Bali Weather by Month: A 2026 Guide to Seasons, Rain, Heat, and the Best Time to Visit

Bali sits just south of the equator, so it doesn't have four seasons. Instead, it runs on a tropical monsoon rhythm: a dry season roughly from May to October and a wet season from November to April. Temperatures stay warm year-round, but rainfall, humidity, wind, and sea conditions shift enough that the month you choose can shape your trip.

This 2026 guide breaks down Bali weather month by month, using long-term climate averages and current seasonal travel patterns. Treat the numbers as planning ranges, not forecasts. For a specific week, check a 7–10 day forecast before you fly, especially if you're planning boat trips, hikes, or surf lessons.

Quick answer: the best time to visit Bali

Best overall weather: May, June, and September. Expect mostly sunny days, lower humidity, and fewer crowds than July–August.
Driest and sunniest: July and August. Expect breezy, bright days, peak crowds, and higher prices.
Best value: November, early December, and March. Rain is possible, but prices drop and the island is green.
Wettest and most humid: January and February. Rain can be heavy, but it usually comes in bursts rather than constant drizzle.
Best for surfing, west coast: May–September. Uluwatu, Kuta, Canggu, and Batu Bolong get consistent swell and offshore winds.
Best for diving and snorkeling: April–October, when many areas have calmer, clearer water. Nusa Penida and Amed can also be good outside the peak wet months, depending on conditions.
Warmest sea: December–May, often around 28–29°C / 82–84°F.

How Bali's seasons actually work

Bali's dry season is driven by the southeast monsoon. From roughly May to October, winds blow from the southeast, bringing drier air, lower humidity, and more stable sunshine. July and August are usually the driest and coolest months, with daytime highs closer to 29–31°C / 84–88°F and nighttime lows around 22–24°C / 72–75°F.

The wet season runs from about November to April, when the northwest monsoon brings moist air, higher humidity, and more frequent rain. January and February are typically the wettest. Rain often comes in intense afternoon or evening showers, though some days can stay grey and drizzly for longer. The wet season isn't a washout everywhere: south Bali, Ubud, and the mountains get more rain than some east-coast areas, and even a wet day can have sunny hours between downpours.

Two transition months are worth noting. April shifts toward the dry season, with improving roads, greener rice terraces, and occasional showers. October shifts back toward the wet season, usually starting dry and ending with more frequent rain. Both are excellent shoulder-season months for value and fewer crowds.

Bali weather by month

The table below gives broad averages for coastal south Bali. Ubud and central Bali are usually cooler and wetter; Kintamani and Bedugul can be 5–10°C cooler. Nusa Dua, Sanur, and parts of east Bali are often slightly drier than Kuta and Canggu.

Month	Season	Avg high	Avg low	Rainfall	Rain days	Sea temp	What to expect
January	Wet	30–32°C / 86–90°F	24–26°C / 75–79°F	280–350 mm	18–22	28–29°C / 82–84°F	Peak wet season. Hot, humid, heavy showers. Lush landscapes and lower prices outside New Year.
February	Wet	30–31°C / 86–88°F	24–25°C / 75–77°F	250–320 mm	16–20	28–29°C / 82–84°F	Still very wet and humid. Some of the heaviest rain can fall now. Good for spas, culture, and indoor plans.
March	Wet to transition	30–32°C / 86–90°F	24–25°C / 75–77°F	180–250 mm	14–18	28–29°C / 82–84°F	Rain starts to ease. Sunny mornings become more common. Nyepi, Bali's Day of Silence, usually falls in March.
April	Transition	31–32°C / 88–90°F	24–25°C / 75–77°F	80–120 mm	9–13	28–29°C / 82–84°F	Improving weather, green scenery, and good value. Occasional showers, but more beach days.
May	Dry	30–32°C / 86–90°F	23–24°C / 73–75°F	50–90 mm	6–9	28°C / 82°F	One of the best months. Lower humidity, sunny days, and manageable crowds.
June	Dry	29–31°C / 84–88°F	23–24°C / 73–75°F	40–70 mm	5–8	27–28°C / 81–82°F	Reliable dry-season weather. Breezy afternoons. Great for surf, beaches, and hiking.
July	Dry	29–31°C / 84–88°F	22–24°C / 72–75°F	30–60 mm	4–7	27°C / 81°F	Driest and coolest month. Peak season crowds and prices. Wind can be strong on the west coast.
August	Dry	29–31°C / 84–88°F	22–24°C / 72–75°F	30–50 mm	3–6	27°C / 81°F	Similar to July: sunny, breezy, busy. Excellent for surfing and outdoor activities.
September	Dry	30–31°C / 86–88°F	23–24°C / 73–75°F	40–70 mm	4–7	27–28°C / 81–82°F	Still dry but warming up. Fewer crowds than July–August. A top all-round month.
October	Transition	31–32°C / 88–90°F	24–25°C / 75–77°F	70–110 mm	8–12	28°C / 82°F	Humidity rises and afternoon showers return. Good value before high season.
November	Wet	31–32°C / 88–90°F	24–25°C / 75–77°F	100–160 mm	12–16	28–29°C / 82–84°F	Wet season begins. Rain is common, but there are still sunny windows. Quiet and green.
December	Wet	30–32°C / 86–90°F	24–25°C / 75–77°F	150–220 mm	15–19	28–29°C / 82–84°F	Rainy and festive. Holiday peak from mid-December. Book early for Christmas and New Year.

Month-by-month details

January: the wettest month

January is hot, humid, and often the rainiest month in south Bali. Expect heavy afternoon or evening downpours, high humidity, and very green rice fields. Beach days are possible, but you'll need flexibility. It's a good month for Ubud, spa retreats, cooking classes, temples, and waterfalls — just bring a rain jacket and quick-dry footwear.

February: wet but still appealing for some travelers

February feels much like January: warm, with frequent rain. Some years have long dry spells, while others bring persistent wet weather. If you're not set on a beach holiday, February can be peaceful and affordable. Surfers should look at east-coast breaks, where wet-season winds can be more favorable.

March: the transition begins

Rainfall starts to drop in March, but humidity remains high. You can get beautiful sunny mornings and sudden afternoon storms. Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence, usually falls in March; the island shuts down for 24 hours, including the airport and most businesses. Check the exact 2026 date if you're traveling then.

April: green season value

April is a transition month many travelers overlook. The landscape is lush, prices are still moderate, and the weather improves toward the end of the month. Showers are possible, especially in Ubud and the mountains, but south Bali often has good beach weather. It's a strong month for culture, waterfalls, and rice-terrace walks.

May: one of the best months

May marks the start of the dry season in most of Bali. Humidity drops, rain becomes less frequent, and the sea is warm. Crowds are lighter than in July and August, and accommodation prices are still reasonable. It's excellent for beaches, diving, snorkeling, and exploring the island by scooter or car.

June: dry, breezy, and reliable

June brings dependable dry-season weather. Mornings are usually sunny, afternoons can be breezy, and rain is uncommon. West-coast surf starts to pick up, and conditions in Nusa Penida and Amed are often good for diving. It's a busy month, but not as packed as July–August.

July: driest, coolest, and busiest

July is peak dry season. Expect mostly sunny days, lower humidity, and cooler nights. The trade winds can make the west coast choppy for swimming, but they create excellent surfing conditions at Uluwatu, Padang Padang, and Canggu. This is also the busiest period, so book flights and hotels early.

August: sunny and peak season

August is similar to July: dry, breezy, and crowded. The weather is ideal for beach clubs, boat trips, and outdoor adventures. If you want the driest possible weather, this is your month. If you want fewer people, consider late September instead.

September: dry season's sweet spot

September often delivers the best balance of dry weather, warm sea, and smaller crowds. Rain is still low, humidity is manageable, and the island feels less frantic than in July–August. It's a top choice for first-time visitors who want reliable weather without peak-season prices.

October: transition and good value

October starts dry and ends wetter. Early October can feel like an extension of the dry season; by late October, afternoon showers become more common. Prices are still reasonable before the holiday rush, and the island is green. It's a good month for travelers who don't mind a brief daily shower.

November: wet season arrives

November is when the wet season settles in. Expect higher humidity, more frequent rain, and fewer tourists. Rain often comes in short, heavy bursts, so you can still enjoy mornings at the beach or pool. This is a good value month for long stays, wellness retreats, and cultural travel.

December: festive but rainy

December is warm, humid, and wet, with rainfall increasing through the month. The first half can still offer decent beach weather, but the Christmas and New Year period is peak season for crowds and prices. If you visit in December, plan indoor backups and book restaurants and activities ahead.

Bali weather by region

Bali is small, but microclimates matter. A rainy day in Ubud doesn't always mean rain in Nusa Dua.

South Bali — Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu: Hotter and drier in the dry season, with strong surf on the west coast from May to September. The wet season brings afternoon downpours and occasional road flooding.
Ubud and central Bali: Cooler and wetter than the coast. Afternoon showers are common even in the dry season. Expect high humidity and lush jungle.
Sanur, Nusa Dua, and east Bali: Often slightly drier and calmer than the west coast. Sanur and Nusa Dua are good for swimming in the dry season. Amed is better for diving and snorkeling from April to October.
Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan: Similar to south Bali, but boat crossings can be rough in the wet season and during strong winds. Plan flexible travel days.
Kintamani, Bedugul, and mountain areas: Much cooler, sometimes 15–25°C / 59–77°F. Rain can fall any month. Bring a light jacket for sunrise hikes and volcano views.

Best time to visit Bali for specific travelers

First-time visitors: May, June, or September. Reliable weather, manageable crowds, and good value.
Beach and pool holidays: June–September. July and August are driest but busiest.
Surfers: May–September for west-coast breaks like Uluwatu, Kuta, and Canggu; November–March for east-coast breaks like Keramas and Sanur.
Divers and snorkelers: April–October for clearer, calmer conditions in many sites. Nusa Penida manta rays can be seen year-round, but sea conditions vary.
Budget travelers: November, early December, February, and March, excluding Christmas, New Year, and Nyepi.
Honeymooners: May, June, September, or early October for a mix of sunshine and privacy.
Culture and wellness: April, May, September, and October. Comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds at temples and retreats.

What to pack for Bali weather

Light, breathable clothing: cotton, linen, and quick-dry fabrics.
A rain jacket or compact umbrella, especially if traveling November–April.
Reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Mosquito repellent, especially for Ubud, rice fields, and wet-season evenings.
Sandals and one pair of closed shoes for hikes, scooters, or rain.
A light layer for Ubud, Bedugul, Kintamani, and air-conditioned buses or cafes.
Dry bag or waterproof phone pouch for boat trips and scooter rides.

Frequently asked questions

Does it rain all day in Bali's wet season?

No. Rain often comes in heavy bursts, usually in the afternoon or evening. Mornings can be sunny and humid. However, January and February can have longer rainy periods, so keep plans flexible.

What is the best month for Bali weather?

July and August are the driest and most reliable. May, June, and September offer a better balance of good weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.

Is Bali hot all year?

Yes. Coastal Bali usually sees highs of 29–32°C / 84–90°F and lows of 22–26°C / 72–79°F year-round. Ubud and the mountains are cooler.

When is the sea warmest in Bali?

Sea temperatures are warm all year, generally 26–29°C / 79–84°F. They are often warmest from December to May.

When is the best time to surf in Bali?

The west coast — Uluwatu, Kuta, Canggu, and surrounding breaks — is best from May to September. The east coast — Keramas, Sanur, and Nusa Dua — is better from November to March.

Should I avoid Bali in the wet season?

Not necessarily. The wet season brings lower prices, fewer crowds, and lush scenery. If you want guaranteed beach weather, choose the dry season. If you're flexible and enjoy culture, wellness, or surfing on the east coast, the wet season can still work well.

How accurate are these averages for 2026?

These are long-term climate averages, which are the most reliable way to plan around Bali's seasons. Any single year can vary because of global weather patterns. For 2026 travel, use these ranges for planning and check a short-term forecast before booking boats, hikes, or outdoor tours.

Weather can change quickly in the tropics. Always check local forecasts and official travel advisories before you go.