The Weather and Climate of Bali

Bali’s Wet Season

Starting from the end of December till April is Bali’s wet season. Aside from December and January, the wet season is a very chill time in Bali. Meaning fewer tourists and a more tranquil atmosphere for sure. As to the weather, it is very humid and it shifts from warm days with clear skies to heavy rainstorms. Due to it being a lazy time for tourism, the wet season is a great time for those who are traveling on a budget and looking for the best deals.

October in Bali

October in Bali is known to be a transitional month, as the climate transitions from being dry season weather to wet season weather. It is also one of the hottest months of the year caused by hot dry winds coming all the way from Australia. Temperatures from 25ºC to 33ºC, 77°F to 91°F. In October, it rains an average of 12 days with humidity levels on the rise.

November in Bali

November in Bali is a bit unpredictable, meaning there are days when it will rain and others when it won’t. But, don’t worry, just pack an umbrella and some clothes for wet weather. It is very humid, so also be prepared for a strike of heat. The average temperature in November is 27ºC, 81°F and rains an average of 16 days.

December in Bali

December in Bali is when the monsoon season kicks in. Which in comparison to November, takes rainfall to a whole other level. In December, it rains quite frequently, heavily and can last for a while. Unfortunately, because of Bali’s drainage conditions, the rain can cause streets to be somewhat flooded. Although it rains a lot, it remains really hot with super high humidity.

The average temperature in December is 27ºC, 81°F and rains an average of 22 days. Does, this mean I can’t spend New year’s and Christmas in Bali? Well, don’t be fooled by the weather conditions, December is still one of the busiest months of the year in Bali packed with a handful of wonderful celebrations and parties for both New year’s and Christmas.

One of the best places where you can watch the incredible New year’s celebrations and fireworks is Kuta Beach. It’s safe to say that Bali likes to start its high season with a bang!

January in Bali

When it rains, it pours! The wettest month of the year in Bali is January and it is coming strong with some really heavy rain. However, that heavy rainfall is accompanied by really high levels of humidity and heat. Not all regions in Bali have the exact same climate. When you are booking your accommodation in January, you should know the highland and mountain regions are where it rains the heaviest when compared to the southern and eastern coastal areas. Despite all of that rain, January remains one of the busiest months of the year for tourism in Bali. The average temperature in January is 26ºC, 79°F and rains almost every day.

February in Bali

It’s still the wet season, so, expect a good amount of rain in February. The temperature in February can go up to 32ºC, 89°F and rains an average of 22 days throughout the month. By being a low season month, traveling to Bali in February is very suitable for those looking for a hot deal and a more tranquil atmosphere.

March in Bali

As the transition from wet season to the dry season begins, Rainfall and temperatures in March have only a minor setback, though it does remain cloudy for most of the month. The temperature in March ranges from a minimum of 23ºC, 73°F to 27ºC, 81°F.

However, the temperature at night drops to 25ºC, 77°F and can even drop to 15ºC, 59°F in the mountains as well as it rains an average of 20 days throughout the month. Even though it is known as a low season month, March can still offer quite an interesting experience especially with Nyepi, which is a Hindu celebration of the Balinese New Year done celebrated in meditation, fasting, and silence. It promotes self-reflection and quite literally pulling the plug for 24 hours tricking the evil spirits into moving on after witnessing the emptiness of the island.

The day after Nyepi marks “The Kissing Ritual” or Omed-omedan, when the youth of Sesetan Village in South of Bali gather around to celebrate the new year in their own special way.

April in Bali

Announcing the very end of the wet season, April comes by with much better weather conditions. Humidity levels heavily decrease, Rainfall drops to an average of 9 days during the month and the temperature can hit a maximum of 33ºC, 91°F. Being a low season month, tourism is not at its busiest meaning fewer crowds and cheaper accommodations.

What to wear during Bali’s wet season?

Due to Bali’s unpredictable weather and climate during the wet season, it’s recommended you take all the precautions necessary to ensure a fun and enjoyable trip free of any mishaps.

Linen, cotton, and silk are some of the best materials you should pack. You want something breathable and light at the same time. Though it rains a lot in the wet season, temperatures are still high along with super high humidity. You might want to avoid wearing clothes that are tight and must pack a hat in addition to lots of sunscreen.

Another set of essentials throughout the wet season are umbrellas and rain jackets. To save yourself a lot of space when packing, both disposable umbrellas and rain jackets could be purchased at very cheap prices in Bali. You can find them at the local market, we advise that it’s one of the first things you do as soon as you arrive in Bali because you will definitely need them during the pouring rain.

Reminder: It's fine to walk around in maybe flip flops and T-shirts unless you are visiting a religious area, a temple or even attending a ceremony. It’s better that you follow the local customs accordingly.

• Take off your shoes when entering a temple.
• Cover up some of your body parts like your chest area and shoulders. You can usually find places close to any temple that sells scarves and other garments you can use like Sarongs.
• If a woman has given birth in the past six weeks or happens to be pregnant, she is not allowed to enter the temple as it is deemed to be impure.

Bali’s Dry Season

From May to September is Bali’s packed dry season. Considered the busiest time of the year when it comes to tourism, the dry season has little to no rain and much lower humidity than the wet season. Temperatures during the dry season are at a stable range from 27ºC to 30ºC, 80°F to 86°F. Being a busy time for the island, expect prices to be at their highest.

May in Bali

With the wet season over, we welcome in May with open arms. May is one of the coolest months of the year, so expect a noticeable drop in the temperature than previous months. We can’t get carried away though, as it is still very warm especially for those who travel from cold countries to Bali. The average temperature in May is 28ºC, 82°F with an expected rainfall average of 8 days throughout the month. May can be a great time to visit Bali for budget travelers as it is also a low season month.

June in Bali

June is a great month to visit Bali from a typical perspective. As it’s warm but not too hot, it rains much less frequently than the preceding months and has some really interesting events in store for its visitors. The average temperature during June is 27ºC, 81°F, with an average rainfall of 6 days. A few events are expected to take place in June like the Kite Festival and the amazing Bali Arts Festival. June also marks the start of the high season, which is the busiest time of the year for tourism in Bali. So, it might not be the best option to visit Bali in June if you are running on a low budget.

July in Bali

Continuing the streak of clear blue skies and perfect weather that comes with the dry season in Bali is July. The climate in July is the best for those who get deep and love exploring the island. It’s also a great time to practice your favorite water sport or do something adventurous and fun. Even though it’s not a very popular opinion having your honeymoon in July might also be a great idea, particularly for outdoorsy couples. You can learn more about Bali as a Honeymoon Destination here!

In July, you only get 4 days of rain during the month and an average temperature of 27ºC, 81°F. July is also a high season month, meaning a lot more crowds and higher accommodation prices.

August in Bali

By the time August comes, the island would have taken a well-deserved break from the ongoing rain cycles, making it the driest month of the year in Bali. On average you might get about 4 rainy days, but expect nothing but sunshine for the rest of the 27 days. So, don’t forget to put on sunscreen. The average temperature in August is not that different from July as it sits at a steady 27ºC, 81°F. With the high season still going, August is a very busy month for tourism in Bali.

September in Bali

The weather and climate of Bali in September is quite known for its very sunny days. September is an amazing time for sunbathing and spending all day at the beach. The average temperature in September in Bali ranges from 27ºC, 81°F to 32ºC, 89°F. And when it comes to rain in September, it’s about an average of 9 days throughout the whole month, plus, it is usually not heavy. September is many travelers’ favorite time to visit Bali, because of its sunny weather and the fact that it follows the peak season. Which means it’s considered a low season month with a very detectable dip in prices.

What should I wear during the dry season in Bali?

Although Bali’s weather during the dry season is comfortably warm, it won’t hurt to pack at least a good pair of socks and a jacket just to make sure, as it does get super chilly in the evenings sometimes. With that being said, it’s also best to bring a hat and lots of sunscreen for those long hours of sun time you shouldn’t miss out on.

Although Bali’s weather during the dry season is comfortably warm, it won’t hurt to pack at least a good pair of socks and a jacket just to make sure, as it does get super chilly in the evenings sometimes. With that being said, it’s also best to bring a hat and lots of sunscreen for those long hours of sun time you shouldn’t miss out on.

Other essentials:

Wetsuit: If you are keen on surfing, pack a wetsuit, the water does get somewhat cool during this season.

Coral reef boots: This is just a safety precaution to protect your bare feet from any harm as a lot of the beaches in Bali are full of sharp coral reefs.

When packing, you should always put into consideration the culture and religious beliefs of your destinations’ locals. As is the case here. Try to dress respectfully and accordingly especially when you go out into the street or the mall, certainly be extra mindful of what you wear when entering religious sites.

Bali might seem like a very trendy place right now with some western influences, but, don’t let that fool you. Try to stay away from public displays of affection, as it may turn a lot of heads and not be appreciated by the locals. Another thing we recommend is to educate yourself on the customs of Bali beforehand especially when it comes to the appropriate attire when visiting temples.

Best Time to Visit

There are many theories and opinions in regards to the weather and climate of Bali and the best time to visit. What we know for sure is that Bali is a riveting experience for anyone visiting at any time of the year. Always remember, that you should only travel to Bali at a time that is best for you!

Best Time to Save: According to popular opinion some of the best months to visit Bali include March, April, May, and September. Marking the months when you can save a lot of bucks. These months are extremely suitable for travelers who are not willing to spend a lot of money on their trip to Bali and instead are taking it nice and simple.

Best Weather: Pretty much anytime from April to October has the best weather in Bali. It’s when the rainfall rates and humidity are at an all-time low and the sunlight is at an all-time high. If you are looking for clear sunny skies and countless hours of beach fun, then this is probably the best time for you.

Best Time for Surfing: The dry season is the best time to get on a surfboard and ride through the best waves of the year. If you love surfing you’ve got to head to the west coast of Bali where you can find the best surfing experience. Some of the best beaches include Uluwatu beach, Kuta beach, and Bingin beach. Nonetheless, if you are looking to surf at a more serene and chill time, it’s best to visit during the wet season.

For a more detailed and insightful perspective on The Best Time to Visit Bali, Check out this article here!

Hope this was an informative read! Make sure to study and weigh your options carefully to make the best decision that perfectly matches your personality and conditions.