Bali

Bali has a tropical climate split simply into a dry season, roughly May to September, and a wetter season the rest of the year, though "wet" here usually means humid days with a heavy afternoon downpour rather than constant rain, and outdoor plans are rarely written off entirely. The island's genuinely busiest and most expensive stretch is July and August, driven by European summer holidays, when Seminyak's beach clubs, Ubud's rice terraces and the temples at Uluwatu are at their most crowded.

May, June and September sit inside the same dry season as July and August but without the summer-holiday surge, and are widely considered the best-value months on the island: reliable sun, thinner crowds and noticeably lower hotel rates. December and early January bring a second, sharper peak around Christmas and New Year, despite falling in the wet season, as Bali is one of the world's most popular New Year destinations. February and March are the wettest, quietest months, apart from Nyepi, the Day of Silence, when the entire island, airport included, shuts down for 24 hours, usually in March.

The summer holidays land squarely in Bali's peak season, July and August, so expect the year's highest prices and busiest beach clubs and temples. October half term falls just as the dry season is ending: still often good weather, with prices below the summer peak. Easter usually falls in the wetter shoulder period, warm with a real chance of afternoon showers. Christmas and New Year is Bali's second peak and one of the most expensive weeks of the year to fly, despite the wet season. February half term is quieter and cheaper but comes with the highest chance of rain, and airport closures for Nyepi are worth checking against your dates if they fall in March.

Pick a school holiday in the date checker at the top of the page to see the exact term dates and typical premium for your region.