Best Time to Visit Bali

Bali Travel Basics

When is the best time to visit Bali? It depends on several factors. To save money, visit during  the low season. If you hate flies, avoid Mango Season. Are there any events or festivals you would like to attend (or avoid)? Finally, consider the weather. Do you prefer sunshine or rain?

Bali by the Month 

You might want to check out these monthly travel guides before scheduling your trip to the Island of the Gods.

Consider the weather, if it is peak season or off-season, and if any important festivals, holidays, or special events are taking place.

• January in Bali
• February in Bali
• March in Bali
• April in Bali
• May in Bali
• June in Bali
• July in Bali
• August in Bali
• September in Bali
• October in Bali
• November in Bali
• December in Bali

 

Bali Weather

Eight degrees south of the Equator, Bali has a tropical climate. Consequently, there are basically two seasons: wet and dry.

To clarify, there isn’t a significant change in temperature from month to month. So it’s more about the amount of rainfall and the level of humidity.

The rainy season runs from mid-October through mid-April. The dry season runs from late April through early October. Keep in mind that even during rainy season, it doesn’t necessarily rain all day.  But downpours are common.

The heaviest rains take place between December and February. However, there can be cool breezes between June and August.

Mango Season – Not the Best Time to Visit Bali

Travel guides rarely mention something called “Mango Season”. It usually runs about one month. And it is definitely not the best time to visit Bali.

Mango Season is when the mangoes ripen, which causes a proliferation of flies. This is not pleasant given Bali’s outdoor lifestyle.

Needless to say, hotels and resorts do their best to mitigate against the problem.

I stumbled across mango season on the final days of one of my trips. Unfortunately, we were unable to enjoy breakfast outdoors. And by the time we had taken breakfast to our villa, our food was cold.

In fact, we had to remain inside of our villa – or the swimming pool. But we couldn’t even lie in the sun by the pool  because of the flies! They were EVERYWHERE!!!

Unfortunately, there’s no way of knowing for sure which month Mango Season will fall.  While it usually falls in either September, October, or November, it’s hard to know in advance. 

Best Time to Visit Bali for Bargain-hunters

If you want to save money, the best time to visit Bali is during low  travel seasons.

First of all, Bali attracts a lot of travelers at Christmas, Chinese New Year, and Easter. In addition, July and August are popular. Therefore, you can expect to pay a premium at hotels and resorts during these periods.

On the other hand, January through April is the slow season. The same goes for October and November. Therefore, you can expect fewer people during these periods. Moreover, the chances of bargains are higher.

Bali’s Most Important Festivals and Holidays

Bali is a predominately Hindu culture in a predominately Muslim country. As  a result, both Hindu and Muslim festivals are celebrated in across the island.

In addition, Christian holidays such are Christmas and and Easter are also official holidays.

Festivals and holidays can be a great time to visit Bali as they can add a fascinating cultural backdrop to your trip. However, holiday periods can be both the best or the worst time to visit – depending on your travel plans.

Complicating things, because the Gregorian Calendar, the two Balinese calendars, Muslim calendar.

Meanwhile, Western holidays and Chinese holidays can have a major impact on inbound tourism, which can not only affect demand. As a result you might need a longer lead time to book flights and hotel rooms.

In addition, prices will skyrocket during both domestic and international peak travel periods. So if money is an issue  you might want to avoid these periods.

Click HERE for a list of Bali’s most important festivals. Please note, owing to the different number of days in the years of the Balinese calendars, the dates of many festivals are vary substantially year to year.

• Balinese Silent Day -a.k.a. Nyepi, Balinese Silent Day is the Balinese New Year. And for 24 hours, the entire island goes dark and quiet. Click here to find out why: Balinese New Year De-mystified, or Why I’m Extending My Stay – Accidental Travel Writer>>

Key Events in Bali

Many celebrations, festivals, and events take place throughout the year .These are some of the events visitors like most…

• Ubud Village Jazz Festival – Jazz takes centre stage at select venues in Ubud in July.
• Ubud Food Festival – Food is in the spotlight in late June and early July in Ubud.
• Bali Arts Festival -There is a celebration of Balinese and Indonesian culture throughout the island ifrom id-June to mid-July. There are daily performances, exhibitions, and other activities. 
• Bali Kite Festival – Villagers in Sanur try to ensure abundant crops by flying colourful kites on the beach in July.  
• Bali International Film Festival – Great films from Indonesia and around he world are shown for several days in June.
• Ubud Writers and Readers Festival – Artists, writers, and literature buffs from around the world gather to celebrate the world of literature in October. There are book launches, lectures, and poetry readings.
• Nusa Dua Festival – A week of cultural events and performances is held each October. There is a new theme each year.

 

You Might Also Enjoy

• Return to Bali Travel Basics Table of Contents>>
• Read about the Challenges and Opportunities Facing the Indonesian Hotel Indstry>>

 

 

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