Best Time to Visit Bali, Indonesia

Visiting Indonesia in January

January is part of the rainy season in Indonesia, and showers are common across much of the country. While it may not be the sunniest month, you can still catch pockets of good weather — especially in areas like Bali or the Gili Islands. If you’re looking for guaranteed sunshine, it’s better to travel further north in Southeast Asia during this time.

Despite the rain, Indonesia still offers warm temperatures, lush landscapes, and fewer crowds – making it a peaceful time to explore.

Events & Festivals in January

• Chinese New Year (date varies): Celebrated as a public holiday across Indonesia, especially in cities with large Chinese communities like Jakarta and Medan. Expect colorful parades, lion dances, and traditional festivities.

Visiting Indonesia in February

February brings a mix of weather across Indonesia. In northern Sumatra, the rains ease up and sunny days return – making it one of the better places to visit during this time. However, much of the rest of the country still experiences frequent showers. By the end of the month, the rain begins to subside, and temperatures stay warm, typically in the high 80°Fs (around 30°C).

While it may not be peak season for sunshine, February’s lush landscapes and fewer crowds can make for a peaceful and romantic escape.

Events & Festivals in February

Chinese New Year (date varies): Widely celebrated across Indonesia with vibrant parades, lion dances, lanterns, and public festivities – especially in cities like Jakarta, Medan, and Semarang.

Visiting Indonesia in March

March brings a mix of sunshine and short, heavy downpours across much of Indonesia. While the weather can be unpredictable, it’s still a good time to visit — especially for travelers looking to avoid the crowds and take advantage of low-season deals on hotels and tours.

Rain showers are typically short-lived, and the lush green scenery makes for a beautiful backdrop, particularly in places like Bali, Lombok, and Java.

Events & Festivals in March

• Chinese New Year (date varies): Celebrated nationwide with vibrant parades, traditional dances, and festive markets in cities with large Chinese-Indonesian communities.

• Hari Raya Nyepi (Balinese Day of Silence) (March): A unique and deeply spiritual Hindu celebration marking the Saka New Year. On Nyepi, the island of Bali falls completely silent — with no travel, work, or noise allowed for 24 hours. It’s a day of fasting, reflection, and meditation. For visitors, it’s a powerful cultural experience not found anywhere else.

Visiting Indonesia in April

April marks the return of sunny skies across most of Indonesia. While Sumatra may still experience some afternoon showers, the rest of the country begins to dry out — making it a great time to explore. As the weather improves, tourist numbers start to rise, especially toward the end of the month, so arriving earlier means enjoying popular spots with fewer crowds.

This is a wonderful time for beach getaways, cultural tours, and island-hopping before the peak season kicks in.

Events & Festivals in April

• Ramadan (dates vary each year): Observed by Muslims across Indonesia, Ramadan is a sacred month of fasting, reflection, and prayer. During daylight hours, some shops and restaurants may close, especially in Muslim-majority regions. However, it’s a fascinating time to visit if you’re interested in cultural and religious experiences. After sunset, lively night markets and communal feasts bring a festive atmosphere.

Visiting Indonesia in May

May is one of the best months to visit Indonesia, especially for beach lovers. Bali and Lombok enjoy some of their finest weather of the year — with plenty of sunshine, blue skies, and warm seas. Across most of the country, the weather is hot and dry, though you may encounter the occasional brief shower in certain regions.

This is also a great time for wildlife spotting, particularly in Borneo, where orangutans are more active in the forests. With May falling just before the peak travel season, you can still find shoulder-season deals on hotels and flights — making it a sweet spot for value and experience.

Events & Festivals in May

• Idul Fitri (Lebaran) (dates vary): This two-day national holiday marks the end of Ramadan. Families gather to celebrate with festive meals, and many Indonesians travel to their hometowns. Expect busy transportation hubs and joyful local celebrations.

• Ramadan (continues into early May, depending on the year): During the fasting month, some restaurants and shops may operate on limited hours, especially in Muslim-majority areas. However, it’s a unique time to experience Indonesian culture, with evening markets and special iftar meals after sunset.

Visiting Indonesia in June

June is one of the best times to visit Indonesia. The dry season is in full swing, bringing long sunny days, low humidity, and ideal conditions for both beach escapes and jungle adventures. If you travel early in the month, you’ll also beat the crowds that arrive during the European summer holidays.

This is a fantastic time for exploring Bali, Lombok, Java, and even more remote islands like Komodo and Raja Ampat. Wildlife sightings are excellent, with clear skies and dry trails making forest treks especially rewarding – perfect for spotting orangutans in Borneo or birdwatching in remote regions.

Visiting Indonesia in July

July marks the peak of Indonesia’s dry season, with hot, sunny days across the entire archipelago. It’s one of the most popular months to visit, especially for international travelers and families on school holidays. Beach destinations like Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands are lively and vibrant, but also tend to be busy and booked up, so early planning is essential.

While the weather is ideal for island-hopping, sunbathing, and outdoor activities, Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo) can be quite humid during this time, which may make jungle travel a bit more challenging.

Visiting Indonesia in August

August is one of the busiest and most exciting months to visit Indonesia. Peak season is in full swing, and with excellent weather, active wildlife, and vibrant landscapes, it’s easy to see why. From the beaches of Bali and Lombok to the rainforests of Borneo and the volcanoes of Java, this is the perfect time to explore the outdoors.

Expect sunny skies, minimal rain, and ideal conditions for hiking, diving, and wildlife spotting. However, with visitor numbers at their highest, it’s important to book accommodations and tours well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Events & Festivals in August

• Independence Day – August 17
  A lively public holiday celebrating Indonesia’s independence from Dutch rule in 1945. Streets and buildings are decorated with red and white flags, and you’ll find parades, traditional games, and celebrations across the country – especially in cities like Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Denpasar.

Visiting Indonesia in September

September is one of the best-kept secrets for traveling to Indonesia. The weather remains excellent — sunny, dry, and warm — much like August, but the summer crowds have started to thin out. With fewer tourists and lower prices on hotels and tours, it’s a fantastic time to explore destinations like Bali, Lombok, Komodo, and Java at a more relaxed pace.

Outdoor adventures, beach escapes, and wildlife spotting are all still at their best during this month, making it a top choice for honeymooners and off-peak travelers.

Events & Festivals in September

• Muharram 1 / Islamic New Year (date varies)
  Marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar, this public holiday is observed across the country with parades, community prayers, and cultural events. It’s a great time to witness local traditions, though some areas may be busier than usual.

Visiting Indonesia in October

October marks the transition from dry season to wet season in Indonesia. You can still enjoy plenty of warm and sunny days, especially in places like Bali, Lombok, and Java, but expect occasional rain showers that become more frequent toward the end of the month.

While northern Sumatra experiences one of its wettest months — sometimes impacting road conditions — the rest of the country remains accessible and enjoyable. Fewer tourists and off-peak pricing make this a great time to find shoulder-season deals on accommodations and tours.

Events & Festivals in October

• Muharram 1 / Islamic New Year (date varies)
  Celebrated across Indonesia, this important Islamic holiday is marked with parades, prayer gatherings, and traditional festivities. It’s a wonderful time to witness cultural traditions, though some areas may be busier than usual.

Visiting Indonesia in November

November brings the return of the wet season across much of Indonesia. Rainfall becomes more frequent and intense, especially in Sumatra, Kalimantan, and parts of Java. However, Bali and northern Sulawesi still see occasional bursts of sunshine, offering brief but beautiful breaks in the clouds.

Temperatures remain warm — averaging around 86°F (30°C) — but the combination of rain and high humidity can make travel less comfortable. Poor road conditions may impact remote travel, but this quieter season also brings fewer tourists and attractive off-season prices, making it a good option for laid-back, cultural-focused trips.

Events & Festivals in November

• Muharram 1 / Islamic New Year (date varies)
  Observed across Indonesia, this sacred holiday is celebrated with parades, prayer services, and local festivities. While it may be busy in some areas, it’s a unique opportunity to experience the spiritual side of Indonesian culture.

Visiting Indonesia in December

December in Indonesia means wet season is in full swing, with frequent rain showers and high humidity levels across most of the country. While sunny breaks can still occur — especially in Bali and Lombok — the weather is generally unpredictable. Jungle treks and overland travel may be affected by muddy roads or flooding in more remote areas.

If you’re planning a year-end getaway, it’s best to travel early in the month, before Christmas crowds and holiday pricing peak. December can still be a beautiful time to visit for cultural experiences, spa retreats, or simply enjoying your resort with a view of the rain-soaked tropics.

Travel Tips for December

• Pack light, waterproof clothing and expect afternoon showers

• Book early for Christmas and New Year’s travel — prices and demand rise quickly

• Great for cultural travel, wellness getaways, and off-peak hotel deals (early month)