Why You Should Visit Bali in October [2023]

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Sign advertising Ubud Writers and Readers Festival in Bali in October 2015. Photo Credit: Accidental Travel Writer.

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Is October a good time to visit Bali? Is it if you like books! In fact, one of Asia’s most important literary events of the year takes place in Bali in October. Generally speaking, October is a slow month for tourism.  Therefore, there is a good chance hotels and villas will lower their prices. Regarding the weather, it is a transitional month as the island moves from the dry to the rainy season.

Weather in Bali in October

Bali has two seasons: wet and dry. Wet season runs from October to April. And dry season runs from May to September.

Because Bali is near the Equator, there is little variation in temperature from month to month. However, there is more chance of rain during wet season. And the humidity tends to be higher, as well.

In fact, October in Bali is a transitional month. While the amount of rainfall is inching up over the dry season, it has yet to reach the levels of December, January, February, or March.

It rains an average of 12 days in Bali in October. And there is an average of 6 centimeters of rainfall.

In terms of temperature,  the average high temperature in Bali in October is 27 degrees Celsius, or 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

  Ave. High Ave. Low Ave. Rainfall Rainy Days
Canggu 34 C / 93 F 24 C / 75 F 2,5 inches 6
Denpasar 34 C / 93 F 24 C / 75 F 2,5 inches 6
Kuta 34 C / 93 F 24 C / 75 F 2,5 inches 6
Sanur 34 C / 93 F 24 C / 75 F 2,5 inches 6
Seminyak 32 C / 93F 24 C / 75 F 2,5 inches 6
Ubud 31 C / 87 F 21 C / 70 F 3.9inches 6
Based on averages according to Google.


If you would like to know what the weather is like in other months, check out the …

 

Visiting Bali in October

October in Bali is generally a slow month for tourism. Consequently, you might be able to score bargains on hotel rooms or villa rentals.

There one high profile event  in October, which bibliophiles should not miss: the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival.

While festival attracts lots of tourists, it only lasts a few days. In addition,  it only impacts Ubud. To clarify, other parts of Bali are not affected.

Makepung Bullock Races – Ongoing

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Makepung Buffalo Races. Photo Credit: Bali Government Tourism Office.

Nine Makepung Bullock Races are held in six different competitions every other Sunday from July to November.  The Regent Cup is held in August. And the Governor Cup is held in November. Moreover. traditional arts are on display. Talk about a feast for the eyes!

Makepung Buffalo Races – Jemberana Regency, Bali.

Bali Kite Festival – Ongoing

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Traditional giant kites flying over Mertasari Beach in Sanur, Bali, during the International Bali Kite Festival. Photo Credit: Johannnindito Adisuryo (Yohanes Nindito Adisuryo).

The Bali Kite Festival is an annual event. And it takes place during the windiest months of the year. But the dates vary because they depend on weather conditions. Basically, it gets underway when the winds start to blow. And it ends when the winds die down.

Usually, the festival kicks off in July and concludes in October. But July and August are when it is at its peak. Because that is also one of Bali’s peak tourist seasons. And most of the action is at the beach.

Bali Kite Festival – Padanggalak (north of Sanur), Bali.

Ubud Writers & Readers Festival – 18 to 22 October 2023

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Entrance to one of the venues at the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival in Bali in October 2015. Photo Credit: Accidental Travel Writer.

Ubud Writers & Readers Festival is held in Ubud, which is the cultural heart of the Island of the Gods. The festival attracts readers, authors, musicians, and chefs each year from across Indonesia and around the world. Activities include workshops, classes, and other events.

As the most important event in Bali in October, the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival runs four days And tickets can be purchased for one day or all four days. Some events are separately ticketed including special events, workshops, film screenings, and some live music events. There is also a large portion of events which are offered free of charge.

Most sessions are held in English, Indonesian, or bilingually. Translators are present in most sessions.

I attended the festival in 2015. And I absolutely loved it. One of the highlights was the chance to discover new authors and purchase their books!

Be advised that some of the best events are free of charge. So go through the schedule carefully to be seen if it is better to buy a pass for all four days (with less hassle). Or if you should just purchase tickets to the specific events you want to attend.

Ubud Writers and Readers Festivalmost events are held at Jalan Raya Sanggingan in Ubud. But the programme is spread across a number venues including Taman Baca, Indus Restaurant, 0Neka Museum, and other spots.

If You Are Visiting Bali

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