Rainy Season in Bali: Peak Timing and Why It Rains So Much

Bali, Indonesia, is a popular place to visit from people all over the world. In fact, over the past decade, the amount of tourists has increased substantially: over six million per year (prior to the pandemic). Everyone — from surfers to students to retirees — flock to Bali to see its rich cultural history, eat its delicious food, and enjoy the warm weather. But when it comes to the weather, people may check the weather app on their phone and find out that it’s most likely going to rain when they visit. The rainy season in Bali is quite the rainy season. Pretty much from autumn until spring, Bali rains throughout the day. During the non-rainy months, it could rain sporadically, as well.

We’ll go through the details of when the rainy season is in Bali, what to expect when you’re there, and why it rains so much. We will also give you some extra tidbits to prepare for your trip to Bali, including things to do and what to eat.

What Is the Rainy Season in Bali?

The rainy season in Bali usually begins in the autumn (around October or November) and starts to drift away around springtime (March or April). The dry season largely is during summertime. Tourists from around the world flock to Bali and Indonesia as a whole during the dry season to take advantage of its near-perfect weather during those months.

If you want to go to Bali and you’re on a budget, the rainy season is a perfect time for you to go. Also if you are the type of person who likes to go to places with little or no tourists, then this time is perfect. 

Now, what is the rainy season like in Bali, you might ask? Weather is hard to predict and during the rainy season, it’s unpredictable. Usually, it rains in the mornings and evenings, and you have the middle of the day with sunshine to go out and explore. But sometimes, it might rain nonstop all day or for several days. If you are looking to travel during this time, it’s a risk you should be willing to take.

Why Does It Rain So Much?

Bali is in a unique place in the world. It’s in a tropical area so during the rainy season, it’s actually the monsoon season. January and February are peak rainy months. The Australian-Indonesian monsoon is a climatic system that increases the rainfall and thunderstorms over some areas in northern Australia and Indonesia. In recent years, there have been changes in the amount of rainfall due to climate change. Sometimes, there are heavy rains in the summer, but not enough as in the rainy season. 

Prepare for Your Trip to Bali During the Rainy Season

If you’re preparing to go on a trip to Bali during the rainy season, there are a few things you have to prepare before your flight.

You should pack essential items that will be helpful during heavy rainfall. A sturdy umbrella is important, as well as closed shoes. Remember, the closed shoes should be similar to hiking boots, they shouldn’t be $800 designer shoes. They will get dirty, especially if you’re planning on walking on tough terrain. Buy a good rain jacket because you will definitely need it if it rains while you’re out and about. Lastly, bring a book or two — if you get stuck inside for hours, it’s a good idea to entertain yourself with some reading.

One of the annoying things about monsoon season in Bali is that when it rains a lot, the mosquitoes come out to play. Mosquitoes will be buzzing around to see who they can land on. They especially like standing water, so it’s best to put some distance if you see standing water on the streets. In order to protect yourself from these annoying insects, it’s smart to bring along mosquito spray. 

Things to Do in Bali

There are so many things to do in Bali. You will have activities from sun up to sun down. If you’re lucky to have no rain one day, make sure you spend some time at the beach and soak in the sun. Gunung Kawi Temple is an ancient Hindu site that is better to go to in the morning hours to avoid crowds. You can also head to another site that has seven temples called Pura Lempuyang Luhur. If you want to do some shopping, hit the Sukawati Art Market.

If you want to explore some nature sites, the Banyu Wana Amertha waterfall in the north of the island of Bali is perfect during the rainy season because it will be full. You should also check out Mount Batur, one of Bali’s two active volcanoes. When you make it to the top, you will be able to take in some breathtaking views. Lastly, if you want to see some animals, make sure you head to the Ubud Monkey Forest. Just beware of these monkeys because they might try to steal your belongings!

Things to Eat in Bali

Indonesian cuisine is getting popular and there are a few dishes that are quite scrumptious. One of Bali’s most famous dishes is called babi guling, which is a suckling pig roast. If you are looking for some vegetarian or vegan options, look no further than gado-gado — a salad that consists of tofu, kidney beans, cucumbers, and bean sprouts topped with a delicious peanut sauce. If you want to try out noodles, make sure you try mie goreng, a stir-fry dish. And for dessert, you have to try a black rice pudding called bubur sum sum.

As for drinking options, lemongrass tea, which can also chase away mosquitoes (perfect during the rainy season), is popular in Bali. If you’re looking for something to quench your thirst, go for some coconut water or jamu, an herbal beverage found throughout Indonesia. When you go out and experience a little Bali nightlife, some of the local beers are good go-to drinks. One of the most popular beers in Bali is Bintang beer, a local and tourist favorite.

Fun Facts About Bali

• Bali is actually four islands — Bali, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan.
• Bali is the sixth most populated island in Indonesia with a total of 4.4 million people.
• There are two active volcanoes in Bali — Mt. Batur and Mt. Agung.
• Kopi Luwak is the most expensive coffee in the world, which comes from Bali.
• While Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country, Bali is mostly Hindu.
• Bali has its own language known as Balinese.
• Tourism is a big part of Bali, contributing 80% to the economy.

Conclusion

Bali is a wondrous place to visit. Going off the beaten path to experience non-touristy things is always a cool idea. It’s a place where you can eat good food, especially vegetarian or vegan options, and you can see historical sights that are thousands of years old. If you are into spirituality, you can grow and learn about how to be more at peace with life. All in all, your trip to Bali can be an educational one, as well as a fun one. It can change your perspective on life in ways you can’t imagine.

Bali is unique and special. Its place in the globe contributes to the amount of rain it gets. So, if you decide to go in the rainy season, you’ll have to watch out for mosquitos and other insects, but it is ensured that you will still have the time of your life.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © DavideAngelini/Shutterstock.com