I’ve said it once, twice, probably more… a holiday to Bali is an incredible, magical experience. It’s warm all year round, there are beautiful beaches, luscious greenery and a fascinating culture, plus Balinese hospitality is second to none. Maybe you’re thinking, “there must be something you don’t like” and honestly, there isn’t. I’ve experienced monsoon season in Bali and it was still a picturesque paradise! In fact Bali’s rainy season is our focus for this blog…
• When is the rainy season in Bali?
• Bali rainy season: What to do?
• Visiting Bali in low season
• Visiting Bali in high season
• Bali weather: An overview
• Verdict: Best time to visit Bali
Like most places with a tropical climate, Bali has two seasons, wet and dry. Rainfall is the differentiating factor, as the temperature in Bali hovers around 27°C year round, a little cooler inland towards the mountains.
• October to April – Bali’s rainy season
• December to February - Wettest months of the year
I travelled to Bali in late February and, from experience, when it rains it doesn’t mess about! Expect the heavens to open, water to flow through the streets and everyone to disappear indoors. However, an hour later, the paths are dry, birds are singing, people are back on the beach, and you’ll have forgotten what all the fuss was about. Only occasionally would the rain last longer or continue overnight.
The best advice I could give, is to carry an umbrella and a waterproof for any Bali activities you want to indulge in, and if you are relaxing on a beach, know where you can dart for cover if needed! Who doesn’t love watching a storm from the comfort of a beachside bar though, coconut daiquiri in hand?
If you’ve decided to visit Bali and the weather is a little damper than you’d have hoped, you’re not going to be bored. A huge perk of the wetter months is the incredible scenery it creates. In central locations like Ubud, the famous rice terraces come to life in the rain. Set to a backdrop of thriving tropical forests, the colours are truly mesmerising; you really do capture the essence of Bali.
Another ‘must-see’ destination in picturesque central Bali is the iconic Ulun Danu ‘floating’ temple, which only appears to be floating when the water of Lake Beratan is high enough, i.e. when there has been rain!
Likewise, Bali’s best waterfalls, including Sekumpul and Tukad Cepung, are naturally more impressive in wet season, full and flowing, and surrounded by greenery. At SingSing Waterfall in Northen Bali, we enjoyed a dip in the pool below, a fair reward for the 20 minute jungle trek to get there.
My travelling companion also took advantage of the Ayung River being in full flow to go white water rafting. As they were going to get wet anyway, they figured it didn’t matter if it was Bali’s wet season!
Undercover, and more to my taste, I joined a traditional Balinese cooking class, enjoying a delicious satay dish afterwards. We both signed up for a jewelry workshop, crafting our own silver necklace under the guidance of a local artisan. I enjoyed this, it was something a little out of my comfort zone but the tutor was incredibly patient and made the whole process fun. I have great memories and an item to treasure forever.
Whatever the weather in Bali, a good hotel if often all you need. Take Seminyak Beach Resort, which has onsite facilities including a health spa and gym, and a choice of restaurants and bars with stunning ocean views. Why would you ever leave!
Rainy season equals low season in Bali, especially the wettest months, December to February. As well as there still being plenty of things to do in Bali in monsoon season, there are two other major benefits of travelling during this time.
The first is how quiet it is. You can enjoy Ubud and Bali beach days in peace and serenity, tours that are running will have more availability (perfect for indecisive people, like me!) and Bali’s top tourist destinations will be a little emptier, meaning you can get great photos too.
Secondly, low season means lower prices, with even 4 and 5-star hotels offering special deals during the quieter period.
At The Pavilion in Sanur you can enjoy up to 30% off villa style rooms with private outdoor areas. With its stylish pool, onsite spa and tranquil gardens, what more could you ask for? At other resorts, such as Nusa Dua Beach Hotel, you can expect savings of 10 to -15%.
Bali holidays by Freedom Destinations.
High season in Bali runs from June to August, the glorious sunshine attracting tourists from around the globe. Dry season tends to be May to September. More tours and excursions run during high season, and there are more cultural events this time of year, however do expect to pay a little more for travel and accommodation, in line with the increased demand, and make sue to book in advance so you don’t miss out.
If you’re looking to solely sample the beaches, high season offers sunny, dry weather, as well as calmer waters for swimming or paddleboarding. Snorkelling and diving in Bali and Gili Trawangan, a 1.5 hour boat ride from Padang Bai, is an unforgettable experience that is best in the dry season, as the Bali Sea can be a little choppier in other months.
The island itself will be a buzz with life, events showcasing Bali’s rich traditions through dance, music and religious ceremonies taking place alongside some iconic festivals. Bali Arts Festival, which falls in June and July, or the Hari Merdeka (Indonesian Independence Day) in August, both attract large crowds to join in the celebrations.
For those who love the great outdoors, hiking in Bali is best in the dry season, as wet paths can get slippery! Mount Batur, an active volcano, offers a wonderful adventure and panoramic views over north and central Bali. I’d recommend pre-booking a Mount Batur guided tour, but be prepared to get up in the early hours of the morning to beat the mid-day sun and allow you to reach the 1,717 metre high summit in time to watch the sunrise.
So, we’ve covered the wet and dry seasons, but below is a breakdown of the average weather in Bali, month by month:
| Month | Avg. Temperature | Avg. Hours of Sun per day | Avg. Monthly Rainfall (mm) | Avg. Days of Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25°C | 8 | 309 | 20 |
| February | 25°C | 8 | 285 | 19 |
| March | 26°C | 8 | 247 | 20 |
| April | 26°C | 8 | 208 | 19 |
| May | 26°C | 8 | 126 | 16 |
| June | 26°C | 9 | 95 | 12 |
| July | 27°C | 9 | 76 | 10 |
| August | 27°C | 9 | 53 | 8 |
| September | 27°C | 9 | 64 | 9 |
| October | 27°C | 9 | 134 | 14 |
| November | 27°C | 9 | 224 | 19 |
| December | 26°C | 9 | 276 | 19 |
In my personal opinion, the best months to visit Bali are May and September, the start/end of peak season. It won’t be as busy as high season, or as rainy as the wettest months, but there will still be plenty to do and see on a multi centre Bali holiday.
If you prefer to have unbroken beach days, dry season is probably best. If you want to see Bali’s waterfalls and terraced rice fields in full glory, rainy season is the time to go.
Whichever month you choose to visit Bali, I’m sure you’ll still have a fabulous time!
Hannah joined the Marketing Team at Freedom Destinations after spending 5 months travelling around East & Western Australia. A history of visiting other destinations include Thailand, Bali, Sri Lanka, Caribbean and Northern Africa. She has a strong passion for experiencing new places and wants to see as much of the world as possible.
