BALI WEATHER GUIDE

Bali's wettest month. Expect heavy afternoon downpours, and occasionally full-day rain around mid-month. Mornings are often bright and the island is lush and green. Hotel rates drop after 6 January.

Best activities: Galungan (13 January 2027) and Kuningan (23 January), Mekotek in Munggu (23 January), Ngerebong in Denpasar (31 January), temple visits, spa days, waterfall chasing.

Rain eases and showers get shorter, with sunnier mornings. Chinese New Year (Imlek) falls on Saturday, 6 February (joint leave on 5 February), bringing a short bump in visitors and prices around Kuta, Sanur, and Denpasar. Mornings are the most reliable time for outdoor plans.

Best activities: Imlek celebrations (6 February 2027), rice terrace walks, indoor spa experiences, east-coast surfing.

Rain eases and the sun returns. Nyepi falls on Monday, 8 March: the island goes quiet for 24 hours and Ngurah Rai Airport closes. Idul Fitri follows on 10–11 March, so book flights and stays early. Stock up on food and water beforehand, as restaurants and shops outside hotels close.

Best activities: Melasti ceremonies, Ogoh-Ogoh parade (evening of 7 March 2027), Nyepi (8 March), Omed-Omedan in Sesetan (9 March), hiking, beginner-friendly surf.

The dry season begins. Rain is rare, with short showers on about 9 days, and humidity drops. The landscape is still green and skies are clear, with hotel rates still below peak. Mornings suit the Mount Batur sunrise trek, and calmer seas help diving and snorkelling. Sunsets are reliably clear, and traffic in Canggu and Seminyak is manageable outside peak hours.

Best activities: Mount Batur trek, diving and snorkelling, cycling tours, BaliSpirit Festival in Ubud (22–25 April 2027), Kartini Day (21 April).

A strong month to visit: dry, warm, and quiet before high season, with about 75–120mm of rain over 8–12 days. A near week-long holiday block (15–20 May, including Idul Adha and Waisak) can lift domestic demand. Ubud Food Festival is usually late May or early June.

Best activities: Surfing, Mount Batur sunrise trek, diving, Tumpek Wayang (8 May 2027), Waisak ceremonies (20 May), Saraswati Day (29 May), Ubud Food Festival (dates TBA).

High season begins: very little rain (about 50–90mm over 5–6 days), clear skies, and great visibility. Mornings are the best time to surf, with offshore winds and quieter lineups. The Bali Arts Festival usually runs mid-June to mid-July (2027 dates not announced; the 2026 edition ran 13 June–11 July). 1 and 6 June are public holidays.

Best activities: Bali Arts Festival (from mid-June, dates TBA), Balinale film festival in Sanur (dates TBA), Pagerwesi (2 June 2027), Tumpek Landep (12 June), diving, surfing.

Peak month: warm, dry, and breezy, with only about 3–5 rainy days (25–40mm). Expect the biggest crowds and highest prices, so book everything early. Surf at Uluwatu and Padang Padang is at its best, and village festivals add a cultural touch.

Best activities: World-class surfing, beach clubs, Tumpek Uduh (17 July 2027), Bali Arts Festival finale, Penglipuran Village Festival and Rare Angon Kite Festival (dates TBA).

Peak season continues: minimal rain (1–3 brief showers), strong trade winds, and clear water. Independence Day on 17 August fills villages with red-and-white decorations and street games. The Ubud Village Jazz Festival and Maybank Bali Marathon also take place this month. Get out early: surf lineups and temples are quietest before 9 AM.

Best activities: Independence Day celebrations, surf, diving, Ubud Village Jazz Festival.

Great weather with thinner crowds as European summer holidays end. Prices ease, and mola mola (sunfish) season at Nusa Penida peaks. Seas are calm for boat trips to the Nusa Islands. A good balance of weather and crowds.

Best activities: Mola mola diving, uncrowded beach time, Ubud day trips, sunset cocktails.

A transition month. A few showers return (about 68mm across 6–12 rainy days), but most days stay sunny. Rice fields are freshly planted, and the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival fills Ubud in the second half of the month.

Best activities: Rice field photography, Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, cultural immersion, budget deals.

The wet season begins: afternoon storms get more frequent, while mornings stay dry and warm. Waterfalls (Gitgit, Sekumpul, Nungnung) are at their best, and crowds and prices are low. Skip the Mount Batur and Mount Agung treks this month, as trails get slippery.

Best activities: Waterfall trekking, east-coast surfing, yoga retreats, Ubud cultural experiences.

The wet season in full swing, yet one of the busiest months. Rates spike around 23 December–6 January, while the first three weeks are cheaper and quieter. Rain doesn't stop the party, and at The Forge it adds to the cosy gastropub vibe.

Best activities: New Year celebrations, festive beach events, indoor dining and bar scene.