Weather in Bali
The climate is one of the main reasons why Bali attracts millions of visitors every year. The fact that this paradise island has a tropical climate is one of Bali’s highlights. Being located near the equator, the climate in Bali is tropical monsoon and has two seasons: a dry season and a rainy season.
The rainy season is marked by torrential rains of short duration. It is also called the monsoon season and lasts from November to April. During December and January, the storms can last even days, but in general, they do not last more than a couple of hours.
The dry season, from May to October, is characterized by high temperatures and sunny days. Regardless of the season, temperatures are warm all year round, and the average is usually between 26ºC and 28ºC. In Bali, you can live in an eternal summer. Still, you should also know that there are certain areas with lower temperatures. In the mountain areas, the temperature can go down to 15-16º C.
When is the best time to travel to Bali?
Any time of the year is ideal for visiting The Island of the Gods. The dry season, between May and October, is the one that travelers prefer. During these months, every day is sunny and it also matches with the holiday seasons in many countries. If you travel to Bali in this season, you have to keep in mind that these are the months in which more visitors receive the island. Prices are considerably higher than in the rainy season. Although the monsoons in Bali are usually quite mild, most tourists prefer to avoid the rainy season. During this time, the island is much quieter, and prices go down. The best time to visit Bali without any doubt depends on your preferences as the island is beautiful in both seasons, and temperatures do not vary much.
Here you can see the average monthly temperatures:
The weather in Bali by months
The weather in Bali in January
January is one of the “coldest” months in Bali, with an average temperature of 26ºC. In January, the weather in Bali is marked by monsoons. The minimum temperature is around 23ºC, and the maximum can reach 29ºC. January is the rainiest month on the island, and it can rain more than 15 days throughout the month. In January, there are approximately 9 hours of sunshine per day and the sea temperature is around 29ºC.
The weather in Bali in February
February is also part of the monsoon season, and it usually rains about 15 days during this month. Temperatures are very similar to January with minimums of 22ºC and maximums of 30ºC. In February, you can enjoy approximately 9 hours of sunshine, and the warmth of sea water is usually about 29ºC.
The weather in Bali in March
In March there is still monsoon season and it can rain almost half the days of the month. The minimum temperature is around 23ºC, and the maximum is over 30ºC. During March, you can enjoy about 9 hours of sunshine a day, and the temperature of the sea is usually around 28ºC.
The weather in Bali in April
April is a period of transition between the monsoon and dry seasons. It rains around 12 days during the month, and temperatures begin to rise. In April, the minimums are around 22ºC, and the maximums are up to 32ºC. The average hours of sunshine is about 9 hours a day, and the sea temperature is 28ºC.
The weather in Bali in May
May is the hottest month of the year in Bali. The maximum temperature reaches 33ºC and the minimum is around 23ºC. In May, the dry season is already established, and the rainfall drops, although it is likely to rain about 9-10 days during the month. In May, in Bali, you can enjoy about 8 hours of sunshine, and the sea has an approximate temperature of 28ºC.
The weather in Bali in June
June is one of the most pleasant months to travel to Bali. The maximum temperature is usually around 31ºC, and the minimum 22ºC. In June there is considerably less rainfall than the previous months, but it can rain for about 5 days. In June, there are approximately 7 hours of sunshine per day, and the sea temperature is around 28ºC.
The weather in Bali in July
Temperatures in July are usually the same as in June, with highs of 31ºC and lows of 22ºC. In July it rains on the island even less than in June and there are usually about 4 days of rain during the month. The hours of sunshine are reduced to an average of 6 hours a day, and the sea temperature is around 27ºC.
The weather in Bali in August
August is the month when it rains the least on the island. During the whole month, it can rain only 3 days. The maximum temperature is around 31ºC, the minimum 22ºC, and the sun shines for about 6 hours. The temperature of the sea is still enjoyable around 27ºC.
The weather in Bali in September
In September, Bali is still in the dry season. It can rain for 4 days during the month, and temperatures remain the same as in July and August with minimums of 22ºC and maximums of 31ºC. In September there are about 2 hours more sunshine than in July and August, and you can enjoy it for about 8 hours a day. The temperature of the seawater is around 27ºC.
The weather in Bali in October
October in Bali is the transition between the dry season and the monsoon season and the approach of the rainy season is beginning to be noticed. In October, it can rain up to 8 days throughout the month. The temperatures do not change concerning September, the minimum remains at 23ºC and the maximum at 31ºC. In October, there are approximately 8 hours of sunshine a day, and the sea temperature is 27ºC.
The weather in Bali in November
The monsoon season starts in November. Although in Bali the monsoons are usually quite mild, starting November it rains more, reaching 13 days of rain per month. Temperatures continue like previous months with minimums of 23ºC and maximums of 31ºC. The sun shines about 8 hours a day, and the water of the sea has a temperature of 27ºC.
The weather in Bali in December
Although it usually rains for about 13 days in December, the climate is still much more appealing than in Europe or other areas. The minimum temperature is around 23ºC, and the maximum can reach 30ºC. The seawater also has a pleasant temperature, around 27ºC, and the sun can be enjoyed about 8 hours a day.
As you can see, temperatures remain at similar levels throughout the year. There are months with more rain, especially in the monsoon season, but the climate in Bali is generally enjoyable.This is a comparison of temperatures, rainy days, and hours of sunshine each month.
Best months for different activities in Bali:
Seeing the rice fields
During March and April, the end of the rainy season is the best time to see the rice fields, as these are the greenest months. The rice fields can be visited at any time of the year, but if you want to see them at their best, you will have to plan your visit at the end of the rainy season.
Diving and Snorkelling
Even though you can dive and snorkel at any time of the year, between April and October, matching with the dry season, there is greater visibility. Therefore the experience can be much better than in the rainy season.
Surfing
MONT BATUR TREKKING
For trekking on the Batur volcano, the best months the dry season, from May to October. During these months, the visibility is better, and is less humid which makes the climb more pleasant.
What kind of clothes should you bring
Considering that the climate in Bali is tropical, you will need lightweight, breathable clothing. As we have already mentioned, there are cooler areas on the island, and therefore you will need to bring a jacket as well. If you are traveling during the monsoon season, remember to take a raincoat with you as it will be handy. As far as footwear is concerned, the best thing is to have summer shoes such as sandals or flip-flops, but also a pair of trainers for hiking and nature walks. For the hottest days, we recommend protecting your head with a hat or cap.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
It is essential to use sunscreen every day during your stay in Bali. Especially at midday, the temperatures are quite high, and the sun is powerful. Another essential thing to carry in your suitcase is an anti-mosquito spray. In the cities, there are usually no mosquitoes, but you can find them in rural areas and around the rice fields. In the rainy season, due to the humidity, there can be more mosquitoes, and it is advisable to protect yourself. We also advise you to take a look at the recommended vaccinations to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.
