Two seasons: dry and rainy
Bali sits eight degrees south of the equator, so there is no winter or summer, only a dry and a wet season.
| Dry season | Rainy season | |
|---|---|---|
| Months | April – October | November – March |
| Rain | rare, short showers | daily downpours, usually afternoon or night |
| Wind | south-east trade wind | west and north-west monsoon |
| Best coast | west coast and the Bukit | east coast: Sanur, Nusa Dua |
| Crowds | peak in July–August | peak around Christmas and New Year |
March and October are transition months: the weather can change from week to week. Even in the rainy season it rarely rains all day; a typical pattern is a sunny morning and a heavy shower later on.
Bali weather month by month
| Month | Season | Day / night | Sea | Rain | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Rainy season | 31 / 24 °C | 29 °C | 345 mm | 16 |
| February | Rainy season | 31 / 24 °C | 29 °C | 274 mm | 15 |
| March | Transition | 31 / 24 °C | 29 °C | 234 mm | 13 |
| April | Dry season | 32 / 24 °C | 29 °C | 88 mm | 7 |
| May | Dry season | 31 / 23 °C | 28 °C | 93 mm | 6 |
| June | Dry season | 30 / 23 °C | 27 °C | 53 mm | 5 |
| July | Dry season | 29 / 22 °C | 26 °C | 55 mm | 4 |
| August | Dry season | 30 / 22 °C | 26 °C | 25 mm | 3 |
| September | Dry season | 30 / 22 °C | 27 °C | 47 mm | 4 |
| October | Transition | 31 / 23 °C | 28 °C | 63 mm | 6 |
| November | Rainy season | 32 / 24 °C | 28 °C | 179 mm | 10 |
| December | Rainy season | 31 / 24 °C | 29 °C | 276 mm | 14 |
Long-term averages for the south coast (Denpasar / Ngurah Rai airport). Ubud is 2–4 °C cooler and the highlands 8–9 °C cooler.
Where the weather is best
- South coast (Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Uluwatu): the warmest and most predictable part of the island. The Bukit peninsula is the driest corner of the south.
- Ubud and central Bali: a few degrees cooler, noticeably wetter and more humid, especially from December to February.
- Highlands (Kintamani, Bedugul, Munduk): cool evenings (15–18 °C in July and August), frequent mist and the most rain on the island.
- North and east (Lovina, Amed, Tulamben): the driest areas, with calm seas and sunshine even in the rainy season.
- In the rainy season the east coast (Sanur, Nusa Dua) has calmer water and cleaner beaches than the west coast, where the monsoon washes rubbish ashore.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes and a reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50): the sun is strong all year.
- A light rain jacket or poncho from November to March.
- A warm layer for sunrise treks on Mount Batur and trips to the highlands.
- Sarong and sash for temple visits (often available to rent at the entrance).
Frequently asked questions
When is the rainy season in Bali?
From November to March, with the most rain in December, January and February. Showers are usually heavy but short, often in the afternoon or at night.
What is the hottest month in Bali?
The temperature barely changes. October to April is slightly hotter and more humid (up to 32 °C), July and August are the coolest months at about 29 °C by day and 22 °C at night.
Can you swim in the sea in Bali all year?
Yes. The sea stays between 26 and 29 °C. In the dry season the west coast and the Bukit get big waves, so swim at patrolled or sheltered beaches such as Sanur, Nusa Dua and Jimbaran.
