Best Time to Visit Bali in 2026: Weather, Costs & Festivals
Bali continues to be one of the most popular destinations in the world, attracting travelers with its tropical beaches, lush rice terraces, vibrant culture, and spiritual traditions. If you’re planning your trip in 2026, timing is everything. Choosing the right month can mean the difference between perfect sunshine and heavy rain, between budget-friendly rates and premium prices, or between quiet retreats and lively festivals.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best time to visit Bali in 2026 based on weather, travel costs, and festivals so you can design your dream trip with ease.
🌦️ Bali Weather in 2026: Dry vs. Wet Season
Bali’s tropical climate is warm year-round, but it is shaped by two distinct seasons:
Dry Season (April – October)
Temperature: 27–32°C (80–89°F)
Rainfall: Minimal; mostly clear skies
Humidity: Lower, more comfortable
Best For: Beach trips, hiking, surfing, diving, outdoor adventures
The dry season is also peak tourist season. This is when most travelers flock to Bali, meaning more crowds and higher prices, but also the best overall weather.
For detailed monthly weather stats, check Bali climate data or the Bali weather forecast
Wet Season (November – March)
Temperature: 26–30°C (78–86°F)
Rainfall: Heavy but often brief tropical downpours
Humidity: High
Best For: Budget-friendly trips, lush landscapes, cultural immersion
The wet season brings fewer tourists and cheaper accommodation. While rain can disrupt outdoor activities, mornings are often clear, and the scenery is lush and vibrant.
If you’re planning to travel during this time, explore our eco-friendly travel tips to stay sustainable even during Bali’s wet season.
📅 Month-by-Month Guide to Bali in 2026
January – Quiet & Affordable
Weather: Wet, with frequent showers
Costs: Very budget-friendly
Events: Temple ceremonies and local village festivals
👉 If you’re seeking peace, spa retreats, or yoga holidays, January offers affordability and fewer crowds. Check our guide on sustainable retreats for ideas.
February – Romantic Greenery
Weather: Rainy but warm
Costs: Still low season
Events: Galungan (Feb 4) & Kuningan (Feb 14) – major Hindu celebrations
👉 A lush and cultural month, especially great for couples or cultural explorers.
March – Spiritual & Unique
Weather: Transitioning toward dry season
Costs: Moderate, slight increase around Nyepi
Events: : Nyepi (Day of Silence) – March 19, 2026
👉 Nyepi is Bali’s most important festival. For 24 hours, the entire island shuts down — no flights, no cars, no lights. Tourists must stay indoors, making it a surreal and unforgettable cultural experience.
Learn more about Bali culture in our upcoming Bali cultural guide
April – Sunshine Returns
Weather: Start of the dry season, sunnier days
Costs: Reasonable before peak hits
Events: Bali Spirit Festival (yoga, music, wellness)
👉 April balances great weather with smaller crowds — an excellent time for active travelers.
May – The Golden Month
Weather: Perfect, dry, and sunny
Costs: Mid-range, before high-season spikes
Events: Odalan temple ceremonies across the island
👉 May is often considered one of the best months to visit Bali: good weather, lower costs than peak season, and fewer tourists.
Stay safe with our travel safety handbook
June – Arts & Culture Begin
Weather: Warm, dry, and ideal for beaches
Costs: Increasing as summer nears
Events: : Bali Arts Festival (month-long) in Denpasar
👉 June is perfect if you want both good weather and cultural immersion.
July – Peak Season Fun
Weather: Excellent for outdoor adventures
Costs: High, book early
Events: Bali Kite Festival, Galungan (July 29), and Kuningan (Aug 8)
👉 A vibrant month for families, surfers, and festival lovers. But expect crowds everywhere.
August – Peak of Peak Season
Weather: Outstanding, little to no rain
Costs: Very high (flights & hotels sell fast)
Events: Indonesia Independence Day (Aug 17)
👉 If you want the classic Bali experience, August is unbeatable, but it comes at a premium.
September – Best of Both Worlds
Weather: Still dry, slightly cooler evenings
Costs: Cheaper than July & August
Events: Ubud Writers & Readers Festival
👉 A fantastic balance of good weather and fewer tourists, one of the top choices for 2026.
October – Shoulder Season
Weather: Mostly dry with occasional showers
Costs: Lower than peak, more deals
Events: Temple festivals in villages across Bali
👉 October is excellent if you want a calmer, budget-friendly trip while still catching great weather.
November – Rain Returns
Weather: Wet season starts again
Costs: Cheaper accommodations
Events: Odalan temple anniversaries
👉 A budget traveler’s month — lush landscapes and fewer crowds, but lots of rain.
December – Festive & Lively
Weather: Wet but warm
Costs: Low early in the month, high during Christmas & New Year
Events: Christmas, New Year’s Eve beach parties in Seminyak & Canggu
👉 December is a lively time with global travelers flocking to celebrate — despite the rains.
💰 Travel Costs in Bali 2026
Flights
Low season (Jan–Mar, Nov): Cheapest
High season (Jun–Aug, Dec holidays): Prices can double
- Use Skyscanner for flight comparisons.
Accommodation
Budget guesthouses: $15–30/night
Mid-range hotels: $50–120/night
Luxury resorts/villas: $200+/night
- Browse deals on Booking.com.
Food & Drink
Street food/local warungs: $2–5 per meal
Western restaurants: $10–20 per meal
Fine dining: $50+ per person
Activities
Temple entry: $2–5
Surf/diving lessons: $50–100
Day tours: $40–80
- If you plan to work remotely while traveling, check out our digital nomad resources.
👉 Booking 3–6 months in advance is key for peak season 2026.
🎉 Bali Festivals & Events in 2026
Nyepi (Day of Silence) – March 19
Galungan & Kuningan – Feb 4 & 14, July 29 & Aug 8
Bali Arts Festival – June (month-long)
Bali Kite Festival – July
Ubud Writers & Readers Festival – September
Christmas & New Year Celebrations – December
For the official festival calendar, visit Indonesia Travel
🧭 Tips for Choosing the Best Time in 2026
For Sunshine & Outdoor Fun: May, June, September
For Budget Travel: January, February, November
For Festivals: March (Nyepi), June (Arts Festival), July–August (Galungan, Kites)
For Romance & Quiet: February, October
✨ Best time to visit Bali in 2026: Final Thoughts
The best time to visit Bali in 2026 depends on your travel goals:
May, June, September → Best mix of weather & affordability
July–August → Lively festivals & sunshine, but crowded & pricey
January–February, November → Cheaper, quieter, lush greenery
March → Unique experience with Nyepi
No matter when you go, Bali promises an unforgettable mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and tropical adventure. Plan wisely, and your Bali 2026 trip will be the journey of a lifetime.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best month to visit Bali in 2026?
The best months to visit Bali in 2026 are May, June, and September. They offer sunny weather, fewer crowds, and more affordable prices compared to peak season.
2. When is the rainy season in Bali in 2026?
Bali’s rainy season runs from November to March. Expect short, heavy downpours, high humidity, and lush green scenery.
3. What is Nyepi Day in 2026?
Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence, falls on March 19, 2026. The island shuts down for 24 hours; no travel, no electricity, no work. Tourists must stay inside their hotels or villas.
4. Is Bali expensive in 2026?
Bali can be as budget-friendly or luxurious as you like. Budget travelers can get by with $30–50 per day, while luxury travelers may spend $200+ daily on resorts, fine dining, and private tours.
5. Which festivals should I see in Bali in 2026?
Key festivals include:
Nyepi – March 19
Galungan & Kuningan – Feb 4 & 14, July 29 & Aug 8
Bali Arts Festival – June
Bali Kite Festival – July
Ubud Writers & Readers Festival – September
6. When is Bali cheapest to visit in 2026?
The cheapest months are January, February, and November. These fall in the rainy season, when flight and hotel prices drop significantly.
7. Is July 2026 a good time to visit Bali?
Yes, July has excellent weather and cultural festivals like Galungan and the Bali Kite Festival. However, it’s peak season; expect crowds and higher prices.
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