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Bali Weather & Climate: The Best Time to Visit in 2026

Bali has two seasons, not four. Here's how the dry and wet seasons really feel, month by month, plus the best times to travel for sun, surf, savings and quiet.

MyGlob Editorial April 3, 2026 8 min read
Bali Weather & Climate: The Best Time to Visit in 2026

Bali sits just south of the equator, so it stays warm and humid all year round, with temperatures typically hovering in the high 20s to low 30s Celsius near the coast. There's no winter or autumn here, only two seasons: dry and wet. Understanding how they behave, and how altitude changes things, is the key to picking the right time for your trip. Below is a practical guide to Bali's weather and climate, with month-by-month notes and the best windows depending on what you want from your holiday.

  1. The dry season (roughly April to October) — the classic time to go
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    The dry season (roughly April to October) — the classic time to go

    This is Bali's peak window: lower humidity, plenty of sunshine, and far less rain. Skies are clearer, the sea is calmer in many spots, and outdoor plans rarely get washed out. It's the most reliable season for beach days, hiking, and island-hopping, which is exactly why prices and crowds rise alongside the sunshine.

  2. The wet season (roughly November to March) — green, lush, and cheaper
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    The wet season (roughly November to March) — green, lush, and cheaper

    The wet season brings warm tropical downpours, often heavy but short, frequently in the afternoon or overnight rather than all day. The landscape turns vivid green, waterfalls swell, and rates and crowds drop. It can still be a great time to visit if you stay flexible and start activities early before the clouds build.

  3. April to June — the sweet spot
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    April to June — the sweet spot

    Early dry season is many travellers' favourite: reliable sunshine, lush scenery still hanging on from the rains, and crowds lighter than the July–August peak. Prices are gentler too. If you want the best balance of good weather and value, aim here.

  4. July and August — peak season
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    July and August — peak season

    These are the driest, busiest, and most expensive months, coinciding with European and Australian holidays. Expect the best beach weather but also full restaurants, booked-out hotels, and heavier traffic in the south. Reserve well ahead if you travel now.

  5. September and October — the second sweet spot
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    September and October — the second sweet spot

    Late dry season offers still-excellent weather with thinning crowds as the peak fades. October can see the first occasional showers as the wet season approaches, but you'll often enjoy great conditions with better availability and prices than mid-summer.

  6. November and December — the shoulder into the rains
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    November and December — the shoulder into the rains

    Rain becomes more frequent through November, though sunny spells remain common. The Christmas and New Year holidays are a notable exception: prices and crowds spike sharply for that two-week window despite the wetter weather, so book early if those dates are fixed.

  7. January and February — the wettest months
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    January and February — the wettest months

    These tend to bring the heaviest rainfall and highest humidity, with occasional storms. It's the lowest season for crowds and prices, and the island looks gloriously green. Travel now if you don't mind rearranging plans around the showers and grabbing dry mornings while you can.

  8. March — the turn back toward dry
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    March — the turn back toward dry

    March is a transitional month: still some rain, but the showers ease as the dry season nears. Crowds remain modest and prices reasonable, making it a quietly good time to visit before the peak rush returns.

  9. How altitude changes the picture
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    How altitude changes the picture

    Bali isn't one climate. The highlands around Ubud, Munduk, Bedugul, and Kintamani are noticeably cooler and wetter than the coast, with misty mornings and chilly evenings, so pack a light layer. Conversely, the dry Bukit peninsula in the far south often stays sunnier than the rest of the island.

  10. Surf seasons — west versus east
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    Surf seasons — west versus east

    Surfers should note that the dry season (with offshore winds) generally favours the west-coast breaks around the Bukit and Canggu, while the wet season often works better for east-coast spots like Sanur and Nusa Dua. Conditions vary daily, so check forecasts close to your dates.

  11. Heat, humidity, and sun safety
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    Heat, humidity, and sun safety

    Year-round, the tropical sun is strong and humidity is high. Daytime UV can be intense even when it's cloudy. Drink plenty of water, use sunscreen, and schedule strenuous activities for the cooler morning hours to stay comfortable.

  12. Which month is best for you?
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    Which month is best for you?

    For guaranteed sun and a buzzing scene, choose July–August. For the best mix of weather, value, and calm, target April–June or September. For green landscapes, low prices, and few crowds, embrace the wet season and travel with a flexible mindset.

  13. Quick planning checklist
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    Quick planning checklist

    Bali is a true year-round destination. Match the season to your priorities, stay flexible during the rains, and you'll find good weather and good times in almost any month of 2026. Forecasts shift, so check conditions close to your travel dates.

    • Dry season (April–October): best weather, higher prices and crowds.
    • Wet season (November–March): warm short downpours, lush scenery, lower costs.
    • Best value windows: April–June and September.
    • Avoid for crowds and cost: July–August and the Christmas–New Year fortnight.
    • Pack light layers for the cooler highlands and reef shoes plus rain protection year-round.
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Quick Answer

Bali has a tropical climate with a dry season around April to October and a wet season around November to March. The dry season is most popular for sun, surf and sightseeing, while the wet season is greener, quieter and cheaper. Pick your timing based on activities, budget and how much you mind occasional rain.

Key Facts
Climate
Tropical, warm year-round
Dry season
Approx. April to October
Wet season
Approx. November to March
Best for sun
Dry season months
Key Takeaways
  • Bali has a tropical climate with dry and wet seasons.
  • Dry season runs roughly April to October.
  • Wet season runs roughly November to March.
  • Dry season is best for sun, surf and sightseeing.
  • Wet season is greener, quieter and often cheaper.
Frequently Asked Questions
The dry season, roughly April to October, is most popular for sunshine and outdoor activities.