The weather in Bali is tropical and warm all year, shaped by two seasons: a dry season from roughly April to October and a green, or wet, season from November to March. Coastal temperatures typically sit between 26 and 32°C (79–90°F), with high humidity and noticeably cooler air in the highlands.
Because the island lies just south of the equator, there is no true winter or summer – only these two seasons and the gentle rhythm they set for beaches, surf, rice harvests, and waterfalls. This guide breaks down what to expect in every month, when to visit, and how the seasons shape the landscape inland around Tabanan.
Bali's two seasons at a glance
Bali has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons rather than four. Understanding the difference is the single most useful thing to know before you book.
- Dry season (April–October): Lower rainfall, more sunshine, and lower humidity. This is the classic beach-and-surf window, with the driest, clearest conditions usually falling between June and September.
- Green (wet) season (November–March): Warmer, more humid air and higher rainfall, which tends to arrive as short, heavy afternoon or evening showers rather than continuous all-day rain. The reward is a landscape at its lushest, with rice terraces, jungle, and waterfalls at their most vivid.
Temperatures stay remarkably steady throughout, so the main variable is rainfall and humidity – not heat or cold. At sea level you can expect warm days year-round; in the highlands around Bedugul and Munduk, evenings can feel genuinely cool and misty, so a light layer is worth packing whatever the month.
Bali weather month by month
The table below shows typical monthly averages for Bali at sea level, where most visitors stay. Figures are general long-term averages – actual conditions vary year to year, and the highlands run several degrees cooler.
| Month | Season | Avg high / low (°C) | Rainfall & conditions | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Green (wet) | 30 / 24 | Wettest month; frequent heavy afternoon showers, high humidity | Lush scenery, spa days, quieter resorts, lower rates |
| February | Green (wet) | 30 / 24 | Very wet and humid; occasional daytime storms | Green rice terraces, waterfalls in full flow |
| March | Green (wet), easing | 30 / 24 | Rain begins to ease late in the month; still humid | Shoulder value, vivid landscapes, fewer crowds |
| April | Shoulder (dry begins) | 31 / 24 | Drying out; warm days with the occasional short shower | Good-value beaches, calm before peak season |
| May | Dry | 30 / 23 | Sunny, low rainfall, pleasant humidity | Beaches, surf, hiking, temple visits |
| June | Dry | 29 / 23 | Reliably dry, sunny days and cooler evenings | Outdoor days, diving, waterfall walks |
| July | Dry (peak) | 29 / 23 | Among the driest months; sunny and breezy | Surf, snorkelling, ceremonies, peak travel |
| August | Dry (peak) | 29 / 23 | Driest month; lower humidity and steady breezes | Beaches, weddings, festivals |
| September | Dry | 30 / 23 | Warm, sunny, low rainfall | Diving, surf, outdoor adventures |
| October | Shoulder (dry ends) | 31 / 24 | Warming up; first showers return late in the month | Fewer crowds, good value, warm beach days |
| November | Green (wet) begins | 31 / 24 | Showers return; humid and warm | Start of green season, lush paddies |
| December | Green (wet) | 30 / 24 | Wet and festive; heavy afternoon showers | Holiday travel, waterfalls, emerald rice fields |
When is the best time to visit Bali?
The best time to visit Bali is the dry season, and especially the months of May to September, when rainfall is lowest and days are consistently sunny – ideal for beaches, surfing, diving, and inland trekking.
If you would rather trade a little sunshine for a calmer, better-value stay, the shoulder months of April and October are the sweet spot. You still get largely dry, warm weather, but with fewer visitors and gentler rates on either side of the peak.
The green season (November to March) deserves more credit than it usually gets. Rain typically falls in concentrated afternoon or evening bursts, leaving mornings bright and the whole island impossibly green. It is the season when Tabanan's rice terraces and waterfalls look their most dramatic – and it is the quietest, most restful time to travel.
Surf season note
Bali is a year-round surf destination, but the seasons favour different coasts. During the dry season (April–October), the south-west swells and offshore winds light up the west-coast breaks – the classic window for the Bukit Peninsula and Tabanan's beaches. In the green season (November–March), the wind swings around to favour the east coast. In short, there is always somewhere to surf; the wind simply decides where. See our guide to the best surf beaches in Tabanan.
What to pack for Bali's climate
Whatever the month, Bali rewards light, breathable clothing – but a few season-specific choices make a real difference.
- Year-round: Lightweight, natural-fibre clothing, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and sturdy sandals for uneven paths.
- Dry season: Sun protection is the priority – a hat, sunglasses, and a high-factor sunscreen for long, bright days.
- Green season: A compact travel umbrella or light rain jacket, plus quick-drying footwear for the odd downpour.
- For the highlands and temple visits: A light jumper or shawl for cooler evenings inland, and a sarong and covered shoulders for entering temples.
Insect repellent is sensible year-round and particularly welcome in the humid green-season months.
The weather inland: Tabanan and Nirjhara
Most weather guides describe the coast, but Bali's interior tells a slightly different story. Nirjhara sits inland in the Tabanan region, tucked between jungle and rice paddies near the sea temple of Tanah Lot. Here, the land is fed by the same rivers and rainfall that make central Bali so fertile.
The practical upshot is simple: the green season transforms this landscape. From November to March, the rice terraces glow emerald, the surrounding jungle thickens, and the resort's own waterfall runs full and loud – one of the best waterfalls in Bali. In the dry season, the same setting turns golden as the paddies ripen towards harvest, with clear skies over the valley.
For a visitor, it means there is no wrong time to come to Tabanan – only different moods of the same beautiful valley. Whichever season you choose, staying inland puts you within easy reach of both the surf coast and the island's greener heart. You can explore more of the area in our guide to Tabanan, Bali, or plan your stay at Nirjhara.
FAQs
What is the best month to visit Bali?
The best months to visit Bali are May to September, in the heart of the dry season, when rainfall is lowest and days are reliably sunny. For fewer crowds with still-fine weather, April and October are excellent alternatives.
Does it rain all day in Bali's wet season?
No. In Bali's green season (November–March), rain usually falls in short, heavy afternoon or evening showers rather than lasting all day. Mornings are often bright, and the rain leaves the landscape especially lush.
How hot does Bali get?
At sea level, Bali is warm all year, with daytime highs typically around 29–32°C (84–90°F) and night-time lows near 23–24°C (73–75°F). Humidity is high, so it can feel warmer, while the highlands are several degrees cooler.
Which months are the rainiest in Bali?
December, January, and February are the wettest months in Bali, with January usually the rainiest of all. Rainfall then eases through March into the drier months, with July and August typically the driest.
Is Bali good to visit in the green (wet) season?
Yes. The green season offers lush scenery, fewer visitors, and better value, with rain arriving mostly in brief afternoon bursts. It is the finest time to see Tabanan's rice terraces and waterfalls at their most vivid.
