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The Surfer’s Guide to Bali’s Seasons

The Ultimate Guide to Surfing in Bali: Seasons, Waves, and When to Visit

Bali is one of the world’s premier surfing destinations, renowned for its consistent waves, warm waters, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re a seasoned pro chasing big swells or a beginner eager to catch your first wave, understanding Bali’s unique seasons is key to planning the perfect surf trip. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Bali’s seasons and how they impact surfing conditions, so you can make the most of your trip.

Why Bali Is a Surfing Paradise

Bali’s reputation as the most consistent surfing destination stems from its location in the Indian Ocean. Swells generated thousands of miles away reliably reach its shores, delivering perfect waves year-round. Combine this with warm water, a welcoming culture, and stunning natural beauty, and Bali offers the ultimate surf experience. However, timing your visit is crucial to ensure optimal surfing conditions for your skill level and preferences.

Bali’s Seasons at a Glance

Bali has two main seasons, each offering distinct surfing experiences:

  • Dry Season (April to October): Best surfing conditions, especially on the west coast.
  • Wet Season (November to March): Smaller swell but consistent waves and when the east coast becomes more popular.

Additionally, Bali’s cool season (July to August) brings stronger trade winds and slightly lower temperatures.

Dry Season (April to October)

The dry season is the prime time for surfing in Bali, particularly in the Uluwatu area. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Average temperature: 80–90°F (27–32°C)
  • Average humidity: 65–75%
  • Rainfall: Minimal (2–4 inches per month)

Surf Highlights
The west coast is home to world-famous breaks like Uluwatu, Padang Padang, and Bingin, where powerful swells consistently deliver long, clean waves. These swells, originating from the southern Indian Ocean, align perfectly with Bali’s reef structures, creating ideal surfing conditions. You can expect head-high waves on most days, with larger, more powerful swells arriving regularly. However, the dry season is also Bali’s peak tourist season, so surf spots can get crowded.

Beyond Surfing
With sunny skies and vibrant festivals like the Bali Arts Festival (June) and the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (October), the dry season offers plenty of cultural activities and events to enjoy. Keep in mind that this is peak tourism season and traffic can be bad.

Wet Season (November to March)

The wet season brings a different vibe to Bali, with more rainfall and shifting surf conditions.

  • Average temperature: 75–85°F (24–29°C)
  • Average humidity: 80–90%
  • Rainfall: Higher (6–8 inches per month)

Surf Highlights
During the wet season, the action moves to the East Coast and spots like Keramas and Nusa Dua. These breaks benefit from westerly winds, which create offshore conditions perfect for surfing. While the swells during the wet season are smaller and less powerful than in the dry season, Bali’s deep-water reefs magnify wave size, ensuring rideable waves year-round.

Beyond Surfing
The wet season offers a quieter, less crowded experience. While rain is frequent, it’s usually brief and often occurs overnight or early morning, leaving sunny afternoons to explore Bali’s lush landscapes, waterfalls, and green rice paddies. Additionally, you can find great deals on accommodation and activities during this off-peak season.

Best Time to Surf in Bali

The best time to visit Bali for surfing depends on your goals and skill level.

Dry Season (April–October)

  • April & May: Consistent swells and lighter crowds—ideal for beginners and intermediates. Winds tend to be very light and this is perfect for surfing Airport reefs.
  • June to August: Peak season with powerful swells and world-class conditions for experienced surfers. The Uluwatu area is directly offshore and is the prime surfing destination. Jimbaran never gets too big even and is the go to spot for novice surfers on the biggest swells.
  • September & October: Fewer crowds and lighter winds, perfect for all skill levels. This is a good time for surfing Canggu and Kuta.

Wet Season (November–March)

  • November: Smaller crowds and head-high waves, ideal for intermediates and for exploring South Coast, as well as East Coast and West Coast.
  • December to February: Frequent rain but still sunny intervals with consistent surf on the East Coast, Sanur and Nusa Dua.
  • March: Transition month with more swell and lighter winds, great for exploring all coasts.

Why Bali Is Always a Good Idea

No matter when you visit, Bali offers incredible surf conditions. The dry season delivers world-class waves, while the wet season provides smaller but still consistent swells with the bonus of fewer crowds and lower costs.

Ready to Surf Bali?

Now that you understand Bali’s seasons and their impact on surfing, it’s time to plan your trip!

Join our surf school, where our experienced guides will take you to the best surf spots, tailored to your skill level and the season. Whether you’re chasing big swells or looking for a quieter surf experience, we’ve got you covered.

Book your surfing adventure today and experience why Bali is the world’s most consistent surf destination. 🌊