It is difficult to give tourists a specific “when to go” for Bali. Different desires and tastes are best catered for here at different times of the year. However, there are some periods of the year that are more comfortable for tourism than others.
Bali rests within the world’s tropical, equatorial region, which means the island experiences a year-round temperature of between 26°C and 30°C on average. However, the interior of the island experiences a somewhat cooler climate than the coastal fringes. Yearly averages for the highland interior hover between 18°C and 24°C. Night-time temperatures in the interior can often warrant a jacket.
There are two distinct seasons in Bali. The monsoon season usually brings heavy rains and is often referred to as the “wet season”. It generally lasts from October through March. Even though most of the rainfall occurs during this period, pockets of sunshine prevail on most days. Many of the attractions on offer are accessible at this time, so tourism in this season is possible. Because it is the low season, hotels and resorts are usually cheaper in the wetter months.
The Christmas to New Year stretch is not included as part of the low season. Many holiday travelers make their way to Bali over the Christmas vacation, so room rates are generally higher than those in the weeks preceding and following this period. The weather is also characterized by afternoon thunderstorms, which bring much of the rain.
The best time to visit is between May and July. The temperatures are often cooler, but precipitation is low and the climate is still warm enough for water activities like scuba diving, windsurfing and snorkeling. A slight breeze cools down the island during this dry season. Tourists will need clothing to protect from sunburn rather than cold weather.
Best Time to Visit Bali
The peak season in Bali usually occurs between June and July, and the Christmas period, bring in hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. Traveling outside of the high season is recommended for any tourist who dislikes crowds at attractions, restaurants and hotels. If you wish to avoid the most crowded times, try not to come when Australians are out for school holidays, since they make up the largest contingent of arrivals.