Bali is a beautiful island in Indonesia that attracts millions of tourists every year. It is famous for its stunning beaches, rich culture, lush nature, and diverse activities.
Not every month is ideal for visiting Bali. Depending on your preferences and expectations, there are some times of the year that you might want to avoid. Here are some of the worst times to visit Bali and why.
Worst Time to Visit Bali Rainy Season
The rainy season in Bali runs from November to March, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in December and January.
This is the time when the island experiences high humidity, cloudy skies, frequent thunderstorms, and sometimes flooding. The rain can disrupt your outdoor plans, such as hiking, surfing, snorkeling, or sightseeing.
Some roads and attractions might be closed or inaccessible due to the weather conditions. The rain can also increase the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue fever and malaria.
If you are looking for a sunny and dry vacation, the rainy season is not the best time to visit Bali.
Peak Season
The peak season in Bali coincides with the dry season, which runs from April to October. However, the busiest and most expensive months are July and August, as well as Easter, Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year.
During these times, Bali is crowded with tourists from all over the world, which means higher prices for flights, hotels, and activities.
You might also face long queues, traffic jams, noise pollution, and environmental issues. If you are looking for a peaceful and relaxing vacation, the peak season is not the best time to visit Bali.
Nyepi Day
Nyepi Day is a unique and sacred holiday in Bali that falls on a different date every year, usually in March or April.
It is also known as the Day of Silence, as the Balinese Hindus observe a day of fasting, meditation, and self-reflection.
On this day, the entire island shuts down from 6 am to 6 am the next day. There is no electricity, no internet, no entertainment, no travel, and no noise. Even the airport is closed for 24 hours.
Tourists are expected to respect this tradition and stay indoors in their hotels or villas. While some visitors might find this experience interesting and spiritual, others might find it boring and inconvenient. If you are looking for a fun and adventurous vacation, Nyepi Day is not the best time to visit Bali.
Volcanic Eruptions
Bali is home to several active volcanoes, such as Mount Agung and Mount Batur. While these volcanoes offer spectacular views and hiking opportunities, they can also pose a threat to travelers.
Volcanic eruptions can happen at any time of the year, but they are more likely during the rainy season when the pressure builds up inside the volcanoes.
Volcanic eruptions can cause ash clouds that can disrupt air travel and visibility. They can also trigger landslides, mudflows, earthquakes, and tsunamis that can damage property and endanger lives. If you are looking for a safe and hassle-free vacation, volcanic eruptions are not the best time to visit Bali.
How bad is Bali wet season?
The wet season in Bali typically lasts from November to March, with the heaviest rainfall occurring between December and February.During this time, the island is characterized by high humidity, overcast skies and frequent rain showers to crazy storms.
Bali is a popular destination year-round and offers many activities to do even in the rainy season¹. The best time to visit Bali depends mainly on 2 factors: the weather (sunshine, rainfall, temperatures, sea conditions), and school holidays or public holidays (which has an impact on prices for accommodation, airfares & flight tickets, and whether Bali is crowded or not).
If you want to avoid the wet season, then the best time to visit would be during the dry season which runs from April to October.
What day does Bali shut down?
Bali shuts down on the day of Nyepi, also known as the “Day of Silence” which is a Hindu celebration that marks the start of a New Year.
This year, Nyepi falls on Wednesday March 22nd 2023, beginning at 6am and finishing 24 hours later at 6am on March 23rd.
During this time, all of the island’s lights must be switched off, transport comes to a halt and everyone must stay at home. The whole island shuts down for a full 24 hours, and the streets are off limits to everyone. Even the airport closes for a full day, with planes being rerouted above so not to disturb the silence below.
Sounds crazy? In our humble opinion, Nyepi is the most magical and unique date on the Balinese calendar, found nowhere else in the world other than on this enchanting little island.
When should I avoid traveling to Bali?
The best time to visit Bali depends on what you want to do and see. The dry season, from April to September, is the most enjoyable time of the year for outdoor activities, including basking on beaches, hiking, surfing, sailing, diving and canyoning.
The high season (July–August and December) is the best time for festivals and partying. The shoulder season (April–June and September–October) is best for adventurous travelers.
The low season (January–March and November) is best for budget travelers. However, it is also the rainy season in Bali which means that there will be frequent downpours.
If you want to avoid the wet season, then the best time to visit would be during the dry season which runs from April to October.
Conclusion
Bali is a wonderful destination that has something for everyone. However, depending on your preferences and expectations, there are some times of the year that you might want to avoid.
The worst times to visit Bali are generally the rainy season (November to March), the peak season (July/August and major holidays), Nyepi Day (March/April), and volcanic eruptions (anytime). By choosing the right time to visit Bali, you can enjoy its beauty and charm without any regrets.
