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October is one of our favourite months to visit Bali. Sitting perfectly between high and low season and at the end of the dry season. It offers warm dry weather, fewer visitors and noticeably better hotel prices than peak dry season. If you want the best of Bali without the intensity of July and August, October is a brilliant time to go.
This guide covers everything you need to know before visiting Bali in October, from weather and crowds to the best areas to stay, where to base yourself as a couple or digital nomad, and why it’s also a great time to add Lombok to your trip.
How to Use This Guide
Use the Contents table below to jump to any section. Click a heading in the guide to return to the top and continue exploring.
Contents
October is an excellent time to visit Bali and is often overlooked in favour of the busier summer months. It marks the final month of the dry season, meaning you still get plenty of sunshine, but with a noticeable shift in how busy the island is.
October is our favourite time to visit for these reason, while the island is not quiet is is the quietest month of the dry season, meaning you still have reliably dry days. Bali will only be quieter during the wet season which is not for everyone, especially if you want guaranteed sunshine.
October brings:
Fewer tourists compared to July, August and September
Lower accommodation prices, especially luxury villas and boutique hotels
Dry, but still green landscapes as the island begins to transition into the wet season
Warm sea temperatures and excellent conditions for swimming and snorkelling
Fewer mosquitos thanks to the long dry season
For couples, outdoor lovers and slow travellers, October strikes the perfect balance between good weather and fewer visitors.
October weather in Bali is warm, humid and mostly dry, especially during the first half of the month. Average daytime temperatures sit between 26–30°C, with evenings remaining warm and comfortable.
Rainfall begins to increase slightly towards the end of October, but it usually arrives in short, heavy showers rather than all-day rain. Many days remain bright and sunny, particularly along the coast in areas like Canggu, Uluwatu and Amed.
Humidity does rise compared to peak dry season, but it is still manageable and far less intense than January or February. For hiking, beach days and exploring temples, October conditions are still very favourable.
Sea temperatures remain warm at around 27°C, making October a great month for swimming, snorkelling and diving.
Our experience of the weather on Bali during October has been hot sunny days with no rain for almost the enitre month. There is the occasional short light rainfall towards the end of the month, but nothing that lasts very long. These conditions can change from year to year though, sometimes the wet season can arrive earlier, so check local weather conditions.
October is noticeably quieter than peak season, especially after the first couple of weeks. European summer holidays have ended, and Bali enters a shoulder season where the island feels more relaxed.
Popular areas like Canggu and Uluwatu still have energy and atmosphere, but without the heavy traffic, fully booked restaurants and inflated prices seen in August. In quieter regions such as Amed, October feels particularly peaceful.
If your trip overlaps with school half-term or the end of September, you may notice slightly higher numbers, but overall October remains a quieter and enjoyable month to visit.
Choosing the right area in Bali is key, as each region offers a very different experience. In October, we particularly love Uluwatu and Amed which together offer a mix of beach life, outdoor adventure and slower coastal living. We suggest only spending a handful of days in Canggu because it is very busy now, even in October.
Other popular areas like Ubud, Seminyak and the Nusa Islands are still great options to explore during the month of October.
Canggu
Canggu is one of the best places to stay in Bali in October, especially for couples, digital nomads and surfers. The atmosphere is busy and can feel overwhelming, the slightly quieter shoulder season makes getting around easier than during the peak months of July and August.
October is a great month for:
Surfing, with consistent waves and fewer crowds
Café hopping and working remotely from stylish co-working spaces
Sunset beach walks without packed shorelines
Canggu’s mix of beach clubs, yoga studios and relaxed nightlife are still popular in October. Accommodation prices also drop after September, making it easier to stay in well-located villas or boutique hotels.
The Soul House, Canggu
A beautifully designed boutique hotel in central Canggu, The Soul House offers modern, spacious rooms, a serene pool area, and a tranquil vibe. Perfect for couples seeking a stylish, peaceful base close to cafes, rice fields, and the beach.
Uluwatu
Uluwatu is one of our favourite places in Bali, and October is an ideal time to stay here. Known for dramatic cliffs, world-class surf and some of the island’s most beautiful sunsets, Uluwatu feels quieter and more exclusive once peak season ends.
October is excellent for:
Surfing, particularly for intermediate and advanced surfers
Exploring quieter beaches like Nyang Nyang and Green Bowl
Enjoying cliffside bars and restaurants without crowds
The dry weather makes getting around easy, and the evenings are warm and comfortable. October is also a great month to enjoy Uluwatu’s luxury villas at more reasonable prices.
Suarga Padang Padang
A sustainable luxury eco-resort perched above the ocean, offering breathtaking views, natural materials and a peaceful, romantic setting.
Amed
If you are looking for a slower, more authentic side of Bali, Amed is a brilliant choice in October. Located on the east coast, this laid-back fishing village is known for its black sand beaches, coral reefs and views of Mount Agung. Amed is known as one of the best places for snorkelling and diving on Bali. We were lucky enough to have fantastic conditions and even saw sea turtles.
October works particularly well here because:
The sea is calm and clear, ideal for snorkelling and diving
Tourist numbers remain low compared to the south
There are many great snorkelling and diving locations
Amed is perfect for couples wanting tranquillity, as well as travellers who enjoy early mornings, quiet evenings and ocean-focused days.
Blue Moon Villas
A charming boutique property right on the beachfront, Blue Moon Villas offers modern, airy rooms, a peaceful tropical setting, and direct access to some of Amed’s best snorkelling and diving spots. Perfect for couples seeking tranquillity and ocean views.
Other Popular Areas to Consider
While Canggu, Uluwatu and Amed are standout choices in October, other areas are still worth considering depending on your travel style.
Ubud | Great for jungle scenery, yoga and waterfalls, though humidity increases here first.
Seminyak | Stylish and lively, but less relaxed than Canggu.
Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida | Excellent visibility for snorkelling and diving, especially early October.
If you are looking for something else, then use our interactive map to choose your perfect stay.
October is a fantastic time to combine Bali with Lombok, particularly if you enjoy quieter beaches and outdoor adventure. Lombok is less developed than Bali and offers a more rugged, untouristy feel.
In October, Lombok benefits from:
Warm, mostly dry weather
Fewer visitors than Bali
Excellent conditions for beach hopping, surfing and island exploring
Popular areas include Kuta Lombok, known for its beaches and surf, and the Gili Islands including the Secret Gilis, which are ideal for snorkelling and relaxed island life. October also marks the end of the best season for trekking Mount Rinjani, before wetter conditions arrive later in the year.
Fast boats run regularly between Bali and Lombok, making it easy to add on a few extra days without complicating your itinerary.
When visiting Lombok we recommend staying at Boni Beach resort which is a peaceful sanctuary which feels a world away from Bali.
Pros
- Warm, tropical weather with plenty of sunshine
- Fewer crowds than July to September peak season
- Excellent conditions for beaches, surfing and snorkelling
- Better value hotels and flights after peak season
- Relaxed atmosphere across Canggu, Uluwatu and Amed
Cons
- Occasional short tropical showers
- Humidity begins to increase later in the month
- Some surf breaks can be less consistent
- Weather can vary between regions
- Not as dry as peak dry season months
October is one of the best months to visit Bali as a couple. The calmer pace, better-value luxury stays and warm evenings make it ideal for romantic trips. Whether you prefer beachfront villas, jungle retreats or cliffside resorts, October offers more availability and better prices without sacrificing quality.
October is an excellent month for digital nomads. Internet infrastructure is fast and reliable, co-working spaces are less crowded and accommodation is more flexible. Areas like Canggu and Ubud feel more liveable and less hectic once peak season ends.
Packing for Bali in October is easy thanks to tropical warm temperatures and a relaxed island lifestyle. Focus on lightweight clothing, sun protection and a few practical extras for temple visits and occasional tropical showers.
Lightweight, breathable clothing (linen, cotton, loose dresses and shirts)
Swimwear for beaches, pools and snorkelling
Comfortable sandals and walking shoes for exploring
Reef-safe sunscreen and after-sun
Sunglasses and a hat for strong midday sun
Light jacket or layer for air-conditioned spaces and boat trips
Modest clothing or a sarong for temple visits
Small rain jacket or poncho for occasional showers
Water shoes/snorkelling gear if visiting Amed, Lombok or rocky beaches
Reusable water bottle and day backpack
Is October part of the rainy season in Bali?
October is a shoulder or transition month. Rainfall begins to increase slightly toward the end of the month, but most days remain dry with plenty of sunshine, especially in the south and east of the island.
Is it hot in Bali in October?
Yes. Daytime temperatures usually sit between 27–30°C, with warm, humid afternoons and comfortable evenings that are ideal for dining outdoors.
Is October a good time to swim in Bali?
Yes. The sea remains warm and calm, making October an excellent month for swimming, snorkelling and boat trips, particularly around Amed and the east coast.
Is Bali cheaper in October?
Generally, yes. October falls just after peak season, so flights and accommodation are often more affordable than in July, August and September.
Is October a good month for couples?
Very much so. Fewer crowds, lush landscapes and warm evenings make October ideal for romantic stays, beach clubs and quieter villas.
Is October good for surfing in Bali?
Yes. The dry season swells usually continue into early October on the west coast, including Uluwatu and Canggu, while east coast conditions begin to improve.
Is Bali busy in October?
No. Tourist numbers drop significantly after September, giving the island a calmer and more relaxed feel, particularly outside of popular hotspots.
Can you visit Lombok in October?
Yes. October is a great time to combine Bali with Lombok, as weather conditions remain good and the island is quieter than during peak season.
Plan your next adventure
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