Different Seasons in Bali
Best Time to Avoid Crowd in Bali
You can experience a lot of events in Bali all through the year, regardless of when you plan a visit to this beautiful Indonesian province. Whilst the months of October, January and February are off seasons here, these months are also when you can witness a myriad of events in Bali, from the Nusa Dua Fiesta and the Chinese New Year, to the Saraswati Festival and more.
Additionally, these months also make up the rainy season in Bali, with high precipitation and overcast skies. But it is during this time that you can avoid crowds in Bali, since a lot of tourist crowds won’t find the perfect beach weather and diving conditions. These months also come after the biggest holiday months in Bali, namely November and December, when there is a lot of crowd here. And with it being a low tourist season, you can also enjoy the best hotel deals during the months of October, January and February, thereby making these months the best time to visit Bali, to avoid crowds.
Major Events in Bali
Considered to be one of the most significant and remarkable events in Bali, the Chinese New Year is celebrated between the months of January and February with great pomp and vigour. This is when the Chinese and Buddhist temples are all decorated beautifully all-around Bali, and when you can catch the magnificent performances of the Chinese Barongsai, or the Lion and Dragon dance troops.
Considered a major religious event in Bali, the Saka New Year, also known as the Nyepi Day of Silence, marks the first day of the year according to their traditional calendar. On this day, the Balinese dedicate the entire day to connect with God through prayers, meditation and fasting, with people not even going out of their homes. Even the harbour and the airport remain closed on this day.
Ngembak Geni is celebrated after Nyepi, or the Day of Silence. This silence of the Lunar New Year breaks with the morning sun at 06:00 a.m., and on this day, families visit each other across the island. Omed-omedan is an event celebrated exclusively by the Banjar Kaja community of the Sesetan village in Denpasar. Members of this community come to the streets and play with water.
Celebrated with a lot of vigour every year between April to June is the Ubud Food Festival, which is a cultural and culinary extravagance in the region. On this day, people from all across the island come together to share the rich heritage of the traditional Indonesian cuisine, with local as well as international chefs taking part in the programme.
Galungan and Kuningan is an annual festival in Bali, which is celebrated to honour the victory of good over evil, and dharma over adharma. People in Bali celebrate this festival for a period of ten days, with the opening day of the festival being called Galungan, and the closing day being Kuningan.
Also known as Pesta Kesenian Bali, the Bali Arts Festival takes place every year between June and July. This annual event is one wherein you can enjoy seeing a variety of exhibitions as well as performances, artworks and other attractions.
FAQs
What is the most important festival in Bali?
Waisak is one of the most important festivals in Bali. Being a land which is predominantly a home for Buddhism, the festival of Waisak, which marks the birth, enlightenment and death of Lord Buddha, is considered of utmost importance here. Celebrated between May and June, the entire country is beautifully decorated during this festival.
What is the best season to visit Bali?
The dry season between April and October is the best time to visit Bali. With temperatures ranging between 26 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius, these months have little to no rainfall, and are ideal for exploring Bali, going sightseeing here, and even taking part in the many adventure sports and activities.
What is the best month to go to Bali?
The best time to visit Bali if you are on a budget is the month of October. It is the cheapest month here, since it marks the end of the peak season in Bali, with expenses of flight, accommodation and other activities being quite affordable.
How many days in Bali is enough?
A minimum of 8 to 10 days is enough to explore Bali. From exploring the jungles, waterfalls, temples and other attractions in Bali, to seeing the rice terraces, zoo, bird and animal parks, indulging in the many water sports and adventure activities, and even visiting the nearby islands, you can do it all in 8 to 10 days here.