Is Bali Worth Visiting in Rainy Season? What to Expect and Tips
Date Published
Let me guess – you found an amazing flight deal to Bali, got all excited, and then realized it's during the rainy season. Now you're wondering if you're about to spend your vacation stuck indoors watching Netflix in a Balinese villa instead of lounging on the beach.
I've been to Bali during both dry and wet seasons, and I'm here to give you the honest truth: rainy season isn't the vacation-ruiner you might think it is. But it's also not exactly the same experience as visiting during peak season. Let me break down what you're actually getting into.
When Exactly Is Rainy Season in Bali?
First things first – timing. Bali's rainy season typically runs from November through March, with December and January being the wettest months. The dry season is roughly April to October, with July and August being peak tourist season.
But here's the thing about "rainy season" – it doesn't mean what you think it means.
What the Rain Actually Looks Like (Spoiler: It's Not London)
When most people hear "rainy season," they picture grey skies, constant drizzle, and weeks of miserable weather. That's not Bali.
Bali has a tropical climate, which means the rain usually comes in short, intense bursts. Picture this: you're having breakfast, the sky opens up for 1-2 hours with a proper tropical downpour, and then... it stops. The sun comes out, everything dries surprisingly fast, and you get on with your day.
Most rain happens in the late afternoon or evening. Mornings are often gorgeous and sunny. I've had entire days in "rainy season" where it only rained for 45 minutes while I was having dinner.
That said, there are exceptions. Sometimes you get a full day of on-and-off rain. Sometimes it rains at weird times. November and early December tend to be lighter, while late December through February can be properly wet. March is usually the transition month – still some rain, but it's tapering off.
The other thing? Different parts of Bali get different amounts of rain. Ubud and the central mountains get more rain than the coastal areas. Nusa Dua and Sanur on the south coast tend to be drier than Canggu or Seminyak.
The Good Stuff: Why Rainy Season Actually Rocks
Let's talk about the perks, because there are legitimate reasons to visit Bali during wet season.
1. Prices Drop Significantly
This is the big one. Hotels that charge $200+ per night in July might be $80 in December. Flights are cheaper. Even some restaurants and tour operators offer low-season discounts.
I'm talking 30-50% off in some cases. If you're on a budget, this alone might make it worth the gamble. Check Booking.com or Agoda for Bali accommodation during rainy season – the deals can be insane.
2. Way Fewer Tourists
No fighting for space at popular spots. No waiting 20 minutes for an Instagram photo at the Bali swing. Temples are peaceful. Beaches aren't packed. It's actually possible to enjoy things without battling crowds.
If you hate tourist chaos, this is your season.
3. Everything Is Lush and Green
Bali's rice terraces are at their most beautiful after the rains. The jungle looks alive. Waterfalls are actually flowing (some nearly dry up in peak season). If you're into nature and photography, wet season gives you that postcard-perfect tropical vibe.
4. Better for Surfing (Sometimes)
The wet season brings bigger swells to the west coast beaches like Canggu, Seminyak, and Padang Padang. If you're into surfing, this can actually be a better time than dry season. Just check surf forecasts before you go.
The Not-So-Good: Real Talk About the Downsides
Okay, but let's be honest about the challenges.
1. Beach Days Aren't Guaranteed
If your entire vacation revolves around lying on the beach from dawn to dusk, rainy season might disappoint you. You'll likely get beach time, but you can't count on it every single day.
Also, the ocean can be rougher, and some beaches get debris washed up after storms. It's not always picture-perfect.
2. Humidity Is Next Level
When it's not raining, it's humid. Like, "your clothes never fully dry" humid. Some people handle this fine; others find it exhausting. Pack quick-dry fabrics and embrace the tropical sweat life.
3. Some Activities Get Canceled
Boat trips to Nusa Penida or the Gili Islands can be canceled due to rough seas. Some outdoor adventure activities might be postponed. Scooter riding in the rain is sketchy (and honestly, not worth the risk).
4. Flooding and Traffic Issues
Parts of Bali have drainage problems. Heavy rain can cause temporary flooding in areas like Seminyak and Kuta, making traffic even worse than usual. It's more of an inconvenience than a disaster, but it's worth knowing.
Best Areas to Stay During Wet Season
Not all parts of Bali are equal when the rains come.
Sanur and Nusa Dua: These tend to get less rain and are more sheltered. Good choice if you really want beach time.
Ubud: Expect more rain here, but it's beautiful, and there's so much to do indoors (yoga studios, cafes, art galleries, spas). Plus, Ubud is more about the vibe than the beach anyway.
Canggu/Seminyak: Middle ground. Some rain, but still fun. Great cafe and restaurant scene for rainy afternoons.
Avoid: Remote coastal areas where you'll be really stuck if the weather turns bad for a few days.
What to Pack for Bali Rainy Season
Don't overthink it, but do bring:
Light rain jacket or poncho (not a heavy winter coat – it's still hot)
Quick-dry clothes (cotton takes forever to dry in humidity)
Waterproof bag for your phone/electronics
Flip-flops that can get wet (you'll be walking through puddles)
Sarong or light cover-up (useful for temples and when caught in rain)
Pro tip: you can buy cheap umbrellas and rain gear everywhere in Bali, so don't stress too much about packing perfectly.
Make sure you have good travel insurance that covers weather-related disruptions. Cherehapa and similar comparison sites let you find policies with good coverage for Southeast Asia trips.
Things to Do When It's Pouring
Rainy season doesn't mean sitting in your hotel room. Bali has plenty of indoor and rain-friendly activities:
Spa day: Balinese massages are cheap and amazing. Perfect rainy afternoon activity.
Cooking classes: Learn to make nasi goreng and satay while staying dry.
Museums and art galleries: Ubud especially has great cultural spots.
Indoor climbing or yoga: Tons of studios around Canggu and Ubud.
Temple visits: Rain or shine, temples are worth seeing (just bring an umbrella).
Cafe hopping: Bali has incredible cafes. Spend a rainy morning working on your laptop with good coffee.
Book activities and tours in advance through GetYourGuide or Klook – they often have rain-or-shine options, and you can read reviews about how operators handle wet weather.
Getting Around in the Rain
Scooter: If you're comfortable riding, just go slow and avoid riding during heavy downpours. Roads get slippery.
Driver/Car: Honestly, hiring a driver for rainy days makes life so much easier. Use Grab or Gojek (like Uber) for individual trips, or hire a driver for the day (around $40-60).
Walking: Fine for short distances, but roads flood quickly. Wear shoes you don't mind getting soaked.
So... Is It Worth It?
Here's my honest take: Yes, if you're flexible and budget-conscious. No, if you need guaranteed beach weather.
Rainy season Bali works great for:
- People who want to save money
- Travelers who hate crowds
- Anyone interested in culture, food, and wellness (not just beaches)
- Photographers chasing lush landscapes
- Surfers looking for waves
It's probably not ideal for:
- First-time Bali visitors who want the "full experience";
- Beach-or-bust travelers;
- People on a short trip (3-4 days) who can't afford weather gambles;
- Anyone who gets really bummed out by rain.
Personally? I'd go to Bali in rainy season again. The lower prices and fewer tourists made it feel more authentic. Sure, I had a couple of rainy afternoons, but I also had plenty of sunshine, empty temples, and rice terraces that looked like something out of a movie.
Just book accommodation with good reviews about indoor space (nice common areas, good WiFi, maybe a pool with some cover), plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, and keep your expectations realistic. You'll probably have a great time.
And if it does rain all day? Well, that's what those $5 Bintang beers and infinity pools are for.
Quick Checklist Before You Book
✅ Check reviews of your accommodation specifically mentioning rainy season
✅ Get travel insurance that covers cancellations and delays
✅ Book flexible accommodations (free cancellation is your friend)
✅ Download offline maps and ride-sharing apps before you go
✅ Consider getting an eSIM from Yesim or Airalo so you have data even when WiFi is spotty
✅ Mix beach time with cultural activities in your itinerary
✅ Pack light layers and quick-dry fabrics
✅ Lower your expectations slightly, but stay optimistic
Bali in rainy season isn't perfect. But it's still Bali – and that's pretty damn good.