Bali climate
Bali has a tropical monsoon climate, so temperatures rarely dip much below 30 degrees Celsius at any time of year. High humidity levels make it feel even hotter, and naturally they bring with them the risk of rain. Showers are most frequent between October and March, though even overcast days will be peppered with glorious sunny spells. When the temperatures peak from April to September, travellers can head in-land to the noticeably fresher mountain areas.
When to fly to Bali
Peak season
April and May are the best months to visit Bali, with holidaymakers benefitting from the best weather that the dry season has to offer, while also avoiding the worst of the summer crowds. Most resorts are at their busiest from mid-June to mid-September, and visitor numbers also spike during the Christmas and New Year holidays thanks to an influx of Australian tourists.
Off season
Even during the wet season, between October and March, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy Bali’s colourful and vibrant festival atmosphere. Sunny spells can be expected all-year round, though downpours will be more frequent and heavier during the off season.
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Bali insider information
- On rainy days, beachgoers still have a good chance of catching some sun if they head over to the "Bukit", the hill south of Jimbaran Beach on Bali’s west coast.
- Make sure you bring a sweater if you’re heading up to higher, in-land regions such as Bedugul or Kintamani. Temperatures usually hold up during the day in these mountainous areas, but it gets surprisingly chilly once the sun sets.
- The southern resort of Kuta is probably Bali’s busiest coastal town – home to many of the island’s liveliest nightclubs and bars. Adrenaline junkies will also appreciate the multitude of activities on offer, ranging from diving to bungee-jumping.
- People looking for a more secluded area in which to while away their holiday might be better off heading to the southern coastal town of Sanur. The beach lacks the crowds of nearby Kuta, despite being just a 30-minute drive from the airport.
- The town of Ubud in central Bali is widely recognised as the cultural heart of the island, with traditional dances being staged every night of the week. It is also one of the island’s more upmarket areas, hosting several five-star hotels and luxurious private mansions.