October is a changeover month. The first half is still dry, the sea is warm, and Bali’s crowds are moderate. By the last week, humidity rises, afternoon storms build over the hills, and the island prepares for the wet season. It is also the month of the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival.
For all-Indonesia conditions see visiting Indonesia in October. The Bali-specific view is below, and the full year is in best time to visit Bali.
Weather: Dry Start, Stormy Finish
The south typically sees roughly 70-110mm of rain, most of it in the last ten days, usually as short afternoon thunderstorms. Early October is hot and dry at 30-32C. Humidity is noticeably higher than in August. Ubud, which gets rain first, can see storms by mid-month. In Kintamani, highs are 21-24C with increasing afternoon cloud, so Batur sunrise treks remain reliable early in the month but less so after. Check BMKG before booking tours late in the month.
Ubud Writers and Readers Festival
The Ubud Writers and Readers Festival is one of Southeast Asia’s best-known literary events. The 2026 edition runs from 21 to 25 October across several Ubud venues; dates vary slightly each year, usually landing in late October. Ubud fills up for the festival, so book accommodation early if you plan to attend. See where to stay in Ubud. Check the official programme for the 2027 dates.
School Holidays and Prices
Australian term 3 holidays fall in late September to mid-October in several states, so family travel is still strong in the first week or two, particularly around Sanur, Nusa Dua and Seminyak. After that, crowds ease. Hotel rates slide 10-25% from August levels as of 2026, and the cheapest windows are the last two weeks. Halloween parties in Seminyak and Canggu draw a younger crowd on 31 October.
Surf and Sea
The Bukit surf stays good through the first half of the month, then swell and wind patterns start to shift as the monsoon turns. Mornings are best. See surfing in Bali for breaks. Diving visibility remains strong until the rains start, and Nusa Penida’s mola mola season tails off; see Bali diving and Nusa Penida snorkelling. Fast boats are still generally dependable.
Culture
There is no major island-wide ceremony in October most years, but temple odalan are frequent. Check Bali festivals for Galungan dates, which move with the 210-day cycle.
What to Do
Use the dry days for outdoor plans: rice terraces, treks, and east Bali. Keep afternoons flexible for storms, with cooking classes and cafe time as backups. Try a cooking class in Ubud or a Bali rice terrace tour. For beach-focused trips, see where to stay in Canggu.
Packing and Booking Tips for October
Pack a compact umbrella or rain jacket for late-month storms, breathable clothing and sandals with grip. Book Ubud accommodation early if you are attending the Writers Festival, and keep afternoon plans flexible. Our Bali airport transfer guide helps with late-arrival pickups, and fast boats Bali lists crossings that run in rougher seas. If you rent a scooter, read our Bali scooter rental page for wet-road advice.
Verdict
October is a good-value month. Pick the first half for dry weather and the festival, and pack a rain jacket for the end.