Visiting Bali in May is the best idea you can have.
You’re ahead of the peak tourist season, weather promises minimal rainfall and warm temperatures. Beaches, waterfalls, temples, rice fields – everything is beautiful and not that crowded.
Read our complete guide to Bali weather in May to know exactly what to expect, what areas to stay and what activities to add to your bucket list.
Summary: Brief Showers, Hot Temperatures, Fewer Tourists
- Bali has two distinct seasons. The rainy season, from November to March, and the dry season starts in April and ends in October. May is the dry season in full swing.
- Visiting Bali in May, plan on sunny weather, hot temperatures, a warm, mostly calm ocean, and fewer crowds.
- May is the best time for outdoor activities, visiting cultural sites and spending time on the beach.
- With families coming in June when peak season starts, May is perfect for solo travellers, honeymooners, and digital nomads.
May Weather Overview
May is one of the first months of the dry season, so you can expect mostly sunny days with brief showers in the late afternoon, cooler temperatures at night, and overall amazing weather conditions for any type of activities you’d like to do in Bali.
Daily Temperatures
Average temperatures in May during the day are 27–38°C (81–91°F), in the evening and at night are about 22°C (72°F).
To be fair, May is considered Bali’s hottest month with maximum temperatures on a hot day around 40-42°C (104-107.6°F), but every now and then you get a nice breeze.
In total, you get about 8 hours of sunshine in May, so you can enjoy Bali’s beaches and outdoor activities to their fullest!
Humidity Levels
The average humidity is lower than during the wet season, meaning you can finally breathe and not feel sticky constantly! It doesn’t feel as muggy as in January either.
Lower humidity of 60 to 75% is normal in May, and with frequent sunshine, overall the air feels drier and less hot than the wet season.
Rainfall
Bali weather in May only promises 9 rainy days, with average rainfall no more than 70 mm – it is still not the driest month in the year, but compared to January (typically Bali’s wettest month with 350-450 mm), it is nothing!
Coastal Bali will be even drier, with clear skies and very rare rain showers, while the highlands and North can still have heavier rainfall, but just a few days of the month.
Sea Conditions
Warm sea temperatures around the West Coast, South Bali, and Uluwatu, while Bali’s north coast waters will have lower temperatures, but still pleasant and refreshing.
For reference, the coolest sea temp typically occurs in August, but in May, you still get warm waters – about 28-29°C (82-84°F).
What To Wear & Pack In May In Bali
Light, easy-to-fold and pack, breathable clothes are the go-to things to wear in May. If coming for 10-14 days
- Short-sleeved shirts (cotton, linen)
- Shorts/skirts. Although shorts are much more convenient for driving on a bike and going up and down stairs in temples or on beaches.
- Light long pants, flowy, not tight. Don’t bring jeans, it will be too hot to wear them.
- Activewear if you’re planning to hit the gym or engage in outdoor activities. Fast-drying, or ideally, fabrics with UV protection built in (UNIQLO has some items like that)
- Hat
- Swim suits. In beach clubs, you can wear any bikini you want, but in some more remote beaches, especially outside Bali, or public hot springs often visited by locals may call for something more covering.
- Comfy shoes + sandals or flip flops.
Extra things you need to bring (or not):
- Make sure to bring insect repellent. Some years, May still has lots of cases of dengue fever, and it is better to be protected than spend your vacation in the hospital.
- No need to bring the snorkelling or rain gear, you can rent fins and goggles at any beach in Amed or North, and buy a poncho on the side of the road. The exception is if you’re planning to hike a lot or stay in Northern regions.
Where To Stay In Bali In May
Canggu
Canggu is a perfect mix of nightlife and digital nomad infrastructure.
May will be a great time to book a room in a coliving and coworking space and work remotely or come with friends or a partner to party and chill, while staying at one of the resorts.
FINNS Resort will be open in 2027 and is already said to be one of the top accommodations in Canggu.
Northern & Central Bali
To experience authentic Bali, venture further inland. You will find beautiful views, cozy lodges, lush hills and mountains, and friendly locals.
Perfect for nature lovers, areas like Bedugul and Munduk have lakes, waterfalls, botanical gardens, camping grounds, and rice fields, while the North Coast of Bali offers dolphin watching, snorkelling, stunning views, and a relaxed vibe.
Pack some warm layers as cooler temperatures in the evening will feel pretty chilly around Kintamani, Munduk, or even northern Tabanan.
Ubud & Sidemen
Most comfortable daytime temperatures, light rain, and breathtaking, lush landscapes are a given if you stay in Sidemen or around Ubud.
Both areas also have amazing cooking classes, workshops, and walking trails, while Ubud stands out as the cultural and artsy capital of Bali.
It will be a great destination for couples, culture and nature lovers.
Sidemen is one of the favourite couples’ destinations, with a few adults-only resorts set against Mount Agung as a backdrop.
Sanur
If you love coastal areas but are not into nightlife, you can swap Canggu for Sanur.
It is perfectly walkable thanks to the longest beachside paved walking path in Bali and has lots of cafes, shops, restaurants, and hotels.
Water will be warm, clean, and calm, making it ideal for a family vacation, as even kids can get in the water and swim.
Plus, Sanur is right next to the harbours that can take you to Nusa Penida or the Gili islands, skipping all the South Bali traffic, so your travel plans can include more beaches and water activities with fewer crowds!
Uluwatu
If you are into surfing and beach hopping, Uluwatu is the hottest spot to be. The weather in May in Uluwatu will be drier, hotter, and sunnier.
You will be within 20-30 minutes of a couple of dozen secret and not-so-much white sand beaches and surf breaks, can visit Bali’s iconic Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Fire Dance show, join yoga classes and find friends among the vibrant communities of expats and locals.
What To Do In Bali In May
Explore Markets
Every tourist hub and craft village will have their own version of an art market where you can buy souvenirs, local art, handmade trinkets, and try local delicacies.
Our favourite arts & crafts markets:
- Ubud Market
- Tanah Lot Market
- Sukawati Art Market
Besides art markets, main villages will always have a night street food market that will fill you up for under 5 AUD on any given day. And if during the rainy season, evenings are often rainy, in May, you can enjoy warm nights and local food.
Sign Up For Outdoor Adventures
Dry season is perfect for outdoor activities and day trips, as there is very little chance of a storm, there are fewer crowds everywhere, and prices are reasonable.
Waterfalls, white water rafting down Ayung or Telaga Waja rivers, ATV rides through jungles and West coast black sand beaches, canyoning, and so much more!
Also, with high season still ahead, you will be able to book experiences closer to date and have fewer crowds everywhere, in general.
Plan Beach Days
In May, you can confidently expect perfect beach weather! Hot sunny days (sometimes even too hot!) are great for getting tanned, swimming, trying surfing, and checking out all the best beaches!
Beach hopping in Uluwatu is a must. If you’re not going to see Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida, Uluwatu beaches are probably the most scenic in Bali: limestone cliffs with tropical greenery and blue waves crashing against them.
If you don’t want to get steps in, an ideal beach day is at FINNS Beach club in Canggu, where you get clean beach, surfing, poolside bars, free party zones, fantastic sunset views, and incredible food all in one place.
Do not underestimate the importance of good sun protection; it is very easy (and common) to get completely burned on the very first day, which means no more sun or massages for you.
Visit Menjangan Island
Bali’s only National Park on the West Coast is a gem for all nature lovers. It is the spot for birdwatching and spotting rare animals like Balinese black monkeys and deer.
A local guide is a must, and we highly recommend taking a day trip with included snorkelling and kayaking to experience Northern natural beauty to the maximum.
Explore Temples
Good weather is amazing for visiting temples all around Bali. Balinese Hindu temples are beautiful examples of traditional Balinese architecture and art, and you will learn a lot about local traditions and ceremonies.
Temple visits can be upgraded with rituals. For example, at Tirta Empul, you can participate in a water purification ceremony to get rid of negative emotions, stress, or a traumatic past.
When visiting temples, dress respectfully and always follow the rules.
Head Inland
When rain isn’t an issue, you can safely explore rice terraces in Jatiluwih, play golf at Handara resort, take a boat ride at one of the Twin Lakes in Bedugul, pick strawberries, or simply cruise along mountain roads watching monkeys hanging from the trees.
Coffee plantations, private retreats, and lush landscapes – that’s a great place to be if it is not your first time in Bali and you’ve got your share of beaches already.
Central Bali, from Tabanan and Gianyar to Kintamani and Munduk are underrated area with so much nature and authentic Bali vibe.
Visit Palaces & Monuments To Learn The History Of Bali
The history of Balinese kingdoms and the Dutch colonial rule left many artefacts scattered around the island, most often in areas that fewer tourists visit, which makes the experience even better.
Besides popular water palaces like Tirta Gangga, the palaces of Karangasem and Klungkung have lots of relics and art from the 17th to 19th centuries and having a guided tour through those will blow your mind!
Visiting Puputan Monuments will let you touch the side of history that very few tourists ever know – the tragic mass suicide rituals that happened during conflicts with the Dutch army.
Hiking & Mountain Climbing
Wet season is finally over, and mountain lovers can finally book the sunrise hike to Mount Batur, climb Mount Agung and trek rainforests, canyons, and look for secret waterfalls.
Sunrise Hike at Mount Batur is most accessible, and it is probably the best sunrise view in Bali. Very romantic spot, and you actually don’t even have to hike it – you can have a 4×4 Jeep take you all the way up!
Go To The Nusa and Gili Islands
To see majestic manta rays, the most vibrant marine life, eels, Mola Mola, and endless reefs, and dive deeper (if your certificate allows), head to Nusa Penida.
That island has natural beauty not just underwater but above sea level: the iconic T-Rex aka Kelingking beach, Broken Beach, lush hills and an ancient temple hidden in a cave (Goa Giri Putri Temple).
Gilis are a completely different vibe – it is that paradise dream vacation when you can swim with turtles, walk around the island in under one hour, and forget about the whole world.
Celebrate Festivals & Ceremonies
The Balinese calendar always has some ceremonies going on, on a local or island-wide scale, but May doesn’t typically have big celebrations like the Balinese New Year (March) or big ancestral festival (Galungan and Kuningan).
Vesak Day is a unique Buddhist celebration dedicated to Buddha. Bali has a small percentage of Buddhists and a few Buddhist temples that will have ceremonies on that day. In 2026, it will be May 31st, and in 2027, Vesak Day falls on May 20th.
Besides religious festivities, there are tons of festivals of arts and sports throughout the year. While the biggest, Bali Arts Festival, is happening in June/July, in some years, Ubud Food Festival and Bali Spirit Festival fall at the end of May.
Travel Tips For Visiting Bali During The Dry Season In May
- With temperatures ranging from 27 to 38 degrees C, May is the hottest month in Bali. If you won’t handle the heat well, maybe opt for April, September, or October.
- May offers the perfect beach weather, so make sure to use sunscreen. Ideally, reef-safe products, especially if you’re going into the water.
- Plan ahead. May is one of the cheaper months to visit Bali, and yet to get the best deals, you always need to book 2-3 months ahead. Bali is a popular destination not only for international, but also for domestic tourism, so it is somewhat busy throughout the year.
- If you really want to experience a local festival, May is a low season – there isn’t much happening, so you will have all the time to explore temples, palaces, and nature.
FAQs
Is It A Good Time To Visit Bali In May?
May is one of the best months to visit Bali. Bali weather in May is spectacular: warm temperatures, rare and short rain, and lower humidity.
May is also not overly busy, as most visitors will come during the summer break or around Christmas. So you will have carte blanche to explore the island at your own pace.
What Is The Best Month To Go To Bali?
April, May, September and October are the best months to come to Bali, with May being the hottest month of the year.
Planning a trip during these shoulder seasons will be cheaper, there will be fewer tourists, and the weather is amazing for outdoor activities and water sports.
Why Is Bali Cheap In May?
Hotel prices, flights will be 30% cheaper in May as it is a low tourist season: most tourists and families come during summer school breaks or for winter holidays, hence May prices are not inflated.
Is It Better To Go To Bali In April Or May?
We’ve experienced Bali in April and May, and honestly, both months are great.
You have warm days, very little rain, and a perfect setting for a beach vacation and exploring the island. April will have slightly more rainy days and higher humidity than May.
Final Thoughts On Bali Weather In May
Whether you’re planning a month-long workcation in Canggu or a romantic getaway in Sidemen, Bali weather in May is simply divine.
With hot temperatures and low humidity come light breeze, clear skies, and that perfect beach weather everyone was waiting for the whole rainy season!
