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9 reasons why May is secretly the best month to visit Bali
Planning a Balinese adventure this summer? Here’s why May might actually be the best month to visit Bali, for beautiful weather, fewer crowds, and cheaper stays.
Most people head to Bali in the summer, right in the middle of the dry season. But what they don’t realize is that by visiting at this time, they’re not actually getting the best version of the island.
Yes, the weather is wonderful, but it’s also the most crowded and expensive time of year. May, however, sits right at the start of the dry season, so the sun is shining, the crowds haven’t arrived, and prices haven’t yet caught up.
If you want to experience Bali in the most authentic, peaceful, and culturally-rich way, May is the time to go.
The weather in Bali in May — What to expect
May marks the transition into the dry season.
- Rainfall drops significantly
- Humidity eases
- Temperatures are around 82°F–88°F (27–30°C)
The weather in May is not 100% perfect; there may still be some short, infrequent showers. However, it is still the best time to visit Bali rather than the peak dry season (July and August), when the island is overcrowded and overwhelming for those who don’t like the crowds.
Similarly, unlike the rainy season (October to March), it’s dry enough to spend the day exploring the rice fields, hiking the mountains, or sunbathing on the beach. Plus, the sea conditions have generally calmed down enough to be safe and enjoyable for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
9 reasons to visit Bali in May
1. It’s dry season weather without peak-season prices
Because May is the first month of the dry season, it is considered the shoulder season (the period between the best and worst seasons).
Shoulder-season travel is considerably cheaper than peak season, as prices don’t spike until European summer holidays begin in late June. Therefore, you can find awesome deals on villas, surf camps, and guided tours in May.
2. Surfing is at its best
The arrival of the dry season brings clean, reliable, and powerful waves to Bali’s west coast and Bukit Peninsula. This means ideal surfing conditions in Uluwatu, Padang Padang, and Canggu, some of Bali’s best surf spots.
May is particularly a good window for intermediate surfers. You get the quality waves of dry season without the queues that peak season often brings.
3. The crowds are still manageable
Peak season doesn’t start until July, when the European summer holidays begin. Recent travel data shows that Bali typically sees 100,000 fewer tourists in May than in July and August, so Bali in May feels like how it did during peak season 5 years ago.
Bali’s top attractions like Ubud Monkey Forest, Tegallalang rice terraces, and Tanah Lot are far less crowded and don’t require hour-long queues to get in. The roads are also quieter, making travel times between attractions shorter, and it’s possible to book tours and day trips at the last minute.
4. Accommodation is easier to get (and cheaper)
Another thing you can book at the last minute is accommodation. In July, the most popular villas and boutique resorts are often sold out, so if there is a particular place you dream of staying (like a dreamy treehouse in the jungle), you’re much more likely to find availability in May.
Because there are less tourists on the island, many of Bali’s all-inclusive resorts run promotions to fill pre-peak inventory. For the same reason, you’ll find it’s much easier to negotiate deals for longer stays of 7+ nights.
5. The cultural calendar is active
There are several small local Bali festivals in May, making it one of the most culturally rich times to be on the island. You’ll encounter plenty of temple ceremonies, rituals, and traditional dance performances taking place around the island.
What’s more, Galungan and Kuningan (one of Bali’s biggest cultural events) and Tenganan Pegringsingan Culture Festival take place in June. However, the celebrations are already underway in May, with decorated streets and active temple activities.
6. The food scene is at full capacity
Without the tourist crowds, eating at local Warungs is a much more enjoyable experience. Because it’s the start of the dry season, everything is open, yet there are no long waits. The staff are not yet overrun, so you can actually chat with the locals while trying new dishes.
If you want to learn how to cook Balinese food, May is a great month to do so, ascooking classes and market tours have plenty of availability.
7. Getting around is easier
Bali is known for its chaotic and messy roads and heavy congestion, which peaks in July and August. While the roads are far from empty in May, they are certainly more manageable.
Getting around Bali feels a bit less stressful, which means hiring a scooter is more realistic. Private drivers and shuttle services are also more available in May, and you can even book them last-minute, which is almost impossible during the summer months.
8. It’s perfect for workations and longer stays
In July and August, co-working spaces are often at full capacity, and cafes are loud and crowded. However, May’s combination of stable weather, lower costs, and quieter co-working spaces creates an ideal work-travel setup for digital nomads.
A month-long workcation is super easy logistically, as you can get the 30-day visa-on-arrival. If you want to stay for longer, there is now the Bali digital nomad visa option.
9. The photography conditions are ideal
Finally, May is one of the most visually beautiful times in Bali. The landscapes are lush and green from recent rainfall, and the rice terraces are vibrant as they are pre-harvest.
Plus, without crowds of tourists blocking your view, you can get some incredible photos of the top Bali Instagram spots like Gates of Heaven and Ubud Swing.
What to pack for Bali in May
As the shoulder season, May weather can be a little unpredictable, catching unexpected tourists off guard. So here’s exactly what to pack for Bali during this month:
- Lightweight, breathable clothing (linen, cotton, rayon): While humidity levels have dropped, it’s still very warm.
- Light rain jacket/poncho: Occasional afternoon showers can happen in early May, so have a foldable raincoat in your bag at all times.
- Swimwear: May is certainly sunbathing and swimming weather.
- Reef shoes or surf booties: If you’re planning water activities, these are crucial for protecting your feet from sharp coral and rocky sea beds.
- Hiking shoes: Essential if you’re planning to enjoy the lush green landscapes, such as trekking through the rice fields or hiking up Mount Batur.
- Sunscreen: UV index remains high even on overcast days.
FAQs about visiting Bali in May
Yes, it’s the start of the dry season so the weather is great, the crowds are manageable as it’s not yet peak season, and you can find good deals on accommodation and flights.
Early May can have light rain showers, particularly in the afternoon. Mid-to-late May tends to be mainly dry.
It’s noticeably quieter than July and August, especially inland. However, the island is far from deserted, and the roads still feel fairly busy.
Yes, most resorts and tour operators are still running their low-season prices in May. They tend to put their prices up in June.
Deciding where to stay in Bali will depend on what you’re looking to do there. Stay in Ubud for culture, spirituality, and yoga, Seminyak or Canggu for beach clubs and sunbathing, and Uluwatu for surfing.
The simple upgrade your Bali trip needs
Whether you’re booking last-minute surf lessons in Uluwatu or searching for the best brunch in Canggu, having reliable data makes exploring Bali in May far more seamless.
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Hi, I'm Mika, a South Korean writer living in the US. I cover travel and live events, focusing on the practical stuff that makes your trip smoother, whether you're navigating a new city or heading to a major international event.I'm also the founder of <a href="https://search-seoul.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Search SEOul</a>, South Korea's leading SEO conference, bringing together search marketing experts and speakers from around the world.
