There are a million and one reasons to visit Bali, and the weather is most definitely one of them. The tropical Bali climate is characterised by bright sunshine and mild temperatures, attracting visitors from all around the world.
This “Island of the Gods” in the heart of Indonesia is one of those places where it’s hard to go wrong weather-wise. North Bali, Ubud, South Bali, the Gili Islands, and Lombok – the main destinations – actually feature fair conditions year-round!
However, there are times of the year you might want to avoid just to stay on the safe side, or to keep away from heavier Bali rainfall and price surges. So if you’re wondering about Bali: when to go, or Bali: when to travel; Bali: when to go weather, we’re helping you out with the answers below!
If you hear someone say “Bali is always a good idea”, it’s not an exaggeration since the island doesn’t experience extreme weather conditions.
Dry Season: Bali’s March weather is much improved as the rain tails off. From March to September, the locals enjoy the island’s dry season.
High season peaks at around July and August, with crowds gathering around famous temples and prices inflating slightly. Backpackers will find busier hostels and more opportunities to meet people – so for some, the pros outweigh the cons. 
Bali in October marks the start of the Bali rain season. If you don’t mind the odd shower and higher humidity, you’ll find Bali when it rains a little quieter, and maybe bag some bargains, too!
”The weather shouldn’t affect your travel plans but the peak seasons may.” — Tuttle Travel Pack Bali & Lombok
While the Bali yearly weather does vary slightly, it’s to a small degree in comparison to other destinations. There’s no obvious winter, so you’ll never need to add a warm jacket or thermals to your packing list (unless you hike Mount Batur or Mount Agung). Some highland areas such as the Twin Lakes and Ulun Danu Bratan can also get chilly.
However, there are a few things you should know, such as the general Bali Indonesia weather and Bali seasons, especially when the rainy and dry seasons fall.
The Bali rainy season runs from October to March, while the Bali dry season lasts from April to September.
During the rainy season, sporadic showers are common, though you don’t necessarily need to worry about a continuous downpour throughout the day.
However, do take note that humidity during rainy season also skyrockets. If you’re going to be making use of some of the local laundromats, don’t expect to get your clothes back in good time as they use the sun to dry your garments!
As far as history goes, Bali has had two tsunamis on record. The first Bali tsunami happened in 1815 in North Bali, and the second one occured more than 100 years later in 1917. The surrounding areas of Indonesia are prone to earthquakes, which makes it wise to double check weather conditions and forecasts regularly. 
The good news is that there’s no ‘bad season’ in terms of Bali’s annual weather. Bali temperatures remain balmy throughout the year thanks to the island’s relative proximity to the equator.
In terms of the Bali weather forecast, Bali in January boasts 26°C (78°F) temperatures while May temperatures reach 28°C (82.4°F). January is the coolest month of the year while May is the hottest, meaning there’s not an enormous shift in temperatures throughout the year.
The months leading up to Christmas are far from chilly. Bali’s December weather may be a little cooler than the dry season (April to September), but it’s still perfect for barbecues on the beach – something that will make Australian tourists feel right at home!
To be sure of a pleasant trip to Bali, let’s run through the temperatures throughout the year. Here is the Bali monthly weather and average temperatures of each month:
Bali January weather: 26°C (78°F), rainy + low season
Bali February weather: 26°C (78°F), rainy + low season
Bali March weather: 27°C (80°F), shoulder + low season
Bali April weather: 27°C (80°F), dry + low season
Bali May weather: 28°C (82°F), dry + shoulder season
Bali June weather: 27°C (80°F), dry + shoulder season
Bali July weather: 27°C (80°F), dry + high season
Bali August weather: 27°C (80°F), dry + high season
Bali September weather: 27°C (80°F), dry + shoulder season
Bali October weather: 27°C (80°F), shoulder + low season
Bali November weather: 27°C (80°F), rainy + low season
Bali December weather: 27°C (80°F), rainy season
“May is a great month for visiting. It’s not high season but trails are drying out for hiking, yet the rivers are still high for rafting.” — Lonely Planet Lombok and Bali
Not really. This makes it very convenient to plan a trip to Bali, unlike countries like Vietnam where the weather at opposite ends of the country can be at odds. In terms of popular destinations, Bali’s Ubud weather is optimum thanks to its sheltered inland location.
Bali’s Kuta weather is best from April to June and September when it’s drier and slightly cooler, and the crowds manageable. The same goes for Seminyak, Legian and Canggu.
The coastal towns tend to have blissful temperatures – although any extreme weather, such as storms at sea, will be felt here. But for the majority of the time, Bali’s beaches are the best places to bask in the sunshine while catching a fresh sea breeze…
…so lie back, order another coconut cocktail, and don’t forget your sunscreen!
Ready to plan your trip to Bali? Check our Bali City Guide for a full briefing of the destination from history to nightlife. For the full list of tours, click here for Bali and here for Lombok.
