Visitors planning a trip to Bali, Indonesia will likely think long and hard about the weather. This guide offers a comprehensive look at what to expect throughout the year. It will assist you in deciding when it’s best to visit. The average temperature in Bali is chilly during the colder months but beautiful in the warmer ones. But there is a marked wet and dry season pattern which has an impact on the overall experience.
At A Glance: Monthly Bali Weather Averages And Other Tips For Best Time To Go.
Here’s a brief summary of the typical weather in Bali month by month. This table shows the average high and low temperatures and precipitation. It goes beyond what the weather is like on any given day.
| Month | Avg High (°C/°F) | Avg Low (°C/°F) | Rainfall (mm/in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 345 mm / 13.6 in |
| February | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 274 mm / 10.8 in |
| March | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 234 mm / 9.2 in |
| April | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 102 mm / 4.0 in |
| May | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 92 mm / 3.6 in |
| June | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 51 mm / 2.0 in |
| July | 29°C / 84°F | 23°C / 73°F | 43 mm / 1.7 in |
| August | 29°C / 84°F | 22°C / 72°F | 25 mm / 1.0 in |
| September | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 43 mm / 1.7 in |
| October | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 107 mm / 4.2 in |
| November | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 178 mm / 7.0 in |
| December | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 282 mm / 11.1 in |
This table demonstrates the huge contrast of rainfall between the wet and dry season. Very few temperature fluctuations are observed year round. Perhaps barely discernible differences between them.
What’s the Weather in Bali, Indonesia Throughout the Year?
The climate in Bali is tropical with rainy and dry seasons. It is uniformly warm and even more uniformly damp. The island lies close to the equator and experiences little seasonal temperature variation. Instead, the seasons break down into two clear periods: the dry season and the wet season.
The dry season is normally April to September. The humidity level in these months is relatively low. It’s not nearly as wet. This time of year is also widely regarded as the best weather-wise. It brings with it plenty of sunshine and cloud free conditions.
It’s a great time for outdoor activities. Enjoy beach relaxation. Discover the natural wonder of the island. You do this without much rain. The warm temperatures are comfortable thanks to the lower humidity as well.
Conversely, the wet season spans from October to March. This period is marked by higher humidity. There is more frequent, often intense, rain showers. While the term “wet season” might sound unappealing, the rain typically doesn’t last all day long.
Showers often occur in the afternoon or evening. They can be heavy but brief. There are still lots of sunny spells despite the added rainfall. The island becomes a vibrant, lush green during the wet season.
Wind in Bali : Wind directions and wind conditions for Bali. The wind has a warm, moist onshore blowing that makes it perfect for kitesurfing on the island. There could be gustier winds in the coastal zones. Sometimes, these can be a breath of fresh air. Bali is not in the direct path of any serious cyclone or hurricane route. Thus, such extreme weather phenomenon does not happen often.
Bali has a hot, tropical climate all year round. That makes it a year-round destination. But there’s a big difference in how these seasons play out. Knowing these trends is very helpful in planning your trip. It also helps with packing accordingly.
Best Time to Travel Bali, Indonesia
The best time for a visit to Bali will depend on your tastes. Factor in weather, crowds and budget. Seasons provide you with different experiences.
For a majority of travelers, the best time to take a trip is during the dry season (April to September). This is because the weather is good. With such little rainfall and a lower humidity, it’s great for a spot on Bali’s beautiful beaches. You can also participate in watersports, hiking and temple hopping. And do it without rain.
July and August and Christmas and New Year are the second peak season within the dry season. The weather is perfect around this time. But Bali is also at its busiest. Top sites may be crowded. Accommodation and flight rates are usually at their peak. In high season you should book everything a long time ahead in advance.
April to June and September The shoulder seasons Another compelling option. Weather is still overall fantastic. There are a lot of clear skies and a little bit of rain. But the crowds are nowhere near to what you would have in the peak months.
This makes popular places more comfortable and fun to visit. Accommodation and activities may also be a bit cheaper at these times. This offers better value.
October to March is the cooler, wet season, when it is off-season. When it does rain more, it’s often in brief, intense bursts. We still do have a lot of sunny periods. The rainy season is perfect for budget travelers who don’t mind a little wet. Flights and accommodation are usually at their cheapest.
It’s also a great time to get to know a different side of Bali. There aren’t many tourists around. The landscapes are amazingly green. If you don’t mind getting wet in occasional rain, the off-season may be the most authentic and peaceful. Shoulder months are May, June, September – the best weather for swimming and other beach activities without the crowds. If an affordable price is what you’re looking for, the wet month is usually more of holiday season except for it.
Month-by-Month Weather in Bali, Indonesia
Understanding the specific weather patterns for each month can help you fine-tune your travel plans. While the overall climate is tropical, there are subtle variations throughout the year. These are primarily in terms of rainfall and humidity.
January: Bali, Indonesia, January is in wet season, with the most amount of rain. There is regular and frequent rain, with some clouds and sometimes sunny periods. Average temperatures are 30°C. Despite the rain, the island is still sunny. Read more
February: The temperatures are almost the same in February as in January. It is still wet season. Although the rain is usually intense, it’s brief. It’s a great season to learn about culture. Read more
March: Wet turns to dry in March. Rainfall begins to decrease. The third storm has a decreased amount of severe rain. Humidity might begin to tick down. High temperatures warm up just a bit, to 31°C (88°F). The weather gets more predictable. There is more sunshine. It’s a great month to visit, with the weather improving and the peak season crowds yet to come. Read more
April: April is the beginning of the official dry season. Rainfall decreases considerably. The humidity falls quite sharply. That clears everything up a lot more and a lot more sunnier skies. Daily high temperatures are around 31°C/88°F. The weather is ideal for all kinds of sports. That includes sun-soaked days at the beach and trekking in the great outdoors. Crowds remain in check before the summer crush. Read more
May: May is often considered the best month to visit Bali. The dry season is well underway. It’s hardly raining and the humidity is nice. 24°C seems to be the average high temperature. The sun is shining; the day is beautiful. Read more
June: June is more of the great dry season weather. Look for lots of sunshine, with low humidity and clear skies. Normal high temperatures are in the vicinity of 30 °C (86 °F). This is another fine month for outdoor activities. Enjoy beach relaxation. It’s a good time to go — right before the blockbuster months of July and August. Read more
July: July is also a tourism high month for Bali. The weather is almost always glorious. It is sunny and dry, and with less humidity. High temperatures on average are 29°C (84°F). This is a bit cooler than the previous months. This may be more comfortable to some. Expect larger crowds and higher prices in that window. Read more
August: August is much the same as July. It can deliver the finest weather of the year. It is the middle of the dry season. There is not much rain and just nice temperatures. Mean temperatures are about 29 °C (84 °F). This is another big month for tourism. Crowded conditions and high prices should be expected. Ideal for seaside holidays and watersports. Read more
September: September witnesses the start of the transformation of dry season into wet season. But the weather is mostly excellent. Rainfall is still low. Humidity is manageable. Highs average up slightly to about 30°C (86°F). The crowds begin to get a bit smaller after the August high. That makes it a good time to visit for decent weather and far fewer people. Read more
October: October is the transition month back into the wet cycle. The humidity and rain pick up slightly from September. Showers become more frequent. But many of them still tend to be short-lived. High temps average about 31°C (88°F). It’s a less crowded month. There’s still plenty of sun left between the rain. Read more
November: November is definitely the wet season. Anticipate rain and high humidity. There can be heavy rain showers and the rainy season can be longer than in the earlier transition months. High temperatures continue to hover at around 31°C (88°F). It’s not a big month for tourism. It offers lower prices. It’s a time to witness Bali’s landscapes at their most lush. Read more
December: December is a rainy month. This is especially the case in the final quarter as the year end and holiday season come into sight. Rainfall is high. Humidity remains elevated. Highs reach an average in the low 30s C (low 90s F). Even during the rain, it is the Christmas and New Year season, and that is busy. This results in a wave of tourists and inflated costs. Know that if you visit during this period, rain is likely. Read more
What to pack for Bali, Indonesia by season
Packing well for Bali makes your trip more comfortable and enjoyable. It’s the case no matter when you come. For the tropical weather, the name of the game is pack light and wear breathable clothes. It should be appropriate for hot and humid weather.
Those must-haves are lightweight cotton or linen clothes. Examples include t-shirts, shorts, skirts, and dresses. Don’t forget to pack your bathing suits so you can take advantage of the sandy shores and the pools. Easy, lightweight sandals or flip-flops are perfect for walking around.
All the focus on weather-induced clothing leads some to underemphasize the importance of rain preparedness in a rainforest; especially during the wet season!). Given the chance of rain, it’s well worth your while to have a light, quick-dry rain jacket in your day bag or a little folding umbrella. Waterproof bags/stuff sacks/covers for electronics and valuables can also come in handy.
It is important to protect against the sun all year long. Don’t forget to bring high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. This will shield you from the intense tropical sun. Insect repellent is also recommended. This is even more true of the evenings. It’s also the case if you’re planning to spend time in more natural or rural areas.
The days have been warm, but some of the evenings have been cool. Nowhere is this truer than in uplands like Ubud. It is also true inside the air-conditioned walls. A thin sweater, wrap, or sarong will give you extra comfort. If you are going to be heading to temples, bring something to cover your shoulders and knees, out of respect. Good walking shoes are also essential if you’d like to roam the city beyond the beaches. That includes trekking or rice fields.
It might still rain for a while, even in the dry season. You never know when a few rain showers are going to come through. And, of course, bringing clothes that you can layer is a must if you want to change 10 times a day as the weather changes.
How to Travel During the Rainy Season in Bali
Visiting Bali in wet months (October to March) can also be a satisfying experience. What it provides instead are fewer crowds and less expensive prices. “But it just needs a little more thought to packing and planning.”
But the most influential factor is the increase in rainfall. It doesn’t usually rain all day, but you should plan for daily showers. These ones can be heavy, intense. These are sometimes in the afternoon or evening. They can go on for an hour or two. Humidity levels, too, are high during this time. That can make the temperatures even more miserable.
Local flooding is, however, possible if it rains. Nowhere is this truer than in low-lying regions. That’s also the case on the less traveled, less developed road. This will likely lead to small travel disruptions. But significant disturbances are relatively rare.
And, of course, there is still plenty of sunshine despite the rain. The island’s terrains are at their most lush and green. Here are some reasons why the rainy season is the best season to experience Bali’s natural wonders.
Tips for getting the most out of your wet season journey:
- Dress for the rain with waterproof wear. This would be the same with a rain jacket, an umbrella, and a waterproof bag.
- Be flexible about your schedule. Be sure to have some indoor activities ready in case it rains. These can be such things as going to the museum, the art gallery, the spa, or a cooking class.
- Keep living it up outdoors, rain or no. Most tours and activities are still running. Occasionally the rain can be a cooling relief from the heat.
- Think about the off-season upside. Far fewer tourists at well-trafficked sites lead to a more tranquil experience. You also have a better chance to take a photo.
- Snag cheaper hotel and flight prices.
- Buy travel insurance that includes weather-related interferences. This offers peace of mind.
- Stay hydrated. Heat and high humidity, together, can feel oppressive.
- Be careful when walking on slippery surfaces such as wet ground.
It does take a little more planning to travel in the wet season. But it can give you a more genuine and less commercial version of Bali.
Discover Monthly Guides for Bali, Indonesia
To kick you off planning your perfect trip, we curated a guide for every month in Bali for you. These guides are more than just overviews. They give very interesting information about what weather and “social” conditions you can expect for each month, and what you could do.
Regardless of whether you want to plan a warm tropical vacation to relax on the beach in the heat of July, experience a bit of local Indonesian culture during the off-season, or a little bit of everything – our Bali monthly guides can ensure you make the best possible decision.
Considering a trip during the shoulder seasons? Our April and October guides provide some clues to the changeable weather, and what you can expect. You’re planning a trip during the height of the dry season? Explore our guides for June, July, and August. Wanna experience what it’s like there in the wet season? Our guides from January or November will give you a sense of the reality.
These are resources to help you go to Bali and plan your own Bali adventures with confidence. They keep you covered for the weather. Get the most out of your time in the Island of the Gods.
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Bali, Indonesia Weather
Here are answers to some common questions about the weather in Bali:
Q: When is the hottest time in Bali?
A: It is the before raining season and the beginning of raining season in which months are generally the hottest. This is especially true of April, May, October, and November. These months are quite hot because humidity is on the rise.
Q: Is Bali always humid?
A: Yes, Bali is pretty much humid all year round. That’s because it’s situated in the tropics, close to the equator. Humidity tends to be higher in the wet compared to the dry season.
Q: For how long does it rain during the rainy season?
A: Rain showers can be heavy during the wet season, but are usually brief. They usually go on for an hour or two. They can happen at night or in the morning. They are not the kind that rain all day long.
Q: Does Bali get hurricanes or cyclones?
A: No, Bali is near the equator. It is rarely hit by significant tropical cyclones or hurricanes.
Q: When is the best time to visit Bali beaches?
A: The easiest way to find the sunniest beach dates would be to look for dates during dry season months, which are from April to September. It’s less rainy than some other places, and the humidity is not as high. Ideal months are referred to as May, June, and September. They are both in the dry season but not in the absolute height of tourist season — July or August.
Q: What is the driest month in Bali?
A: August is the driest month of the year in Bali. It is, on average, the driest.
Q: When is the wettest month in Bali?
A: January is the wettest month in Bali.
Conclusion
It’s important to grasp the weather in Bali, Indonesia while planning your trip to make sure you have a great experience. Balinese weather has a tropical climate and its seasons are separated into wet and dry.
Whether you decide to go during the sunny and drier seasons for island fun and outdoor excitement or want to enjoy the rich scenery and lack of tourist traffic in the wet season, knowing what to expect with the weather means you won’t be caught in the cold.
Now that you have read through these month-by-month overviews of the weather in Bali, you have all the information you need to finish planning your trip and get ready to step foot on that island.