Incredible beaches, centuries-old temples, magnificent wildlife – it’s important to know the best time to travel to Bali in order to make the most of your luxury vacation in Indonesia. The activities that most appeal to you – along with your tolerance for the heat and humidity – will help you determine the best time. Being so close to the equator, Bali is warm all year round, a plus for those who are visiting the region on a cruise to Indonesia, so packing light is never a problem!
Bali, Indonesia Dry Season
Prime tourist season is the driest part of the year, from April to October. You are guaranteed blue skies, warm temperatures and relatively manageable humidity. Because the weather is so agreeable, this is also the best time to enjoy outdoor activities, including the many festivals, such as the Bali Kite Festival, Tenganan Festival and Nusa Dua Fiesta. The surfing in April is incredible, with surfers enjoying the ample surf breaks. The only downsides are the swelling of the crowds and the fact that hotel prices peak in July and August.
Truly, all things considered, the best time of year to travel to Bali can be narrowed down to three months – May, June and September – the shoulder seasons. It’s warm and sunny, the prices are more reasonable than they are in the really busy months, and there are far fewer people in the beach resorts of Sanur and Seminyak.
Scuba diving in September is optimum, delivering great visibility and fewer boats. Bali is part of the Coral Triangle, the global center for marine biodiversity. And in just this region, more than 500 reef-building types of coral can be found – more than in the entire Caribbean Sea.
Bali, Indonesia Green Season
Rainy season is from November to March, which is quite a long stretch that has everyone running for the air conditioning. December and January are the rainiest months, seeing excellent prices and fewer people, as you might expect. While there will still be sunny days and the temperatures are high, the wet season keeps people from doing any outdoor activity, in particular: trekking the mountainsides. The seas during this time can get a bit wild and windy, so opportunities for boating – and definitely diving – are greatly reduced.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Just as you would with any destination, there are many angles to consider to maximize your luxury travel to Indonesia and your time in Bali. Keep these notes of caution in mind:
• November is the hottest month of the year, with temperatures ranging from 75º to 90º F. August is the coolest, with temps from 75º to 85º F. This is a climate for linen!
• January is the wettest month, with intense tropical downpours.
• Avoid the school holidays, when families converge on the island to enjoy the break.
• If you do visit during the rainy season, you can enjoy guilt-free spa days, cooking classes and exciting white-water rafting.
Your Tully Luxury Travel Designer is always on hand to fine-tune your holiday plans, from bespoke beach vacations to cruises through Southeast Asia, Oceania and beyond. It’s time you dropped a pearl-headed pin in the luxury travel map.
