Like all tropical countries, the island has two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The monsoon occurs between November and Aprilwith increased humidity between December and February. Many tourists avoid traveling to the “Island of the Gods” during this time. Should we really escape the rainy season in Bali or are there any benefits to try a vacation during these “wet” months? We tell you everything!
What is the rainy season like in Bali?
When is it?
- The rainy season in Bali occurs from November to April.
- The rains are heaviest in December and January.
- Showers mainly occur in late afternoon and night.
We sometimes have clichés about the rainy season: floods, intermittent rain for months, storms, etc. But rest assured, the monsoon in Bali does not look like this disaster scenario at all. Even if some days can be very overcast and windy, or sometimes heavy rains fall, there are also calm days when the sun is generous and the walks will be very pleasant. You just have to expect it to rain and provide appropriate equipment : a raincoat, a poncho or even a good umbrella. For shoes, the best thing is to opt for flip-flops which will have less difficulty drying than closed shoes.
The benefits of the rainy season in Bali
There are fewer crowds
As soon as the rainy season hits Bali, the number of tourists decreases, as most travelers simply avoid booking vacations during this time. L'The island is then widely offered to vacationers who are not afraid of getting a little wet. We must not forget that it does not rain EVERY day and ALL day without stopping! The tourist sites which in high season have kilometers of queues are, in the rainy season, easy to access. Just finding a place to put your bath towel on some beaches can be a real challenge during the dry season, but in the middle of the monsoon, the beach will be yours with sometimes entire sunny days to enjoy the sea! The same goes for roads. In tourist places in certain Balinese regions, the reduction in the number of tourists results in ricochet (in rainwater!) a reduction in traffic. In Denpasar, for example, the roads will be really relieved of congestion and tourist discovery will be all the more pleasant.
It's much cheaper
Another major advantage during the rainy season in Bali: prices are much more attractive than at other times of the year. By being a little flexible on your travel dates, it is entirely possible to find flights at unbeatable prices, even without a stopover. The same goes for on-site accommodation. Small budgets will be able to make the most of it and treat yourself to more extras. And if you have a slightly larger budget, you will be able to afford charming accommodation, or even rental houses with swimming pools for the duration of your stay. Might as well have fun!
The landscapes are magnificent
No matter the time difference, travelers from all over the world head to Bali to enjoy its beautiful scenery, but you can only truly enjoy some of it during the rainy season. Before it begins, some sites tend to be really barren due to drought, and lose their luster as a result. But when the rain comes, nature comes back to life and everything becomes green and lush again. The hills, rice fields and trees turn green again, to the delight of the eyes and photo enthusiasts. The rainy season in Bali also allows you to enjoy the island's many waterfalls. The water level is then at its peak, which offers extraordinary panoramas and great swimming opportunities.
We organize our days differently
Too often our vacations resemble marathons where we spend our days running from one place to another to make sure we see and do everything in the country or region we have decided to visit. But what useless energy, for a vacation that no longer resembles rest, but a business executive's schedule! Taking a trip during the rainy season in Bali is the opportunity to take the time. Morning is the time of day when you are most likely to get sun. Take the opportunity to go on cultural outings, a beach session or walks in the great outdoors. In the afternoon, if it rains, focus on indoor activities. The island is full of places to take cooking classes or do traditional craft workshops. Bali is also renowned for the quality of its massages: nothing like experience a moment of well-being in expert hands while it's pouring rain outside !
The disadvantages of the rainy season in Bali
You have to live with mosquitoes
Who says humidity, says presence of mosquitoes. Even though they are there all year round, during the rainy season they are living their best life and are hungry for fresh flesh. As in all tropical countries, they can transmit diseases, such as malaria or dengue fever, especially in remote areas. It is therefore safer to keep them at a distance. For that, some precautions should be taken :
- Sleeping under a mosquito net. The vast majority of accommodations are equipped with them.
- Cover your arms and legsespecially at nightfall, when they are most voracious.
- Use repellents adapted to the local climate.
- Put mosquito repellent plugs in your accommodation where you can burn spirals to keep them away.
Swimming can be dangerous
The rainy season in Bali is marked by winds which can be violent when a squall arrives. So be careful if you are at the beach at that time. The waves increase without warning, as do the currents, and swimming can become dangerous. You should know that only the beaches of Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, Sanur and Senggigi are supervised. If you are traveling with children, be particularly vigilant and favor beach trips in the morning. The good alternative this season is the swimming pool, which offers a different experience, but just as nice.
It's hotter and more humid
Even if the temperature differences are minimal between the dry season and the rainy season in Bali (2 to 3°), the feeling is different. When it rains, the air becomes heavy with humidity and can become stifling, particularly in January, when the rainfall is at its peak. This can be disturbing if you have trouble handling tropical heat. But the main inconvenience is that everything remains wet: clothes, towels, shoes, etc. The bad news is that there's nothing you can do about it, the good news is that you'll quickly get used to it!
Maritime transport may be disrupted
Going on vacation to Bali is often an opportunity for travelers togo for a trip to the small neighboring islands of the Gili Islands, located off the northwest coast of Lombok: Air, Meno and Trawangan. But to get there, you will have to take a boat. During the rainy season in Bali, the shuttles are disrupted and uncertain connections. Be patient and accept that your route will be modified if the precipitation is too intense.
Loading activities for (bali)…
To conclude, it's all a question of adaptation and flexibility, but taking a trip during the rainy season to Bali is entirely possible ! As we mentioned, this period even offers many advantages. So, don't hesitate any longer and book your flight to discover all the riches of this incredible island!
