Bali in January: ❌ the heart of the rainy season, best for travellers who accept it. January is the wettest month of the year in Denpasar (345 mm, 13.6 in, according to the 1961-1990 normals of the Indonesian meteorological agency, BMKG), with almost daily rain, often in the form of storms. It is hot (33 °C, 91 °F, in the afternoon; 24 °C, 75 °F, at night) and the island is green and quieter after the holidays. For a beach trip, other months suit better.
This page covers the weather in Bali in January, what remains possible despite the rain and how to organise your days. To compare with the dry season, see our page on the best time to visit Bali.
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Bali in January: key facts
- Verdict: ❌ peak of the rainy season; ⚠️ possible for culture and wellness
- Denpasar: 33.0 °C (91 °F) in the afternoon, 24.1 °C (75 °F) at night, 345 mm (13.6 in) of rain
- Pluses: prices falling after the holidays, very green rice terraces, a quieter island
- Limits: storms, slippery roads, rough sea, unpredictable volcano hikes
- Time difference: in January, Bali (UTC+8) is 8 hours ahead of London (GMT) and 13 hours ahead of New York (EST)
- Entry: visa on arrival and the Bali tourist levy (GOV.UK, travel.state.gov)
Weather in Bali in January
| Month (Denpasar) | Max | Min | Rain | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | 32.7 °C (91 °F) | 23.5 °C (74 °F) | 179 mm (7.0 in) | 16 |
| December | 33.0 °C (91 °F) | 23.5 °C (74 °F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) | 22 |
| January | 33.0 °C (91 °F) | 24.1 °C (75 °F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 27 |
| February | 33.4 °C (92 °F) | 24.2 °C (76 °F) | 274 mm (10.8 in) | 22 |
| March | 33.6 °C (92 °F) | 24.0 °C (75 °F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) | 20 |
Our calculation from these normals: January gets about 1.2 times more rain than December and February, and nearly twice as much as November (179 mm, 7.0 in). With 27 rainy days on average, expect rain almost every day over a 7-day stay, but not all day: in Bali, wet-season showers mostly fall as storms, late in the afternoon or at night. Temperature hardly varies: average maximums stay between 32.7 and 33.6 °C (91 to 92 °F) from November to March. For the rest of the wet season, our page on Bali in February gives weather and advice.
The Denpasar figures describe the south coast. Inland, the hills around Ubud, Kintamani and Munduk are cooler and generally cloudier, which matters in January for sunrises and hikes.
By region in January
- South (Sanur, Nusa Dua, Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu): the climate in the table; the simplest area to stay in January.
- Ubud and the centre: ideal for activities under cover (temples, dances, cooking classes, yoga); rice terraces at their greenest.
- Mountains (Mount Batur, Munduk): frequent cloud; the sunrise on Batur is very much a gamble.
- Nusa Penida, Lombok, the Gilis: same season; boat crossings can be rough. See the best time to visit Lombok.
Things to do in Bali in January
- Ubud and Balinese culture: temples, dance performances, craft workshops, little affected by showers.
- Wellness: yoga, massages, cooking classes to fill stormy afternoons.
- Rice terraces and waterfalls: very green and powerful in January; set out early in the morning and give up if the rain is heavy.
- Beaches: swim only where it is allowed and respect the flags; the sea can be rough.
What to avoid or plan around
- Riding a scooter in storms: the UK FCDO notes a large increase in moped and motorbike accidents in Bali and advises wearing a helmet in good condition (GOV.UK, updated 18 September 2026), and the U.S. Department of State says traffic is hazardous and helmets are required by law (travel.state.gov).
- Isolated rural areas after heavy rain: the UK FCDO warns of flash floods and landslides, and says Bali can suffer severe localised flooding causing major traffic disruption (GOV.UK).
- Hiking a volcano without checking conditions: follow the instructions of the local authorities strictly, including exclusion zones (GOV.UK).
- A schedule that is too tight: keep some half-days of margin.
Events in January
January has no major Balinese festival on a fixed date. The Galungan and Kuningan ceremonies follow the 210-day Pawukon calendar and can fall at any time of year; Nyepi, the Day of Silence, is usually in March. Check the dates for your stay with the Bali tourist office.
Crowds and prices in January
The first days of January extend the festive high season. According to our calendar, prices then fall and the island becomes quieter. The UK FCDO also warns of bag-snatching in Bali, particularly in busy tourist areas (GOV.UK): stay vigilant, especially at the end of December and the start of January.
What to pack for Bali in January
- Light, quick-drying clothing
- A poncho or light rain jacket
- Non-slip sandals
- A sarong or an outfit covering shoulders and knees for temples
- Mosquito repellent
- A waterproof pouch for your phone and documents
Before you go
According to the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated July 9, 2026), US citizens need a passport valid for at least six months beyond arrival with at least two blank pages; tourists can get a visa on arrival or apply in advance for an electronic visa on arrival (e-VOA), which costs IDR 500,000, is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for 30 days. According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 18 September 2026), UK citizens must have a visa: a 30-day, single-entry visa on arrival costs IDR 500,000 and can be extended once for 30 days; the passport must be valid for at least 6 months after arrival with at least 2 blank pages. You must also complete the free All Indonesia arrival card within 72 hours of arrival, and a tourist levy of IDR 150,000 (about £8) applies to all foreign tourists arriving in Bali (GOV.UK). On health, GOV.UK lists dengue among the health risks, notes that rabies exists in Bali (street dogs, monkeys around temples) and that tap water is not safe to drink. Details are on our page on entry requirements for Indonesia; rules change often, so check them again before you travel. Both governments also warn of methanol-contaminated alcoholic drinks in Indonesia. For more on getting a visa, see our page on the Bali visa.
If January does not suit you
Neighbouring months: December and February stay wet (around 275 mm, 10.8 in, in Denpasar); Bali in November only marks the return of the rains. For a drier sky, aim for April or May, at the start of the dry season. If you are torn with another country, read Bali or Thailand.
Other destinations in January: the dry season is in full swing in Thailand and Sri Lanka. All our ideas: where to go in January. To plan the trip: our Bali travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Bali in January?
Hot and very humid: 33 °C (91 °F) in the afternoon, 24 °C (75 °F) at night and 345 mm (13.6 in) of rain in Denpasar according to BMKG 1961-1990 normals, with almost daily storms.
Is January the rainy season in Bali?
Yes, it is the heart of it: January is the wettest month of the year in Denpasar.
Is it a good idea to go to Bali in January?
For the beach and hiking, no. For culture, wellness and rice terraces, it is possible if you accept the showers, with prices falling after the holidays.
Does it rain all day in Bali in January?
Rarely: the rain falls mostly in storms, late in the afternoon or at night. Mornings are often usable.
Can you swim in Bali in January?
Yes, but only where swimming is allowed: the sea can be rough in the rainy season.
Do you need a visa for Bali?
Yes: US and UK citizens can get a paid visa on arrival for stays of up to 30 days, according to travel.state.gov and GOV.UK, and a tourist levy applies to foreign tourists arriving in Bali.
Our sources
- Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics (BMKG), via the WMO World Weather Information Service: 1961-1990 normals for the Denpasar station (temperatures, rain, rainy days)
- Entry, health and safety information read on 24 October 2026: U.S. Department of State, Indonesia country information (travel.state.gov, last updated July 9, 2026), and UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Indonesia (GOV.UK, updated 18 September 2026)
- Verdicts and crowds: calendar on our page on the best time to visit Bali; our methodology
Updated November 2026.