Bali, Crete
Best time to visit Bali: weather, crowds and events by month
Go in May, June or September to early October: warm sea, open tavernas and fewer people than July–August. July and August are hot, windy and at peak prices; November to March is quiet and cheap but wet, with many coastal businesses shut. Book ferries and rooms early for the 15 August peak.
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GuideBali, Crete
Key facts
- Best all-round months
- May, June, September, early October
- Peak crowds and prices
- Mid-July to end of August, worst around 15 August
- Cheapest and quietest
- November to March, but wet and much closed
- Sea warm enough to swimcheck
- Roughly June to October; into November on the south coast
- Wind
- The meltemi blows hardest in July and August and can cancel small boats
- Wildfire riskcheck
- Highest in August; follow local advisories
- Book ahead for
- Ferries and rooms around 15 August and Orthodox Easter
Quick answer
The best time to visit Bali is late May, June or September into early October. The sea is warm, most tavernas and boat trips are running, and you avoid the July–August crush. If you want the cheapest trip and do not mind rain and closed shutters, come in winter.
Two dates change everything. Around 15 August Greece takes its own holiday and ferries and rooms sell out at top prices. Orthodox Easter fills the island for a long weekend in spring. Check both before you fix dates.
Choices by month
Use this table to pick a month, then read the detail below. Verdicts follow the island's season: go, caution or skip. Prices are a 2026 estimate for a mid-range double room per night.
| Month | Verdict | Crowds | Price | Room (2026 est.) | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | skip | Low | Low | €40–70 | Wet, windy, most hotels and tavernas shut |
| February | skip | Low | Low | €40–70 | Still wet and quiet; Carnival elsewhere in Greece |
| March | caution | Low | Low | €45–75 | Rain easing, sea cold, businesses starting to open |
| April | go | Medium | Medium | €60–100 | Green and mild; Orthodox Easter can fill the island |
| May | go | Medium | Medium | €70–110 | Warm, open, good walking; sea swimmable late in the month |
| June | go | High | High | €90–140 | Long days, warm sea, everything running |
| July | caution | High | High | €120–200 | Hot and windy; meltemi can cancel small boats |
| August | caution | High | High | €130–220 | Greek holiday peak around 15 August; highest wildfire risk |
| September | go | Medium | Medium | €90–140 | Warmest sea, easing heat and crowds |
| October | go | Low | Medium | €70–110 | Still swimmable; many places close after mid-month |
| November | skip | Low | Low | €45–75 | Rain returns, most coastal businesses shut |
| December | skip | Low | Low | €45–75 | Wet and quiet; a few places open over the holidays |
Room bands are 2026 estimates for a mid-range double; exact rates vary by property and booking date.
Detail
Spring is the island at its greenest. April and May bring wildflowers, mild walking weather and a sea that is cool but usable by the end of May. Orthodox Easter moves each year and pulls Greek visitors in for a long weekend, so book ferries and rooms early if your dates land on it.
Summer is hot, dry and windy. June is the pick of the three: long days, warm water and a full ferry timetable before the heat peaks. July and August bring the meltemi, a strong north wind that keeps the coast bearable but can cancel small boats and make exposed beaches uncomfortable. Around 15 August the whole country holidays at once, so prices and demand hit their ceiling.
Autumn is the best-value window. September and early October give the warmest sea of the year with fewer people and lower prices. From mid-October many coastal hotels and tavernas close for the season, though the south coast can stay swimmable into November.
Winter is for a different trip. November to March is wet, windy and largely shut along the coast. Come then only if you want empty landscapes, low prices and a base in a town that stays open year-round, and accept that some days will be a washout.
Costs
Prices track the season more than anything else. A mid-range double that costs €70–110 in May can ask €130–220 in mid-August for the same room. Ferries and inter-island boats are busiest and dearest in late July and August, and cheapest in the shoulder months.
Food and drink change less, but beach clubs and boat trips charge peak rates in July and August. Shoulder-season travel in May, June or September usually saves enough on accommodation to cover a day of boat trips or a nicer room.
| Item | Low season (Nov–Mar) | Shoulder (Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct) | Peak (Jul–Aug) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-range double, per night | €40–75 | €60–140 | €120–220 |
| Ferry or boat trip | Reduced timetable | Normal | Busiest, book ahead |
| Beach club or sunbed day | Mostly closed | €10–20 | €20–40 |
| Car hire, per day | €25–40 | €35–55 | €45–70 |
2026 estimates; peak rates cluster around 15 August.
Tips
- Book ferries and rooms first for mid-August and Orthodox Easter; both sell out.
- Pack for wind in July and August: the meltemi is steady, not a gust.
- Shoulder months give the best sea-to-crowd ratio; aim for June or September.
- Check wildfire advisories in high summer and follow local instructions.
- Many coastal businesses close from mid-October; confirm yours is open before booking winter.
- An eSIM keeps maps and ferry timetables working without a local SIM queue.
Questions people ask
When is the best time to visit Bali?
Late May, June and September into early October. You get a warm sea, open tavernas and fewer people than in July and August. May and June suit walking; September and early October give the warmest water.
When is Bali least crowded?
November to March, when rain and closed businesses keep most visitors away. April and October are also quiet but with more open. Avoid mid-July to end of August, especially around 15 August.
What is the weather like in Bali by month?
Spring is mild and green, summer hot and windy, autumn warm with the best sea, winter wet and cool. July and August bring the meltemi wind; August carries the highest wildfire risk. Check local forecasts before you travel.
Is Bali worth visiting in winter?
Only for a quiet, cheap trip. November to March is wet and many coastal hotels and tavernas are shut. Come if you want empty landscapes and low prices, and plan around rainy days.
How far ahead should I book?
For July and August, especially around 15 August, book ferries and rooms two to three months ahead. In the shoulder months a few weeks is usually enough. Winter needs little planning.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check