Bali’s Seasons: The Best Activities in Dry or Wet Season!

Bali is famous for all the attractions of a tropical island – stunning beaches, beautiful rice fields, and mountain rainforest landscapes, all waiting to be explored with warm weather all year round. But of course, this means tropical weather. The island has two distinct seasons: dry and wet. Before packing your things, here are some suggested activities in Bali, whether you are visiting during the sunnier months or in the rainy season.

Bali is famous for its tropical climate and has two distinct seasons: dry and wet. Dry season occurs between April to October when the Southeast winds blow the warm and dry airs from Australia. Meanwhile, the wet season happens between November to March, when most days will see some rain and generally more humidity.

So, the question is: when is the best time to visit Bali? Some say Bali looks amazing in the dry season, but it really depends on what you are looking for. Be it sunny or rainy, there is always something on offer for travellers and digital nomads alike. So, here are some suggested activities for your time in Bali, regardless of the season.

Best Activities in the Dry Season (April to October)

Photo by © Max on Unsplash

Pack your sunscreen, sunnies, and loose clothes now if you are looking for warm sun, clear skies, and breezy wind through your hair… because it’s Bali’s dry season! Occurring (usually) between April to October, Bali’s dry season is the perfect time for outdoor and water-based activities. The temperature ranges between 27°C – 31°C, and less humid than the wet season, making the heat tolerable.

Bali is busiest, around July, August, and September when it welcomes tourists from all over the world since Bali’s dry season happily coincides with the northern hemisphere’s summer holiday season. Expect crowds and traffic jams in central locations like Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud. Although it’s the dry season on the island, don’t be surprised by the occasional drizzle which conveniently cools down the heat and reduces the humidity, while leaving the refreshing scent of fresh rain. 

Enjoy lots of activities in Bali from taking a dip in the ocean to mountain hiking. Here are some of the best activities you can put on your itinerary:

Scuba diving at Nusa Penida, Amed Beach, and Nusa Lembongan.

Nusa Penida Kelingking Beach

Who’s down for coral reefs and various fishes like Mola-Mola or even Manta rays? Book a trip to Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Amed Beach for the best experience under the sea with coral reefs, Mola-Mola, Manta rays, and turtles when you come to Bali.  Visibility is much better in the dry season.

Mountain Hiking

Photo by © @agungvitariani

Wake up before daybreak and head for the North of the island to catch a magical sunrise. September is one of the best months for hiking since the trails will not be slippery and the weather is not too hot and there are less rainy days.

Water-sport activities

Watersport Kite Surfing

Sunny days and clear skies are always a good time to enjoy the exciting water-sport activities on offer in Bali. Get drenched riding a banana boat, parasailing, jet skiing, and more water recreations in Tanjung Benoa. Also, you can try adventurous white water rafting at Ubud if you are looking for an adrenaline rush.

Roll with the Waves!

Roll with the wave feat your dog

Serving you with abundant swells and crystal-clear water, Bali’s South to Southwest shore is made for the surfer. Go to Kuta, Echo Beach, Batu Bolong, or Canggu Beach for those who are still learning to balance on your board, or just wanting an enjoyable day of surfing, with the occasional big swell. As for pros, grab your board and head for Uluwatu or Padang-Padang beach, where more challenging waves are waiting.

Waterbom time!

Photo by © Waterbom Bali

Enjoy the fun attractions at Waterbom Bali, letting your day slip and slide away at Asia’s No.1 water park. While the temperature is warm and there’s no rain, waterbom can be one of the best options for fun with your family and friends.

Sunbathing

Photo by © William Rouse on Unsplash

Around April you can have the beaches all to yourself, the temperature during this month is one of the hottest at around 32°C. Best prepare your fabric mats and sunscreen before you are soaked in sunshine and get that lovely glaze of tan skin you dream of.

Strolling along the beach and watching the sunset

strolling along the beach and watching the sunset

Never miss strolling along the beach and having those picturesque sunsets on your bucket list. During the dry season, Bali’s sky at sunset is painted with red-orange and a hint of blue, colours that will make Bali hold a special place in your heart. 

Best Activities During Wet Season (November to March)

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Experience the other side of Bali when the monsoon season is coming to the island. While Bali’s weather could never be described as cool, the wet season does bring some respite from the heat of the dry season, with average temperatures of 24°C – 29°C, but with that comes more humidity. Bali’s wet season means some greyish skies, less crowds, and traffic, but also rougher seas and some debris on the shores. Expect early showers or evening downpours, yet still sunny and clear skies in midday. But there are no guarantees…sometimes the rain can be quite unpredictable and may last for only a few hours or perhaps the whole day.  Check your weather app before you head out, and bring a raincoat and umbrella if you don’t want to get wet.  Most importantly, be careful when riding a scooter as the roads can be slippery!

Although November and December are in the rainy season, you can still expect a lot of international and domestic tourists to come to Bali for the Christmas and New Year holidays. Even though, some outdoor activities may not be as popular as in the dry season—worry not, we have got you covered with some fun activities to do:

Time for indoor and self-pumped activities!

Photo by © Monkey Forest visit!

Photo by © Senthil Kumar on Unsplash

There are likely to be fewer tourists in Bali during the wet season, so it means it’s the perfect time to visit some of the most popular tourist attractions like the Monkey Forest without crowds.

A trip to the National Forest of West Bali

Photo source © Bali Safari Marine Park

Make your journey to the West and visit West Bali National Park. The National Park offers you exciting and fun activities, such as forest trekking, birdwatching, mangrove tour, and safari trip while doing animal watching. As the weather may be a bit moody, don’t forget to bring your raincoat and umbrella. 

Get close to nature at the zoo!

Photo by © David Gor on Unsplash

How about having a trip to see wildlife conservation at Bali Zoo, Bali Safari, and Bali Bird Park? There will be fewer crowds during the wet season and the animals will be enjoying the cooler weather too! You can experience nature up close with many varieties of indigenous birds and other exotic animals such as elephants, orangutans, and many more.

Trekking through the lush green landscape

Photo by © Justin Kauffman on Unsplash

Trekking has never been this fun. March is the perfect time to do it when the ground finally has time to breathe and grow again after a long rainy season. You’ll experience the marvelous feeling of inhaling fresh air and enjoying green landscapes on a cloudy yet sunny day, just like the beginning of spring.