Planning a trip to Bali and wondering when is the best time to go? That's a question we've answered hundreds of times — and the answer is more nuanced than "the dry season is best." It depends on what you want to experience, what you're willing to pay, and whether you prefer sun and crowds — or authenticity and tranquility. Here's the honest, month-by-month guide from those of us who have lived on the island for four years.
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CLIMATE IN BALI
Two seasons — but neither of them is bad. Bali has a tropical climate with temperatures between 26 and 32 °C and sea temperatures of 27–29 °C all year round. What varies is rainfall, humidity, and tourist numbers. The dry season is May–October, the wet season is November–April — but "wet season" is misleading. Rain comes as heavy showers in the afternoon or evening, and the sun is usually out for the rest of the day. Many Norwegians are surprised by how much sun they experience in January.
Tip: The short version — May, June, and September offer the best weather, reasonable prices, and uncrowded beaches. July–August is splendid but expensive and busy.
MONTH BY MONTH
January and February — quietest and cheapest. Bali's calmest months. The beach is almost empty, prices are at their lowest, and rain showers are common in the afternoon — but the sun is often out in the morning. Ideal for retreats, yoga, and those who want to experience authentic Bali without tourist crowds.
March — transition period. Rain subsides towards the end of the month. Nyepi (Bali's New Year) means everything closes for 24 hours — a unique experience to plan around, not against.
April — the dry season begins. Better for surfing and snorkeling. Easter brings a temporary price increase. Otherwise, an underrated travel month with good weather and moderate prices.
May — our absolute favorite. ⭐ Perfect weather, far fewer tourists than in the summer months, and reasonable prices. Not a Norwegian school holiday — beaches are not crowded. This is the month we bring our own friends and family.
June — excellent. Clear and dry. Tourists begin to arrive, but it's still pleasant. The water is perfectly clear for snorkeling at Nusa Lembongan and diving around Nusa Penida and Amed.
July and August — high season. Fantastic weather, but Bali's busiest period. Hotels are full and prices are 30–50% higher than in May. Book 4–6 months in advance. The Galungan festival in August 2027 is a rare and spectacular experience to plan your trip around.
September — the hidden gem. ⭐ Just as good weather as July–August, but the tourists are gone and prices drop. Beaches are quiet again. Our second favorite after May — and one of Bali's best-kept secrets.
October — nice transition. The dry season ends and the first rain showers may arrive, but there's still plenty of sun. Good prices and quiet beaches — underrated by most.
November — variable. Can be splendid or rainy. Moderate prices. The sea starts to become rougher on the west coast.
December — Christmas in Bali. Special and festive, but expensive and crowded around the holidays. Bali is still a magical destination in December.
DRY SEASON MAY–OCTOBER
The sky is clear and blue — and everything is at its best. The dry season is Bali's high season for good reason. The chance of rain is small, and everything you want to do — surfing in Uluwatu and Canggu, Mt. Batur sunrise and beach days — is at its best.
May and June are the sweet spot. Good weather, acceptable prices and quiet beaches. September is underrated — just as good weather as August, but half the tourists are gone and prices are lower again.
WET SEASON NOVEMBER–APRIL
Not as bad as you think. Many Norwegians completely dismiss the wet season. That's a mistake. The wet season doesn't mean rain all day — it typically means 1–3 hours of heavy rain in the afternoon or evening, and the sun is usually out for the rest of the day.
The wet season gives you. Flight prices 1,000–3,000 NOK cheaper round trip from Oslo. Hotel prices 25–40% lower than in high season. Quieter beaches and the jungle at its greenest. Yoga and wellness retreats in Bali are perfect in the wet season — Ubud in January is some of the most beautiful we've seen.
Tip: Ubud and the inland are best during the wet season — the jungle is most lush, temple visits are quietest, and retreats are half the price.
BEST TIME BY ACTIVITY
| Activity | Best months | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Surfing west coast (Uluwatu, Canggu) | May–September | Nov–April (beginners) |
| Surfing east coast (Keramas, Nusa Dua) | November–March | Dry season |
| Snorkeling and diving (Nusa Penida, Amed) | April–October | Jan–Feb (poor visibility) |
| Mt. Batur sunrise | May–October | Nov–April (cloud cover) |
| Day trip to Nusa Penida | April–October | Jan–Feb (rough waves) |
| Family vacation | June, July, September | Wet season |
| Honeymoon to Bali | May, June, September | July–Aug (expensive) |
| Budget travel | January, February, March | July–Aug, December |
PRICE CALENDAR
| Period | Season | Flight Oslo–Bali (approx.) | Mid-range hotel |
|---|---|---|---|
| January–March | Low season | 6,000–8,000 NOK | 600–900 NOK/night |
| April–May | Mid season | 7,000–10,000 NOK | 800–1,200 NOK/night |
| June | Mid season | 8,000–12,000 NOK | 900–1,400 NOK/night |
| July–August | High season | 10,000–16,000 NOK | 1,200–2,000+ NOK/night |
| September–October | Mid season | 7,000–10,000 NOK | 800–1,200 NOK/night |
| November | Low season | 6,000–9,000 NOK | 700–1,000 NOK/night |
| December (Christmas/New Year) | High season | 12,000–18,000 NOK | 1,400–2,500+ NOK/night |
Tip: Want a full overview of what you actually pay in Bali? Read our complete guide to prices, currency, and tipping in Bali →
FESTIVALS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
Galungan — Bali's most important festival. A 10-day period when the Balinese celebrate the gods visiting the island. All of Bali is decorated with bamboo decorations (penjor) outside each house, and the atmosphere is unforgettable. In 2027, Galungan falls in August — right in high season and a rare experience to plan your trip around.
Nyepi — Bali's New Year. Usually falls in March. For 24 hours, everything in Bali closes — no traffic, no lights, no tourists on the streets. It's one of the most unique experiences in Asia, but you are strictly confined to your hotel. Plan around it, not against it.
OUR CONCLUSION
After four years in Bali, our honest recommendation is always the same. May gives you perfect weather, low prices, and no crowds — our absolute favorite. September has just as good weather as July, but half the tourists are gone and prices are lower. June is fantastic weather without the peak season price level. July–August is splendid, but be prepared for crowds and high prices — book 4–6 months in advance. January–February is cheapest and quietest; rain showers are a reality, but Bali is still beautiful.
→ Bali for first-time travelers – complete guide 2027
→ Is Bali safe for Norwegian travelers? Here's the answer
→ See all our tailor-made package tours to Bali
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