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The 'worst' time to visit Bali: How to avoid crowds, high prices, and the rainy season

Jemima Skelley
Jemima Skelley

While Bali has always been a popular holiday spot for Aussies heading overseas, that's now more true than ever.

As it starts to get cold at home, we're all dreaming about taking a tropical vacation - and Bali is the perfect option.

But when is the best time to visit the Indonesian island? Read on to find out.

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READ MORE: Seven unmissable destinations off Bali's beaten track

Young female tourist visiting Kelingking Beach on the Indonesian island of Nusa Penida. Climbs up the step trail to the top.

Over a million Aussies visit Bali each year. Getty

What is the best month to go to Bali?

The best time to visit Bali is between the months of May and October, the dry season.

During the middle of the year - when it's winter back home - the weather is warm and sunny in Bali, usually between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius.

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If you want to narrow it down even more, either May or early September would be your best bet. This way you're avoiding peak tourism and school holiday times, when flight prices could be increased.

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Soak up the sun at the resort's pool bar.  Booking

What is the worst time to travel to Bali?

The months of December, January, and February are the worst time to visit Bali, as it's the rainy season.

The one upside of the rainy season is that the island becomes lush and green thanks to all the moisture in the air, but you'll be stuck inside thanks to the frequent storms that pass through this time of year.

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It can also be very humid during these months, which isn't conducive to having a nice relaxing time on holiday.

READ MORE: 'Adelaide is the best holiday spot in Australia - here's why'

portrait of beautiful woman in luxurious resort. Young girl taking a bath and relaxing at infinity swimming pool

Bali can get humid in the rainy season. Getty

What is the rainy season in Bali?

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During the rainy season, Bali's weather tends to be hot, humid, and muggy, with a lot of rainfall. The temperatures during the rainy season tend to range in the high 20s and low 30s.

While the rainfall can be quite heavy at times, it doesn't usually rain all day - just a couple of hours here and there, especially in the afternoons and at night.

However, as it's the low season for tourism, visitors to the island will be greeted with fewer crowds and lower prices. Bali's landscape and vegetation are also far more lush, if you're going inland to explore waterfalls and rainforests.

Conversely, Bali's southern beaches (Kuta, Canggu, and Seminyak) can be dirty due to debris and trash washed onto the shore from the rain.

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Jungle waterfall cascade in tropical rainforest with rock and turquoise blue pond. Banyumala twin waterfall in Bali, Indonesia.

Bali's lush jungle comes alive in the rainy months. Getty

What time of year is cheapest to go to Bali?

The off-peak months will always be the cheapest time to visit Bali - between November and March.

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There is less demand from visitors due to the rain during this time, meaning cheaper flights and hotels.

But if you're not keen on the rain or humidity, consider visiting Bali during the shoulder season. Between April to June and September to October, you'll hit the sweet spot of affordable prices and good weather.

Is Bali warm in September?

Thanks to its position near the equator, Bali is warm year-round.

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The weather in September is warm, sunny and almost rain-free, with average temperatures hovering in the mid-20s.

Young parents and little kid enjoying the views in Thousand Islands Viewpoint, on of the most amazing spots in Nusa Penida Island, Indonesia, Bali.

Bali is also great for family holidays. Getty Images/iStockphoto

Best time to visit Bali with family

If you can be flexible around school holidays, the best time to head to Bali as a family is May, June and September - on either side of the expensive high season.

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In the middle of the year, during the dry season, you'll get the best weather for all the family-friendly activities that Bali has to offer, from swimming and snorkelling to visiting water parks and temples.

READ MORE: Vanuatu is the perfect place for a holiday, even if it's rainy

Best time to visit Bali for honeymoon

Bali is a popular honeymoon spot, thanks to its wide range of luxury accommodation that suits all budgets.

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There's really no bad time for a honeymoon in Bali, but if you go between May and August you'll be met with sunny weather and turquoise waters that the island is famous for.

Avoid the peak school holiday times in June/July and September/October if you'd prefer to soak up a kid-free atmosphere.

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