Friday, April 11, 2025

Cheaper and fewer crowds: Why you should visit Bali in the off-season

Author: James Booth

If you're tired of having your Bali holiday crashed by hordes of other tourists and want to see a more serene side of the island, visiting in the off-season is the answer.

There's something special about hearing the patter of rain as you do yoga on the (covered) deck of your Ubud villa looking out at the greenest rice-paddies you've ever seen.

But visiting Bali in off-season isn't all fun and games.

If you're heading to Bali in the off-season and are after advice on the best things to do, what to pack and what to be prepared for during this period of rainy weather and super cheap deals, we've got you sorted.

Plus: a few reasons why avoiding peak season in Bali and going there during the wet season might actually be a smart idea.

What are the Bali seasons tourists need to be aware of?

Bali has two seasons, wet season (November to March) and dry season (April to October). During wet season the weather is more humid and it rains more. That's not to say it's never sunny: it's just you're more likely to have sunny days interspersed with rain squalls (where as in dry season you're more likely to get consecutive days of solid sun).

Bali off-season guide

Despite the rain, there's a certain charm you get in the wet season in Ubud that you don't get in the drier months

Bali off-season is November to March. It's the off-season because this is when the weather is, on average, less suited to tourism. During the Bali off-season you can score better priced airfares and hotel deals if you are willing to risk wetter weather.

Bali peak season

Bali peak season is April to October. This is the best time of year to visit Bali, beach-weather wise, and coincides with the time of year that the weather is cold and miserable in Aussie cities like Sydney and Melbourne, making it a popular time of year for tourists (particularly Australians) to head to Bali, leading to increased pressure on airfares (and higher prices).

Benefits of visiting Bali in the off-season

Some surf breaks, like Keramas and Canggu, can be quite good in the wet season

There's heaps of things to do in Bali during off-season. Here's some of the best of them.
Surf Keramas

Though the Bukit Peninsula and its iconic reef break waves like Uluwatu, Padang Padang and Bingin fire during the dry season, other waves like Keramas actually can get really good during the shoulder season and the off-season months. This is because the trade winds blow offshore on the Bukit peninsula (onshore on the east coast at breaks like Keramas) during the dry season. In contrast, during the rainy season, you're more likely to get glassy conditions in the surf at Keramas, giving you the chance to get the picture-perfect barrel you've been imagining. Off-season can also be really fun at Canggu and Seminyak.

See the countryside at its greenest

In the same day in the wet season you can go from rain squalls to searing sun

Even though you might miss out on the best waves of the Bukit Peninsula, as well as the Bali Arts Festival and the Bali Kite Festival, which occur in dry season, one benefit you get if visiting Bali in the wet season is you get to see the rice paddies of Ubud, Semarapura and Sidemen at their most verdant. It can also be a beautiful time of year to go trekking, cycling and waterfall-visiting.
Avoid crowds

Another benefit of visiting Bali in low season is you get to see a more relaxed side to the island. In July and August the crowds can be manic at attractions like the Uluwatu temple, the sacred monkey forest sanctuary, ceking rice terrace and tegenungan waterfall. In off-season however, you still sometimes get sunny weather, and you could even argue it's the best time to visit Bali if you don't love dealing with heaving masses of tourists.

Experience Nyepi

Nyepi is quite the site

Every year in March (in 2025 it falls from Saturday 29 to Sunday 30) demonic effigies fill the streets for Nyepi, Balinese New Year. It's also a day of silence, fasting, and meditation (the effigies are eventually burned to symbolise the ridding of the island of evil spirits). Though some people might find it inconvenient as everything shuts down (even the airport), we say it's worth being there for it to experience a glimpse into the local culture and tradition.
Go white water rafting

While dry season is the best time of year for whitewater rafting in Bali for kids and families, wet season is better for getting your blood racing with more powerful rapids. There are two main options for whitewater rafting in Bali, the Telaga Waja River (near Sidemen) and the Ayung River (near Ubud). The 16km Telaga Waja River course is the longer of the two (and slightly further to reach from Ubud) and the Ayung River course is 10km and closer to reach from Ubud.

See Makepung Lampit

Ever fancied seeing a water buffalo race? The off season allows it. Picture via Instagram (@theseminyakbeachresort)

Makepung Lampit is a Balinese water buffalo race held in Jembrana, West Bali, through harvested rice fields, that usually takes places sometime between July and mid November, which means if you head to Bali at the start of the off-season, you might get to see it.
Visit the sacred monkey forest

Around 1200 monkeys (long-tailed macaques, to be precise) live at this temple-dotted nature reserve in Ubud. If you have time, it's well worth a visit - and can look particularly stunning during the wet season when the sun comes out after a bout of rain.

Visit Uluwatu temple

An essential part of any Bali itinerary - in both the wet and dry season

This is one of Bali’s six most important temples and is a must-see attraction if you want to experience a bit of Balinese culture.

Besides the beautiful views over the water and the crashing waves below, there's also fire dances here every night at a nearby amphitheatre, which are a unique expression of Bali hinduism.

Do a yoga retreat

Hotel prices in off season can make it a tempting time of year for a Bali trip

Yoga, unlike reading a book on the beach, doesn't require dry weather. In fact, there's something lovely about doing yoga while listening to the patter of rain outside. So off-season is a great - and cheap - time of year to book a yoga retreat in Bali.

Rainfall during Bali off-season

Shoulder season months like November and March are savvy picks and often sunny amid the rain

Ok, here is the million dollar question: how bad, really, is the rainfall in Bali's off-season? Allow us to summarise it for you below:

November: medium chance of frequent rain

December: high chance of frequent rain

January: very high chance of frequent rain

February: High chance of frequent rain

March: Medium chance of frequent rain

What to pack when visiting Bali in the off-season

Other than your usual travel clothes, here are some things you should consider bringing to Bali in the off season: raincoat, umbrella, rubber Birkenstocks (leather or cork won't love the rain), mosquito repellent; a positive attitude.

Frequently asked questions about Bali off-season

Bali off season can actually have some pleasant weather

Which month not to visit Bali?

January is the month where it typically rains most in Bali. During the wet season, Bali gets 234 – 287 mm of monthly rainfall on average. In January, Bali often sees up to 350 mm of rainfall in total for that month, which is well above the annual average. That said, you can often score great deals in January, so if you don't mind the risk of rain and occasional-associated flooding, it could still be an option to consider.

What is the cheapest month to go to Bali?

Because it's known as the rainiest, least popular time of year, January and February tend to be the cheapest months to visit Bali.

What is the busiest month in Bali?

July and August are usually heaving

The busiest months in Bali are usually July and August, because this is the peak of the dry season and also when Aussie school holidays are.

Worst time to travel to Bali?

Depending on your priorities, there's a reason to visit Bali year round - from high season and festive season to low season

It depends on your priorities. If your main goal is to have a cheap holiday with fewer crowds, then the worst time of year to travel to Bali is the dry season. If your main goal is to have a holiday with beautiful beach weather, the worst time to travel to Bali is the wet season.
Bali travel guide for couples

Bali is a beautiful place to visit for couples. From Instagram-worthy bubble tents and spectacular tree-houses in Ubud and Sidemen to clifftop villas in Uluwatu and luxury resorts in Nusa Dua, you're sure to find a spot of romance somewhere. If that's not in your budget try the hipster enclaves of Canggu or Pererenan (or if you want something in the thick of the action try Kuta or Seminyak). If you want something off the beaten track this secret side of the island is worth checking out too.

Don't just visit Bali, experience it! This weekly “Bali Travel & Real Estate News” summary is your key to unlocking a richer, more informed journey.

Tune in each week and discover how to make the most of your time in paradise.

______________________

This Weeks Bali News

_

Legendary Singer-Song Writer Confirms Gig In Bali’s Hottest Tourist Resort

Legendary singer-songwriter Jack Johnson will visit Bali in 2025 for an intimate event set to be hosted at Uluwatu Surf Villas on the Bukit Peninsula.

The acoustic superstar will play to a limited crowd, so those who want to attend must buy their tickets quickly.

Blog With Photos & Details Here

7 things tourists do in Bali that make locals cringe every single time

Over the years, I’ve had the absolute pleasure of traveling around Southeast Asia: from the gleaming skyline of Singapore to the bustling streets of Vietnam, and finally, to the island paradise that is Bali.

Blog With Photos & Details Here

Incredible Bali Ogoh-Ogoh Exhibition Will Remain Open For Tourists Until May

Were you in Bali for Nyepi? Or have you been left with a serious case of FOMO after missing out on the tranquility of the holy day of silence and the excitement of the Ogoh-Ogoh parades?

Well, FOMO no more, as tourist have the opportunity to experience the magic of the mysterious Ogoh-Ogoh at the GWK Cultural Park in Bali until the 10th May 2025.

Blog With Photos & Details Here

Indonesia to leverage tourism as economic defense against US tariffs

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The tourism sector could serve as a potential national economic defense for Indonesia in response to external pressures resulting from trade tariffs imposed by the US government, Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana stated.

Blog With Photos & Details Here

New Fast Boat Service Will Connect Tourists From Bali To Java

Leaders in Bali and Java are preparing to launch a game-changing new fast boat service that will connect the provincial capital of Bali, Denpasar, with East Java’s Banyuwangi.

Blog With Photos & Details Here

Selfies Vs Safety: Bali Tourists Urged To Pose Safely At Famous Landmarks

A Russian tourist in Bali has sustained serious injuries after slipping on coral while taking a selfie at a popular beach in the east of the province.

The injuries were so serious that the tourist had to receive emergency medical treatment on the beach before being transferred to a local hospital.

Blog With Photos & Details Here

Indonesian Ministers Outline How Trump’s Tariff Will Impact Bali Tourists’ Next Vacation

The US has imposed a 32% tariff on all goods imported from Indonesia. Ministers in Indonesia have been talking to the media about the impact the changes will have on the Indonesian economy and especially the tourism sector.

Blog With Photos & Details Here

Tourists Surprised by Rare Moment of Whale Appearing in Lovina, Bali

Lovina Beach is located on the north coast of Bali, Indonesia. This beach is famous for its dolphin-watching tours. Tourists can watch dolphins jumping in the middle of the sea from a rented boat.

However, it wasn't just dolphins that were seen a tour guide and a group of tourists were surprised by a rare moment.

Blog With Photos & Details Here

Bali’s Mount Agung Will Be Closed For Tourist Treks Until May 2025

Bali’s Mount Agung will be closed for to the public until 3rd May 2025. The hiking routes on the sacred Mount Agung are periodically closed to the public, including for tourist treks, for religious ceremonies and rituals.

Blog With Photos & Details Here

Tourist Levy Voucher to Be Required for Boarding Pass Issuance in Bali

Bali’s authorities tighten enforcement of the Foreign Tourist Levy with new boarding pass policy.

The Provincial Government of Bali is preparing to enforce a new policy concerning the Foreign Tourist Levy (Pungutan Wisatawan Asing or PWA), whereby proof of payment in the form of a Tourist Levy Voucher will become a mandatory requirement for obtaining a boarding pass when departing from Bali.

Blog With Photos & Details Here
__________

Last Weeks Bali News

___________________________

Bali reveals seven banned acts in crackdown on tourists doing the wrong things

Bogans behaving badly in Bali have been put on notice with the Governor of the Indonesian holiday island declaring a police crackdown on international visitors doing the wrong thing.