Is July a Good Time to Go to Bali?
Are you planning a holiday in Southeast Asia and wondering “Is July a good time to go to Bali?” Well, anytime is a good time to visit Bali. This popular tropical island offers warm weather all year, beautiful scenery and delicious food. The lush rice fields, idyllic waterfalls, surf beaches and captivating local culture are just a few of the things that Bali is famous for.
But some months are better than others for a Bali vacation. So, is July a good time to visit Bali? well, July is one of the best months to go to Bali for the weather, but it’s also a very popular time to visit and can be very busy at this time of the year.
I spent July holidaying in Bali, and I’ve also been to Bali in January at the height of the rainy season and there are a few differences. Here’s what you can expect when you visit Bali in July.
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Is July a good Time to go to Bali?
Yes, Bali is good to visit in July. It’s the dry season and there’s less rain than at other times of the year. The weather in Bali in July tends to be warm and sunny but Bali is an island with a tropical climate, and it can rain at any time of the year.
Why the dry season is a good time to visit Bali
July in Bali is in the middle of the dry season which falls from March to October. The clear skies in July are perfect for a beach holiday and swimming, snorkelling, and relaxing on the beach.
Popular things to do in Bali are learning to surf at Kuta Beach or enjoying a gorgeous sunset and a cocktail at one of Bali’s Beach clubs. Kuta, Seminyak and Canggu are famous for their stunning beach sunsets.
If you’re there for the nightlife, July, August and December are the busiest months in Bali and it’s an ideal time to enjoy the best of the party scene. Large crowds create an electric vibe and parties that last all night.
The dry season in Bali is also the perfect time for hiking through the green rice fields, chasing waterfalls and enjoying beautiful mountain and coastal landscapes.
TIP: Take a day trip from Ubud to Mount Batur and hike to the top of the mountain to watch the sunrise with spectacular views and relax in a hot spring to rest and recharge. It’s one of the most popular day trips in Bali.
July in Bali is also a great time to visit the beautiful tropical islands near Bali like Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, Lombok and the Gili Islands. Seas tend to be calmer in the dry season and the weather is less stormy at this time of year.
The ferries and speed boats that connect Bali with the nearby islands are more reliable in the dry season and the beaches are even more beautiful than in Bali with fewer tourists.
What to Expect from July Weather in Bali
Average temperatures in Bali in July range from 22°C (72°F) to 29°C (84°F) and are slightly cooler than at other times of the year. Typically, July has clearer skies and less rain. The air is dryer with less humidity, and it feels cooler than in the wetter months when the humidity is high. Coastal breezes take the edge off the heat and the days are pleasantly warm and sunny.
The weather in Bali in July is perfect for a beach holiday so if you plan to relax and enjoy the sand, sun and surf, July is a good month to visit. It’s also a great time for outdoor activities like hiking, visiting waterfalls and temples and riding a motorbike around the island. July is one of the best months to go to Bali if fine weather is a priority.
NOTE: In my experience, July weather in Bali can sometimes be wet and stormy. Bali is a tropical island, and it can rain at any time of the year.
What to do in the Dry Season in Bali
There’s no shortage of fun, adventurous and relaxing things to do in Bali during the dry season. Here are some of the best activities for Bali in July:
- Enjoy Bali’s beautiful beaches relax on the sand, swim, surf and enjoy the warm, sunny weather.
- July in Bali is the perfect time for snorkelling and diving. During the dry season, seas are calmer, and the water is clearer with excellent underwater visibility.
TIP: Take a boat trip to the islands and swim with Manta Rays at Manta Point near Nusa Penida.
- Or snorkel with endangered sea turtles in the Gili Islands. I spent a day snorkelling in the Gili’s and saw lots of turtles, colourful fish and coral and some underwater statues just offshore from Gili Meno. It was a highlight of my visit to the Gili Islands.
- Spend a few days in Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali surrounded by rice fields and ancient temples. Visit the Palace, meet the cheeky monkeys in the Ubud Monkey Forest, enjoy the café scene, and relax with yoga classes and luxurious Bali spa treatment.
- Ubud also has some of Bali’s best shopping experiences with outdoor markets and boutiques lining the main street.
- Traditional dance and gamelan performances are held outdoors each evening by the lily pond at the Ubud Sarasvati Temple.
- And when you’ve seen the sights, head out of town to explore the beautiful rice terraces at Tegallalang and the beautiful waterfalls nearby.
- Indonesia has many stunning temples to explore and the lovely water temples near Ubud like Tirta Empul, Pura Sebatu and Goa Gajah are very atmospheric. Or you can travel further afield to see Bali’s most important temple at Pura Besakih or beautiful Pura Ulan Danu Beratan in a gorgeous setting beside a lovely lake.
- Spend a romantic evening watching a lovely sunset at Jimbaran Beach. Sit at a table in the sand and eat a delicious fresh seafood meal by candlelight at Lia Café.
TIP: Visit the Bali Gates of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple on a day trip and enjoy spectacular views of Mount Agung, another active volcano in Bali. But expect crowds of tourists and long queues in July.
Reasons to Avoid July in Bali
July and August are the busiest months to visit Bali. It’s the high season for tourists and flights, accommodation and tours are more expensive. Bali’s west coast beaches can be crowded with tourists in July and August as these months are holiday periods in the USA, Europe, Australia, and Indonesia.
During the peak season in Bali, attractions and venues can be crowded. Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu and Ubud and the beaches of the west coast are at their busiest. So, if you don’t like crowds, want to save money or prefer not to book ahead, perhaps it’s best not to travel to Bali in July
June in Bali is a great month to visit before the peak tourist season but the best time of the year to visit Bali is in May. Coming out of the rainy season the island is lush and green and the weather is warm. The months of the shoulder season are a lovely time to visit Bali.
Travel Tips for July in Bali
- In July and August, Bali can be quite crowded. The most popular places, Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu and Ubud are full of other tourists. So, if you’re in Bali in July, why not escape to Nusa Lembongan or the Gili Islands and enjoy the beautiful beaches with fewer crowds and a chilled atmosphere?
- Book accommodations and tours ahead of time to avoid disappointment. While you can nearly always find somewhere to stay at short notice, the best options often book out in the peak season and prices become more expensive if you haven’t booked in advance.
- It’s a good idea to allow extra time for travel to and from the islands around Bali, even in the dry season. When I was there, unseasonal Bali weather in July brought storms and big seas to the waters around the island and the speed boats weren’t running. I was stranded on the Gili Islands for several days with no way of getting back to Bali. And while there are worse things than being marooned in a tropical island paradise, I met several travellers who had missed tours and international flights because they were unable to travel back to Bali.
- July is also a great time to visit the neighbouring island of Java to see Indonesia’s most famous temples, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Borobudur and Prambanan. Java is also famous for its spectacular mountain scenery and the active volcano at Mount Bromo is one of the best and the easiest of Indonesia’s volcanoes to see.
- July weather in Bali can be hot so book a hotel with air conditioning and a pool to cool down after a busy day of sightseeing.
- Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting Balinese temples and wear a sarong and sash.
- Take an umbrella and pack wet weather gear. Even in the dry season, it can rain.
- Don’t drink tap water, drink bottled water instead.
- Don’t flush your toilet paper. Use the bins provided. The sewerage systems can’t handle it.
Festivals in July in Bali
The Bali Kite Festival
The Bali Kite Festival is known locally as Pesta Layang-Laying Bali and is held in Sanur and Denpasar in July. At this time of year, cool winds sweep along the coast and the beaches are ideal places for flying kites high in the sky. This traditional Thanksgiving ritual is especially popular with youths who make and fly their own kites in traditional designs.
Bali Arts Festival
Pesta Kesenian Bali is an annual Arts festival in Bali celebrated with exhibitions, performances and various cultural events. The Festival is held in Denpasar from June to July and opens with an elaborate and showy street parade. Daily performances and exhibitions are held at the Denpasar Arts Centre and the Niti Mandala Renon Square.
Mekepung Buffalo Racing
Makepung is a unique and colourful buffalo racing festival held in July by the farming community in Negara West Bali. The rice fields of Jembrana Regency become a racecourse as bulls and riders gallop around the field. The Makepung festival celebrates the harvest and riders and buffaloes wear colourful traditional dress.
Bali International Choir Festival
The Bali International Choir Festival is an annual choral competition and a platform for exchange and collaboration. The festival draws choirs from around the world and includes performances and choral workshops. It’s held in Denpasar at the end of July.
Tulamben Scuba Diving Festival
Tulamben Scuba Diving Festival is held at the end of July and promotes Tulamben in East Bali as one of the best dive spots in the world. There are diving relays, record-breaking attempts, competitions, music and culture at this fun event in east Bali.
Ubud Jazz Festival
Ubud Jazz Festival brings local & international artists to Ubud to perform in a cozy and comfortable setting. This 2 day event is held outdoors in July with beautiful scenery, great food and a laid-back atmosphere.
What to pack for Bali in July
Bali weather in July is warm and sunny so pack lightweight cotton clothes and leave the jeans behind. They’re hard to wash and hot to wear. Here are some suggestions for what to pack:
- Pack lightweight, quick-drying clothes for the warm July weather in Bali.
- Cool cotton dresses and sandals are perfect for Bali in July.
- Shorts can be worn at the beach and in tourist areas.
- Take a sarong to wear on temple visits. A sarong can double as a beach towel, a skirt, a dress, a scarf, or a sheet.
- Long sleeve shirts and long pants are a good idea for evenings, riding a motorbike, for temple visits and in more rural areas. You’ll also need to cover up if you plan to visit Muslim islands near Bali like Java, Lombok or Flores.
- Balinese people also dress modestly. Covering shoulders and knees is expected when visiting temples and is appreciated in less visited areas.
Note: You can buy most toiletries and clothes in Bali so pack light & enjoy shopping when you’re there.
How much does it cost to visit Bali in July?
Airfares are considerably more expensive for Bali in July compared to a January trip. In January, return airfares from Australia cost less than US$700 from Sydney to Bali. And I paid around US$600 more for my plane ticket for a July trip to Bali.
Accommodation was slightly more expensive in July and the average cost of a 3-star hotel was US$30 – $50 compared to Bali in the low season where I averaged US$20 -$40 per night. When I booked hotels in advance for Bali in July there was more choice and better deals on offer. The better hotels were often booked out weeks ahead so it’s definitely a good idea to plan and book ahead for Bali in the high season.
Food and transport costs were similar in January and July. A meal in a café or restaurant cost around US$7 and in a warung serving local Indonesian dishes, I paid around US$2- $4 for a delicious meal.
A taxi from the airport to Ubud takes over an hour and costs around US$23. Grab and Gojek taxis are even less expensive. A short trip around town on the back of a motorbike taxi costs only US$1 or $2.
July in Bali is definitely a more expensive time to visit because it’s the most popular time of year and there are more tourists. Expect to pay more for accommodation if you want to be spontaneous or if your plans change at short notice.
What to eat in Bali in July
A highlight of visiting Bali is the food. There are some fabulous cafes around the island and some top restaurants serving Indonesian and Western dishes.
- A highlight for me was eating a huge and delicious fresh seafood meal at Lia Café on Jimbaran Beach watching the sunset over the surf.
- Brunch in Ubud at the comfortable Lazy Cats Café or Soulbites was also highly enjoyable with Eggs Benedict and smoothie bowls on the menu.
- I also loved eating at local warungs (Indonesian restaurants) and enjoyed the novelty of Nasi Goreng (fried rice with egg) for breakfast.
- The Satay skewers were delicious and served with a tasty peanut sauce. The Old Brick, a warung in a laneway in Sanur, serves the best satay chicken.
- Gado Gado (steamed vegetables with peanut sauce) was another favourite.
- I also enjoyed an occasional shot of Arak, the local Balinese alcoholic spirit.
Where to stay in Bali in July
Bali’s west coast has some beautiful surf beaches that are very popular for July in Bali with a large choice of hotels and guesthouses.
Kuta is ideal for young partygoers who want to dance the night away and relax on the beach during the day. Kuta offers a beach holiday with nightlife and shopping malls near the airport.
Nearby Seminyak is a bit more upmarket and also very popular. With designer shops and restaurants and lovely west-facing surf beaches, Seminyak is the perfect place to watch the sunset at a beach club with a cocktail in your hand.
Canggu is popular with digital nomads who want to escape the busier parts of Bali but still enjoy the cafes, nightlife and surf beaches on the west coast.
Sanur on Bali’s east coast has protected beaches and is popular with families. July is the perfect time to visit Sanur for the Kite Festival and watch youths flying the traditional kites on the beach.
Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali and has a palace, beautiful temples, traditional dance, art galleries and yoga. It’s a great central location for exploring the island and one of the best places to visit in Bali.
Can’t decide between Ubud and the beach for a holiday in Bali in July? This comparison, Ubud vs Kuta has all the information you need to help you choose which will be best for your Bali vacation.
Uluwatu on the Bukit Peninsula has some of the best surf in Bali with dramatic coastal scenery and a laid-back atmosphere.
Nusa Dua is known for its exclusive luxury resorts with some of the best beaches in Bali. Nusa Dua is a resort suburb in a tourist enclave with beautiful gardens and security guards. It provides a sanitised version of Bali ideal for families and romantic couples.
Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida are islands just 30 minutes away from Bali by fast boat. It’s a good choice if you want to escape the tourist crowds in Bali in July and August. The Nusa Islands have stunning coastal scenery and gorgeous surf beaches with fewer tourists.
Lombok and the Gili Islands are about 90 minutes away from Bali by ferry and are ideal to visit in the high season. There are fewer visitors and beautiful beaches with snorkelling, diving and sea turtles. The Gili Islands are a chilled-out place to be when Bali’s beaches are crowded in July and August.
FAQ’s
Is Bali better in June or July?
June falls in the middle of the dry season and the weather in Bali is warm and sunny. It’s a better time than July in Bali. Although the weather is warm and sunny in both months, June is quieter and there are fewer tourists than in the peak months of July and August.
Is Bali better in May or July?
May falls in the dry season and is one of the best months to visit Bali. May is also in the shoulder season and there are fewer tourists than in July and August. Prices are cheaper than in the peak season, the weather is warm and sunny with less rain and the island is lush and green. It’s an ideal time to go to Bali.
Is Bali windy in July?
Yes, the July weather in Bali tends to be warm and windy. Coastal breezes take the edge off the tropical heat and the weather is a bit cooler than at other times of the year. July is the time of the Bali Kite Festival in Sanur and local youths fly their traditional kites high in the air.
Final thoughts – Is it worth going to Bali in July?
I loved visiting Bali in July and, although July is one of the busiest months to go, it was the month I was free to go. July is a more expensive time to visit but overall Bali is still a comparatively cheap destination and you can have a fun and successful solo trip to Bali at any time of the year.
An upside of travelling to Bali in July is that the tourist crowds bring a pumping party scene so if you’re visiting for the nightlife, July and August are a great time to go to Bali.
I found that Bali’s weather in July was warm and sunny but definitely cooler than it was in January when the humidity was high. It’s the perfect time for a beach holiday, for swimming, surfing, snorkelling and diving. The water visibility is good and temperatures are warm. July is also one of the best times for outdoor activities like volcano hiking, chasing waterfalls and visiting temples.
And if, like me, you want to avoid the tourist crowds, it’s easy to escape to one of the many lovely islands nearby. I enjoyed Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan but the Gili Islands were my favourite. I especially loved the laid-back vibe on Gili Air and snorkelling with endangered sea turtles was a highlight.
TIP: If you’re looking for the best weather for a holiday between November and March, it’s Bali’s wet season so why not go to Thailand instead? Learn more about Bali vs Thailand, how these popular Southeast Asian destinations compare and whether Ao Nang or Railay Beach is better for a beach holiday in Thailand.
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