Bali in July: Weather, Festivals, Crowds & Insider Tips (2025 Guide)

Let’s start with the truth. Bali in July is busy. Like, busy. Beaches are full. Restaurants get packed. Traffic slows down. Prices go up. It’s not the quiet escape some people imagine.

But here’s the thing: it’s also one of the best times to visit. Why? The weather is almost perfect. It hardly rains. The sun shines all day. The ocean is calm and clear. Everything feels alive, as if the island is putting on a show. So, if you don’t mind sharing paradise with other people, and you plan smart, Bali in July can be incredible. Let’s help you make the most of it.

What’s the Weather Like in Bali in July?

Bali has two distinct seasons: the dry season and the wet season. July is right in the middle of the dry season.

That means:

Almost no rain.
Bright blue skies.
Warm days and cooler nights.
Lower humidity.

It’s the kind of weather that makes you want to be outside all day. Beach? Perfect. Hike? Go for it. Scooter ride to waterfalls? Great idea.

Here’s a quick table to show how July feels:

Month	High / Low(°C)	Rain
July	26° / 22°	1 day

If you’re coming from a place with harsh summers, Bali in July might feel just right, warm, but not too hot.

Is July Expensive in Bali?

Short answer: Yes. July is the peak season for holidays in Bali, especially as tourists from Europe take advantage of school holidays.

Prices go up for:

Flights
Hotels
Villas
Car rentals
Tours

You can still find deals, but only if you book early or avoid the busiest areas. Local guesthouses and smaller hotels often have better prices than fancy resorts, especially if you book directly.

Is Bali Too Crowded in July?

Some parts are packed. But not everywhere.

The busiest areas are:

Canggu
Seminyak
Uluwatu
Ubud (especially central Ubud)

At popular spots, you’ll find lines outside cafes, traffic jams in the afternoon, packed beach clubs, sunset spots and temples full of people taking photos. But if you avoid those zones (or go early in the day), it’s doable. And if you venture off the beaten path to places like Sidemen, Pemuteran, or Munduk, it can still feel peaceful even in July.

So, Who Should Visit Bali in July?

July is great for:

Beach lovers: It’s dry, sunny, and the water is perfect.
Families: July matches school holidays, and there are tons of kid-friendly activities.
First-timers: If you want the classic Bali (sunsets, temples, surf), this is the month.
Festival fans: There’s a lot going on in July (more on that below).
People who like social energy: Beach clubs, coworking spaces, meetups, the island feels alive.

July might not be great if:

You’re on a super tight budget
You hate traffic
You’re chasing quiet, hidden Bali without people

That said, Bali is big. You can always find a quieter corner.

How to Get Around Bali in July

Tourists riding scooters and car for getting around Bali

Roads are dry, which is good. However, traffic worsens, especially in tourist areas. You’ll need to plan around it. Here are your best transport options:

Hire a Private Car & Driver

Best for those who want to do full-day trips, visit temples, or explore distant places. Drivers are familiar with the shortcuts and know when to avoid traffic-heavy zones. You don’t have to worry about parking or directions.

Rent a Scooter

Only do this if you’re confident on two wheels. It’s cheap and fun, but traffic in July can be wild, especially in Canggu and Ubud. Wear a helmet and then go slow.

Ride Apps

Great for short rides or food delivery. But in July, wait times can be longer during peak hours. Some areas (like parts of Ubud) block them, so always have a backup plan.

Taxis

Stick to Bluebird taxis. They use a meter. Avoid drivers who say “no meter” or quote random prices. They pop up more often during high season.

What Should You Pack for Bali in July?

July is dry, warm, and sunny. Pack light, comfy clothes. Think beachwear during the day, something a bit warmer for evenings if you’re up in the mountains.

Here’s a simple checklist:

Light cotton or linen clothes.
Swimwear (at least two sets).
A light jacket (for Ubud or Bedugul nights).
Sandals + walking shoes.
Sarong or scarf (for temples).
Reef-safe sunscreen.
Bug spray.
Reusable water bottle.
Small day bag.

Moreover, laundry is cheap in Bali, so don’t overpack.

What’s Happening in Bali in July?

Bali in July isn’t just about good weather; it’s also full of cool stuff.

Bali Arts Festival (June-mid-July)

A celebration of Balinese culture in Denpasar. You’ll see traditional dance, parades, costumes, shadow puppets, and art shows.

Bali Kite Festival (late July)

This is wild. Teams fly massive traditional kites, sometimes bigger than cars. It happens on the beach in Sanur, depending on the wind. If you see huge kites and people yelling at the sky, that’s it.

Temple Ceremonies

You’ll run into them all over the island. Locals wear white, carry offerings, and hold processions. They don’t always show up in tourist calendars; they just happen, and you get lucky.

Best Things To Do in Bali in July

Here are the most popular (and weather-friendly) things you should try in July:

Chill at the beach (Padang Padang, Nusa Dua, Bingin, Sanur).
Snorkel or dive in Amed, Menjangan, or Lembongan.
Visit temples (Besakih, Tirta Empul, Tanah Lot).
Go surfing (Kuta or Batu Bolong for beginners).
Watch the Uluwatu Kecak Dance (cliffside fire dance + sunset = win).
Take a Mount Batur sunrise hike (leave at 2 am. yes, it’s worth it).
Explore waterfalls in North Bali.
Eat your weight in local food (try babi guling, mie goreng, martabak).
Go rice terrace trekking in Sidemen.
Hit up a night market in Gianyar or Sanur.

Smart Travel Tips for Bali in July

Things move fast, sell out faster, and get crowded if you’re not prepared. Here are the real travel tips people wish they knew before landing on the island during peak season.

Book Everything Ahead of Time

Don’t wait until you land in Bali to book your hotel, driver, or Mount Batur sunrise tour. In July, tours sell out days, sometimes weeks in advance. Good villas and boutique hotels get fully booked, especially near the beach or in Ubud. Even simple things like ferry tickets to Nusa Penida or snorkelling spots in Amed can sell out quickly. If you’ve got a wishlist, secure it before the plane takes off.

Don’t Trust Google’s “Shortcuts”

Google Maps may look like your best friend, but in Bali, it can send you down roads that barely fit one car. What looks like a 12-minute “shortcut” often turns into 40 minutes of off-road madness, passing motorbikes, dogs, and the occasional cow. Locals know better. Trust your driver or ask your host if the road is scooter-only or usable by car.

Avoid Travel Between 3 PM and 6 PM

This is Bali’s unofficial rush hour, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud. Everyone’s heading to sunset spots or dinner reservations, and the roads fill up fast. If you’re trying to get somewhere important, consider leaving earlier in the day or waiting until after 6 PM, when traffic tends to cool down. You don’t want to spend an hour stuck behind a line of scooters, delivery trucks, and confused tourists making U-turns.

Dress Modestly for Temples

Visiting temples is a must in Bali, but it comes with some basic etiquette. Both men and women should cover their shoulders and wear a sarong that covers the knees. Hats and sunglasses should be removed.

Keep Some Cash on You

Many restaurants and shops in Bali now take cards, but not all. Local warungs (small food stalls), temple donation boxes, roadside fruit vendors, and some homestays still operate on a cash-only basis.

Download Offline Maps

Bali’s internet isn’t always reliable, especially if you’re in mountainous areas like Munduk or hiking around waterfalls. Your 4G might disappear right when you need it most. Download offline maps (Google Maps allows this) while you’re still on Wi-Fi. This way, you can still navigate even if you lose signal in the middle of nowhere.

Hydrate More Than You Think You Need

The heat in Bali can sneak up on you, especially when you’re walking through markets, climbing stairs at a temple, or just chilling at the beach. July is warm and dry, but you’ll still sweat a lot, even if it doesn’t feel as sticky as the wet season. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it at your hotel or water stations.

Don’t Drink Tap Water

This might sound obvious, but it’s worth repeating: Bali’s tap water isn’t safe to drink. Always use bottled or filtered water, which is cheap and available everywhere. Most hotels and guesthouses offer big refill stations. You’ll also find filtered water in coworking spaces, beach clubs, and nicer cafes. Bring a reusable bottle and cut down on plastic while keeping your stomach safe.

Should You Go to Bali in July?

If you’re dreaming of clear skies, beach days, and vibrant cultural events, Bali holidays in July offer the perfect mix—just be ready for the energy that comes with peak season. Yes, it’s busy. Yes, it’s more expensive. But Bali in July is full of energy and excitement. Just plan ahead, avoid the peak-hour crowds, and stay open to a little chaos. That’s part of the fun.