Bali Wet Season Guide: Where to Surf, Swim and Snorkel (November to March)

Bali's wet season runs from November to March, and it is one of the best-kept secrets for women who live in the water. Yes, it rains, usually in heavy afternoon bursts rather than all day. In return you get warm 27 to 30°C water, quieter line-ups, lower prices and a whole coast of waves that only switches on at this time of year. The trick is knowing where to go. When the northwest monsoon arrives, the west coast breaks around Canggu and Uluwatu often turn onshore, while east coast spots like Sanur, Nusa Dua and Keramas get offshore winds and glassy mornings. Plan your days around early sessions, east-facing beaches and calmer reef snorkelling, and the wet season becomes a gift rather than a gamble.

In this article

• When is the wet season in Bali?
• Is Bali worth visiting in the wet season?
• Where to surf in Bali in the wet season
• Where to swim and snorkel when the rain rolls in
• What to wear in Bali's wet season
• A simple wet season day plan
• FAQ

When is the wet season in Bali?

The wet season in Bali runs from roughly November to March. December, January and February are the wettest months, with January usually the peak. November and March are transition months, with lighter, more variable winds and plenty of sunny days between showers.

What the wet season really means day to day:

• Mornings are often clear. Rain tends to build through the afternoon and evening.
• It stays hot and humid. Expect air temperatures around 27 to 30°C and humidity of 80 to 90%.
• The sun is still strong. Bali sits about 8 degrees south of the equator, so UV levels stay very high even when it is cloudy.
• The wind flips. The dry season's southeast trade winds give way to west and northwest monsoon winds, which changes which beaches work.

Is Bali worth visiting in the wet season?

For ocean lovers, absolutely. The wet season is low season outside the Christmas rush, which means fewer people in the water, easier bookings and better value on villas and surf lessons. The island is at its greenest, rice terraces are full and the waterfalls are at their most dramatic.

The honest downsides: some west coast beaches collect more rubbish washed in by the monsoon, roads can flood briefly after heavy downpours, and boat trips to the Nusa islands are occasionally cancelled when seas are rough. Build a little flexibility into your plans and you will barely notice.

Where to surf in Bali in the wet season

Bali's two coasts face opposite directions, so when the wind is onshore on one side it is usually offshore on the other. From November to March, head east.

• Keramas: a powerful right-hander and the east coast's headline wave. Best early in the morning before the wind picks up. Experienced surfers only.
• Nusa Dua and Sri Lanka (the reef in front of Nusa Dua): consistent wet season waves with offshore winds. Most breaks are reached by boat.
• Sanur reefs: fun reef breaks off the calm, family-friendly coast. Great when the swell is up and the west coast is blown out.
• Serangan: a more forgiving option that works on both sides of the seasons, popular with intermediate surfers.
• Canggu and the Bukit at dawn: on light wind mornings, especially in November and March, the west coast can still deliver before the monsoon breeze arrives.

New to surfing? The wet season's smaller, softer days are ideal for lessons. Read our guide to Bali's best surf beaches for women for the beginner-friendly spots.

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Where to swim and snorkel when the rain rolls in?

Heavy rain can cloud the water near river mouths for a day or two, so choose sheltered, reef-protected spots and go in the morning.

• Sanur: the outer reef keeps the lagoon calm, making it one of the most reliable places to swim through the wet season.
• Nusa Dua: clean, protected beaches and gentle water, ideal for long swims.
• Amed and Tulamben: on the northeast coast, often drier than the south and home to calm reef snorkelling and the famous USAT Liberty wreck.
• Blue Lagoon, Padangbai: a small, sheltered bay with colourful coral close to shore.

For a spot-by-spot breakdown, see our best snorkelling spots in Bali guide.

What should you wear in Bali's wet season?

Pack for heat, humidity, sudden downpours and strong sun, often all in the same afternoon.

• Sun-protective swimwear. Cloud cover does not stop UV. A UPF 50+ long sleeve swimsuit or crop rashguard protects your shoulders and back during long sessions without constant sunscreen top-ups. Not sure what UPF means? Read UPF 50+ explained.
• Quick-drying fabrics. Nothing dries fully in 90% humidity, so choose swimwear that holds its shape when it stays damp.
• A waterproof bag. Keeps your phone dry on the scooter when the sky opens.
• Mineral sunscreen for your face. Easy to reapply between sessions.
• Light layers. A sarong or loose pants for temples and warungs.

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What does a perfect wet season day in Bali look like?

1. 6am: check the forecast and wind, then surf or swim on the east coast while it is glassy.
2. 9am: breakfast, then a snorkel at a sheltered reef before the clouds build.
3. 1pm: lunch and a slow afternoon as the rain arrives. Massage, café, nap.
4. 5pm: if it clears, a sunset walk on the beach. If not, an early dinner and an early night for tomorrow's dawn session.

Frequently asked questions

What month is the rainy season in Bali?

Bali's rainy season runs from about November to March. January is usually the wettest month, while November and March are lighter transition months.

Does it rain all day in Bali in the wet season?

Rarely. Most days start sunny, with heavy showers or storms building in the afternoon or evening. It is common to get a full morning on the beach before the rain arrives.

Is December a good time to surf in Bali?

Yes, if you surf the east coast. December's west and northwest winds blow offshore at Keramas, Nusa Dua and the Sanur reefs, which are at their best from November to March.

Can you get sunburnt in Bali when it is cloudy?

Yes. Bali is close to the equator and UV levels stay very high through cloud. UPF 50+ swimwear and a mineral sunscreen for exposed skin are the simplest protection.

Is the water warm in Bali during the wet season?

Yes. The sea is typically around 27 to 30°C, so most women surf and snorkel in a swimsuit or a long sleeve one piece rather than a wetsuit.