Bali in May is one of the best experiences of the year: the dry season is established, with about 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain in Denpasar over 8 days on average (against 345 mm, 13.6 in, in January), 33 °C (91 °F) in the afternoon and crowds that stay reasonable before the summer. Verdict: ✅ ideal, and one of the best balances of weather, prices and crowds of the year. For the start of summer, our page Bali in June covers the well-established dry season.
The rice terraces are still green after the rainy season, trails are drying out and the July-August high season has not started. This page covers May in detail; to compare with the rest of the year, see our page on the best time to visit Bali.
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Bali in May: key facts
- Verdict: ✅ excellent, dry season and moderate crowds
- Denpasar (south coast): 33.1 °C (92 °F) in the afternoon, 24.1 °C (75 °F) at night, 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain (8 rainy days)
- Altitude: cooler and wetter in Ubud, cool nights in Kintamani and Munduk
- Crowds and prices: average, before the rise at the end of June
- Ideal for: a first trip, rice terraces, hiking, diving, surfing on the west coast
- Time difference: in May, Bali (UTC+8) is 7 hours ahead of London (BST) and 12 hours ahead of New York (EDT)
Weather in Bali in May
Bali lies just south of the equator: temperatures hardly change through the year, and it is rainfall that makes the difference. In May, the south-east monsoon brings drier air from Australia. Showers become rare and short, although they remain possible, especially early in the month and in the centre of the island.
| Month | Max | Min | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | 34.4 °C (94 °F) | 24.8 °C (77 °F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| May | 33.1 °C (92 °F) | 24.1 °C (75 °F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| June | 31.4 °C (89 °F) | 23.5 °C (74 °F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
From April to May, rainfall stays of the same order (88 then 93 mm, 3.5 then 3.7 in) but falls on fewer days (9 then 8); it drops sharply in June (53 mm, 2.1 in), then reaches its minimum in August (25 mm, 1.0 in). Humidity, however, stays high all year: the heat feels heavier than the figures suggest. To compare with the previous month, which has similar rainfall, our page Bali in April shows how rain recedes at the end of the wet season.
Weather by region in May
- The south (Canggu, Seminyak, Uluwatu, Sanur, Nusa Dua): the climate in the table. The west coast receives the Indian Ocean swell; Sanur and Nusa Dua, protected by a reef, have a calmer sea.
- Ubud and the centre: at about 200 metres (656 ft) above sea level, slightly cooler and wetter than the coast, with more frequent showers even in the dry season.
- The mountains (Kintamani, Mount Batur, Munduk): cool nights and frequent cloud. It is cold at the summit of Batur before dawn.
- Nusa Penida, Lombok and the Gilis: same calendar as Bali; fast-boat crossings are generally easier than in the rainy season.
Things to do in Bali in May
- Rice terraces: from April to June they are at their best, depending on the growing cycles: Jatiluwih, Tegallalang, Sidemen.
- Sunrise on Mount Batur: the dry season gives the best chance of clear skies. Bring a warm jacket.
- Diving and snorkelling: good visibility at Amed, Tulamben, Nusa Penida and Menjangan (best period: April to November). The U.S. Department of State notes that diving can be hazardous because of light regulation and that hyperbaric chambers are available only in Bali and Ambon (travel.state.gov, last updated July 9, 2026).
- Surfing: the season of regular waves begins on the west coast and the Bukit Peninsula (Uluwatu, Padang Padang), for experienced surfers.
- Temples: Uluwatu at sunset, Tanah Lot, Besakih, Tirta Empul. Clothing that covers shoulders and knees is expected.
- A trip combined with Lombok or the Gilis: May is a good time; check the opening dates of Rinjani with the national park.
What to avoid or plan for in May
- Roads in the south remain busy (Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta): allow plenty of time for journeys
- Swimming on the west coast: currents are strong, so swim between the flags
- Rented scooters: the UK FCDO reports a large increase in moped and motorbike accidents in Bali, some fatal; wear a helmet in good condition (GOV.UK, updated 18 September 2026)
Festivals and events in Bali in May
Bali lives by two calendars, the lunar Saka calendar and the 210-day Pawukon calendar. Galungan, then Kuningan ten days later, come round every 210 days and can fall at any time of year: the streets are then decorated with penjor, tall bamboo poles. Nyepi, the day of silence, is usually in March and so does not affect May. The Bali Arts Festival in Denpasar takes place in June-July. Check dates with the Bali tourist office before you go.
Crowds and prices in May
Crowds and prices are average according to our calendar, which is one of the reasons May is a very good month. European and Australian tourists arrive mostly from the end of June. For May, booking flights and accommodation 2 to 3 months ahead is generally enough.
What to pack for Bali in May
- Light, breathable clothing and swimwear
- A sarong and covering clothes for temples
- A warm jacket for Mount Batur and for nights in Munduk or Kintamani
- A light rain jacket for showers in Ubud
- Mosquito repellent, sunscreen and walking shoes
Before you go
Visa, passport and entry-form rules differ for US and UK citizens and change from time to time: see our guide to entry requirements for Indonesia. Dengue is listed among the health risks and rabies is present in animals, with street dogs in Bali and monkeys around temples and tourist areas: protect yourself from mosquito bites, do not touch dogs or monkeys, and seek medical help at once if you are bitten or scratched (UK FCDO, GOV.UK, updated 18 September 2026; U.S. Department of State, travel.state.gov, last updated July 9, 2026).
If May does not suit you
Neighbouring months: June is even drier (53 mm, 2.1 in) and slightly less hot, with more people at the end of the month. April marks the end of the rains (88 mm, 3.5 in) and a very green landscape. For the dry season at its peak, see Bali in August (the driest month, but in the middle of the high season), Bali in September, one of our favourite months, or Bali in October.
Other destinations in May: compare with the best time to visit Lombok, Bali’s neighbour, or with Sri Lanka. Find all our ideas on the page where to go in May, and plan your stay with our Bali travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Bali in May?
Hot and fairly dry: about 33 °C (91 °F) in the afternoon and 24 °C (75 °F) at night in Denpasar, with 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain on average according to the BMKG 1961-1990 normals. It is cooler at altitude.
Does it rain a lot in Bali in May?
No: May is part of the dry season. About 93 mm (3.7 in) falls in Denpasar, nearly four times less than in January. Showers remain possible, especially in the centre of the island.
Is May a good month for Bali?
Yes, it is one of the best: established dry season, rice terraces still green, average crowds and prices, before the July-August high season.
Can you swim in Bali in May?
Yes. Choose Sanur, Nusa Dua or Amed for calm water; on the west coast currents are strong, so swim between the flags, where lifeguards are present.
Are there many tourists in Bali in May?
Fewer than in July-August. The south of the island stays busy and the roads are crowded, but crowds are average according to our calendar.
May or September for Bali?
Both are excellent compromises. May has greener rice terraces and a little more rain; September is drier (47 mm, 1.9 in), with crowds falling after the summer holidays.
Our sources
- Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics (BMKG), via the WMO World Weather Information Service: 1961-1990 normals for Denpasar
- Safety and health information read on 26 October 2026: UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Indonesia (GOV.UK, updated 18 September 2026), and U.S. Department of State, Indonesia country information (travel.state.gov, last updated July 9, 2026)
- Data already published on our page the best time to visit Bali
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.