Best time to visit Bali – Let’s be honest: Bali is one of those places that’s famous just for being famous. But sometimes, that fame comes with a downside. When the island gets overly packed, or when nature decides to throw in surprises like the recent devastating floods that swept across Bali just weeks ago, it can easily feel like the worst time to visit Bali.
In early September 2025, torrential downpours triggered flash floods and landslides across multiple regencies in Bali, resulting in at least 17 confirmed deaths and several people still missing. Many neighborhoods were submerged, roads were blocked, and buildings even collapsed under the force of rushing water. The disaster was called the worst flooding Bali had seen in over a decade.
Crowded beaches, long queues, and unpredictable weather aren’t exactly the holiday vibes anyone’s after. Especially when extreme weather can hit, that doesn’t mean you should cancel your plans entirely. With a bit of timing and planning, you can experience the calm, beautiful side of Bali that locals know best: no stress, no chaos, just pure island charm.
Let’s break down how to make that happen.
Worst Time to Visit Bali
Photo: Patrick Gamelkoorn via Pexels
So, when’s the “peak season” in Bali, or better put, when should you dodge like a pro to avoid both crowds and potential weather drama?
Well, the prime suspect is the rainy season at its wildest. Anywhere between November and March tends to be when the skies open and the island sees its heaviest downpours. And it’s not just the rain. The worst time to visit Bali often brings serious side effects: floods, landslides, and damaged access to many of Bali’s natural wonders.
During these wetter months:
- Humidity soars, making even short walks feel sticky and exhausting.
- Ocean currents get aggressive, waters turn murky, and snorkeling or diving lose their sparkle.
- Beaches may become littered with debris washed from upstream.
- Rural roads or mountain passes may be blocked by landslides or mudslides.
- And thanks to recent unprecedented floods, the island’s infrastructure has been stressed; roads, drainage, and accommodations, so be ready for delays or changes in plans.
On top of all that, Bali’s weather is seriously unpredictable now. One day can feel like summer, the next you’re caught in a thunderstorm. Sudden shifts are the new norm. So no matter when you arrive, treat your itinerary like soft clay, not rigid stone.
If you’re traveling during this window, you’ll want to stay hyper-alert. Be ready for sudden route changes, canceled tours, or surprise “stay-inside” weather alerts. Always check up-to-the-minute forecasts, stay in touch with your hotel or local guide, and have backup plans for indoor activities.
Also Read: 9 Most Dazzling Instagrammable Places in Bali
Best Time to Visit Bali
Photo: Dominic Krainer via Unsplash
We’d say your sweet spot is during the dry season, from April through October. That’s when Bali shines at its best.
- Skies are clearer, humidity eases up, and you’ll get plenty of beach-friendly days perfect for diving, surfing, hiking, or just lounging.
- Water visibility improves, which is awesome for snorkeling and underwater adventures.
- It’s also festival season; June and July especially bring cultural events, adding extra flavor to your trip.
- Just note: as more tourists flock in, prices spike and popular spots can feel crowded.
But here’s the twist: Bali’s weather has become more unpredictable lately. Even during the dry season, sudden showers or microstorms can pop up out of nowhere. So, don’t assume “dry season = no rain.” Always pack a light rain jacket, umbrella, or at least something to shield you from surprise downpours.
Also: your trip timing can influence cost. The period outside peak months (say, May, September, October) often gives you a balance. Fewer crowds, nicer deals, and still good weather. So while you’re aiming for the best time to visit Bali, remember there’s no perfect window; it’s about finding the balance between weather, cost, and crowd levels.
Also Read: Ultimate Bali Itinerary Ideas: From Beaches, Pottery, to Wine Tasting
Most Expensive Time to Travel to Bali
Sumber: dusa-penida.info
Looking for the cheapest time to visit Bali is not easy. Here’s the thing: the dry season may offer ideal weather, but it also brings premium price tags. Expect the steepest rates during July and August, when demand peaks and the most expensive time to visit Bali becomes a reality.
Add in December–early January (Christmas & New Year) and major Indonesian holidays like Lebaran or school breaks in June and mid-December, and you’ve got multiple windows when everything like flights, hotels, and tours can cost double or more. Sometimes those one or two-day spikes are easily overlooked but really sting your budget.
During these periods, hotspots like Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud get crowded, availability shrinks, and you’re often paying surge rates just to stay in. So if your travel plans land on any of those high-demand dates, you’d do well to book your flights and accommodations many months in advance, locking in the best deals before prices soar.
Pro tip for smart planning: If your trip must hit one of those “expensive windows,” lock in your tickets and accommodations months in advance. Maybe about 6 to 9 months or more if possible. Book early, pay deposits, and keep some flexibility. That’s how you wrestle costs down a bit.
Also Read: Top 10 Things to Do in Bali: Beaches, Temples, and More
Things to Prepare before Visiting Bali
Planning a trip to Bali? Great move, but don’t wing it. The island’s charm is real, but so are its quirks. Whether you’re traveling in what many call the best time to visit Bali or braving the more unpredictable months, a little prep goes a long way.
Below are key things you should sort out before you land so you can enjoy Bali (and skip the avoidable headaches).
Photo: Den via Pexels
1. Check the Forecast
Even when it’s supposed to be the best time to visit Bali, Bali’s weather can get moody. Forecasts help, but they’re not gospel. Be prepared for sudden showers or cloudy spells, especially as climate shifts make conditions more erratic. Checking the weather a few days ahead gives you a heads up to shuffle outdoor plans or carry rain gear.
2. Book Accommodation in Advance
If you’re targeting the best time to visit Bali (or even shoulder periods), booking early is nonnegotiable. Rooms vanish quickly during Bali’s peak, and during school holidays, Christmas/New Year, or Lebaran, rates can skyrocket. Early booking not only secures you a spot but can also lock in better prices, which matters when you’re avoiding the extremes of the worst time to visit Bali.
3. Bring Cash & Cards
In more offbeat corners of Bali, some of the best places to visit in Bali lie beyond the city lights, so card machines can’t always be trusted. A mix of cash and cards ensures you won’t be stranded when a local warung or transport doesn’t take plastic.
4. Pack Proper Clothing
Expect the unexpected. Even in Bali’s dry season, skies may cloud, storms may roll in, or humidity may spike. Think breathable layers, quick-dry fabrics, and a light waterproof jacket or poncho tucked in your daypack. That way, you can dodge the worst of the Bali wet season surprise bursts.
5. Prepare Travel Insurance
Weather-related delays, unexpected events, or even infrastructure hiccups (especially after the recent floods) are risks you don’t want to shoulder alone. A solid travel insurance policy shields you—whether you’re traveling in the worst or the best time to visit Bali, extremes or sticking to off-peak windows.
6. Plan Key Activities
Choose your must-see spots like temples, waterfalls, or island trips, but don’t lock yourself into rigid timetables. Flexibility is your friend when the weather turns on a dime. That way, when a morning rains out your beach day, you can swap in a cultural, indoor, or low-impact activity and still make the most of Bali.
Also Read: 14 Things to Do in Bali with Kids They Will Brag about Forever
Wrapping It Up, and Why Bobocabin Kintamani Should Be on Your Radar
Photo: Bobobox Internal Asset
Traveling to Bali might come with unpredictability: storms, floods, and surprise crowds. However, that’s also part of the adventure. If you prepare wisely (forecast checks, flexible plans, smart packing), you’ll still get to enjoy Bali’s magic: hidden waterfalls, temple sunrise views, jungle treks, and tropical coasts.
And when it’s time to rest your head, Bobocabin Kintamani offers just the kind of escape you’re looking for. Located in the hills of Kintamani, this high-tech glamping cabin blends comfort and nature. Each cabin is designed with smart controls, private bathrooms, and even hot tubs in some units, all while delivering sweeping views of Mount Batur and Lake Batur.
Because Bobocabin sits off the beaten path, your stay here acts like a sanctuary from the tourist surge in places like Kuta or Ubud. Imagine ending a day of exploration with quiet forest air, stars overhead, and the gentle rustle of leaves.
So go ahead, seize Bali on your terms. Embrace the spontaneity, pick smart windows, and let Bobocabin Kintamani be your base for unforgettable mountain vibes and lake views.
Ready to book? Download the Bobobox app, and you can reserve your cabin, check in, and manage your stay all in one place. Don’t wait until the crowds or last-minute price hikes hit!
Writer: Syifa Nuri Khairunnisa
Featured photo: Niklas Weiss via Unsplash
