Weather & Climate of Bali
Bali, Indonesia, is known for its tropical climate, making it a popular destination for all-year-round tourism. The climate of Bali can be broadly divided into two categories – the dry and the wet season. However, throughout the year, one can generally anticipate a consistently warm and humid ambiance. The dry season extends from May to September, characterized by sunny days and an average temperature hovering around 31°C.
Many believe that the middle of the year presents an ideal timeframe for visiting Bali as it offers an optimal blend of sunshine, beaches, and surf opportunities. The wet season spans from October to April accompanied by sporadic heavy showers and cloud-filled skies. Furthermore, June through August are predominantly windy months in Bali; locals often refer to this period as ‘kite season’, when vibrant traditional Balinese kites adorn the sky above.
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The optimal time to visit Bali is from May to August!
Opinions often differ when it comes to the climate in Bali. Nonetheless, for those who appreciate a cooler atmosphere, the recommended period to visit would be between May and August. This is when there’s minimal humidity on the island.
In this interval, the air quality is crisp and favorable for engaging in outdoor pursuits and terrestrial explorations. The heavens over Bali are typically azure during these months, making it an excellent opportunity for capturing stunning landscapes through photography or even working towards that perfect sun-kissed tan.
Exploring Bali’s Tropical Climate
Being located in the ‘Lesser Sunda Islands’ and lying east of Java, Bali enjoys a hot tropical climate throughout the year. The island has two distinct seasons: a rainy season from November to March and a relatively dry season from April to October. However, showers can still occur during the dry season.
Understanding Bali’s Temperature
Bali’s temperature remains high and uniform all through the year. From October to April, the daily average temperature hovers around 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit), slightly higher than the rest of the year. From June to September, the southeast monsoon brings cooler air, causing the average temperature to drop to about 26.5/27 degrees Celsius (79.5/80.5 degrees Fahrenheit). The rainy season is characterized by muggy heat due to high humidity.
| Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24.8 | 30.8 | 27.8 | 77 | 87 | 82.1 |
| February | 24.8 | 31 | 27.9 | 77 | 88 | 82.3 |
| March | 24.8 | 31.1 | 27.9 | 77 | 88 | 82.3 |
| April | 24.8 | 31.2 | 28 | 77 | 88 | 82.5 |
| May | 24.5 | 30.7 | 27.6 | 76 | 87 | 81.6 |
| June | 24.1 | 29.9 | 27 | 75 | 86 | 80.7 |
| July | 23.8 | 29.2 | 26.5 | 75 | 85 | 79.7 |
| August | 23.5 | 29.2 | 26.4 | 74 | 85 | 79.4 |
| September | 23.6 | 30.1 | 26.8 | 74 | 86 | 80.3 |
| October | 24.4 | 31.1 | 27.7 | 76 | 88 | 81.9 |
| November | 25 | 31.7 | 28.3 | 77 | 89 | 83 |
| December | 25.1 | 31 | 28 | 77 | 88 | 82.5 |
| Year | 24.4 | 30.6 | 27.45 | 76 | 87 | 81.5 |
Rainfall in Bali
Bali receives approximately 1,700 millimeters (67 inches) of rain annually, with the maximum rainfall occurring from December to February. During these months, the rainfall ranges from 280 to 350 millimeters (11 to 13.5 inches) per month. Rainfall is below 100 millimeters (4 inches) per month during the dry period from April to October, reaching a minimum in August with just 15 millimeters (0.6 inches).
However, the amount of rainfall can vary from year to year. Sometimes, the rainy season can extend until April or begin as early as October.
| Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 350 | 13.8 | 19 |
| February | 280 | 11 | 18 |
| March | 215 | 8.5 | 20 |
| April | 90 | 3.5 | 12 |
| May | 75 | 3 | 8 |
| June | 70 | 2.8 | 7 |
| July | 50 | 2 | 4 |
| August | 15 | 0.6 | 3 |
| September | 40 | 1.6 | 3 |
| October | 90 | 3.5 | 6 |
| November | 150 | 5.9 | 10 |
| December | 290 | 11.4 | 16 |
| Year | 1715 | 67.5 | 126 |
Bali’s Interior Climate
Moving towards the interior of the island, the climate tends to be cloudier and rainier. The highest peak is the Agung volcano, standing tall at 3,000 meters (9,800 feet). The northern coast of Bali receives more rain due to its proximity to inland elevations. The southern part of the island, home to cities like Denpasar, Ubud, Kuta, Seminyak, and Pecatu, is the least rainy.
If you plan to hike at high altitudes, keep in mind that temperatures can drop significantly above 1,000 meters (3,300 feet), especially in the dry season. At elevations above 2,000 meters (6,500 feet), it can get quite cold.
The Sunshine in Bali
Bali enjoys plenty of sunshine in the dry season. However, in the rainy season, the sun typically shines for a few hours a day between rain showers. In the interior of the island, clouds often hang over the mountain peaks.
| Month | Average | Total |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6 | 185 |
| February | 6 | 170 |
| March | 7 | 215 |
| April | 8 | 240 |
| May | 9 | 280 |
| June | 10 | 300 |
| July | 10 | 310 |
| August | 10 | 310 |
| September | 9 | 270 |
| October | 9 | 280 |
| November | 7 | 210 |
| December | 7 | 215 |
| Year | 8.2 | 2990 |
Bali and Tropical Cyclones
From November to mid-May, and more often from January to mid-April, Bali can be affected by tropical cyclones. These cyclones usually do not hit Bali directly but pass over the ocean to the south, causing an increase in wind and rainfall.
Bali’s Sea Temperature
The sea in Bali is warm enough for swimming all year round. The water temperature ranges from 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit) between July and September to 29 degrees Celsius (84 degrees Fahrenheit) between November and May. The western part of the Bukit peninsula, where the waves are higher, is a preferred spot for surfing.