The dream island of Bali is located near the equator, which guarantees a temperature of around 30 degrees all year round. These are ideal conditions for escaping to the island of the gods during the cold season at home. However, the rainy season in Bali occurs during the winter months here, which puts many people off booking. This is unfounded, as there are many good arguments for consciously choosing a holiday during the rainy season in Bali.
When is the rainy season in Bali?
The rainy season in Bali begins in November and lasts until March. There may also be isolated instances of precipitation in October and April. With an average of 15 rainy days and 34.5 cm of precipitation, January is the rainiest month in Bali. December and February are not far behind with around 27.4 cm of rainfall.
Sunshine even in the rainy season
Nevertheless, holidaymakers can look forward to five to six hours of sunshine a day during these months. Continuous rain is rare; usually it rains for one to two hours in the afternoon during the day. Very heavy showers of 30 minutes are also possible. However, it also depends on the region in which a holiday home is booked in Bali.
Uneven rainfall
In the western coastal regions, it rains more often and for longer periods in comparison. In the seaside resorts in the northwest and east of Bali, it rains less often because the clouds release their rain in the mountains behind. Sometimes the clouds also gather only in the interior of the island.
In the coastal regions, fascinating sheet lightning can be observed. Climate change does not spare Bali either, which is why accurate weather forecasts are becoming increasingly difficult. It may happen that there is no precipitation for days during the rainy season, while longer periods of rain occur during the dry season.
Nature and landscape in Bali during the rainy season
Whether a trip to Bali during the rainy season between November and March is worthwhile depends, of course, on personal preferences. Those who want to lie on the beach all day and look up at the blue sky are better off coming during the dry season. The lower demand during the rainy season ensures cheaper airfares and a free choice of the most beautiful accommodation on the island at affordable prices, which is an unbeatable advantage. It is ideal to stay as centrally as possible in order to have short distances to the nearest café or warung. Especially after a heavy downpour, the puddles are ankle-deep.
As compensation, Bali’s scenic beauty is particularly evident during the rainy season. The dry areas gradually change into lush green landscapes, which can be particularly well observed in the Bali Barat National Park. Trekking and hiking tours are generally possible during this season.
However, there may be restrictions. Due to flooding, roads and trekking paths are often closed. There is a risk of landslides, especially on the routes up the volcanoes Gunung Batur and Gunung Agung. However, if you adjust to the weather conditions and carry rain and mosquito protection with you, you will be rewarded with a wonderful holiday in Bali even during the rainy season.
Things to do during the rainy season
A holiday in Bali is not complete without visiting the numerous temples. Of course, it is easier to visit them when the weather is dry, but even when the sky is overcast, they have a very special charm. For one thing, there are fewer visitors. In addition, wafts of mist give the temples an almost mystical aura.
In addition to classic holiday activities such as swimming, diving and windsurfing, white-water rafting is a particular highlight during the rainy season. The rivers carry more water, which makes a tour much more exciting than during the dry season. For example, on the Ayung River in Ubud or the Telaga Waja River through the jungle, past rice fields and waterfalls.
To escape the humid heat, it is advisable to enjoy the cool wind on tours by scooter across the island. If the rain should last a little longer, Bali’s diverse yoga scene is tempting. Complete retreats or individual lessons or courses can be booked. When choosing the shala, make sure that the premises are closed, otherwise the mosquitoes can become somewhat annoying.
Bali’s culinary delights can be discovered at any time of the year, but on gloomy days, taking part in a cooking workshop can add an interesting touch to your holiday. In addition, the extensive range of wellness offers is very tempting. Those who don’t have a spa in their hotel will find excellent massage parlours and other wellness offers in the towns on the island, where they can relax body, mind and soul.
Pros and cons of travelling during the rainy season
There are many good reasons to travel to Bali during the rainy season:
- During the rainy season, prices in Bali are significantly lower.
- It is easy to find accommodation as desired.
- Places and attractions are not overcrowded, but there are still enough other travellers around.
- Experiencing a longer rainy season from the comfort of a cosy café or accommodation can be quite romantic. Just relax and listen to the sound of the drops on trees and shrubs.
- It rains, but dry, sunny weather predominates. The occasional rain showers are no obstacle to exploring Bali.
- The vegetation is particularly lush during the rainy season, with the plants enchanting with a rich green.
Bali’s waterfalls are particularly impressive during the rainy season. - Continuous rainfall during the rainy season in Bali is rather the exception.
However, as relaxed as your holiday on the dream island can be this season, there are also some disadvantages to be considered. The combination of rain and heat causes the humidity to rise rapidly. This can lead to sweating.
Pollution in rivers and the sea
The rivers carry significantly more water than usual during the rainy season. Garbage that has accumulated in the riverbeds during the dry season is now washed towards the sea. Depending on the ocean currents and wind conditions, the rubbish collects on some beaches. It is impossible to predict which beaches will be affected.
Since Bali has no functioning sewage system, rain also washes faeces and pollutants into the sea. Here, it is recommended to avoid swimming or water sports near a river mouth, as the bacteria can cause ear infections and stomach problems.
Where to go during the rainy season?
Surfers and keen swimmers are ideally advised to stay on the east coast, where the water quality is better during the rainy season and the water is not as muddy as on the west coast. Those who want to go diving in Bali during the rainy season will find the best conditions in Amed or Tulamben, as these spots are usually spared from underwater rubbish accumulation.
Sometimes ferries and speedboats don’t operate according to plan due to the rough sea during the rainy season. Trips to the islands of Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida or the Gili Islands should therefore be planned at the beginning of your Bali holiday to ensure that you get back to the Island of the Gods according to plan.
