Q: "When is the best time to visit Bali with kids? What's the weather like throughout the year?"

Great question! Bali's weather can make or break a family vacation. Here's everything you need to know about timing your trip perfectly for the kids' comfort and your sanity.

The Quick Answer

Best overall time for families: April-September (dry season)

• Minimal rain, perfect for outdoor activities
• Less humidity = happier kids
• Peak tourist season = more family-friendly events

Budget-friendly alternative: October-November, February-March

• Shoulder seasons with good weather
• Lower prices on accommodation
• Fewer crowds at attractions

Avoid if possible: December-January

• Peak wet season = daily downpours
• High prices due to holidays
• Crowded beaches and attractions

Month-by-Month Family Weather Guide

January 🌧️

Weather: Peak wet season, daily afternoon storms Temperature: 26-30°C (79-86°F) Humidity: Very high (80-85%) Rainfall: 300mm+ (heaviest month)

Family considerations:

• Indoor activities essential
• Beach time limited to mornings
• Stroller covers a must
• Higher chance of flight delays

Best for: Families who don't mind rain and want lower accommodation prices

February 🌧️

Weather: Still wet season but improving Temperature: 26-30°C (79-86°F) Humidity: High (75-80%) Rainfall: 250mm

Family considerations:

• Mix of sunny and rainy days
• Better than January for outdoor activities
• Chinese New Year celebrations (cultural experience)
• Start of shoulder season pricing

March 🌤️

Weather: Transition month - fewer storms Temperature: 27-31°C (81-88°F) Humidity: Moderate (70-75%) Rainfall: 150mm

Family considerations:

• Good balance of weather and prices
• Nyepi (Balinese New Year) - unique cultural experience
• Beach activities more reliable
• Perfect for villa stays with pools

April ☀️ (EXCELLENT)

Weather: Start of dry season Temperature: 27-32°C (81-90°F) Humidity: Comfortable (65-70%) Rainfall: 75mm

Why it's great for families:

• Reliable sunshine for beach days
• Lower humidity = less cranky kids
• School holiday season in many countries
• Perfect temperature for outdoor activities
• Festival season begins

What to pack: Light clothing, sunscreen, light rain jacket just in case

May ☀️ (EXCELLENT)

Weather: Prime dry season Temperature: 27-32°C (81-90°F) Humidity: Low (60-65%) Rainfall: 50mm

Perfect for:

• All outdoor activities
• Temple visits (less sweaty kids)
• Nature walks and hikes
• Water sports and beach time
• Photography (clear skies)

June ☀️ (EXCELLENT)

Weather: Peak dry season Temperature: 26-31°C (79-88°F) Humidity: Low (60-65%) Rainfall: 40mm

Family highlights:

• Clearest skies of the year
• Perfect for volcano sunrise trips
• Ideal for camping or glamping
• European summer holidays begin
• Galungan & Kuningan celebrations

July ☀️ (VERY GOOD)

Weather: Peak dry season continues Temperature: 25-30°C (77-86°F) Humidity: Low (60-65%) Rainfall: 30mm (driest month)

Considerations:

• Pros: Perfect weather, school holidays
• Cons: Peak season crowds and prices
• Best for: Families who don't mind crowds
• Book ahead: Accommodation fills up fast

August ☀️ (VERY GOOD)

Weather: Still dry and pleasant Temperature: 25-30°C (77-86°F) Humidity: Low (60-65%) Rainfall: 25mm

Peak season reality:

• Busiest month for family tourism
• Highest accommodation prices
• Crowded beaches and attractions
• Book restaurants well in advance
• Amazing weather makes up for crowds

September ☀️ (EXCELLENT)

Weather: Dry season at its best Temperature: 26-31°C (79-88°F) Humidity: Moderate (65-70%) Rainfall: 40mm

Why September rocks:

• Post-August crowds thin out
• Still excellent weather
• More reasonable prices
• Perfect for extended family trips
• Kids back in school = fewer crowds

October 🌤️ (GOOD)

Weather: End of dry season Temperature: 27-32°C (81-90°F) Humidity: Rising (70-75%) Rainfall: 75mm

Shoulder season benefits:

• Great weather with occasional showers
• Significantly lower prices
• Less crowded attractions
• Good time for villa rentals
• Kids' activities still reliable

November 🌧️

Weather: Transition to wet season Temperature: 27-32°C (81-90°F) Humidity: High (75-80%) Rainfall: 150mm

Mixed bag month:

• Morning sunshine, afternoon showers
• Good for families with flexible schedules
• Indoor backup plans essential
• Budget-friendly option

December 🌧️

Weather: Wet season begins Temperature: 26-31°C (79-88°F) Humidity: Very high (80-85%) Rainfall: 250mm

Holiday season reality:

• Weather: Daily afternoon storms
• Crowds: Peak tourist season
• Prices: Highest of the year
• Experience: Amazing Christmas/New Year celebrations
• Best for: Families prioritizing festive atmosphere over perfect weather

Detailed Season Breakdown

Dry Season (April-September)

Best for families because:

• Predictable weather = easier planning
• Less rain = more outdoor time
• Lower humidity = comfortable kids
• Consistent beach and pool weather
• Perfect for outdoor dining

Challenges:

• Higher prices (especially July-August)
• Crowded popular spots
• Need to book ahead
• Stronger sun = more sunscreen needs

Pack: Sunscreen, hats, light clothing, swimwear, light sweater for air-con

Wet Season (October-March)

Benefits for families:

• Lower accommodation prices
• Fewer tourists = easier access to attractions
• Lush, green landscapes
• Cultural festivals and ceremonies
• Resort deals and packages

Challenges:

• Daily afternoon storms
• High humidity = cranky kids
• Potential flight delays
• Limited outdoor activities
• Need backup indoor plans

Pack: Rain gear, quick-dry clothing, waterproof bags, extra changes of clothes

Best Times for Specific Family Activities

Beach Activities

Optimal: May-August Good: April, September Challenging: October-March

• Calmer seas during dry season
• Less chance of storms interrupting beach days
• Better visibility for snorkeling

Temple Visits with Kids

Best: May-September (less sweaty exploration) Manageable: April, October Difficult: November-March (humidity + heat)

Outdoor Adventures (Volcano hikes, etc.)

Prime time: April-September Why: Clear skies for sunrise viewings, stable weather conditions

Cultural Festivals

Galungan & Kuningan: Every 210 days (moveable) Nyepi (Balinese New Year): March/April Independence Day: August 17 Christmas/New Year: December-January

Regional Weather Differences

South Bali (Kuta, Seminyak, Nusa Dua)

• Generally drier than other regions
• More consistent weather year-round
• Best for beach-focused family trips
• Urban heat island effect in busy areas

Central Bali (Ubud, Gianyar)

• Cooler temperatures (2-3°C lower)
• More rainfall due to elevation
• Lush and green year-round
• Afternoon mists common

East Bali (Candidasa, Amed)

• Driest region of Bali
• Less affected by wet season
• Great for snorkeling/diving year-round
• Strong winds during dry season

North Bali (Lovina, Singaraja)

• Different weather patterns
• Drier overall
• Black sand beaches
• Calmer seas for swimming

West Bali (Medewi, Pemuteran)

• Consistent surfing conditions
• Less tourist infrastructure
• Good for adventurous families
• Remote location considerations

Packing Guide by Season

Dry Season Essentials

Clothing:

• Light, breathable fabrics
• Long sleeves for temple visits
• Swimwear (multiple sets)
• Light sweater for air-conditioning
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sandals with good grip

Sun protection:

• High SPF sunscreen (reef-safe)
• Wide-brimmed hats
• UV protective clothing
• Sunglasses for everyone
• Umbrella for shade

For kids specifically:

• Rash guards for swimming
• Cooling towels
• Electrolyte packets
• Aloe vera gel

Wet Season Additions

Rain gear:

• Quality rain jackets
• Waterproof bags for electronics
• Quick-dry clothing
• Extra shoes (things get muddy)
• Plastic bags for wet clothes

Comfort items:

• Dehumidifier for accommodation
• Anti-fungal powder
• Extra changes of clothes
• Indoor entertainment for kids
• Portable fans

Money-Saving Tips by Season

Peak Season (July-August, December-January)

Save money by:

• Booking 6+ months in advance
• Staying slightly outside main tourist areas
• Cooking some meals if possible
• Using local warungs instead of resort restaurants
• Booking package deals that include activities

Shoulder Season (April-June, September-October)

Best value:

• Book 2-3 months ahead for good rates
• Mix of higher and lower season activities
• Some restaurants offer early bird specials
• Better availability for popular experiences

Low Season (November, February-March)

Maximize savings:

• Last-minute deals on accommodation
• Negotiate longer stay discounts
• Many restaurants offer rainy season specials
• Spa treatments often discounted
• Private drivers more flexible on rates

Health Considerations by Season

Dry Season Health Tips

• Dehydration risk: Higher due to sun exposure
• Sun safety: Critical with strong UV rays
• Air quality: Can be dusty, especially in July-August
• Mosquitoes: Still present but less problematic

Wet Season Health Tips

• Dengue risk: Peaks during rainy months
• Skin issues: High humidity can cause rashes
• Respiratory: Mold and humidity concerns
• Water safety: Avoid flood-affected areas

Year-Round Essentials

• Insect repellent (DEET for kids over 2)
• First aid kit with band-aids and antiseptic
• Probiotics for digestive health
• Hand sanitizer
• Any prescription medications

Final Recommendations by Family Type

Families with Toddlers (0-4 years)

Best time: May-June, September Why: Predictable weather, fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures for naps and outdoor time

Families with School-Age Kids (5-12 years)

Best time: April-May, July-August Why: School holiday alignment, perfect weather for adventures and activities

Families with Teenagers (13+ years)

Best time: June-August Why: Social atmosphere, lots of activities, Instagram-worthy weather

Multi-Generational Families

Best time: April-May, September-October Why: Comfortable weather for grandparents, good variety of activities, manageable crowds

Budget-Conscious Families

Best time: February-March, October-November Why: Lower prices, still decent weather, authentic cultural experiences

First-Time Visitors

Best time: May-August Why: Guaranteed good weather, everything operational, best introduction to Bali

Remember: Bali is beautiful year-round, and even "bad" weather days often have sunshine. The key is setting expectations and having backup plans!