Summer 2026 in Bali: 11 Things You Absolutely Can’t Miss
Last Updated on March 13, 2026
Summer is the perfect time to be in Bali, if we ignore the crowds that hit the island in July and August.
And just to clarify, by “summer” I mean June to August/mid-September, which technically isn’t summer in Bali, but with the tropical weather, it hardly makes a difference.
These months fall in the dry season, which is supposedly the best time to get creative with your travel plans, since rain (usually) won’t get in the way.
That’s why, as someone who’s lived in Bali for over six months, I’ve put together a list of the best things to do in Summer 2026. Since this is the busiest time of year, I’ve included activities that help you avoid the crowds while still discovering some truly incredible spots.
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Summer in Bali: Weather & Crowds
As I’ve mentioned in my article about the best time to travel to Bali, one thing I can definitely recall from spending last summer there is that July and August were completely dry (no heavy rain, flooding, or showers that blocked my plans). And this is usually the case every year, so weather-wise, you’re pretty safe.
However, July and August are also the busiest months, and crowds, as well as traffic, delays, and general chaos, can really shape your first impression of the island.
That’s why I usually suggest skipping the most touristy spots to discover hidden gems, or getting an early start on the road to beat the traffic and tourist buses.
🌺 Premises set, let’s dive into the best things you should add to your Bali summer itinerary.
10 Best Things To Do in Bali in Summer 2026
1. Mount Batur Sunrise (or Sunset) Hike
Booking yourMount Batur sunrise hike without worrying about rain is such a relief. Sure, Bali’s weather is unpredictable most of the time, but it’s nothing like heading to Kintamani in November.
July and August are actually the best months for the hike. As strange as it sounds, temperatures are lower than later in the rainy season (from October onward), and humidity is more bearable, especially while sweating your way up an active volcano.
A clear, starry sky makes the climb feel less like an effort and more like a blessing. If you look up, you might even spot a shooting star, as I did on August 2nd.
Hiking Mount Batur is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You could technically reach the top by jeep, but nothing beats the sense of accomplishment after a one-hour hike, especially as you enjoy the breakfast prepared by your guide at the summit.
Yes, I know… climbing Mount Batur is definitely not the most original activity. However, if you want to avoid the crowds (and the painful early wake-up call), you could hike the volcano at sunset instead. Chances are, you’ll have the trail almost entirely to yourself.
🌺 If you’re looking for a great tour, below you’ll find the sunrise hike I personally booked and recommend, along with a sunset option from the same provider.
2. Book A Surf Class
I know what you’re thinking… What if I fall in front of a crowd of tourists? Whether it’s your first surf experience or not, surfing in Bali is absolutely worth trying, and the dry season is the best time of the year to do so.
The connection with the ocean, the thrill of standing on the board for the first time, and yes, even the sore muscles the next day. It’s all part of the experience.
On the downside, it’s also the time when most surfers hit the island, which means many surf spots get crowded. That said, there are still great places for beginners.
Uluwatu is the OG surf area in Bali, and some of the best beginner-friendly spots are Padang Padang Beach (where I had my first lesson), Dreamland Beach, and Thomas Beach, which also offers easy sandy access. You can easily find surf instructors around these beaches, usually near the surfboard rental stands.
Kuta and Seminyak are also great spots for beginners.
If you’re a total beginner, try to surf on days with low to medium swell and high tide, so the reef isn’t too exposed (which can be dangerous). It’s also important to check that the currents aren’t too strong and the waves aren’t too big.
3. Bike Through the Rice Fields
Have you ever tried exploring rice fields on foot or by bike after a typical Bali rain shower?
I have, and I wouldn’t recommend it. That’s exactly why the dry season is the best time for a long exploration of the rice fields by bike, or even better, by e-bike.
I’ll be honest: walking around with the tropical sun right above you and temperatures around 30°C isn’t the most pleasant feeling.
But rice fields are one of the island’s greatest natural wonders, and I can’t think of a better way to explore them than by bicycle, hopefully with a bit of refreshing breeze.
Jatiluwih Rice Fields are an extensive UNESCO-protected site and some of the most incredible rice terraces I’ve seen in Bali. And you’re in luck, because along the White Track, the longest trail, locals organize guided e-bike tours that take you through some of the most hidden corners of the area.
After living in Ubud, I also recommend exploring its rice fields and surrounding traditional villages by bike. Yes, Ubud can be touristy, but the moment you step away from the central roads and escape into the nearby villages, you start to see its real beauty.
This tour, for example, takes you through the Ceking Rice Terraces and the traditional village of Tegalalang, avoiding the busiest viewpoints and focusing more on local life.
4. Spend The Day By The Ocean
What better way to feel the holiday vibe than spending the day by the ocean, sunbathing, taking a few dips, and enjoying a healthy lunch with your feet in the sand?
Canggu, Seminyak, and Uluwatu are the go-to spots if that’s your idea of relaxation, with plenty of cool day clubs and beach bars right by the water.
If you’re planning a full beach day, I’d suggest choosing a place with umbrellas and basic facilities like showers and toilets. Spending hours on a Bali beach without them can be tough, especially with the heat and the blazing sun.
Some of my favorite beach clubs in Bali are La Brisa in Canggu and Potato Head in Seminyak, but there are plenty more to discover.
5. Plan A Trip (or A Couple of Days) In Nusa Lembongan
I know you were expecting me to say, “plan a trip to Nusa Penida”, but as promised, I’m avoiding the most overcrowded experiences. Unfortunately, Nusa Penida is busy year-round, and during peak season, it gets even worse.
Nusa Lembongan isn’t a replacement for Nusa Penida, they’re very different at heart. But if you’re after pure island bliss, Nusa Lembongan won’t disappoint.
It’s the smaller sister of Nusa Penida: no cars, no traffic, and plenty of stunning beaches and day clubs to spend the day. Here, it’s all about flip-flops, sarongs, and beaches within walking distance from your stay.
You can still catch unbelievable views if you head over to Nusa Ceningan via the Yellow Bridge. Make sure to stop at Mahana Point and Blue Lagoon.
And if you really don’t want to give up on Nusa Penida, you can plan a snorkeling tour from here; the best snorkeling spots are all around, and many tours include a land option as well.
6. Visit a Temple and Join a Purification Ritual
Sightseeing during the dry season is not for the faint-hearted, especially if you’re planning to walk around during the hottest hours of the day, and there isn’t even a cloud to give you a break from the sun.
While taking part in a purification ritual should be a meaningful experience, something to approach with intention and respect, I’ll be honest and say it’s also a great way to cool down during a hot, dry-season day.
The Balinese purification ritual, also called Melukat, is performed year-round (especially during new and full moon days) by Balinese Hindus.
The ceremony involves prayers, meditation, and bathing in pools with holy spring water. These waters are believed to cleanse the body and spirit from negative energies and welcome new beginnings.
This ritual takes place in water temples, rivers, or sacred waterfalls, and I think combining a temple visit with a purification ritual is the best use of your time. If I had to suggest a temple, I’d say Pura Mengening or Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu. Both are close to Ubud, small, intimate, and absolutely enchanting.
If, like many travelers, you’re drawn to performing the ritual at Tirta Empul Temple, make sure to go early in the morning to avoid the worst of the crowds.
🌺 Here are the experiences I’d recommend booking:
- Intimate Balinese ceremony at Pura Mengening
- Purification Ceremony at My Favorite Temple in Bali: Gunung Kawi Sebatu
- Melukat at Pura Tirta Empul (go early!)
7. Plan A Balinese Cooking Class
What better way to spend a fun morning or afternoon than learning how to cook a delicious Nasi Goreng?
Cooking classes are one of the most fun and popular cultural activities to include in your itinerary. First, they’re often held in the shade, in traditional home compounds, away from the sun and the heat, ideal if you need a break from it.
Second, you’ll learn so much. Not only about cooking. For Balinese Hindus, cooking is a daily ritual, closely tied to the making of canang sari (those beautiful, colorful offerings to the gods you’ll see everywhere).
Most cooking classes also include a canang sari workshop, a visit to the local market, or even a stop at a local farm where the produce is grown. Simplicity, connection to nature, and family are important values for the community, and it’s inspiring to see how everything connects back to cooking and sharing a meal.
Plus, it’s one of the best ways to meet with locals. You’ll get to ask as many questions as you want and maybe bring a bit of their relaxed, peaceful mindset back home with you.
8. Do Something Artsy: Silver Jewellery, Pottery, or Painting
Bali is an art paradise. There are so many creative activities you can join, whether you’re traveling solo and want to meet people or simply looking to try something new with your group of friends.
In particular, artistic workshops are popular all over the island. One of the most common is silversmithing. It’s a local craft, and during what’s usually a two-hour workshop, you’ll work on your own unique souvenir to take home, usually a ring or a pendant, guided by local artisans.
Pottery or painting is also incredibly relaxing and a great excuse to do something you normally never make time for.
Who knows, you might even discover a hidden talent or a new hobby. I personally tried pottery for the first time with my mum, and it was such a beautiful experience to do something new together.
And these are just a few examples. There’s much more: batik painting (a traditional technique used to decorate fabrics), candle making, perfume creation, and in places like Ubud or Nusa Lembongan, you can even create your own skincare or body care products.
These are some of my favorite activities to try around Bali:
- Silversmithing in Sidemen at Sidemen Silver
- Pottery at Serayu Pot
- Painting class in Ubud
9. Join a One-Day Yoga Retreat
Traveling around Bali is on another level. I mean, there are so many things to do and see, places to go, crystal-clear waters you don’t want to miss.
But there’s also another reality: getting around Bali can be stressful at times, especially when you’re constantly moving across the island, maybe in a van stuck in traffic.
There’s a solution to all of this, and it’s joining a short and sweet yoga retreat. Bali has plenty of experiences like this that won’t break the bank but can give you the kind of relaxing reset you need after all the traveling. Just one day off your packed itinerary.
One of my favorites I joined in Ubud was at Solana Bali. It’s a relaxing wellness resort immersed in the Ubud jungle, with river views and a dreamy pool.
The retreat included a much-needed yoga class, brunch, coconut water, and the possibility to enjoy the resort and its facilities (sauna and cold plunge!) for the rest of the day.
Often, we feel like running around is the only way to make the most of our time in a new country. However, slowing down, even for just one day, can give you back the energy you need to start again with a fresher mind. And in Bali, taking your time and slowing down is simply part of the local culture.
10. Try the Local Specialties with a Food Tour
Food in Bali is truly something else. Beyond the freshness and quality of local ingredients, often grown on-site, the flavors and textures of Balinese specialties make every meal something to look forward to.
But there’s a risk. Once you get to know and love the most popular dishes (I’m talking Nasi Goreng, Nasi Campur, or Gado Gado), you tend to stick to them. You know what you like and don’t want to bump into the spiciest pork skewers.
And don’t even get me started on navigating traditional night markets, with all kinds of savory snacks I never dare to try because it’s just intimidating.
This is where a food tour can help. Exploring a night market or local buffet with a guide makes it so much easier. They can tell you what’s spicy, what’s mild, what’s a must-try, and even give you the behind-the-scenes scoop on how everything is prepared (yes, including how much garlic goes in).
If you’re looking for two great foodie experiences, these are my top picks:
- The best foodie tour in the old city of Denpasar, where you’ll get to try bites from all kinds of local eateries and food stalls.
- This Night market tour in Ubud gives you the most authentic cultural foodie experience, tasting babi guling, skewers, and other local delicacies with guidance from a local foodie.
11. Visit a Local Market
Visiting a market is one of the most fun experiences to add to your Bali itinerary. On the island, you’ll find all kinds of markets: from fresh produce to crafts, art, and boho-hippie clothing. Honestly, there’s something for everyone.
For the most authentic local experience, you should definitely visit a morning produce market. These usually start around 7 am, when locals from all corners of town gather in a central spot to sell fruits, vegetables, meat, or flowers used to craft the colorful offerings for the gods.
It’s busy, crowded, and noisy, but that’s part of the fun, watching locals negotiate, laugh, and try to convince you to buy something. The Ubud produce market, right in front of the Ubud Palace, is perfect for this kind of experience.
If you want to browse a little bit of everything, handmade goods, sustainable clothing brands, local produce, surrounded by the best holiday vibe, my favorite market is the one at La Brisa in Canggu. It usually happens on Sundays and is a lovely way to spend a morning.
And there it is! Some of the best things to do in Bali in the summer (or the dry season). Of course, there’s so much more.
I could have added a dip in one of the many waterfalls or a fun rafting session. However, as counterintuitive as it sounds, the dry season isn’t always the best time for these activities.
If it hasn’t rained, rivers may not be at full flow, and some waterfalls might even be diverted to irrigate the rice fields. That said, waterfall-hopping, rafting, and tubing are still popular in summer, just make sure the conditions are right before booking your trip or activity.
If you’re still planning your itinerary or looking for more information, be sure to check out my full Bali travel guide. You’ll find all my tips and insights from over six months of living on the island.
