Season by season
Dry season (May–October)
The main season, with mostly settled weather and the fullest timetables. The south-east trade wind can blow hard in July and August, raising a short, steep sea by afternoon; morning boats are noticeably smoother. Boats and pick-ups are busiest in these two months and should be booked ahead.
Wet season (November–April)
Fewer passengers, lower prices and more disruption. Squalls and westerly swell make cancellations most likely from December to February, sometimes for two or three days running. March, April and November are usually fine, with the odd rough day.
Sea conditions & crossings
Swell matters more than rain. When waves in the strait exceed the harbourmaster’s limit, all fast boats are stopped regardless of operator. The large public ferry to Lembar keeps running in most conditions, and flights are rarely affected.
Month by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C | 24°C | 320 mm | Quiet |
| February | 31°C | 24°C | 280 mm | Quiet |
| March | 31°C | 24°C | 220 mm | Quiet |
| April | 31°C | 24°C | 100 mm | Quiet |
| May | 31°C | 23°C | 80 mm | Quiet |
| June | 30°C | 23°C | 60 mm | Busy |
| July | 29°C | 22°C | 50 mm | Very busy |
| August | 29°C | 22°C | 30 mm | Very busy |
| September | 30°C | 23°C | 45 mm | Busy |
| October | 31°C | 24°C | 110 mm | Quiet |
| November | 32°C | 24°C | 180 mm | Quiet |
| December | 31°C | 24°C | 290 mm | Busy |
Temperatures and rainfall are approximate long-term averages for the area, rounded; individual years vary and the islands themselves have no long-running weather station.
Festivals & events
- Nyepi (usually March): no boats or flights from Bali for 24 hours; very heavy demand the day before and after.
- Eid al-Fitr (Lebaran): Indonesia’s biggest holiday migration fills ferries and roads for a week either side.
- Galungan and Kuningan: Balinese festivals, twice in most years, when roads to the east are slowed by processions — allow extra time to reach Padang Bai.
- July and August: European holiday peak; book boats several days ahead.
- Christmas and New Year: peak demand coincides with the roughest season — the trickiest time to rely on a tight schedule.
Our advice
Cross in the morning, in any month. From May to October you can plan with confidence, with a one-day buffer before flights. From December to February, hold two spare days or fly to Lombok. Month-by-month notes for the islands are in when to go.
