson says.