Asia & Pacific · Best Apr–Oct
Bali packing list for families
Bali mixes temples, jungle, and beach, so you need more than swimsuits and sandals. Here is what I pack for families, plus how the dry and wet seasons shape the trip.
Photo by Niklas Weiss on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Bali
- Traffic is the thing that surprises people. I split stays between Ubud and the coast so kids are not spending hours in the car each day.
- Temples ask for a sarong and covered shoulders. Many lend one, but having your own for each family member makes stops quicker.
- Monkeys at Uluwatu and the Ubud Monkey Forest grab sunglasses, hats, and snacks. Leave loose items in the car and keep little hands empty.
Best timeApr–Oct
PlugsType C and F, bring an adapter
MoneyIndonesian rupiah
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Bali
This time of year
Shop this list
Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Clothing5
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Lightweight sarongKristina's pickRequired at temples and doubles as a beach cover-up.
Shoes3
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Sandals
Reef shoesUseful at rocky beaches and waterfalls.
Beach & pool8
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysKristina's pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Adventure2
Bug spray
Eyewear retainer strapsKeeps sunglasses away from curious monkeys.
Little ones4
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Little things15
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Tap night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Wet bag for swimsuits
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Health & toiletries4
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Electrolyte powder packetsHelpful on hot days and if tummies get upset.
Documents & tech3
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterKristina's pickType C and F, bring an adapter
The outfit edit
Jungle to beach
Natural, palm green, sand, papaya
For the kids
For photos
- Earthy tones that work in jungle and sand
- Bright papaya for a pop
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Bali weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 88°F 31°C | Wet season: humid, with heavy afternoon showers and lush green terraces | |
| February | 88°F 31°C | Wet season: humid, with heavy afternoon showers and lush green terraces | |
| March | 88°F 31°C | Wet season: humid, with heavy afternoon showers and lush green terraces | Nyepi, the Day of Silence, usually in March; the island and airport shut down for a day |
| April | 88°F 31°C | Dry season: sunny, less humid; July and August are busiest | Shoulder season: green rice terraces and fewer crowds |
| May | 87°F 31°C | Dry season: sunny, less humid; July and August are busiest | Shoulder season: green rice terraces and fewer crowds |
| June | 86°F 30°C | Dry season: sunny, less humid; July and August are busiest | Bali Arts Festival in Denpasar, usually Jun–Jul |
| July | 85°F 29°C | Dry season: sunny, less humid; July and August are busiest | Bali Arts Festival in Denpasar, usually Jun–Jul Kite season fills the skies around Sanur |
| August | 85°F 29°C | Dry season: sunny, less humid; July and August are busiest | Kite season fills the skies around Sanur |
| September | 86°F 30°C | Dry season: sunny, less humid; July and August are busiest | |
| October | 87°F 31°C | Dry season: sunny, less humid; July and August are busiest | |
| November | 88°F 31°C | Wet season: humid, with heavy afternoon showers and lush green terraces | |
| December | 88°F 31°C | Wet season: humid, with heavy afternoon showers and lush green terraces |
Questions families ask
Bali with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Bali with kids?
The best time is Apr–Oct. Dry season: sunny, less humid; July and August are busiest
What's the weather like in Bali?
Typical daytime highs range from about 85°F (29°C) in July to about 88°F (31°C) in January. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Bali?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Bali?
Type C and F, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Bali with kids?
Traffic is the thing that surprises people. I split stays between Ubud and the coast so kids are not spending hours in the car each day.
let's stay in touch
New destination lists, seasonal tips, and the gear we're loving.
Keep exploring
More family packing lists
Want the whole trip handled?
I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.