Bali’s Wet Season: What You Need to Know

In Bali, there are two seasons: the wet season from November to April, and the dry season from May to October. Bali’s wet season weather is typified by more rainy days, increased rainfall, higher humidity, and occasional thunderstorms. During the wet season, temperatures are typically higher than the dry season, ranging from 22°C to 33°C. This might not seem ideal for outdoor activities; however, it's actually an excellent time to immerse yourself in Bali's lush landscapes. What's more, it provides the perfect conditions for indoor activities like spa treatments, shopping sprees, and museum visits. Travelling in Bali during the wet season is also more budget-friendly, thanks to reduced hotel rates and activity discounts. But it's crucial to remain vigilant regarding weather disruptions, including storms and potential flooding. While prices generally dip during the wet season, keep in mind that the Christmas and New Year period sees a surge in demand, leading to higher costs for accommodations, travel, and entertainment. To navigate this peak tourist time successfully, it's wise to plan well in advance and secure your bookings early.

When dressing for Bali’s wet season, prioritise loose, breathable clothing made from materials like cotton, linen, or rayon. Don't forget to invest in a high-quality rain jacket to stay dry during unexpected downpours, and to ward off mosquitoes in the evenings and after heavy rains, prepare with long-sleeved tops and full length trousers. Lastly, pack closed shoes for navigating wet streets and comfortable walking sandals for your adventures. With these preparations in mind, visitors are able to fully embrace the unique charm of Bali during its rainy season without compromising on style or comfort.

What is Bali's Wet Season?

Bali’s wet season describes the months in which the island experiences the most rainfall. As a country with a tropical climate, Bali experiences only two seasons, wet and dry, which are influenced by the El Niño and La Niña climate patterns. The wet season usually lasts from November to April, and is often called the “rainy season” or “monsoon season” due to its heavy storms and downpours. From May to October, Bali's dry season is the most popular time for travellers due to its warm temperatures, long sunlight hours, and lower humidity levels. When travelling to Bali during the rainy season, you should plan suitable activities, such as spa treatments, shopping trips, and museum visits.

When is the Wet Season in Bali? (November to April)

The wet season in Bali runs between November and April, with January being the wettest month of the year. Bali’s wet season brings high humidity, heavy rainfall, and chances of storms throughout Bali. November typically sees short bursts of rain over 16 days, with rainfall increasing throughout the season to 27 days in January. The wet season in Bali is generally marked by hot temperatures between 27°C and 33°C, with humidity levels ranging from 82-85%, which sometimes makes outdoor activities uncomfortable. A good understanding of Bali's weather and climate is important when planning a trip there, as weather often impacts activities such as surfing, visiting the beaches, shopping trips, and temple visits.

In 2023, the Wet Season in Bali begins in November, due to a lengthening of the dry season caused by El Nino. El Nino is a weather pattern which causes increasedd ocean temperatures and altered atmospheric circulation patterns in the Pacific Ocean, including Bali. The occurrence of El Nino means that there will be less rainfall during Bali’s wet season in 2023 and 2024 compared to last year. The rainfall during Bali’s Wet Season has been abnormally high for the last three years due to a “triple dip” La Nina (meaning three consecutive years of La Nina). Now that we are experiencing El Nino in Bali, the upcoming year or two is expected to be drier than usual, during both the Dry and Wet Season. 

Is the Wet Season a Good Time to Visit Bali?

Yes, the wet season is a good time to visit Bali. This is because Bali boasts a tropical climate, meaning that temperatures on the island remain fairly constant throughout the year. Despite this, many travellers believe the dry season to be the best time to visit Bali as there is guaranteed sunshine and plenty of time to enjoy the beaches and stunning monuments. Bali’s beaches are also considered prettier in the dry season, as ocean debris tends to wash onto shore during the wet season, taking away from their natural beauty. 

What are the Advantages of visiting Bali during the Wet Season?

The main advantages of visiting Bali during the wet season include lush and vibrant landscapes due to increased rain, lower prices on hotel and accommodation as a result of a drop in demand, and fewer tourists on the island generally. Other advantages include specific activities which are ideal in Bali’s wet season, as well as special events around Christmas and New Year. 

The rainy season in Bali is when the island is at its most lush and vibrant, and temperatures remain a comfortable 27°C to 33°C. The months between November and April are best for experiencing the rich, verdant greens of Bali’s famous waterfalls and rice terraces, without being overwhelmed by the large crowds the dry season attracts. In addition, since the rain rarely lasts all day, the beaches become calm places to enjoy the hot, dry bursts of sunshine. The rainy season is also a great time to visit Bali, because you'll find great deals and lower prices on food, travel, activities, and accommodation. Since flights and hotels are typically cheaper during the wet season, it's a great time to visit Bali on a budget. 

The rain provides a serene ambience in Bali, which is often ideal for spiritual and wellness activities, such as yoga, spa visits and meditation retreats. Other great wet season activities include museum visits, exploring temples and checking out art and cultural sights. 

Bali's unbeatable New Year's Eve celebrations are another advantage of travelling during the wet season. Especially popular with revellers from around the world are the beach clubs in Seminyak and Canggu, where incredible parties are held under the starlit tropical sky. Avoid disappointment by booking tickets and accommodations well in advance to enjoy Balinese New Year celebrations to the fullest.

What are the Disadvantages of visiting Bali during the Wet Season?

The disadvantages of visiting Bali during the wet season include fewer sunshine hours for outdoor and beach activities, occasional uncomfortably muggy weather, and disruptions caused by thunderstorms and flooding. 

The wet season in Bali often sees heavy downpours, which tend to disrupt travel plans and make it difficult to move freely around the island or enjoy outdoor activities. During the wet season, expect plenty of thunderstorms, heavy downpours and occasional flooding. This makes it difficult at times to enjoy typical island activities like diving, snorkelling and swimming. Because Bali's temperatures remain consistently high throughout the year, the air will be humid and sticky during the rainy season, making outdoor activities less attractive and possibly more physically demanding. When travelling to Bali at this time of year, consider indoor activities such as yoga, spa treatments, museums and shopping.

Do Bali's Wet Months Change Over Time?

Yes, Bali’s wet months do change slightly depending on the year, due to the weather patterns known as El Niño and La Niña, as well as the ever-growing effects of climate change. These Bali climate factors lead to fluctuations in the length of Wet Seasons and also designate certain months as the wettest in a given year.

For example, the Wet Season is expected to be slightly delayed in 2023, because Bali is experiencing an El Niño weather pattern. This draws out the drier months, leading to a delay in the typical amount of rainfall. January is usually Bali’s wettest month, but this sometimes varies depending on the year.

Over the past 50 years, Bali's average annual rainfall has decreased by around 500mm due to climate change, whilst yearly temperatures have risen by over 1°C in that same time period. This means that, in the future, Bali could experience a further shift in its wet and dry seasons.

What are Bali's Wet Season Activities?

Suitable choices of activity during Bali's wet season tend to relate to indoor comforts and the cultural side of Bali. An ideal Bali wet season itinerary includes activities like spending a day at one of Bali's luxurious spas, joining a jewellery making workshop and taking a traditional cooking class. Museum visits provide a great way to appreciate the island's colourful history and diverse art scene, and are among the most popular things to do in Bali when it rains. Yoga retreats in Bali offer a serene escape for self-discovery and inner peace, often with rainforest or rice paddy views that are even more lush during the rainy season. Lastly, feast on the island's culinary delights, such as pork stay or Jimbaran seafood, with restaurants usually offering discounted rates during the wet season.

How much Rainfall does Bali receive during the Wet Season?

During the wet season, Bali receives an average monthly rainfall of 234 – 287mm. January is typically the wettest month of the season, with up to 350 mm of rainfall in total. However, Bali’s tropical climate means that the heavy showers are interspersed with periods of bright sunshine. As a result, many Bali attractions and activities are still able to be enjoyed even during the wet season. That being said, flash flooding does occur in some areas of Bali after heavy downpours, so it is important to always take caution and stay aware of weather alerts. When planning your travel to Bali during the wet season, being aware of the weather forecasts allows you to schedule outdoor activities during dry, sunny spells.

What is the Humidity like during Bali's Wet Season?

Humidity levels during Bali’s wet season are high, and tend to remain above 80% throughout. Due to Bali's tropical temperatures combined with months of heavy rainfall, high humidity levels are common throughout monsoon season, which runs from November to April. January tends to be the most humid month, with humidity levels peaking at 85%. In contrast, Bali's dry season brings cool coastal breezes that reduce humidity and make travelling more pleasant. Dealing with high humidity levels during Bali's wet season is sometimes tricky, so always remember to keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. During humid spells, always opt for light, breathable clothing made out of cotton or linen to stay cool and comfortable while soaking up the island’s beauty.

What is the Temperature during Bali's Wet Season?

The temperature during Bali’s wet season remains high, at between 22-33°C. Bali boasts a tropical climate, meaning temperatures remain fairly consistent all year round. While these temperatures may be attractive to travellers during the dry months, they bring high humidity levels during the rainy season. The rainy season in Bali falls between the months of November and April. During November and April, maximum temperatures reach 33°C, while January is the coldest month of the year with maximum temperatures of 26°C. While this seems like a reasonable temperature, it's important to keep in mind that humidity during Bali’s wet season makes it feel much hotter and less comfortable than during the dry season.

What to Wear during the Wet Season in Bali?

The key to staying comfortable during Bali’s wet season is dressing appropriately for the tropical climate and frequent rain. It's essential to choose the right fabrics that can handle both the humidity and unexpected rain showers. Loose-fit clothing in lightweight materials like cotton, linen, or rayon are ideal choices for Bali's weather, as are quick-dry outfits. These fabrics will help keep you comfortable in the warm, damp weather while also ensuring that you dry off quickly after a sudden downpour.

During the wet season, it’s a good idea to be prepared for harsher weather conditions by always carrying a rain jacket, ideally one that functions as a windbreaker as well. Long-sleeved tops and trousers are best for the evenings when mosquitoes are out in numbers. Lastly, closed shoes, such as trainers or waterproof boots, will protect your feet from the wet streets, and keep you from getting soaked during the heavy downpours. For the really hot days, make sure to pack sandals with a good grip as this will help keep your feet cool while out and about. Choosing what to wear in Bali may seem overwhelming at first, but understanding the wet and dry seasons ahead of time does help. Remember, the wet season doesn't mean compromising on style or comfort, and in the event of an unexpected downpour or an outfit mishap, don't panic. Bali's plethora of fashion boutiques offer a variety of stylish, practical clothing options to keep you looking good and staying dry throughout the rainy season.

What are Prices like during Bali's Wet Season?

Prices commonly drop during Bali's wet season months, with rates on accommodation sometimes 50% cheaper than the dry season. The months of the wet season are considered to be Bali's off-peak tourist season. 

One of the great things about visiting Bali during the wet season is the potential to travel on a budget. Due to the decline in tourists, hotels and resorts often lower their rates to attract visitors, providing budget travellers with incredible opportunities. Many local businesses offer off-peak discounts for activities and entertainment as well during this period. 

However, this period also comes with its own set of challenges. The likelihood of storms and flooding increases, which sometimes disrupts travel plans and causes trips or tours to be cancelled, which comes at a cost if no refund is available. It's important to be prepared and plan ahead to minimise any potential disruptions. Regularly check the weather forecast and be ready to adjust your itinerary if necessary. 

Despite being in the midst of the wet season, the festive period around Christmas and New Year is considered a peak tourist time in Bali (in addition to July and August). Prices for accommodation, travel, and entertainment tend to spike as demand increases. It's advisable to book your arrangements well in advance if you’re planning to visit during this time, to secure the best deals and avoid disappointment. Despite the higher costs, the festive atmosphere and vibrant celebrations throughout Bali during December make it a truly magical time to visit.