Key Takeaways
- Bali’s rainy season usually runs from November to March, with the heaviest rainfall typically between December and February.
- The rainy season is generally manageable for travelers. Rain often comes in short, heavy showers rather than lasting all day, although flooding and travel delays can happen during peak wet months.
- You can still enjoy Bali during the wet season with a flexible itinerary, combining outdoor activities such as surfing and ATV rides with spas, wellness classes, shopping, coffee tastings, and workshops.
After a long dry season due to El Niño, Bali began raining in the last week of October 2026. Some places like Canggu (Badung), Tabanan, and Denpasar have had rain mostly at night, while mornings and afternoons are cloudy and often overcast.
Travelers can expect a mix of dry and rainy weather, as conditions vary across Bali. The weather is generally manageable, so you can still enjoy both outdoor and indoor activities.
When Is the Rainy Season in Bali?
Bali’s rainy season usually lasts from November to March, with the heaviest rain between December and February. The dry season is from around April to October. Locals often use the "-ber" months (September to December) as a guide for when rain starts, but the exact timing can change each year.
| Category | Dry season (April–October) | Rainy season (November–March) |
| Rainy days per month | 4–12 days (source: BMKG Denpasar climate normals, 1961–1990) | 16–27 days (source: BMKG Denpasar climate normals, 1961–1990) |
| Humidity | Low to moderate, generally feels cooler | High, often feels warmer and stickier |
| Scenery | Drier landscapes, clear sunsets | Lush rice terraces, green hillsides |
| Crowds | Busiest in July and August | Generally quieter, except Christmas and New Year |
The numbers in the “rainy days per month” column don’t mean it rains nonstop for 4 to 12 days or 16 to 27 days. They just show how many days in a month have some rain, according to BMKG data.
If you like sunny weather and outdoor activities, April to October is usually the best time to visit Bali. If you prefer lush scenery and a quieter vibe, November to March can also be a good option, but remember to bring an umbrella or raincoat.
What Weather App Do People Use in Bali?
BMKG, Windy, and AccuWeather are popular with both locals and tourists. Since Bali’s weather can change fast, many people use more than one app to check the forecast.
Read More: Where to Stay in Bali for First-Time Visitors (2026 Travel Guide)
How Bad is Bali's Rainy Season?
For most visitors, Bali’s rainy season is wet but manageable. Usually, mornings are sunny, and rain comes later as a heavy tropical shower that lasts about 30 minutes to two hours before stopping. Rain all day is rare.
The biggest changes happen during the peak rainy season, usually from December to February. Humidity is highest, and some low-lying streets in South Bali may flood after heavy rain. There’s also a higher chance of fallen trees and traffic delays. Ocean currents also change, so southwest beaches may get more marine debris.
Read More: Bali Flood Safety Guide to Keep Your Villa Secure
Does It Rain the Same Everywhere in Bali?
No. Rainfall and temperature in Bali vary by area and elevation. The south coast gets moderate rain, the central highlands are cooler and wetter, and the Bukit Peninsula and Nusa Islands are usually the driest places.
| Region | Example areas | Climate | Rainfall |
| South coast | Canggu, Seminyak, Sanur | Warm and humid year-round, roughly 27–32°C; sea breezes help, but it can feel hot in the sun. | Moderate; generally drier than Ubud and the central highlands. |
| Ubud area | Ubud, Sidemen | Slightly cooler and greener than the coast, especially at night; typical daytime highs are about 29–31°C, with nights around 22–24°C. | Higher than the coast; Ubud averages roughly 950 mm per year, with frequent afternoon showers in the wet season. |
| Central highlands | Bedugul, Kintamani | Noticeably cooler and often misty; mountain areas can be around 15–25°C, so a jacket is useful for mornings and evenings. | Highest on the island; BMKG identifies high-rainfall zones including Kintamani, with monthly totals that can exceed 500 mm in wet periods. |
| Bukit and Nusa Islands | Uluwatu, Nusa Penida | Warm, more arid, and generally sunnier; the limestone landscape dries out faster than inland Bali. | Lowest on the island; this area receives less rain than the south coast, Ubud, and the highlands. |
What Are the Best Things to Do in Bali When It Rains? Indoor and Outdoor Activities
Rainy season doesn’t mean you have to stay inside. There are still lots of ways to enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities.
1. Pamper Yourself at a Spa
A rainy afternoon is a great time to try a Balinese massage or spa treatment.
Spas are open all year in Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, and Sanur, from budget-friendly local spots to luxury resorts. That makes a spa visit one of the best plans, no matter the weather in Bali. Popular treatments include Balinese massage, body scrubs, flower baths, and facials.
Spa prices in Ubud and Sanur vary widely. For a 60-minute Balinese massage at a local spa, prices range from IDR 240,000–400,000 in Ubud and IDR 215,000–325,000 in Sanur. Local spas are generally much more affordable than resort spas, where treatments typically range from around IDR 900,000 to 1,300,000.
2. Go Surfing
Yes, you can still surf during Bali’s rainy season. Sometimes, the wet season even brings good waves to parts of the east coast, depending on the swell, wind, and tides.
Popular wet-season surf spots include Serangan, Keramas, Nusa Dua, Sanur Reef, and Green Bowl. Conditions can change a lot from day to day and spot to spot, so check the latest forecast and ask a local surf school or guide before you go.
If you’re a beginner, book a lesson at a spot that’s beginner-friendly. Don’t assume the waves are smaller or easier just because it’s the wet season.
Read More: Best Canggu Beaches for Swimming & Surfing (+Est. Time Travel)
3. Get Muddy on an ATV Ride
A bit of rain can make an ATV ride even more exciting. Wet tracks and muddy trails through rice fields, forests, and villages make the experience feel like a true tropical adventure.
Be ready to get dirty and bring a change of clothes. If heavy rain is expected, check with the operator first, as they might change or cancel the route for safety.
4. Try a Coffee Tasting
If you love coffee, a rainy afternoon is a great time for a tasting. Bali’s specialty coffee scene is growing, and you can join tasting sessions in Canggu and Ubud to compare beans and brewing styles.
We’ve visited Blacklist Coffee Roasters in Canggu, and it’s a great choice if you want something more interactive than just ordering coffee. Their tasting lets you try different brews and learn about the beans, brewing methods, and flavours from the barista.
It’s a relaxing way to spend a rainy morning or afternoon and discover a different side of Bali beyond the beaches and outdoor spots.
5. Join a Wellness Class
Rainy days are a good chance to slow down and try yoga, Pilates, meditation, or breathwork.
Ubud is particularly well known for wellness experiences. The Yoga Barn, for example, is a major yoga and wellness centre in the area.
Don’t worry, Canggu, Pererenan, Seminyak, and Uluwatu also have lots of studios with drop-in classes.
6. Shop, Dine, and Catch a Movie
If it starts raining hard, it’s a good time to check out Bali’s indoor shopping and dining spots. This is actually one of our favourite things to do.
There are lots of malls in Bali to visit during the rainy season, such as Icon Bali Mall in Sanur, Living World in Denpasar, Mall Bali Galeria in Badung, and Beachwalk Shopping Center in Kuta.
Each offers great places to shop, dine, and be entertained, with both local and international brands.
7. Take a Creative Workshop or Cooking Class
Rainy days are a great chance to try something new. Bali has many workshops for silver jewellery making, pottery, painting, traditional crafts, and Balinese cooking. Ubud and Sanur are also good places to find pottery, jewellery-making, and other creative workshops.
If you love food, cooking classes teach more than just how to make a local meal. You’ll learn about local spices, traditional cooking methods, and dishes you can make again at home.
Bumbu Bali Restaurant & Cooking School in Tanjung Benoa is one established option for exploring Balinese cuisine.
Conclusion
Bali’s rainy season does not mean constant rain or a ruined holiday. From November to March, you can expect higher humidity and more frequent showers, but there are still plenty of dry periods for exploring the island.
Weather also varies by area, so check the forecast before heading out and keep a mix of indoor and outdoor activities in your itinerary.
If you’re planning to stay longer during the wet season, Bali Villa Realty can help you find a villa in an area that fits your plans and lifestyle. Get in touch for a personalised recommendation—no obligation.
FAQ
January and February are usually the wettest months, with heavier rain, high humidity, rougher seas, and occasional flooding. Late December can also be less ideal due to peak-season crowds and higher prices.
Usually yes, if the sea is calm, but currents can be stronger and southwest beaches may have more debris. Swim at beaches with lifeguards and pay attention to local warnings.
It’s riskier. Roads get slippery and it’s harder to see. If you’re not an experienced rider, it’s better to use a driver or ride-hailing service when it’s raining heavily.
Cancellations or delays can happen when seas are rough. Check with your operator on the day and keep your schedule flexible.
