Rainy Season in Bali: When Is It and Is It Worth It?

The rainy season in Bali runs from November to March, and January and February are usually the wettest months. But rainy season rarely means rain all day. The usual pattern is a heavy shower in the afternoon and sunshine the rest of the time. Here’s what the rainy season is really like, month by month, where on the island it rains least, and whether it’s worth it.

Short answer: the rainy season is November–March, wettest in January and February. April and October are transition months. It’s still 27–31 °C, and you get lower prices, fewer tourists and greener nature.

When is the rainy season in Bali?

Bali has two seasons. The dry season runs from May to October, and the rainy season from November to March. April is a transition month when the rain eases off, and the first showers can arrive in October.

The wind changes direction around November and brings humid air from the west. That’s when the rain comes. It varies from year to year: some years the rainy season starts early in November, others closer to Christmas.

What is a day in the rainy season like?

A typical day starts with sunshine and blue skies. During the day the clouds build up, and in the afternoon or evening a heavy shower arrives that lasts one to three hours. Afterwards it often clears up again. Full days of rain do happen, especially in January and February, but they’re the exception.

It’s just as warm as the rest of the year, 27–31 °C, but the humidity is higher, so it feels warmer. The sea stays at 28–29 °C.

Our best tip: plan excursions and activities for the morning, and keep the afternoon for the spa, the pool, a café or a long lunch.

The rainy season month by month

November. The rainy season begins, but many days are still dry. Low prices and few tourists. The sea gets rougher on the west coast.

December. More rain, especially towards the end of the month. Around Christmas and New Year it’s still high season, with high prices and lots of visitors, not least from Australia during the summer school holidays.

January. One of the wettest months, but still plenty of morning sun. Quiet and cheap after New Year. Galungan, Bali’s most important festival, falls on 13 January 2027.

February. Often the wettest month and the quietest of the whole year. The lowest prices. Great for retreats, yoga and anyone who wants the island mostly to themselves.

March. The rain eases, especially towards the end of the month. Nyepi, the Balinese New Year, is on 8 March 2027. The whole island, including the airport, shuts down for 24 hours.

April. The transition to the dry season. Mostly sunny, with the odd shower. Easter brings a short spike in prices.

Want to see the whole year at a glance, with prices and our favourite months? Read the best time to travel to Bali, month by month.

The upsides of the rainy season

Lower prices. Flights are usually noticeably cheaper than in July and August, wherever you fly from. Hotels and villas are often 25–40% cheaper, except around Christmas and New Year.

Fewer tourists. Temples, rice terraces and beaches are much quieter. You avoid the queues at the most popular spots.

Greener nature. The rice terraces, jungle and waterfalls are at their lushest. Ubud and the interior are especially beautiful in the rainy season.

Waves on the east coast. While the west coast is rough, there are good surf conditions at Keramas, Sanur and Nusa Dua.

What’s harder

Snorkelling and diving. Visibility underwater can be poorer, especially in January and February. If you want to snorkel with manta rays, April–October is the safer bet.

Boats to the islands. The fast boats to Nusa Penida, Lembongan and the Gilis run in rougher seas, and some departures may be cancelled. Keep a spare day in your plan.

Mt. Batur. The hike works fine, but the summit is more often in the clouds at sunrise.

Traffic and flooded roads. Heavy showers can flood the streets in Kuta, Seminyak and Canggu. With a private driver you don’t have to ride a scooter in the rain.

Mosquitoes. There are more mosquitoes in the rainy season. Use repellent, especially in the morning and evening.

Where does it rain least in Bali?

The rain isn’t spread evenly across the island. The Bukit Peninsula in the south, with Uluwatu, Jimbaran and Nusa Dua, is drier than the rest of Bali. So is the north coast around Lovina. Ubud and the mountains get the most rain, but that’s also where nature is most beautiful at this time of year.

A good rainy-season plan is to combine a few days in Ubud with the rest of your stay in the south, where it’s drier and the beaches are.

Rainy season or dry season?

	Rainy season (Nov–Mar)	Dry season (May–Oct)
Weather	Sun and showers	Mostly sunny
Temperature	27–31 °C, humid	26–30 °C, drier
Flights	Cheaper (except at Christmas)	Most expensive in July–August
Hotels	25–40% lower	Highest in July–August
Tourists	Few (except at Christmas)	Many in July–August
Snorkelling	Variable visibility	Best
Surfing	East coast	West coast (Uluwatu, Canggu)
Nature	Greenest	Drier

The rainy season suits you if you want to save money, avoid crowds, go on a retreat or experience culture and nature in Ubud. The dry season suits you best if you want guaranteed beach weather, plan to snorkel a lot or are travelling with small children.

What to pack

• A light rain jacket or poncho. It’s too warm for proper rain gear.
• Sandals that can handle water.
• Mosquito repellent.
• A waterproof pouch for your phone on boat trips.
• Travel insurance that covers cancelled departures.

The full packing list is in the Bali trip planning checklist.

Our experience

We lived in Bali for four years, and some of our best weeks were in January and February. The island is quieter, everything is green, and the afternoon rain becomes a nice pause in the day. Plan your excursions for the morning, stay partly in the south, and keep a spare day if you’re taking a boat trip.

We plan your trip around the season: excursions in the morning, the right areas and a plan B if a boat is cancelled.
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