Monday, 6 PM. Uluwatu, southern Bali. I spent the entire day at home, sheltered from the downpours lashing my little island. And then, I thought of you, dear travelers. What would I say to someone asking me, “What can you do in Bali when it rains ?” or, “Is it worth going to Bali in rainy season ?”. I gathered all the knowledge I have on the subject and bam ! I turned it into an article just for you. Let’s dive into a soaked-but-awesome guide to the best things to do in Bali when it rains !
Sommaire
When is the rainy season in Bali ?
If this is your first trip to Indonesia, you might not know that Bali has two distinct seasons: the dry season, which runs roughly from April to October, and the rainy season, from November to March. If you’re wondering “What is the rainiest month in Bali ?“, the answer’s January. Definitely a month to avoid if you can !
That said, it’s worth noting that it rarely rains all day in Bali. So don’t you worry, it’s not a non-stop deluge from morning ’til night ! Most of the time, we have heavy downpours that last no more than a few hours. Traveling to Bali during the rainy season isn’t necessarily a bad idea. The biggest advantage is, of course, the significantly fewer tourists—a huge luxury for such a popular destination.
What can you do in Bali when it's raining ?
What if I told you that it’s possible to enjoy Bali, even when the weather isn’t at its best ? I won’t be like other bloggers suggesting you go to the cinema, the mall or an escape room ! Nope, I’d rather give you inspiration for activities that are :
- more authentic,
- more enriching, or
- little luxuries you couldn’t afford in your home country !
Let’s dive right into the best things to do when it rains in Bali :
1. Take a cooking lesson
The first indoor activity you can enjoy in Bali is a Balinese cooking class ! It’s the perfect opportunity to uncover the secrets behind delicious local dishes while sharing a fun moment with your loved ones and your Balinese chef. I personally tried this activity with my friend and chef Wayan (based in Sidemen), and my friends and I absolutely loved it.
Book your cooking class now using these links :
- Cooking class on an organic farm in Ubud
- Cooking class and meal with a local family in Sidemen (just contact me on WhatsApp, and I’ll take care of everything for you)
- Cooking class and meal with a local family in Munduk
- Cooking class and market tour in Seminyak
2. Make your own silver jewelry
Another perfect activity for rainy days in Bali is creating your own jewelry ! You’ll learn how to craft a silver piece from start to finish at a very affordable price, guided by a local jeweler… and of course, you’ll leave with your own creation at the end 🤩Pretty cool to show off a ring you made with your own hands, right ?
Book your workshop now (if a city isn’t listed, just search for it on my partner’s website):
3. Unleash your creativity with a hands-on craft workshop
If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and develop a new skill, you’ll be happy to know it’s easy to find plenty of other craft workshops in Bali ! Pottery, ceramics, batik classes, or painting… creative souls will have a blast. And let’s not forget the incredible talent of Balinese artisans—you’ll discover their genius firsthand during these workshops !
I’ve tried this pottery class in Ubud and this batik workshop (also in Ubud) and I loved both. I also remember that in Ubud, Rüsters Café (one of my faves 🥰) offers ceramic workshops. Do feel free to search for the workshop of your dreams on my partner’s website by clicking right here !
4. Take a stroll at the museum
I’ll be honest with you : I’ve only visited a few museums in Bali. The reason’s quite simple… when you live somewhere year-round, you rarely think of doing this type of activity, especially when outdoor adventures are calling ! With that being said, I’ve heard great things about some local museums that beautifully highlight Balinese and Indonesian culture. And honestly, what better way to spend a rainy day in Bali ?
Here are a few museums worth visiting in Bali:
- Pasifika Museum in Nusa Dua, home to the largest collection of Asia-Pacific art
- Batur Volcano Geopark Museum
- Bajra Sandhi Monument and Museum in Denpasar, dedicated to the heroes of Indonesian history
- Le Mayeur Museum in Sanur, showcasing the works of Belgian painter Le Mayeur and his Balinese dancer wife (I’ve visited this one—the artworks are stunning, but the venue itself feels outdated, which is a shame).
5. Enjoy Bali's stunning yoga (or any other sports !) classes
Sure, you don’t need to come all the way to Bali to take a fitness class… But have you seen the gyms, yoga shalas, and pilates studios here ? 🤩 Not to mention the prices, which are often much lower than in Europe, and the instructors who bring their diverse methods from all around the world. In short, it’s a fantastic activity to do during Bali’s rainy season.
Among the classes I’ve tried and highly recommend: Bala Bali and Titibatu in Ubud, Anga Natural Training and Fondue Studio in Uluwatu.
You can also follow this link to find your yoga class in Bali.
6. Enjoy the cheap spas
Looking for a wellness activity to enjoy on a rainy day in Bali ? It won’t surprise anyone if I suggest a spa or massage afternoon 😉 After all, Balinese people have a unique talent for nurturing well-being and their hands truly work magic. And when you know that a 1-hour massage costs around €8 here, why not indulge?
From affordable manicures to full sessions at a luxury spa, there’s something for everyone, no matter your budget. Find your perfect massage or spa session in Bali by clicking here !
7. Cozy up in a cute café
You might already know this : Bali has a strong coffee shop culture—probably influenced by the Aussies, if I had to guess ! The island is full of charming cafés where you can spend hours working, chatting, or simply watching the local scene go by… My friends and I have become experts in this art in Uluwatu 😅
Curious about the best coffee shops in Ubud ? I’ve written an entire article on the subject, which you can find right here.
8. Consult a traditional healer
Are you a fan of alternative medicine or simply curious about Balinese beliefs ? Why not take advantage of the bad weather to visit a balian, those highly respected traditional healers who address both physical and mental illnesses ? You might be quite surprised by their methods, which combine medicinal knowledge, spiritual rituals and energy healing. Personally, I was pretty skeptical until the day my healer uncle fixed my broken foot… by massaging it 🫢
I found this experience for you, which includes a purification ceremony and a healing session with a balian, but you can find more options on my partner’s website.
9. Join a purification ceremony
Want to fully immerse yourself in Balinese culture? One of the most unique things you can experience here is melukat, a ceremony designed to cleanse the soul of impurities through holy water. You don’t need to be Balinese or Hindu to take part in this, as long as you approach the whole thing with respect and an open mind. Why am I including it in the list of activities to do during the rain season in Bali ? Simply because you’ll end up soaked anyway 😅
This ceremony usually takes place in a temple and I highly recommend Pura Mangening near Ubud — it’s quieter and more intimate than others. You can book your purification ceremony by clicking right here.
👉 For more details about melukat, check out the article I wrote on the topic : Bali purification ceremony : what is it & where can you do it ?
10. Taste of local coffee or chocolate
Foodies among you will love this last idea for a rainy day activity in Bali. No, I won’t do like other articles suggesting wine tastings… Let’s keep it local !
Instead, I recommend diving into the behind-the-scenes of two truly Indonesian products : coffee and chocolate ! When it comes to coffee, I must admit I’m not a big fan of Luwak coffee plantations, which often rely on animal exploitation (more info on that here)… However, there are fantastic coffee shops that offer brewing and tasting workshops, like Blacklist Coffee Roasters in Canggu or this manual coffee brewing workshop.
As for chocolate lovers : for a “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” kind of experience, head to the amazing Junglegold factory, which offers tours (two locations: one in Sanur and one near Ubud). I’ve also found this chocolate-making workshop in Ubud for you to try!
Does it rain everywhere in Bali ?
Generally speaking, the coasts are more dry than the center of the island (Ubud, Munduk, Sidemen…).
The region around Amed stays relatively dry during the rainy season. While diving conditions are not as ideal, the landscape during this season is stunning : the surroundings of Amed, which usually resemble savannahs, transform into lush valleys.
👉 For more information about Amed, check out my article: “What to do in Amed, Bali“
Since I live in Uluwatu, on the peninsula at the southern tip of Bali, I can also say that between January and March this year, we were very lucky with the weather.
👉 For more information about Uluwatu, check out my article: “What to Do in Uluwatu, Bali: Best Tips from a Local !“
And for the surfers among you : yes, it’s possible to surf in Bali during the rainy season ! Head to the beaches of Nusa Dua (on the eastern side of the Bukit Peninsula), Serangan south of Sanur or Keramas for more advanced levels.
Things to know if you travel to Bali during wet season
What should you know before traveling to Bali during the rainy season ? Let’s find out in this final section.
Some basic tips
- Beware of the mosquitoes ! They’re particularly voracious during the rainy season. I would advice wearing lightweight pants and shirts if you’re going out in the evening. As for mosquito repellents, the best ones are those you find here, in pharmacies or even supermarkets.
- Be extremely cautious when driving, especially on a moped. Bali roads are in really poor condition and quickly flood.
- On a similar note, avoid walking in streets that are completely flooded. Those holes in the sidewalk submerged under water are so dangerous !
- Be aware that weather forecasts are highly unreliable. Expect rain to come as quickly as it goes ! It’s better to leave your accommodation always prepared for a potential downpour.
- Lastly, avoid venturing into jungles and rice fields on rainy days ! I’ve read articles recommending such activities, clearly written by people who have never set foot in Bali. Visiting rice fields in the rain is quite unpleasant as the ground that’s already damp becomes even more slippery — a perfect recipe for a nice fall into the mud ! As for forests, heavy rains often cause branches, or even entire trees, to fall, which can sometimes lead to tragic consequences as we’ve recently seen in Ubud’s Monkey Forest.
How to dress when it rains in Bali ?
Bring rubber sandals (it’s no fun spending the whole day in closed shoes with wet socks) and a raincoat, which you can easily find in local shops—whether it’s the “bin bag jacket” from supermarkets as I like to call them (😅), or higher-quality raincoats from clothing stores. Always keep your jacket with you in your scooter’s storage compartment if you have one !
Also, keep in mind that it’s cooler during the rainy season in Bali, especially in the evenings. While temperatures hover around 30°C the rest of the year, they drop to 25°C or 26°C. It might not seem like much, but with the wind and cool rain, it feels noticeably chillier. Being half Indonesian myself, I catch colds easily, just like the locals. One nighttime scooter ride or a few hours in wet clothes is enough to make me sick ! If this sounds like you, dress accordingly 😉
And that’s it for this guide on “What to do in Bali when it rains” ! Have you ever traveled here during this time ? What did you think ? Share your thoughts in the comments !
