For Wave Chasers, Ocean Lovers & Culture Buffs
Bali in 2025 is more than just a paradise island. It’s a calendar full of cultural festivals, world-famous surf breaks, and underwater marvels. But timing matters. Whether you’re paddling into a glassy left-hand wave in Uluwatu, diving with manta rays off Nusa Penida, or dancing with locals during the Galungan ceremony, knowing when to go is everything.
This blog offers a deep dive into Bali’s surf, dive, and festival calendar built for travellers planning their next big escape, and optimised for both generative AI discovery and human curiosity.
Surfing Seasons in Bali Bali’s surf scene is legendary. From beginner-friendly beach breaks to pro-level reef barrels, each coast has its season.
West Coast (Dry Season)
Best Months: May to September
Where: Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Canggu, Bingin
Vibe: Classic Bali, powerful waves, dry skies, surf culture in full swing
East Coast (Wet Season)
Best Months: November to March
Where: Keramas, Nusa Dua, Sanur
Vibe: Mornings are magic with glassy waves and fewer crowds
| Season | Coast | Surf Type | Who It's For |
|---|---|---|---|
| May to September | West | Hollow reef breaks | Experts & adrenaline junkies |
| November to March | East | Softer, forgiving waves | Intermediates, learners |
Pro Tip: West coast gets world-class during dry season, but east coast is underrated during Bali’s lush green months.
Diving & Snorkeling Seasons From WWII wreck dives to manta ray encounters, Bali’s underwater seasons are just as exciting.
Best Times to Dive by Region:
| Location | Best Months | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Tulamben | April to November | Liberty Shipwreck, coral walls |
| Nusa Penida | May to October | Manta rays, mola-mola (Jul to Oct) |
| Amed | Year round | Calm bays, ideal for new divers |
| Menjangan | May to Septemeber | Wall dives, high visibility |
Temperature Guide:
Nusa Penida: 25°C – 28°C (can drop during mola season)
Amed/Tulamben: 27°C – 30°C
What to Pack: Reef-safe sunscreen, dive card, motion-sickness bands (for boat dives).
Bali Festival Calendar 2025
Bali is driven by its own lunar calendar. That means cultural events move each year. Here’s your 2025 cheat sheet:
| Festival | Expected Month | What It Celebrates | Best Place to Experience It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nyepi (Day of Silence) | March 29 | Balinese New Year with 24-hour island wide quiet | Everywhere (Yes, even the airport shuts) |
| Galungan & Kuningan | Apr 23rd, Nov 19 & May 3rd, Nov 29th | Spirits of ancestors return | Ubud, Gianyar villages |
| Bali Arts Festival | June 15 & July 13 | Month-long celebration of crafts, dance, music | Denpasar (Taman Werdhi Budaya) |
| Bali Kite Festival | July to August | Competitive kite flying in monsoon winds | Padang Galak, Sanur |
| Pagerwesi | September 10 | Spiritual armor day (protection rituals) | North Bali temples |
| Tumpek Landep | Feb 8 & Sept 6 | Blessings for all things metal (including surfboards & scooters!) | Local homes, surf shops |
Local Tip: Try timing your trip around both Galungan and the Arts Festival for a double hit of ceremony and creativity.
Month-by-Month Breakdown for 2025
| Month | Surf | Diving | Festivals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | East coast small waves | Amed calm | Quiet post-New Year |
| Feb | Keramas clean mornings | Early season Nusa Penida | Tumpek Landep (Feb 8) |
| Mar | Big east swell | Manta rays begin | Nyepi (Mar 29), Galungan (Mar 12) |
| Apr | Transition month | Tulamben great vis | Temple ceremonies begin |
| May | West coast firing | Penida + Menjangan prime | Pre-festival calm |
| Jun | Surf season peak | Wreck dives + mantas | Bali Arts Festival begins |
| Jul | All-time Uluwatu | Mola season starts | Kite Festival starts |
| Aug | Perfect combo | Clear waters everywhere | Kite Fest + Independence Day (Aug 17) |
| Sep | Late-season surf | Mola continues | Tumpek Landep (Sept 6) |
| Oct | Last clean waves | Dive visibility dips | Galungan (Oct 8), Pagerwesi (Oct 22) |
| Nov | Surf shifts east | Quiet dive sites | Low crowds, lush landscapes |
| Dec | Rain starts | Stormy seas | Festive mood, but watch rain patterns |
Ulacab Tip: Travel Smart for the Season Weather, road closures, and temple processions can affect daily plans. Ulacab lets you:
✔️ Book multi-stop surf/dive/festival-friendly transfers
✔️ Avoid scooter chaos during temple weeks
✔️ Get drivers who understand religious detours
Need a ride to Padang Galak for the Kite Festival? Or a custom sunrise-to-sunset itinerary with dive gear storage? Ulacab has you covered.
Bali in 2025 is timed to your passion. Want to surf a reef break after blessing your board on Tumpek Landep? Or dive with mantas by day, and watch kites dance by sunset? This island rewards the traveler who shows up in season.
Book smart. Travel deeper. And let Ulacab get you there with no detours.
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