Choosing when to visit Bali with your family can feel overwhelming. The island experiences two distinct seasons—dry and wet—but the reality is far more nuanced. Some of the best months for families fall outside the traditional peak season, offering sunny skies, manageable crowds, and reasonable prices. This guide walks you through each month so you can decide what works best for your family's needs, priorities, and school schedule.
Understanding Bali's Two Seasons
Before diving into month-specific planning, it's helpful to understand Bali's basic climate patterns.
Dry Season (May–October): Generally sunny with minimal rain, low humidity (compared to wet season), and cool evening breezes. This is peak tourist season, especially July and August, meaning higher prices and crowded attractions.
Wet Season (November–April): Warm with frequent tropical showers that usually pass quickly within a few hours. High humidity levels (80–85%) can make the heat feel more intense. Despite the rain, you'll still get plenty of sunshine—typically 5–7 hours daily. Beaches on the south coast may have debris washed ashore. Prices drop significantly, and crowds thin dramatically.
Month-by-Month Guide for Families
January: The Wettest Month (But Still Worth It)
Weather: Expect hot, humid conditions with temperatures ranging from 22–31°C (72–88°F). January is Bali's wettest month, with approximately 20–27 rainy days and around 350mm of rainfall. However, tropical showers are typically brief—short, heavy bursts usually in the afternoon or evening, followed by sunshine.
Humidity: High at 82–85%. You might feel sticky, but the showers provide relief from the heat.
Sunshine: Still generous—expect 5–6 hours of sunshine daily.
Crowds: Moderate to busy during Christmas/New Year (Dec 23–Jan 6). After January 6, crowds drop significantly.
Prices: Peak prices until January 6. Significant discounts after the New Year rush ends.
Best For Families: Families visiting after New Year celebrations get both the festive atmosphere and more affordable rates. The lower humidity indoors (with air conditioning) makes downtime comfortable. Plan indoor activities like cooking classes, museums, shopping, and spa treatments for rainy afternoons.
Considerations: South coast beaches (Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu) may have debris from ocean currents. Rough seas make swimming less ideal.
February: Still Rainy, Fewer Families
Weather: Similar to January—hot and humid with frequent afternoon/evening showers. Temperatures range from 22–31°C (72–88°F). Rainfall averages 280–331mm over 18–19 rainy days.
Humidity: High at 81–85%.
Sunshine: About 6 hours daily.
Crowds: Significantly fewer tourists than January. This is genuinely low season.
Prices: Budget-friendly month with excellent discounts on accommodation and activities.
Best For Families: Families looking for authentic, relaxed Bali without tourist masses. Water temperatures are warmest (29°C), making swimming comfortable despite occasional rain. Great for food-focused trips—exploring local warungs, rice paddies turned lush green, and waterfalls surrounded by vibrant vegetation.
Considerations: Highlands (Ubud, Bedugul) can get foggy and experience more prolonged rainfall. Trekking trails may be slippery.
March: Last Gasp of Wet Season
Weather: Transitional month still in rainy season. Temperatures around 22–31°C (72–88°F) with 14–20 rainy days and 215–270mm rainfall. Days are becoming slightly drier, with less intense downpours than January/February.
Humidity: High at 81–85% but starting to decrease.
Sunshine: About 7 hours daily—more sunshine appearing as month progresses.
Crowds: Low season. Perfect for families seeking peace.
Prices: Affordable rates continue.
Best For Families: A hidden gem month. By late March, you're getting better weather without peak-season crowds. Landscapes remain lush and green. Schools in some regions observe spring break (Easter falls in April in 2025, with breaks typically from mid-April), so late March works well for families with scheduling flexibility.
Considerations: Earlier in the month, rain is still frequent. Travel to northern regions like Lovina if southern beaches seem too rainy.
April: Golden Gateway to Dry Season
Weather: Transitional month marking the end of wet season. Temperatures 22–31°C (72–88°F) with 9–14 rainy days and moderate rainfall. Sunshine increases noticeably—mostly bright days with occasional afternoon showers.
Humidity: Around 80%, noticeably lower than previous months.
Sunshine: About 9 hours daily.
Crowds: Still relatively low, with selective uptick during Easter holidays (mid-to-late April).
Prices: Excellent value before peak season. 30–50% cheaper than July/August.
Best For Families: One of the absolute best months for families. You get dry, pleasant weather without July/August prices and crowds. Beaches become cleaner. Rice terraces are brilliantly green. Surfing season begins on west coast with reliable swells. Water temperatures remain warm (around 28°C).
Easter Impact: If Easter falls during your travel dates (April 18–21, 2025), expect busier tourist spots and higher prices for those specific weeks, particularly in Kuta, Legian, and Ubud.
Considerations: Plan beach days early in the month for most reliable weather, though April overall is very reliable for outdoor activities.
May: The Ideal Sweet Spot
Weather: Dry, sunny, and comfortable. Temperatures 21–31°C (70–88°F) with only 8–9 rainy days. Rainfall minimal—typically just 75–85mm. Light, brief showers occasionally occur, usually at night.
Humidity: Around 77–80%—significantly more comfortable than wet season.
Sunshine: About 9–10 hours daily of clear, blue skies.
Crowds: Low to moderate. Vastly fewer tourists than July/August, but more travelers than wet season months.
Prices: 30–50% cheaper than peak season. Excellent value.
Best For Families: May ranks among the top months for families. Perfect weather for beach days, exploring rice terraces, visiting temples, and outdoor activities. Kids' clubs at resorts operate with full programming. Water temperatures warm at around 28°C, ideal for swimming. Evenings feature refreshing cool breezes.
School Holidays: May aligns with late spring breaks in UK and parts of Europe. Australian mid-winter break (school holidays) also occurs May 19–June 2 in some states.
Considerations: None significant. May is genuinely excellent across the board.
June: Beautiful Before Peak Season
Weather: Dry and sunny with temperatures 21–31°C (70–88°F). Very little rain—approximately 7–8 rainy days with minimal rainfall. June is the driest month.
Humidity: Comfortable at 77–80%.
Sunshine: Maximum sunshine—10+ hours daily.
Crowds: Moderate, increasing toward month's end as European summer holidays begin (late June into July).
Prices: Still reasonable but trending upward by month's end. Book early for best rates.
Best For Families: Excellent month for all outdoor activities. Bali Arts Festival occurs in June, offering cultural performances, art exhibitions, and family-friendly events (typically mid-June). Perfect for families wanting to combine beach time with cultural immersion.
School Holidays: UK half-term (late May/early June) and start of summer holidays in UK (mid-late June). Australian winter holidays begin mid-June in some states (QLD, WA) while others start late June (NSW, VIC, ACT).
Considerations: Plan visits to popular temples and attractions early in the day to avoid afternoon crowds toward month's end.
July: Peak Season Begins
Weather: Absolutely pristine—dry, sunny, warm with temperatures 23–29°C (73–84°F). Barely any rain and minimal humidity (around 75–80%). Perfect beach weather.
Humidity: Lower—more comfortable than wet season but slightly higher than May/June.
Sunshine: 11–12 hours daily.
Crowds: Peak season begins. Very busy with international tourists and Australian families escaping winter. Popular sites (Ubud Monkey Forest, Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Tanah Lot Temple, Seminyak beaches) experience significant congestion.
Prices: Significantly higher—expect 30–50% price increases on flights and accommodation compared to shoulder season.
School Holidays: Perfect timing for International school summer holidays, UK summer holidays, and Australian winter school holidays. This is why July is so busy.
Best For Families: Despite crowds, July offers ideal weather and extensive family programming at resorts. Kids' clubs operate at maximum capacity. Water sports, diving, snorkeling—all perfect conditions. Cultural performances run nightly. Beach clubs buzz with activity. Great for first-time visitors who want to experience iconic Bali.
Considerations: Book accommodations well in advance. Expect crowds at attractions. Visit popular spots early morning (before 9am) to beat crowds. Consider less touristy areas—North Bali (Lovina, Pemuteran), East Bali (Amed), or quieter parts of Ubud.
August: Peak Season Continues
Weather: Continues July's perfection—dry, sunny, warm at 27–31°C (80–88°F). Barely any rain. Pleasant coastal breezes.
Humidity: 75–80%.
Sunshine: 11–12 hours daily.
Crowds: Absolutely peak season. Busiest month alongside July. Expect crowded beaches, restaurants with long waits, traffic congestion in south Bali, and fully booked hotels.
Prices: Among the year's highest.
School Holidays: Australian school winter holidays conclude (varies by state, ending late August to early September). International summer holidays continue.
Special Events: Indonesian Independence Day (August 17) brings local celebrations, parades, and festive atmosphere in villages.
Best For Families: Ideal weather continues. Cultural performances, beach clubs, water sports, and family activities at maximum availability. Great for families seeking vibrant, energetic Bali. Perfect for nightlife-interested travelers and beach party atmospheres. Excellent visibility for diving and snorkeling.
Considerations: Ultra-crowded—especially Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, and central Ubud. Book everything in advance. Accept that popular attractions will be busy. Skip south coast if seeking peace; instead head to north/east coast or hidden beaches. Weather tradeoff: less crowded areas still have perfect weather.
September: The Hidden Gem
Weather: Dry and sunny with temperatures 24–30°C (75–86°F). Minimal rain (approximately 6–7 rainy days). Still excellent conditions as you approach the tail end of dry season.
Humidity: Around 75–80%.
Sunshine: 10+ hours daily.
Crowds: Noticeably fewer tourists than July/August. School summer holidays end in many regions. Sweet spot emerges.
Prices: Moderate. Prices decrease from July/August peak but remain reasonable.
Best For Families: Increasingly recognized as superior to July/August by savvy travelers. You retain excellent weather but lose the overwhelming crowds. Beaches become more peaceful. Restaurant reservations are easier. Kids' clubs still operate. Water temperatures warm. Better balance between perfect weather and manageable experience.
School Holidays: Early September sees UK children returning to school. Australian spring school holidays begin late September in some states (NSW, VIC, ACT, WA, SA—typically Sept 27–Oct 12).
Considerations: Slight weather change starts late month as occasional afternoon showers appear, but nothing that disrupts outdoor plans.
October: Shoulder Season Bliss
Weather: Mixed bag—still mostly sunny and warm at 24–30°C (75–86°F), but occasional afternoon showers appear as transition to wet season begins. Around 9–11 rainy days with moderate rainfall, but showers pass quickly.
Humidity: Starts to increase but remains manageable.
Sunshine: 8–9 hours daily, with afternoon thunderstorms possible but brief.
Crowds: Moderate. Another sweet spot month for those avoiding peak season.
Prices: Reasonable, with good value compared to July/August.
Best For Families: Excellent month for families prioritizing value and reasonable crowds over absolute weather certainty. Weather remains suitable for outdoor activities despite occasional showers. Landscapes start turning green as rains increase. Rice terraces become more photogenic.
School Holidays: Australian spring school holidays (late Sept–early Oct, varying by state). UK half-term holidays in late October.
Considerations: Pack light rain gear. Afternoon showers may interrupt activities, but morning activities are generally reliable.
November: The Lush & Quiet Month
Weather: Transitional into wet season. Temperatures warm at 25–30°C (77–86°F). Rainfall increases noticeably—expect 12–16 rainy days with 85–160mm rainfall. Showers become more frequent but still typically brief.
Humidity: Increasing—around 80–85%.
Sunshine: About 8 hours daily, with increasing cloud cover.
Crowds: Low season. Very few tourists. Peaceful and authentic.
Prices: Budget-friendly. Excellent deals on accommodation and activities.
Best For Families: November appeals to families seeking authentic, quiet Bali without tourist infrastructure. Landscapes explode with lush green vegetation. Waterfalls are spectacular. Rice fields prepare for planting. Cultural ceremonies occur frequently. Lower prices allow budget-conscious families to maximize experiences.
Special Events: Makepung Buffalo Races (traditional racing) occur in November—unique, authentic cultural experiences.
Considerations: Rain becomes a daily companion. Plan flexible itineraries. Highlands experience more persistent rainfall than coastal areas. Some water activities become less ideal due to rough seas and debris.
December: Festive But Rainy
Weather: Peak wet season with frequent tropical showers. Temperatures warm at 26–31°C (79–88°F). Expect 18–22 rainy days with 280–320mm rainfall. Rain falls most afternoons/evenings but rarely all day.
Humidity: High at 85–90%.
Sunshine: Still surprisingly generous—about 7 hours daily.
Crowds & Prices: Peak crowding and peak prices from December 20–January 6 (Christmas/New Year). Rest of month is low season.
Special Events: Galungan and Kuningan (major Balinese Hindu holidays, dates vary)—colorful celebrations with temple ceremonies. Christmas celebrations in tourist areas. New Year's Eve parties (December 31) bring DJs, beach clubs, and festivities.
Best For Families: Families visiting mid-December can enjoy festive atmosphere with lower initial crowds. After Christmas crowds swell dramatically. Late December suits families wanting holiday celebration combined with tropical heat. Budget-conscious families avoiding Dec 20–Jan 6 window enjoy excellent rates and authentic experiences.
Considerations: South coast beaches (Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu) have rougher seas and potential beach debris. Pack rain gear. Plan indoor backup activities. Weather unpredictable—embrace flexibility.
Summary: Choosing Your Ideal Month
Best Overall for Families: May, June, September, October
These months balance excellent weather with manageable crowds and reasonable prices. You get sunshine, calm seas, and comfortable humidity.
Best Budget: February, March, November, December (excluding Dec 20–Jan 6)
Significant savings on flights and accommodation, though weather is wetter.
Best for Peak Season Acceptors: July, August
Perfect weather and full resort/activity programming, if you're willing to navigate crowds and premium prices.
Best for Cultural Immersion: November, December, February, March
Fewer tourists mean more authentic interactions and access to local communities.
Best School Holiday Alignment:
- UK summer: June 20–Sept 1 (best months: June, early July, September)
- Australian winter: May–Aug (best months: May, June, early July)
- Easter: Late April (plan April for spring break, but expect crowds April 18–21, 2025)
Final Tips for Planning Your Family Trip
1. Flexibility Beats Perfection
Even in "wet season," you'll get sunshine. Rain often falls predictably—early morning or evening—leaving daytime clear. Pack rain gear and embrace the authentic island rhythm.
2. Strategic Timing
If choosing between peak season and shoulder season, consider traveling within shoulder months (April–June, September–October) when possible. You optimize both weather and experience without peak prices.
3. Book Ahead
Regardless of season, book flights and accommodations at least 8–12 weeks in advance. Early booking—especially for July/August—provides better rates and choice.
4. Regional Variations
North and East Bali receive more rainfall than the south. If traveling during wet season, consider staying in coastal southern areas (Kuta, Seminyak) which are drier than highlands.
5. Coordinate Around School Calendars
Map family school holidays, but remember traveling outside these dates saves money significantly. If schedules allow, mid-May, early September, or October offer exceptional value.
The perfect time to visit Bali with family depends on your priorities: weather certainty, budget, crowds, or cultural authenticity. Understanding what each month offers empowers you to make the best decision for your unique family.