Bali
About Bali
Bali, Indonesia’s 'Island of the Gods,' is a year-round tropical paradise that offers a starkly different experience than the urban sprawl of Jakarta. While Jakarta serves as a high-energy business and shopping hub, Bali is defined by its volcanic peaks, terraced rice paddies, and world-class beaches. The island's climate is divided into two primary seasons—dry and wet—driven by the tropical monsoon. Peak season hits during the driest months of July and August and again during the year-end holidays, while the shoulder months of April, May, June, and September offer a perfect balance of favorable weather and lower prices. Whether you are coming for the spiritual heart of Ubud or the surf breaks of Uluwatu, timing your visit is essential to avoiding the crowds or the heaviest downpours.
Fly from Halifax, or anywhere in Atlantic Canada, and discover Bali at its best. We'll show you when to go, what to see, and where to eat, so you can simply enjoy the journey.
May to September
Dry Season (Peak Summer)
November to March
Wet Season (Monsoon)
April and October
The Shoulders (Spring & Autumn)
Late December to Early January
The Festive Peak
What's Included
Seasonal Guide
Complete 12-month breakdown with weather, crowds & pricing
Flights from Halifax
Routes: Halifax — Bali, or via major hubs from Atlantic Canada
Neighborhoods
5 curated areas to stay, from budget to luxury
Budget Guide
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) daily budgets: $35–$50 USD to $350+ USD
At a Glance: When to Visit Bali
Best Overall
May, June, September
Cheapest
January, February, November
Busiest
July, August, late December
Best Weather
June to August (low humidity and sunny)
For Events
March (Nyepi) and June (Bali Arts Festival)
For Families
June and September (dry weather, manageable crowds)
For Couples
May and October (romantic atmosphere, mid-season deals)
Budget Travel
February and November
From Atlantic Canada
Halifax to Bali.
Month by month.
Everything you need to know about travelling from Canada to Bali — the best seasons, what to pack, and how to save.
Month-by-Month Guide to Bali
January
Hot and humid with frequent heavy rain. Temps: 26°C–31°C (79°F–88°F). Rain: ~340mm. Sunshine: 5–6 hours.
“Best for budget travelers and those seeking peace in rain-washed, lush jungle environments after the New Year rush.”
February
One of the wettest months, though rain often falls in short, heavy bursts. Temps: 26°C–31°C (79°F–88°F). Rain: ~310mm.
“The quietest and cheapest time for a low-cost luxury villa stay.”
March
Transition month; rain begins to taper off. Humidity remains high. Temps: 27°C–31°C (81°F–88°F). Rain: ~210mm.
“Ideal for culture seekers wanting to experience the world's most unique spiritual holiday.”
April
Dry season begins. Humidity drops and skies clear. Temps: 27°C–31°C (81°F–88°F). Rain: ~90mm.
“A sweet spot for outdoor adventures before the summer tourist surge.”
May
Generally considered the best weather month. Sunny with low rainfall. Temps: 28°C–31°C (82°F–88°F). Rain: ~80mm.
“The ultimate month for beach lovers and divers seeking perfect visibility and sunny skies.”
June
Start of the windier, cooler dry season. Clear blue skies. Temps: 27°C–30°C (81°F–86°F). Rain: ~70mm.
“Excellent for families and art enthusiasts as the major festival season kicks off.”
July
Peak dry season. Very sunny and noticeably less humid. Temps: 26°C–29°C (79°F–84°F). Rain: ~60mm.
“Perfect for social butterflies and surfers, but expect high prices and heavy traffic.”
August
Driest month of the year. Coolest sea temperatures and constant sun. Temps: 26°C–29°C (79°F–84°F). Rain: ~30mm.
“The most reliable weather of the year, but requires booking 4-6 months in advance.”
September
Excellent dry weather continues but with fewer crowds than August. Temps: 27°C–30°C (81°F–86°F). Rain: ~40mm.
“The 'smart' choice for travelers who want August weather with September prices.”
October
Temperatures and humidity rise as the wet season approaches. Occasional rain. Temps: 27°C–31°C (81°F–88°F). Rain: ~60mm.
“Best for digital nomads and literature lovers wanting a quieter Ubud.”
November
The official start of the wet season. High humidity and gray skies. Temps: 27°C–31°C (81°F–88°F). Rain: ~110mm.
“A great time for 'slow travel' and massive discounts on five-star resorts.”
December
Wet and tropical. Rainfall peaks around late December. Temps: 26°C–30°C (79°F–86°F). Rain: ~250mm.
“Best for those who prioritize the festive holiday atmosphere over dry weather.”
Festivals & Events in Bali
Nyepi (Day of Silence)
The Balinese New Year. The entire island shuts down for 24 hours—no lights, no work, no travel (even the airport closes).
Mandatory stay-in at hotels; no one allowed on streets. Book 3+ months ahead.Bali Arts Festival
A month-long celebration of Balinese culture in Denpasar, featuring traditional dances and parades.
High attendance in Denpasar; traffic increases around the Art Center.Bali Kite Festival
Massive traditional kites up to 10 meters long are flown in competition on Sanur beach.
Crowded beaches in Sanur; great for photography.Ubud Food Festival
A showcase of Indonesian culinary diversity featuring celebrity chefs and workshops.
Ubud hotels sell out quickly; restaurant reservations are essential.Galungan & Kuningan
A 10-day festival celebrating the victory of Dharma over Adharma. Roads are lined with bamboo 'penjor' poles.
Highly scenic; many local shops may close for ceremonies.Ubud Writers & Readers Festival
Southeast Asia's largest literary event, drawing international authors and thinkers.
Ubud becomes a hub for intellectuals; boutique hotels see high demand.Indonesian Independence Day
National celebrations with community games, parades, and flag ceremonies.
National holiday; many domestic travelers from Jakarta visit Bali.Denpasar Festival
A massive street festival with food, art, and music to end the year.
Major road closures in central Denpasar; vibrant but chaotic.Budget Guide: How Much Does It Cost to Visit Bali?
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Daily Budget
Peak
$150–$250 (Mid-range hotel/Villa)
Off-Peak
$60–$100 (Mid-range hotel/Villa)
Accommodation prices typically jump by 50% or more during July, August, and the December festive window. In contrast, the wet season (Jan-March) sees significant discounting and 'last-minute' deals.
Where to Stay in Bali by Season
Ubud
Moderate to LuxuryApril–June, September
The cultural heart. Best when it's green but not too rainy for walking. Great for wellness and rice field views.
Seminyak & Canggu
Mid-Range to PremiumMay–September
Beach club and shopping hubs. Best during the dry season for sunset parties and surfing.
Uluwatu
Luxury VillasJune–August
Dramatic cliffside views and world-class surfing. Best in the peak dry season for the offshore winds.
Sanur
Budget to Mid-RangeYear-round
Family-friendly with calm waters. Sheltered enough for a pleasant stay even in the early wet season.
Nusa Dua
PremiumMay–September
Gated resort area with pristine beaches. Best for all-inclusive luxury and safe swimming.
What to Pack for Bali
Dry Season (Summer)
Pro tip: Pack reef-safe sunscreen to help protect Bali's delicate coral reefs.
Wet Season (Monsoon)
Pro tip: Humidity is high; clothes take forever to dry. Use local 'express' laundry services.
Cultural & Religious (Ceremony Days)
Pro tip: You can buy beautiful sarongs locally, which makes for a great souvenir.
Adventure & Hiking
Pro tip: Mornings on the volcanoes are much colder than the coast—layering is key.
FAQs: Visiting Bali
What is the best month to visit Bali?
May, June, and September are widely considered the best months. They offer dry weather, plenty of sunshine, and manageable crowds compared to July or August.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Bali?
February and November are generally the cheapest months to fly. You can often find deals from major hubs like Jakarta or Singapore during these monsoon periods.
What is the weather like in Bali in July and August?
July and August are the peak of the dry season. Expect low humidity, sunny days, and cooler evening temperatures of around 24°C-26°C.
Is Bali worth visiting in winter (December–February)?
Yes, especially for budget travelers and those wanting a green, lush landscape. While it rains, the showers are often short, and the festive spirit in December is incredible.
What happens during Nyepi?
Nyepi is a day of silence where the whole island stops. Tourists must stay within their hotel grounds, and no travel (including the airport) is permitted for 24 hours.
When is the best time for surfing in Bali?
The dry season (April–October) is best for the famous breaks on the west coast like Uluwatu. The wet season (November–March) offers better swells on the east coast.
How does Bali compare to Jakarta's weather?
Both are tropical, but Bali's coastal areas benefit from sea breezes. During the dry season, Bali is significantly less humid and cooler than central Jakarta.
Can I visit Bali during the rainy season?
Absolutely. Just plan for flexible indoor activities in the afternoon and enjoy the fact that the most famous sites will be much less crowded.
Also Consider: Other Destinations in Indonesia
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