August in Bali is the month with the most sunshine. On average, there are ten hours of sun per day.
The average temperature is 270C, and the sea temperature is 260C, ideal for swimming and cooling off.
The temperature drops by only four degrees at night and remains at 230C.
If you’re wondering what to pack for Bali, here’s the answer: Pack as few clothes as possible.
Unless you are planning to visit the Bedugal or Kintamani mountain areas, in which case, pack something warm as the nights at higher altitudes are cooler.
Temperatures are high in Bali all year round. It is located only eight degrees south of the equator and is in the belt of a tropical climate that, in addition to high temperatures, also brings high humidity.
In the rainy season in Bali, which lasts from October to April, the humidity is particularly pronounced. Under the influence of the western monsoons, heavy rains are frequent.
But that’s why August is when you don’t need to worry about frequent showers because it’s part of the year when Bali has a very dry season.
August is the month with the least precipitation. Under the influence of the southern monsoons, on the refreshing breath of the winds, you can dot the sky with kites and keep a smile on your face throughout your stay in Bali.
Sunset is around 18 hours and 20 minutes. Be at Tegal Wangi Beach or Uluwatu Temple at that time, and you will realize that you are actually in a tourist paradise while the sun is sinking on the horizon, which offers another chance for a spectacular memory of your vacation in Bali.
Welcome to the Land of the Gods!
Bali and the Balinese
Bali has it all: sandy beaches and the magic of the sun from the all-day glare to the romantic twilight, rice terraces and the authentic Bali Swing, mornings in the pools of luxury resorts with views of the hills and untouched jungle shrouded in a mystical mist, volcanic slopes, mountains, rugged coastlines, warm seas, and coral reefs.
And that would be just the beginning of explaining how spectacular the island of Bali is because there are many archaeological attractions and a wide selection of accommodations, from private villas in exotic locations to luxury hotels and resorts near the beaches, top restaurants, and wild nightlife.
And that would not be all because what gives everything in Bali a unique and unrepeatable stamp is the specific culture of the Balinese.
According to legend, they consider themselves descendants of rulers from Java who found refuge on the island of Bali in the 15th century.
They differ from the other peoples of Indonesia and belong to the Austronesian peoples. Their religion is a Hindu mixture of Buddhism, Shaivism, and pagan customs, beliefs, and rituals. The feature of this religion is the abundance of gods not divided into good and evil sides.
Due to using freshwater from volcanic lakes for ritual purposes, Balinese Hinduism is called the “religion of holy water,” Bali itself is called “the island with 1000 temples”.
Pura Delem is a temple next to a cemetery, representing a temporary refuge for souls before cremation. Pura Puseh is a temple for fertility rituals.
It is dedicated to the spirits of the earth. And Pura Desa is a temple where petitions are addressed to the gods.
You will find three such temples in every village in Bali, but there are countless more: at the springs, next to the paths in the jungle, in the hotels in every Balinese house, and in all the places where there are different gods.
Besides the numerous temples, religious ceremonies and rituals are also one of the main features of Bali. It is estimated that every Balinese spends a quarter of his life practicing these routines.
Balinese dances are also part of the religious ceremonies. The choreography of these dances consists of stories from legends and myths. In addition, sacred and semi-sacred dances are performed at ceremonies. There is also a third type which includes fun dances.
The holy dances include: Rejang danced by young women dressed in formal dresses; Sanghyang Dedari, danced by two young girls to nullify negative supernatural forces; and Baris Upacara danced by male couples about the heroic spirit.
The semi-sacred dances are Topeng Sidhakarya Pajegan, danced by masked men to ward off evil spirits; Gambuh, which involves groups of 20 to 40 dancers; and Wayang Wong, dance.
Legong Kraton, danced by two girls; Joged Bumbung, danced by couples during harvest time; and Barong Ket dance which symbolizes the fight between good and evil, are fun dances.
Volcanoes are sacred places for the Balinese. Gunung Agung, whose crater is at an altitude of 3142 meters, stands out as the holiest place. Volcanic lakes also represent places where good spirits reside.
In contrast, a sea coast is a place for evil spirits and demons for the Balinese.
The name Bali itself meant “strong man” in Sanskrit and was created by shortening the longer original name for the island Bali Angka, which in Sanskrit means “cradle of heroes.”
South Bali in August
This is the most popular region and the region with the largest influx of tourists throughout the year.
So don’t expect to find a secluded place to meditate in South Bali. Instead, immerse yourself in the happy river of the lucky ones who will spend August on these beaches.
And places like temples are full, but your enjoyment will be sufficient. Everything you see and everything you experience will be spectacular.
The Tanah Lot temple is on a small rocky outcrop towards the sea near Beraban village.
According to legend, the water from the spring located in the cave near the temple is healing, and in the temple, there is a sacred snake that watches over people with bad intentions.
The beauty of this small temple is immeasurable, and at dusk, you will be speechless at the sight of the sun sinking behind the horizon.
In South Kuta, on a 250-meter-high cliff facing the Indian Ocean, is The Sunset temple of Bali, Uluwatu. Kecak is danced every day on the ridge in honor of this temple.
On the Bukit Peninsula, there are beaches from which watching the sunset is a unique experience. Tegan Wangi Beach is located in Jimbaran.
It is known for two things: romantic sunsets and adrenalin jump from the cliff. Luxury resorts, bars, and restaurants surround Seminyak Beach.
The sunsets that can be seen from this beach are among the best in Bali and the beaches in Canggu, where Echo Beach is located. The waves on the waters around this beach are perfect for surfing.
In the Southern region, especially around Kuta and Seminyak, in August, it is bustling. No wonder these two resorts are the most popular in Bali, and Bali is a destination that attracts many visitors worldwide.
The concentration of hotels, restaurants, theme parks and nightclubs in Kuta and Seminyak far exceeds the offer in other parts of Bali.
Kutu and Seminyak are less than 9 kilometers apart, and you might think it doesn’t matter where you stay, but there are some differences. Kuta is said to be more informal and busier, with always ready offers for entertainment or tours.
Parties are everywhere restaurants, hotels, beaches, and streets. Seminyak is more toward luxury. Hotels are luxurious, and villas and shops offer luxury goods from world-famous brands.
In Kuta, you will find accommodation in a hostel but also in hotels in the center that offer breakfast, a room with a balcony, a swimming pool, and a spa center for 30 dollars. The most expensive accommodation in Kuta is around 125 dollars.
There are almost no hostels in Seminyak, and the cheapest accommodation in a hotel is around 50 dollars. Accommodation in villas and luxury hotels is astronomically higher than these prices, but the services are also completely different.
Nusa Dua is a resort that offers a different offer from Seminyak. Nusa Dua is lined with world-class hotels and the Bali Collection, a shopping center, restaurants, and an 18-hole golf course. In addition, they say that the sand on the beaches of Nusa Dua is golden in color.
In August, 59 millimeters of rain fell in Kuta for three days. As a result, the average temperature is 260C, the maximum daily average is 270C, and at night the temperature drops to 250C. The sun rises at 6:29 a.m. and sets at 6:18 p.m.
Central Bali in August
Central Bali is recognizable for its mountains, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, rain forests around Ubud, impressive temples, rice fields, and luxurious tourist settlements in isolated mountain areas.
The Hanging Gardens of Bali is a luxury resort with 44 villas in the middle of the jungle. The villas have swimming pools on two levels reminiscent of rice fields.
The Hanging Gardens of Bali is located near Payangan, and the village is 15 kilometers from Ubud. The beautiful Tegallang Rice Terraces are also located in the vicinity of Ubud.
From the refreshing shade by the road, the view stretches down the cascades of terraces and stops on the neighboring hills. Then, it’s time to try the Bali swing.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are about an hour and a half north of Ubud. They spread over 600 hectares in a ring covering the slopes of the Batukaru mountain range.
On the west side of Lake Beratan in Bedugul is a floating temple, Ulun Danu Beratan. The temple can also be viewed from the water. In addition, paddle boats are rented on the shore near the temple.
Goa Gajah Cave Temple, or Elephant Cave Temple, is a few kilometers from Glanyar town.
According to legend, Jin Kebo Iwa carved the temple into the rock with fingernails. The very entrance to the temple resembles a demon’s mouth. The stones near the temple are carved.
Tirta Empul is a holy water temple and is among the largest of its kind in Bali. According to legend, the medicinal properties of this water managed to bring the Mayan Denawa warriors back from the dead.
According to some claims, the temple was built in 926. Tirta Empul is located next to the town of Tampaksiring.
Pura Luhur Batukaru temple is located on the slopes of Mount Batukaru. Batukaru is the second-largest volcano in Bali.
Pura Pusering Jagat Temple is located in the village of Pejeng near Ubud. The name of this temple translates to “the center of the universe.”
Pura Luhur Batukaru Temple and Pura Pusering Jagat Temple are among the six Sad Khayangan temples of the Bali island’s protectors.
August in Ubud is a dry month, with 60 millimeters of rain usually falling within three days. The maximum temperature in August is 270C, and the minimum is 240C. The sun rises at 6:28 a.m. and sets at 6:18 p.m.
West Bali in August
West Bali National Park is the sanctuary of the white starling, the endemic bird of the island of Bali.
The park is the most remote territory on the island’s northwestern side. It is located on the Prapat Agung Peninsula and around Cekik, Gilimanuk, and Baniuvedang.
The total area covered by the National Park is about 19,000 hectares, of which the water surface is approximately 3,400 hectares.
This park has various habitats, from rainforest to savanna and mountain forests in higher areas. In addition, the beaches surrounding the peninsula, the coastal coral reefs, and the Menjangan reefs are protected.
West Bali National Park is the most visited place in Negara, but its surroundings have many temples, a beautiful coast, and calm sea waters.
Yeh Leh Beach, or Fisherman’s Beach as it is better known, is not a beach of fine sand but with pebbles and larger rocks.
The waves have completely polished the stones so that the beach at low tide looks magical.
Twenty years ago, an Underwater Temple was built near Pemuteran. You can go diving or snorkeling to this temple on the sea floor.
August in Negara is a dry month. During the month, 39 millimeters of rain fell. According to data from previous years, three rainy days could be expected.
Maximum temperature 280C, minimum 250C. The sun rises at 6:31 a.m. and sets at 6:21 p.m.
North Bali in August
Unlike the South, East, and Central regions, this region has yet to experience its tourism expansion.
In the overbooked August in Bali, this region could be a chance for an extraordinary vacation without crowds in a fully arranged environment with all the recognizable characteristics of prestigious tourist destinations.
The northern region still has untouched beaches, temples, thermal springs, waterfalls, and a magical and calm sea.
The hotels are mostly high-class, with five stars, and the prices are much more affordable than in South Bali. Near the coast of Pemuteran, there is a coral reef ideal for diving and snorkeling. The sea is transparent and clean.
In addition to first-class resorts, there are hotels, restaurants, and guesthouses in Lovina. The beaches are long and have black volcanic sand.
You should go to Singaray even if you are not planning a vacation in North Bali. It is the old island capital. The architecture is a mix of Balinese and colonial Dutch.
This town, the second largest in Bali, hides surprises such as old Chinese shops and Indonesian and Balinese restaurants.
The surroundings of Singaraja are covered with jungle and hidden pearls, such as Gitgit village, next to three wonderful waterfalls.
Banyumala Twin Waterfall and Munduk Waterfall are just a fraction of what you will find around Munduk.
At least a dozen magnificent waterfalls are within a 30-minute drive. It is popular to cool off under the stream of these waterfalls amidst the virgin green of the forest.
Near Munduk is also Ulun Danu Bratan, also called the “Water Temple” because it was built in the middle of Lake Tamblingan.
After heavy rainfall, the water level in the lake rises, and then it seems as if it is floating on water.
Above the lake, on the hill, there are Bali Swing rentals. The experience is indescribable.
There are also famous coffee plantations in Munduk. Coffee thrives here because of the cooler mountain climate and the fertile volcanic soil. Coffee from Bali has a special taste and aroma.
August in Munduk is a dry month. Rain should be expected only during one day this month, and according to previous years’ averages, 20 millimeters could fall.
The minimum temperature in Manduk in August is 250C, and the maximum is 280C. The sun rises at 6:29 a.m. and sets at 6:19 p.m.
East Bali in August
Mystical East Bali has everything from black sand beaches, volcanoes, the sacred Mount Agung, and the ancient ‘Mother Temple’ to the royal water gardens and pearly white sands of Candidassa.
Besakih Temple, or Pura Agung Besakih, is the largest complex of Hindu temples in Bali. It is also known as the “Temple of the Mother.”
This is the holiest temple for the Balinese. It includes over 86 temples, of which 23 are ancient temples. They were built more than 1000 years ago.
The complex is located on the sacred Mount Agung. A huge staircase leads to it along the holy mountain.
It is about 68 kilometers from Ngurah Rai International Airport and 50 kilometers from Ubud. According to legend, Pura Agung Besakih was named after the dragon deity on the sacred Mount Agung.
In 1963, after the eruption of the Agung volcano, the temples of Pura Besakih remained undamaged. Therefore, the Balinese interpreted it as a miracle performed by this very deity.
Gate of Heaven, called Lempuyang Temple, is located on Bisbis Hill, Abang District. Mount Agung can be seen from Bisbis Hill. Besakih Temple and Lempuyang Temple are among the six Sad Khayangan temples of the protectors of the island of Bali.
Among the patrons are the Goa Lawah Temple, located in the village of Pesinggahan on the border of Klungkung and Karagasem Regency, 50 kilometers from Denpasar. In translation, its name means “cave of bats.” It was built in the 11th century.
One of the beaches with black sand is Tulamben Beach. It is 125 kilometers from Denpasar. Tulamben Beach is a rocky beach with parts filled with black sand. Mount Agung can be seen from it. You can dive in its waters.
There are no rocks on Amed Beach to distinguish it from Tulamben Beach. There is black volcanic sand everywhere.
Even in the August peak season, you can find a lonely place here. As with Tulamben beaches, the waters of Amed beaches are suitable for diving and snorkeling because marine life thrives around the coral reef like nowhere else in Bali.
The black sand of Amed beach, combined with the glowing ruddy sun dipping into the sea beyond the horizon, is an unforgettable experience.
Due to its hinterland, Candidasa Beach is suitable for enjoying both sunsets and sunrises. In addition, the small plains of Gili Biaha and Gili Mempang extend to this beach.
There are hiking trails along Mount Agung. The way to the top starts from Pura Pasar Agung, on the mountain slope.
Tirta Gangga Water Palace, as this tourist attraction is also called the royal water gardens, is located near Ababi Village, 63 kilometers from Denpasar. From Ubud, Tirta Gangga can be reached by car in 1 hour and thirty minutes.
August on Mount Agung is less rainy than July. In July, during five rainy days, 90 millimeters of rain fell, and in August, during three days, 61 millimeters of rain fell.
The minimum average temperature is 250C, and the maximum is 280C. The sun on Mount Agung rises at 6 hours and 27 minutes and sets at 18 hours and 50 minutes.
Southeastern Islands in August
There are three islands in the Southeast Island Region: Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, and Nusa Ceningan. Nusa Penida has become one of the recognizable attractions of Bali.
What can be done on this island? To begin with, you need to go down the stairs from the viewpoint to Diamond Beach.
The sea currents on this beach are so strong that swimming is prohibited, but you can swim on the eastern part of the island at Atuh beach, hidden by small cliffs. A few minutes from Atuh beach, there is a hotel with a viewpoint on the cliff.
The lookout point is three houses on a tree that offer a view of all sides of the world. The Thousand Islands lookout point is also located in the same place.
A hiking trail on the southeast cliffs leads to a stairway that descends to the base of the cliff and a freshwater waterfall.
The sunset is best enjoyed from Teletubbies Hill, which got its name from the rounded grassy hills.
On Nusa Penida, in the middle of the jungle, there is a natural swimming pool with fresh water, and just 5 minutes from there, as soon as you leave the thick vegetation, you will find yourself on a beach with white sand. That beach is called Tembeling.
There are wonderful sandy beaches on Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, Mahana Point, Secret Beach, Dream beach, Mushroom Bay, Coconuts Beach, and Jungutbatu Beach.
The clubs on these beaches offer everything you need to enjoy yourself. You can sip in the shade of the pool on the beach with a view of the open sea.
August in Nusa Penida is known as the hottest month, with the least rainfall of the year.
Long-term statistics show three rainy days should be expected during the month.
The blue sky above Nusa Pendida and 255 hours of sunshine best recommend August as the main period of the year to enjoy this island’s beaches and magical surroundings.
The average daytime temperature is 290C, and at night it drops to 19.90C.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bali a country?
Bali is the poorest of Indonesia’s 33 provinces. It is located between the island of Lombok to the east and the island of Java to the west.
How many regions are in Bali?
Bali is administratively divided into eight kabupatens, administrative territories and the capital Denpasar.
Badung kabupaten capital of Mangupura, Bangli kabupaten capital of Bangli, Buleleng kabupaten capital of Singaraja, Glanyar kabupaten capital of Glanyar, Jembrana kabupaten capital of Negara, Karangasem kabupaten capital of Amlapura, Klungkung kabupaten capital of Semarapura, Tabanan kabupaten capital of Tabanan.
Although the official administrative division of Bali is into these eight Kabupaten, the geographical division into five regions is used concerning the rest of the world. In the central region, there are Ubud, Bedugal, and Tabanan.
In the Southern region are: Kuta, Bukit Peninsula, Canggu, Seminyak, Denpasar, Jimbaran, Legian, Nusa Dua, Sanur and Tanah Lot.
In the Western Region are: Negara, Gilimanuk, Medewi Beach, Pemuteran, and West Bali National Park. In the Northern region are: Lovina, Munduk, and Singaraja.
In the Eastern Region are: Amed, Besakih, Candidasa, Kintamani, Klungkung, Mount Agung, Padang Bai and Tirta Gangga.
Finally, in the Southeast island region are Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, and Nusa Ceningan.
More destinations to discover:
