When people hear “rainy season in Bali,” most imagine weeks of downpours, cancelled beach plans, muddy scooter rides, and endless grey skies.
But after spending multiple seasons here myself, I can tell you — it’s far better than it sounds.
Rainy season in Bali isn’t constant rain.
It’s warm mornings, lush green views, dramatic clouds, and short refreshing showers that roll in later in the day. You adjust your rhythm a little — wake up earlier, explore before lunch, slow down in the afternoons — and suddenly Bali has a whole different charm.
In exchange for a bit of weather flexibility, you get:
🌿 Greener rice terraces
💆 Less crowd pressure
💸 Cheaper hotel rates
☕ Cosy café days
🌴 A slower, calmer Bali
If you’re thinking about visiting during the rainy season, this guide will help you navigate weather, what to pack, where to go, and how to make the most of it — including the best places to dine when the rains arrive.
What Exactly Is Bali Rainy Season?
Rainy season — or wet season — is the period when Bali experiences tropical showers, increased humidity, and occasional thunderstorms. It sounds intense, but daily life continues normally.
Most days look like this:
☀ 7am–12pm — sunny, warm, perfect for exploring
⛅ 12pm–3pm — clouds gather slowly
🌧 3pm–6pm — short rainfall or heavier downpour
🌙 Evenings — cooled air, sometimes rain, sometimes clear
You’ll still get sunshine. You’ll still go to the beach. You’ll just learn to read the sky like a local.
When Is Rainy Season in Bali? (Month-by-Month Reality Check)
Rainy season happens November to March, with the heaviest rain from December–February.
- November: Early showers begin, still lots of sun
- December: Wettest month — afternoon rain most days
- January: Peak rain, lush scenery
- February: Similar to Jan, but rain slightly less intense
- March: Slowly clearing skies, great transition month
If you love big clouds, fresh air after rain, and green landscapes, January-March is magical.
Shoulder months (late October & early April) are also fantastic if you want a balance of sun + occasional rain.
How Bad Is Rainy Season Really?
Short answer — not as bad as people think. Rain usually comes like a dramatic movie scene: big clouds, heavy drops, 30–60 minutes of tropical rain… then sunshine again.
Flooding can happen in low-lying areas, scooters might slow down, but rarely is the island completely affected.
If you adapt your planning, it’s actually a beautiful time to visit.
Who Loves Bali Rainy Season the Most?
Rainy season is perfect if you enjoy:
✔ Quiet cafés & empty beaches
✔ Jungle views at their greenest
✔ Cheaper villas & flights (outside Christmas/New Year)
✔ Spa days, slow brunches, rainy art-museum afternoons
✔ Photography — misty temples & waterfalls are unbeatable
Not ideal if you need constant sun or you’re planning only beach days.
But if you enjoy relaxed travel, creativity, and a cosy island vibe — this season is pure gold.
Mini Daily Itineraries for Rainy Season
☀ Morning — Adventure Time
Best hours to explore outdoors:
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Rice terraces: Tegalalang, Jatiluwih
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Waterfalls: Tegenungan, Kanto Lampo, Sekumpul
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Beaches & surfing
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Day tours with driver
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Island boat trips (Penida usually safe before noon)
Tip: Start early — 8am is perfect.
⛅ Afternoon — Slow Bali Mode
When rain rolls in, switch to indoor-friendly activities:
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Spa treatment or massage
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Long lunch at a scenic restaurant
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Cooking classes
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Coffee tasting in Canggu or Ubud
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Visit Beachwalk Mall, Sidewalk Jimbaran, Seminyak Village
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Yoga class or sound healing
There’s something magical about rain hitting palm leaves while you sip hot ginger tea.
🌙 Evening — After-Rain Charm
Evenings are breezy and often rain-free:
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Dinner with wine pairing
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Bar hopping in Canggu
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Live music nights
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A cosy night in with room service & a movie
Rainy evenings feel warm, intimate, atmospheric — Bali slows down beautifully.
Average Prices During Rainy Season (Guide)
Rainy season = more value for money.
- Villas: 20–40% cheaper than July/August
- Boutique hotels: IDR 1.5–4M/night
- Luxury resorts: IDR 4–10M/night+
- Spa treatments: IDR 250k–900k
- Restaurant dining: IDR 200k–900k pp
- NYE/Christmas: Peak pricing (book early)
Outside holiday week, rainy season is budget-friendly heaven.
Why Rainy Season is Secretly the Best Time to Visit Bali
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Everything turns jungle-green and vibrant
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Rice terraces shine after rain — photographers love this
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Cafés feel slower and more soulful
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Sunsets with dramatic clouds = breathtaking
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Waterfalls are much more powerful
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Locals say rain is “blessing season” — the island recharges
If Bali had a “cosy season,” this would be it.
Indoor Activities You’ll Love on Rainy Days
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Balinese spa day
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Cooking class (fun for couples & families)
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Pottery or silver jewellery workshop
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Museum at Bali Maritime Park
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Yoga barn Ubud / Movement oasis Canggu
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Reading afternoons in cute coffee shops
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Cocktail lounge nights
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Restaurant hopping
Rain becomes part of the experience — not something that ruins it.
Where to Stay During Rainy Season — Area Guide
- Best for convenience & food: Canggu / Seminyak
- Best for luxury + beach hotels: Nusa Dua / Jimbaran
- Best for wellness, nature & culture: Ubud
- Best for surf east-coast beaches: Sanur / Keramas
- Best for quiet scenic stays: Amed / Munduk
If you want consistent activity & restaurants, Canggu is ideal.
Dining in Bali During Rainy Season — Cosy, Warm Evenings Await
Rainy season is the perfect time to lean into Bali’s dining scene — especially long dinners, wine pairings, and tasting menus.
A Special Pick: Jade by Todd English — Modern Asian Elegance in Canggu
If you’re staying in the Canggu/Seminyak area and want a memorable evening, stop by Jade by Todd English — a beautifully designed restaurant known for its modern Asian fusion menu, creative flavours, and intimate ambience perfect for rainy nights.
Whether it’s a slow dinner with a glass of wine, date night over shared plates, or a cosy friends’ evening, Jade gives you that warm, elevated dining feel without needing sunshine at all.
📍 Canggu, Bali
Reservations recommended (especially weekends)
Tips for Enjoying Rainy Season Like a Local
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Do outdoor plans early
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Always carry a light poncho
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Don’t scooter long distances during heavy rain
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Choose restaurants with indoor seating options
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Keep your schedule flexible
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Drink more water — humidity is real
Is Bali Rainy Season Worth It?
If you come expecting blue skies 24/7, you’ll need to adapt.
But if you come prepared — you may fall even more in love with Bali.
Rainy season is relaxed. Real. Beautiful.
Less chaos, more connection. More nature, more slow days, more authentic Bali.
Wake up early, explore waterfalls, eat long lunches, sip cocktails while rain hits palm leaves — and you’ll understand why so many of us adore this season.
Final Thoughts
Rain doesn’t ruin Bali. It adds rhythm, texture, softness, life. The island is still magical — just different. If you appreciate slower travel, cosy evenings, and lush landscapes, rainy season might become your favourite time to visit. And when the rain arrives, settle into a beautiful dinner somewhere warm and welcoming — like Jade by Todd English in Canggu — where rainy nights turn into unforgettable memories.