Bali: The Best Time to Visit and Events You Shouldn’t Miss
The burning incense carries the essence of the offering to the gods.
Rich culture, friendly people and natural beauty - that’s Bali. If you ask us, there really is no bad time to visit Bali. Each season offers its own pros and cons, and even though it can get rainy, Bali’s beauty is apparent in every season. However, if your dream Bali holiday happens to involve you sitting on the beach with uninterrupted sunshine, then it’s important to come at the right time of the year.
Dry Season (April to October)
The dry season is the most popular time to visit Bali, and that’s hardly surprising. With clear skies and long dry spells, this time of the year is perfect for exploring the island's endless beaches. Whilst the dry season blesses visitors with the chance to explore without worrying about heavy rains, accommodation tends to be more expensive, places get booked up much faster and traffic increases. If you’re prepared to bear the extra costs and crowds, you’ll be rewarded with an array of fun festivals taking place at this time. Make sure to head to these events for a taste of Balinese culture:
Bali Arts Festival (June to July): Celebrate Balinese culture at this month-long festival that features numerous events, including traditional dance performances, music and art exhibitions. Considering the importance of art and dance in Balinese culture, this is a great way to immerse yourself in the island’s rich traditions.
Bali Kite Festival (July): Balinese love flying kites! If you thought kites were just childhood relics from bygone days, the sight of giant, colorful kites in the sky and teams from across the island competing will prove you wrong.
Ubud Village Jazz Festival (August): Jazz enthusiasts will not want to miss this two-day festival, which brings together local and international artists in the heart of Bali's cultural capital.
Nusa Dua Light Festival (October): The luxurious area of Nusa Dua comes alive with light installations and cultural performances at this yearly festival.
Balinese flying a kite during the breezy month of July.
Wet Season (November to March)
While the wet season brings heavy showers and high humidity, it also offers a unique opportunity to experience Bali's lush, green landscapes and cultural activities. The upsides are fewer tourists which means less crowds, less time spent stuck in traffic and lower prices for hotels. If you’ve spent any time in Bali at all, you’ll know how busy it can get. The value of a little peace and quiet is not to be understated, especially as it's one of the main reasons people visit the island. This is perfect time for travelers seeking a more tranquil experience, with some interesting annual highlights that you should take part in:
Ogoh-Ogoh Parades (March): On the eve of Nyepi, the Balinese New Year, the streets come alive with vibrant parades featuring giant, intricately crafted demon effigies. This is one of the most culturally rich and fascinating events of the year and is not to be missed! The following day, everyone on the island is required to stay home and turn off all their lights whilst the island shuts down. The silence of Nyepi provides an ideal atmosphere for reflection and relaxation.
Bali Spirit Festival (March): this holistic wellness festival offers a range of workshops, yoga classes, and music performances for you to relax your mind, body and soul.
Tirta Gangga Festival (March): Experience traditional rituals at the Tirta Gangga water palace. The festival features cultural performances and is a great way to soak up Balinese culture away from the touristy south.
Ogoh-Ogoh Parade a night before Nyepi Silent Day.
Final Thoughts
No matter when you choose to visit Bali, getting the right visa is the first step to a peaceful and fun holiday. With our hassle-free visa services, getting your visa is one less thing to worry about, allowing you to fully enjoy your trip to Bali. If you need information about getting a visa on arrival, visit our page here or get in touch and let our team help you today.
Written by Team Bali Solve
