Weather & Seasons
When to visit — and where to surf.
Bali has just two seasons. Here's what to expect, and which beaches work best in each.
Dry Season
April – October · Peak tourism
The classic postcard Bali: blue skies, low humidity and reliable offshore winds pumping the west-coast reefs.
Pros
- Sunny days, low humidity, cool evenings
- Ideal for beaches, hiking Batur & Agung
- Best visibility for diving in the east
- Consistent offshore winds on the west coast
Cons
- Peak season crowds (July–August)
- Higher villa & flight prices
- Busier surf lineups at famous breaks
Wet Season
November – March · Green season
Rain usually arrives in short heavy bursts, mostly afternoons. Still very travel-friendly — and much better value.
Pros
- Lush green rice fields & waterfalls at peak flow
- Fewer crowds & better accommodation deals
- Warm ocean, glassy morning surf on the east
- Rain usually falls in short heavy bursts
Cons
- Daily afternoon showers & occasional storms
- High humidity (75–90%)
- Some boat trips to Nusa islands cancelled
- Muddy roads & flooded lanes in low areas
What to expect month-by-month
- Jan–Feb: Wettest months, big east swells
- Mar: Rain easing, humid, quiet
- Apr–May: Sweet spot — dry, uncrowded
- Jun: Cool, breezy, west-coast pumping
- Jul–Aug: Peak season, book early
- Sep–Oct: Warm, dry, fewer crowds
- Nov: Transition, first showers
- Dec: Wet but festive, holiday spike
Best surf beaches — Dry Season
Offshore winds blow onto the west and south (Bukit peninsula). Head to reef breaks around Uluwatu.
Uluwatu
Advanced
Wave: Left reef, powerful, 4–10ft
Crowd: Very busy
Padang Padang
Advanced
Wave: Barrelling left over shallow reef
Crowd: Very busy on swell
Bingin
Intermediate → Advanced
Wave: Short hollow left, 3–6ft
Crowd: Busy
Impossibles
Intermediate
Wave: Long left walls, 3–6ft
Crowd: Moderate
Balangan
Intermediate
Wave: Fun left, mellow at smaller sizes
Crowd: Moderate
Green Bowl
Advanced
Wave: Hollow lefts & rights, deep water
Crowd: Uncrowded
Best surf beaches — Wet Season
Winds flip offshore on the east coast. Canggu, Keramas and Sanur come alive — early mornings are best before storms.
Canggu (Batu Bolong)
Beginner → Intermediate
Wave: Mellow rights & lefts, 2–4ft
Crowd: Very busy
Berawa
Intermediate
Wave: Punchier beach break, 3–5ft
Crowd: Moderate
Echo Beach
Intermediate → Advanced
Wave: Fast rights over reef
Crowd: Moderate
Medewi (West Bali)
Beginner → Intermediate
Wave: Long mellow left point
Crowd: Uncrowded
Keramas
Advanced
Wave: Barrelling right reef, best dawn
Crowd: Moderate
Sanur / Serangan
Intermediate
Wave: Reef rights, glassy AM offshores
Crowd: Uncrowded