Bali’s Seasons

Surf in Rain or Shine!

Bali, the Island of the Gods and the Island of Eternal Summer is a surfer’s paradise, a haven for yogis, and a dream for photographers. With its lovely beaches, lush rice paddies, and vibrant culture, it’s no wonder Bali is a top travel destination. And with warm water and consistent swells year-round, it’s a paradise for surfers! But what about the weather? Does the “Island of Eternal Summer” truly live up to its name? Bali is located near the equator and experiences two distinct seasons: the dry season (April-October) and the wet season (November-March).

In this blog we’ll explore everything you should know about Bali’s seasons and discover why you can always find amazing waves here!

This is what you can expect from the dry season

The dry season, lasting from April – October, is Bali’s peak season for tourists of all kinds, known for sunny skies, minimal rainfall, and consistent waves for surfing. Enjoy the days of sun, perfect for beach days, swimming, tanning and relaxing. The average temperature at this time of year is a very pleasant 20-31°C all day long with a low level of humidity.

The waves are typically larger and more consistent during this time of the year, providing great conditions for surfers of all levels. Clean and glassy waves dominate the surfing conditions here, thanks to the steady Trade Winds that blow from the southeast across the Indian Ocean towards Indonesia. Around the island, there are also lots of vibrant festivals and cultural events that take place during the dry season, like the Bali Arts Festival or Indonesian Independence Day on August 17.

This is what you can expect from the wet season

The rainy season in Bali typically begins around November and lasts until March. During this period, the island experiences more rainfall and increased humidity compared to the dry season. However, don’t let this scare you off! Fortunately, it is not raining all day, every day, and the weather remains relatively pleasant with short, intense bursts of rain followed by clear blue skies. The temperatures during this time of the year are also still warm, typically ranging from 24-29 °C.

We already hear you thinking ‘is surfing possible during the wet season?’, the answer is YES! The Island boasts different great surf spots, mostly at the East coast. Especially for beginners, the waves are still pretty good. Soft-breaking waves and emptier lineups create nice conditions to learn how to surf or to improve your surfing.

Embrace the Rain

Don’t get fooled by the name and embrace the rain! The rain showers often pass quickly, followed by sunshine and the wet season offers a unique Bali experience. Enjoy fewer crowds, the lush green rice fields, lower prices, and a more relaxed pace of living.

Go for a relaxing Balinese massage, explore local markets, learn how to cook Balinese dishes or explore hidden waterfalls. Many temples are also less crowded during the wet season, allowing for a more peaceful and intimate experience!

To sum it up and to help you decide when to visit, we’ve created this handy table comparing the dry and wet season!

Dry Season

  • Sunny skies, minimal rainfall, warmer temperatures
  • Larger crowds
  • Higher prices
  • Less lush surroundings
  • In some spots larger, more powerful waves, ideal for experienced surfers
  • Popular spots like Uluwatu and Padang Padang often have larger crowds

Rainy Season

  • More rainfall, often in short, intense showers, cooler temperatures
  • Fewer crowds
  • Lower prices
  • Lush, vibrant landscapes
  • Smaller, more manageable waves, perfect for beginners
  • East coast spots like Keramas and Sanur will work as well

So, both of Bali’s seasons present a unique and rewarding surf adventure all year round, with excellent conditions and exciting activities to enjoy both in and out of the water. So, are you ready to catch your first wave? Book a surf lesson with Surf School in Bali and experience the magic of surfing in paradise.