Quick answer
The dry season, from April to October, is the sunniest time in Bali and best for beach days and snorkelling, but June to September is busy.
The green season, from November to March, has more rain, fewer crowds and lusher landscapes, and is ideal for deep rest.
For a wellness retreat, any month works, because most of your time is spent in classes, the spa, the Recovery Center and the pool.
At a glance
Dry season: April to October. Sunniest, clearest water, busiest June to September
Green season: November to March. Wetter, heaviest rain January and February, quieter, better value
Temperature: warm all year, most days 27 to 32°C
Avoid arriving on: Nyepi, the Day of Silence, usually in March
Our green season offer: arrive 1 December to 31 March, save USD 50 per person on 3 nights or USD 150 per person on 7 nights
The honest answer: there’s no bad time for a retreat.
You’re spending your days in the pool, the sauna, the massage room and the dining room, and rain doesn’t touch any of that.
But each season feels different, and the right time for you depends on what you want from your stay.
When is the dry season in Bali?
Bali’s dry season runs from April to October. It’s the sunniest stretch of the year, with the most dry days and the clearest water.
It’s also the best time for snorkelling at Blue Lagoon, which is at its clearest and calmest in the dry season. See our guide to snorkelling at Blue Lagoon.
The trade off is crowds. June to September, plus late December, is Bali’s high season, with more visitors and fewer discounts across the island.
Best for: beach days, snorkelling, and anyone who wants sunshine all week.
When is the wet season in Bali?
Bali’s wet season, which we like to call the green season, usually runs from November to March, with the heaviest rain in January and February.
Don’t let the word “wet” put you off. Rain often comes in short, heavy bursts, usually in the afternoon, and then clears. Everything turns lush and green, the air feels fresher, and the island is quieter.
It’s also the perfect excuse to lean into the retreat: a class in the morning, the sauna and cold plunge when the rain rolls in, a massage while it drums on the roof.
Best for: deep rest, fewer crowds and better value.
What's Bali like month by month?
January:
green season. Warm, humid, frequent afternoon rain. Quiet after the New Year rush. Green season offer applies.
February:
often the wettest month. Very green and peaceful. A great time for a deep rest retreat. Green season offer applies.
March:
rain starts to ease. Nyepi usually falls this month, so check the date before booking. Green season offer applies.
April:
the start of the dry season. Fresh, green and not yet busy. One of the best months overall.
May:
dry, sunny and still relatively quiet. Excellent for a retreat.
June:
dry and sunny. Busier from late June as Australian school holidays begin.
July:
peak season. Dry, sunny, and busy with holidaymakers.
August:
peak season continues. Great weather, more people.
September:
still dry, a little quieter than July and August. A lovely month.
October:
the end of the dry season. Warm and sunny, with the first hints of rain late in the month.
November:
the green season begins. Rain returns, crowds drop.
December:
green season, busy over Christmas and New Year. Green season offer applies from 1 December.
What is Nyepi and why does it matter?
Nyepi is Bali’s Day of Silence, the Balinese Hindu New Year, and it usually falls in March. For 24 hours, the whole island stops.
Everyone must stay inside their hotel or home, the airport closes, and no arrivals or departures are possible that day.
If you’re already at the resort, it’s one of the most peaceful days you’ll ever experience: no traffic, no noise, just stillness.
But you can’t arrive or leave that day, so check the date before you book.
When are Australian and US holidays?
Australian school holidays bring more families to Bali, especially over the mid year break in late June and July, the spring break around late September and early October, and the long summer break from late December to late January. Dates vary by state, so check your state’s calendar. If you’re after a quieter week, try to avoid them.
US holidays like Thanksgiving in late November and the Christmas and New Year period are popular times for Americans to travel. Americans also tend to plan overseas trips well in advance, so if you have fixed dates, enquire early.
What's the weather like in Bali?
Bali is warm all year. Most days sit between 27 and 32°C, and it’s the humidity you’ll notice most.
Pack light, breathable clothes and drink plenty of water.
Our staying healthy in Bali guide has tips on handling the heat, and our packing guide covers what to bring.
So, when should you book your retreat?
- Want sunshine and snorkelling? Come between April and October, ideally April, May, September or October to avoid the busiest weeks.
- Want peace, green and better value? Come between December and March, and save with our green season offer.
- Just need a break? Come when you can. The retreat works in every season.
If you’re choosing between retreat lengths too, see 3 nights or 7 nights. Planning around a birthday or group trip? See our group retreats.
Best time to visit FAQs
What is the best month for a wellness retreat in Bali?
April, May, September and October offer a great balance of dry weather and fewer crowds.
For quiet and value, February and March are lovely too.
Does rain ruin a wellness retreat?
Rarely. Rain usually comes in short afternoon bursts, and most retreat activities, from classes to the Recovery Center and spa, work in any weather.
Are prices higher in peak season?
Not with us. We don’t add peak season surcharges, and arrivals from 1 December to 31 March get our green season offer.
Can I do the excursions in the wet season?
Yes. If weather stops an excursion on a particular day, we move it to another day of your stay, or arrange an activity of similar value.
When is Nyepi next year?
Nyepi follows the Balinese calendar and changes each year, usually falling in March. We’ll let you know the exact date when you enquire.