overview
Thanks to its location in the equatorial belt, Bali can offer beautiful warm tropical weather all year round. The average year-round temperature is around 27°C, and the ocean temperature is around 29°C. It is, therefore, an ideal destination not only for heat-loving Europeans throughout the winter season. Whether sunbathing on the beach or exploring Bali's rich culture, knowing the weather and the island's changing seasons is essential to making the most of your trip. This Guide will give you an overview of Bali's weather and seasons to help you plan your holiday accordingly.
This Guide is divided into the following sections:
Seasons
Unlike Europe, Bali's weather is not influenced by four seasons but only by two seasons: dry and rainy.
Dry Season
It lasts from April to October. The weather during this period is characterized by lower humidity, lower rainfall, and windier weather. Average temperatures are lower, and the sea/ocean is slightly more refreshing.
During the dry season, the beaches are much cleaner because the rivers from inland do not have enough water to carry the trash from the riverbeds, which then reach the ocean and the beaches. On the other hand, the island is less green and colorful. For example, areas like Uluwatu or the entire northeastern island are arid and brown during the dry season. Flowers bloom less, and you don't see as many butterflies.
⚠️ Note: Dry season does not mean any rain. It can rain for several days in a row (not always); it's just not that common.
Rainy Season
It lasts from November to March. As the name suggests, it rains more during the rainy season. How much depends on the specific location on the island. It rains most in the central part of the island and around the mountains. The rains are entirely unpredictable. For example, in the north of Ubud, it can rain for two hours every day, and in the south of Ubud, it can rain for only one day for several hours at a time during the same period.
During the rainy season, it is hotter and more humid. The air is so warm you can't even cool down by riding a scooter. There is significantly less wind and more "heavy standing air," and it feels "like a laundry room." The ocean feels much warmer at this time of year. There tends to be more litter in the waters around Bali; however, this is also dependent on the ocean currents, and the clarity of the water can change from day to day.
Bali is quieter during this season and is visited by fewer tourists. Except for the second half of December, when there are a lot of tourists.
It often rains only overnight (or just after sunset) and for about one to three hours, and then it clears up immediately. The following day is all sunny. It's sporadic for it to be rainy all day. The whole island is greener and more lively.
💡 Tip: In the rainy season, sunsets are the most beautiful. The sky often turns into stunning colors, and the clouds can conjure up the most interesting patterns.
⚠️ Warning: With the changing global climate, not only due to global warming, weather behavior has become unpredictable. For example, in 2022 in Bali, during the dry season, it rained a lot because of the La Niña atmospheric phenomenon, which fundamentally changed the weather. This is probably why the rainy season came almost a month earlier in the same year, and it rained heavily in October, which is not common at all.
No one can predict the weather exactly, so we do not recommend following it either. Generally, bad weather does not exist in Bali. Despite the rains, the temperature is still towards 30 degrees Celsius during the day, and it usually only rains for a while, and then it is beautifully sunny again.
Mountains
Bali has several volcanoes over 2000 meters above sea level, and mountainous areas are significantly cooler than the rest of the island. These are great locations to take a break from the tropical temperatures for a few days. The main mountain areas where you can stay and cool down are Kintamani around Batur and Abang volcanoes and the Wanagiri area or Munduk village near Bedugul. These areas have an altitude of 900 to 1400 meters, with unpredictable weather throughout the year. It may be beautiful in the morning without clouds, but within 30 minutes, it will turn cloudy, foggy, and cold. Often these areas resemble European autumn.
💡 Tip: Pack raincoats, a sweatshirt, and long pants (ladies also socks).
If you are planning an overnight trip to the mountains, be aware that buildings in Bali have no heating, not even accommodations. If you're lucky, they'll have a fireplace in the lobby. 🙂 Temperatures at 1000 m drop to around 15°C at night, but don't worry, most accommodation has warm thick blankets as opposed to hot water.
Chart
The table below shows the average monthly values measured over the last ten years. You can get an idea of the weather trends in Bali throughout the year. Of course, these figures are not something to stick to 100 %. They are historical data and cannot be used to predict the future accurately.
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Average Temperature (°C) | 27.8° | 27.9° | 27.9° | 28° | 27.6° | 27° | 26.5° | 26.4° | 26.8° | 27.7° | 28.3° | 28° |
Average Sunshine hours (daily) | 6 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 7 |
Average Precipitation (mm) | 350 | 280 | 250 | 90 | 75 | 70 | 50 | 15 | 40 | 90 | 150 | 290 |
Average Sea Temperature (°C) | 29° | 29° | 29.5° | 29.5° | 29° | 28° | 27° | 27° | 27° | 28° | 29.5° | 29.5° |
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