Travelling to Bali from Australia. The Lowdown
While it’s true Australians can often be found adventuring very far from home, one of their favourite destinations Bali in Indonesia is just a short flight...
Best Time to Visit Bali: Everything you need to know including what to do, weather, visas, and more
Bali is a dream destination for many people, from surfers and beach lovers, to those seeking a spiritual retreat with yoga and spa treatments. The unique culture of Bali makes it fascinating, and the friendly people mean you’ll have a brilliant time whatever you plan. But what’s the best time to visit Bali?
Use this guide to plan the best time to travel to Bali, with a detailed look at what to do in Bali at different times of the year. We’ll also introduce Wise, a handy travel companion to help your money go further.
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When is the best time to visit Bali
The best time to visit Bali is June. Just before the peak months of July and August, in June the weather is wonderful, the surf is up and you can always head for a hike in the hills if you need to get away from the madding crowd.
That said, there’s not really just one best month to visit Bali. There are so many things to do in Bali that you’ll find something fun whenever you go. Here are our picks:
Beach Season: April - October
Bali is known for being a stunning beach destination, with miles of amazing beaches including some for party lovers, and others which still feel almost undiscovered. The weather is stable throughout April to October, although there is still some rain during the start and end of this period. Peak months for beach lovers are high summer - if you want fewer crowds and lower prices, try one end of the season.
Surfers Paradise: June - August
Some of the best waves in Bali hit June through August, making this the ideal time for surf lovers. Some beaches are better for beginners, and others can suit very experienced surfers. Tides and currents are strong so take local advice on where is best to go based on your skill - and if you’re an absolute beginner there are some great fun surf schools on popular beaches in places like Canggu.
Hit the hills: May - October
Bali has some iconic hiking options, which work well during the sunny season - and because many routes involve scaling a nearby mountain, you’ll also not need to worry so much about the heat. Bear in mind that paths can become dangerous after rain, so if the weather has been difficult you’ll need to get good local guides to help you pick a safe route.
Low cost luxury: October - March
A word of warning before we begin: Bali is not year round sunshine, and December and January in particular can have a lot of rainfall and rough seas which prevent safe surfing. However, there’s always an upside. During this off season, prices come down and the crowds disperse. Consider Ubud, which offers beautiful temples, cooking classes, spas, yoga retreats and many other options which can suit the wetter days.
| 👆Click here to discover the temperature and what to do month on month in Bali |
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What to do in Bali
We’ll talk more about the best month to visit Bali in a moment. First, what to do in Bali - some ideas to help you plan. You can also try the Indonesia tourism website for more inspo1.
Hit the beach
Bali is known for its beaches, and rightly so, with miles of glorious sand and everything from pumping beach bars to remote secluded hideaways. It’s worth researching the feel of different beach areas before you book as some are busier than others - and the party scene does tend to move as new developments spring up and new bars become popular. Hire a scooter if you want to get to more remote places, and you’re confident riding.
Where to go:
- Kuta Beach - Golden sand and ideal for beginner surfers, with shops, restaurants, and lively nightlife for after your surf lessons
- Nusa Dua Beach - Upscale and tranquil beach, with quiet, exclusive luxury resorts
- Jimbaran Bay - Ideal for stunning sunset views and seafood dining
Get the adrenaline pumping
Learn to surf if you’re a beginner - or head to some of the more advanced beaches if you’re a pro. Plus, there’s great whitewater rafting, often starting from the Ubud area, but with tours picking people up throughout the island. There’s also canyoning, ATV and quad bikes, cliff jumping, ziplining and pretty much any other high octane adventure you can think of. Ask your hotel for recommendations or get reviews online to pick a reputable provider.
Where to go:
Ayung River - Try white water rafting close to Ubud, through lush jungle, past waterfalls, and along impressive gorges
Ubud or Tanah Lot - Try out a Bali ATV Ride through rugged terrain, including rice paddies, muddy tracks, and jungle paths
Mount Batur - Volcano trekking from early in the morning to catch a stunning sunrise
Relax and reconnect
Ubud is the heart of Bali’s spiritual side, with many people heading there and the surrounding countryside to do yoga and meditation alongside a range of other spiritual practices. That said, even in the party areas you’ll be able to drop into a yoga class or get a private lesson if you need some time out.
Where to go:
- Ubud and surrounding areas: Many wellness centers with daily yoga classes, meditation sessions, and healing therapies.
- Look at Yoga Barn2, Radiantly Alive3 and Five Elements4 as a good starting point
Immerse yourself in a unique culture
Balinese rituals, architecture, dance, song and theatre are pretty unique. You’ll see it as soon as you arrive - from the colourful offerings left at shrines and in doorways, to the temples and gateways, all with a unique look. Many restaurants have local Balinese dancing on offer, and there are theatre shows in Ubud as well - try the Kecak Dance for something mesmerising.
What to look out for:
- Barong Dance in Batubulan - Traditional Balinese performance accompanied by lively gamelan music
- Legong Dance in Ubud or Denpasar - Classical Balinese dance performed by young girls and known for its intricate movements and vibrant costumes
Eat like a local
You can’t eat badly in Bali. Beach bars serve western options, but often with a healthy twist, and plenty of fresh produce. Or try local eats for some fantastic flavours like babi guling (whole roast pig), sate (roast skewers) or nasi goreng (fried rice).
| 💳 Whether you're paying for food, shopping, or attractions in Bali, enjoy seamless payments in IDR with Wise |
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Best month to visit Bali
For many people, the best month to visit Bali is June, with reliable sunshine and great surf, as well as all the cultural options you could imagine. However, it’s the start of a pretty busy time in Bali, so you might decide to plan your trip to Bali in another month. Here’s an overview of what to expect and do, when, with some weather based ideas5.
| Month | Weather and temperature | What to do |
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| January | Stable temperatures around 23 to 28 degrees celsius Often the rainiest month |
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| February | Stable temperatures around 23 to 28 degrees celsius Still very rainy throughout the island |
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| March | Stable temperatures around 23 to 28 degrees celsius Rainy season is ending, but you’ll still want to be prepared |
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| April | Stable temperatures around 23 to 28 degrees celsius Little to no rain to worry about |
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| May | Stable temperatures around 23 to 28 degrees celsius Little to no rain to worry about |
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| June | Temperatures start to dip very slightly, with highs at around 27 degrees celsius Little to no rain to worry about |
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| July | Temperatures settle to highs of about 26 degrees, to lows of 22 degrees celsius Little to no rain to worry about |
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| August | Temperatures settle to highs of about 26 degrees, to lows of 22 degrees celsius Little to no rain to worry about |
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| September | Temperatures rising but still good beach weather Little to no rain to worry about |
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| October | Slightly warmer with highs of 28 degrees celsius Little to no rain to worry about |
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| November | Hottest month, with increasing humidity and chance of rain |
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| December | Hot and humid, with frequent rain |
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Planning a trip to Bali
Now we’ve looked at the Bali places to visit, and how the Bali weather may impact your planning, a few practicalities.
Bali Visa Requirements
In most cases you’ll need to get a visa to enter Bali6. Bali is part of Indonesia, so to check on the rules for your passport and nationality, you’ll need to take a look on the local Indonesian embassy or consulate website wherever you live.
Generally, you can get a visa on arrival for 30 days - you may also be able to apply in advance for this to make it easier to enter the country. There are also longer term visitor visas if you’re planning a longer trip, while passport holders from some ASEAN countries might find there’s a visa waiver for short visits.
Flights to Bali
The main international airport in Bali is in Denpasar, called Ngurah Rai International Airport7. There are buses from the airport to many locations, as well as taxis and ride hailing through Grab. If you have roaming or a local SIM, using Grab can be the easiest option as some drivers are pretty persistent in trying to persuade you to take their cab. You can also book a transfer in advance if you prefer, through major providers.
The routes out of the airport can be busy at peak times, so use a journey planner app to get a realistic idea of how long it’ll take to get to your destination on the island - sometimes it takes longer than you may expect based on the actual distance.
Visiting Bali soon? Prepare Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) for your holiday with Wise
From lounging around at beach clubs, to hiking and riding on ATVs, there's no shortage of what to do in Bali. Manage the costs of your visit to Bali, with a Wise account and card, to hold and exchange IDR alongside your home currency, and to spend with a Wise card as you travel. Wise accounts can hold and exchange 40+ currencies, with mid-market exchange rates and low fees from 0.33%6. Avoid foreign transaction fees and keep control of your budget, with just your phone, with an intuitive app and easy in person, online and mobile payments.
Exchange IDR at your desired rate before and during your trip
Add money to your Wise account from your bank, or using a card, and exchange to IDR in advance to lock in your exchange rate and fix your budget. Or simply let the card convert for you at the point of payment or withdrawal. In either case you get the mid-market exchange rate and the lowest possible Wise fee, which can start from 0.33%.
Withdraw cash from Bali ATMs at no additional fees
Order a Wise card to link to your account, and make some ATM withdrawals every month with the exchange rate you see on Google, low conversion fee, and no ATM fee7. You’ll get a fixed free withdrawal allowance every month before the low Wise fees begin, making this a simple and cheap way to get cash when you need it.
Pay seamlessly with virtual and physical Wise cards
Tap and pay in person, make Chip and PIN payments, and add your card to a wallet like Apple Pay for easy spending in Indonesia and 150+ countries around the world. Easy.
Bali has a unique culture which means there’s lots to do for everyone. Use this guide to decide on the best time to visit Bali based on your itinerary - and get started with Wise to make it simple to pay once you’re there.
💰 Get the most out of your money with Wise
Sources:
- Indonesia tourist website
- Yoga Barn
- Radiantly Alive
- Five Elements
- Bali tourism - weather
- Bali visa website
- Ngurah Rai International Airport
- Pricing/fees: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information
- Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but some additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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