How the Rainy Season Changes a Bali Trip
Updated: 3 days ago
Bali's rainy season runs from November to March, and January is the wettest month, averaging about 328 mm of rain over 20 rainy days in Denpasar. Rain usually arrives as short, heavy downpours rather than all-day drizzle, and temperatures stay around 30 C. Some treks, flights and ferries run less predictably in the heaviest weeks, but most days still leave dry hours.
Short afternoon storms, with January the wettest
The wet season runs November to March; January is the wettest month, with about 328 mm of rain over 20 rainy days.
Rain usually comes as short, heavy afternoon or evening downpours, not all-day drizzle.
March still averages 17 rainy days; November is lighter, at about 8.
It stays warm, with daytime highs of 30 to 31 C right through the wet months.
Nyepi falls on 19 March in 2026 and closes the airport for 24 hours.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Why 'Rainy Season' Advice Oversells the Downside
Search for Bali's rainy season and much of the advice treats it as a reason not to go. The averages tell a gentler story: even in January, the wettest month, about a third of days have no rain, and the rain that does fall tends to come in short, heavy bursts.
Read more: Bali Weather Month by Month
How Wet Is Each Month of the Rainy Season?
Long-term averages for Denpasar in south Bali, from Weather2Travel. The highest rainfall and the most rainy days both fall in January.
Month | Rain (mm) | Rainy days | What to expect |
November | 187 | 8 | Rains return, mostly short storms |
December | 258 | 16 | Wet, and busy over Christmas and New Year |
January | 328 | 20 | Wettest month of the year |
February | 261 | 18 | Still very wet |
March | 225 | 17 | Easing slowly; Nyepi on 19 March 2026 |
What Actually Changes in Rainy Season
Rainfall builds through November, peaks in January and eases slowly from February into March. Unlike a temperate climate's steady drizzle, tropical rain here usually arrives as a short, heavy downpour, often in the afternoon or evening, and the sky often clears again later in the day.
The practical effects are real but limited. Volcano treks such as Mount Batur can be cancelled in heavy rain, low-lying and riverside places can flood in a severe storm, and flights and ferries occasionally run late in the worst weather. Most days still leave dry hours for the beach, a temple visit or a day trip.
The wet season also brings lower rates at hotels and villas that charge more for the July and August peak, so a wet-season week can be better value when the weather is not the point of the trip. Keeping each day's plan flexible, rather than fixing everything to the hour, is the most useful adjustment.
What to Plan Around
Expect short, heavy downpours rather than continuous rain, usually in the afternoon or evening.
Build a covered backup activity into each day in January and February, the two wettest months.
Check flight and ferry schedules a little closer to departure than in dry season, since heavy weather occasionally causes delays.
Pack a light rain jacket and quick-dry clothing rather than a heavy coat, since temperatures stay warm year round.
Book accommodation with good drainage and covered walkways if staying somewhere low-lying or close to a river.
See also: Plan Your Trip to Bali
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Bali's rainy season?
Roughly November to March. January is the wettest month, averaging about 328 mm of rain over 20 rainy days, followed by February and December.
Does it rain all day during Bali's rainy season?
Rarely. Rain usually falls as short, heavy downpours, often in the afternoon, with dry periods either side.
Is it worth visiting Bali during rainy season?
Many travellers do, since it brings fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices, with most days still leaving plenty of dry hours.
Do flights get cancelled during Bali's rainy season?
Cancellations are uncommon, though delays can happen in the heaviest storms, most often in the wettest months of January and February.
What should I pack for Bali's rainy season?
A light rain jacket and quick-dry clothing suit the short, heavy downpours better than a heavy coat, since temperatures stay warm throughout.
Plan Around the Weather, Not Just the Dates
Whatever the forecast, the accommodation and activities you book still matter. Choose flexible options and settle where you are staying so a rain delay does not derail the rest of the day. That one choice shapes how a wet-season trip feels.
Where To Stay?
Wet season often means lower rates, so book smart. Compare hotels and villas across Bali and settle your first night before the best deals are gone.
Things To Do
Build a backup plan for rainy afternoons. Browse tours, temple visits and day trips across Bali so a downpour never derails the whole day's plans.
Rent A Car
Getting around is easier with your own transport ready. Compare car hire across Bali, check licence rules, and arrange it before the rain rolls in.
Sources: Weather2Travel (Denpasar climate averages).
Last verified: 24 October 2026
