Planning your trip to Bali to learn how to surf? Let’s go! A visit to Bali is possible the whole year round, but when you also want to surf here, your timing is important. The surf conditions change each month and knowing when to paddle out can make a big difference. Not only when you are just starting with your surf journey, but also if you want to chase bigger waves. Understanding Bali’s surf conditions by month will help you plan your perfect trip so you can learn to surf with Surf School in Bali.
The seasons in Bali are pretty straightforward. We have two seasons:
The dry season has begun and the number of tourists and surfers learning to surf is increasing. The weather is sunny and the waves are mostly calm and predictable. Surf spots like Kuta, Seminyak, and Sanur are busy with soft, rolling waves that are perfect for learning the pop-up and getting used to your surfboard.
In Bali’s beginner surf spots, the tides (usually mid to high) have the best swell for learning, while the offshore wind helps to create glassy, smooth waves. Before you leave, be sure to check the tide charts. From the end of May it is also a great time to watch the professionals riding those barrels that have made Bali famous.
Why choose this period?The Surf School in Bali will take you to the best surf spots which will be less crowded, have great waves and a secure environment for improving your beginner surf skills. Plus, the warm climate makes it a fantastic time to work on your tan and to be in Bali’s ocean.
The heart of Bali’s surf season is from July through September. It’s Bali’s most popular surf season, and for good reason! Swell sizes rise, waves get slightly larger and the ocean gains power. This is ideal for more seasoned surfers, but it’s also a good time for beginners who want to challenge themselves.
You can practice your pop-up and turns on the clear waves that are created by offshore winds and sunny skies. Places like Uluwatu, Padang Padang and Canggu are in the best condition for advanced surfers because of the consistent swell. If you’re just starting out, try to focus on smaller, easy waves and avoid those big waves so you can learn best and SSIB will help you every step of the way.
As Bali exits the dry season, October is a transition month. The surf is still excellent even though the weather gets a little wetter and the winds occasionally change from offshore to onshore.
This month is for flexibility. Most days will be great for learning, with gentle and manageable waves. But on some days you might get bigger and choppier conditions. So it’s best to check the forecast before and choose your surfspots wisely.
October is overall a great time of year to get in the ocean. With fewer tourists and lots of calm waves in places like Sanur and Seminyak
The wet season begins during these months. For seasoned surfers, Bali is an exciting season because of the potential for bigger and stronger waves. Wave sizes usually drop to two to five feet for novices, which is doable if you pick your spots carefully. The east coast, for example, starts to shine during this period. Especially during the morning before the winds pick up and make the water choppier.
December brings Bali’s full rainy season, with rainfall averaging around 300mm. But even with the rain, the waves stay surprisingly consistent, around three to six feet. You should concentrate on locations with smaller, easier to manage swell if you’re just starting out surfing in Bali with the Surf School in Bali.
Yes, there will be a few days where the surf is not possible. This is a great time to try other activities that boost your surf. Like yoga, surf skating or just exploring Bali’s bright green rice terraces and waterfalls.
The best time to learn to surf in Bali? Depends on what you are looking for. Looking for calm, beginner-friendly waves and don’t mind the crowd? Book your trip during the dry season (April to October) when the sessions have smooth and glassy waves. Those are perfect for all levels.
But Bali’s surf scene is amazing all year round. Are you adaptable, enjoy a calmer vibe and don’t mind a little more energy in the water? Learning can also be really effective during the rainy season. Particularly in areas with more manageable and smaller waves.
No matter when you book your trip, our Surf School in Bali, the warm waters and surf community are always ready to welcome you. And don’t forget, it’s smart to check the tide and weather forecasts to pick the best days for your learn to surf experience.
Are you ready for your surf journey? Book your spot now and fall in love with surfing. See you in the water!
