Like so many tropical islands, Bali has its absolute peak season for hotels during the Christmas and New Year holiday period. Bali hotels also have peak prices during August and into September, as so many Europeans are on holiday during that time.

The mid season for Bali hotels is from April through July, and the low season is from mid January through March, and from mid September through mid December.

Many of the cheaper hotels and guesthouses don’t change rates much throughout the year, but many of the 3-star and above places have huge price swings, so you might get a great deal if you come off season.

There are no hostels with dorms in Kuta, but with private and basic rooms in guesthouses being so easy to find, there is really no need for dorms.

Being nearly on the equator, it’s no surprise that Kuta (and all of Bali) has similar temperatures the year round. As with other tropical places, it’s all about a rainy season and a dry season. The rainy season lasts from November through March, and during this time you can expect rain just about every day, and it tends to come down in buckets, or even sheets, when it does rain. You definitely have to find cover when it happens, but the good news is the rain rarely lasts more than 30 minutes or so at a time, so it’s a matter of dodging storms and otherwise doing what you want.

The dry season is from April through October, and you’ll obviously get far less rainfall during this period, but it will still be rather humid every day so packing for a steamy climate is advised no matter when you come.