Planning a trip to Bali in January? January can be a great time to visit Bali and some travelers actually prefer it to the hot, dry busyness of peak season. But if you want to know what the weather in Bali in January is like, I’m afraid it’s not good news.
DECEMBER 2019 UPDATE: I’m back living in Bali and rainy season this year started on about December 10th, ,such later than previous years. As os Christmas week, it starts raining ar 3pm every day and usually dries up just before or after sunset. Some evenings it rains again, VERY HEAVY, late at night. More updates to follow!
The wet season in Bali can be a real downer if you’ve made a mission to this tropical paradise in search of a trip filled with never ending sunshine. So it’s best to prepare yourself for all the wet and wonderful things that the month of January has to offer in Bali!
Weather in Bali in January
So, what is the weather like in Bali in January? Although some storms can last up to a few days during the raining season, the rain in Bali typically lasts only a couple of hours in the afternoon or morning and is followed by sunshine.
Because Bali is situated just a few degrees South of the equator, it has a tropical monsoon climate; with only two seasons! So it’s either going to be dry season (May to September) when you go, or wet season (October to April).
January falls into the wet season, and is regarded is one of the wettest months in Bali, however that really depends on how much rain has already come. Here’s what you can expect from the weather in Bali in January:
Bali Temperature January
Considered one of Bali’s “winter” months, the temperatures in January are usually very warm. The average temperature is 26°C, with the average low being 23°C, and the average high is 29°C – so it’s definitely not cold.
Thanks to Bali’s tropical climate, it’s almost always humid (the dry season is the least humid actually). January, is ESPECIALLY humid, due to the high volume of rain. Combining this month’s 80% humidity with almost 30°C? – it calls for light weight dresses and flops for sure.
Rain in Bali in January
January is in the middle of the rainy season in Bali. That means that although one can still expect some nice days with no or little rain – tropical rain showers will be part of your Bali experience. This isn’t all bad though, when the rains set in, Bali’s forests flourish. The landscape is refreshed and turns into a pallet of beautiful greens, blooms and tranquility.
Weather Bali, January is characterised as having the most rainfall throughout the year, with an average chance of 43% chance of rain and 347mm of rain for the month.
You may find yourself welcoming a downpour with hot, sticky arms after your daily dose of humidity though!
Wind
The wet season brings about some gusty winds in Bali. The windiest month in the wet season is usually January. However the wind can be fairly unpredictable – check out the wind closer to your trip here. If you’re a fan of kite surfing in Bali, then the best places to kite are Sanur, Jimbaran or Tuban for the month of January (however, May to September is famous as the kite season).
Daylight Hours
January sees the least sun for the year in Bali, and while you can still expect 13 hours of daylight – there are only about 6 hours of sunshine each day. Bali weather in January can bring about a lingering cloud coverage that can sometimes affect visibility, which could make visiting some mountainous areas slightly limited in terms of picturesque views.
Don’t let clouds fool you, though, the sun is very strong around this time of the year, so be sure to pack in your sunscreen and a hat!
Should You Go To Bali In January?
Tranquility would make for the top reason to go to Bali during the rainy season. Noisy restaurants, busy beach cafes and overcrowded beaches will not be featuring during the rainy season (with the exception of New Years). You will have plenty of space to explore.
Bali is great all year round, but I think that January is more about exploring temples and natural sites, shopping at the markets, and enjoying a peaceful experience, than baking on the beach every day – although you’ll probably get to do that at some point in January too. After the 6th of January accomodation prices decrease quite a lot, so chances of finding cheap accommodation is very possible.
Quick thing to note: In January the sea gets rougher because of the wind. Beaches in general can become quite filthy due to rubbish that is washed ashore.
January Packing List for BALI
- Poncho for the rain
- Umbrella, again, for the rain
- Plastic bag/casing for valuables – so you won’t worry about them getting wet in the rain
- Sunblock, sunglasses and a hat
- Clothing suitable for humid conditions
- Hiking boots (or closed shoes) for exploring
- Gopro/camera
- A book (reading while listening to the rain = bliss)
- Mosquito repellant (a must for this month)
Best Time Of Year To Go To Bali
Bali is the perfect all year travel destination – it really just depends on what your cup of tea is, which will determine when YOU would enjoy Bali to the fullest.
Bali’s dry season occurs between the months of May and September and is the time of year that tourists flock to Bali. Especially July, August and September when the humidity is low and the rainfall minimal, making for a popular yet fairly more expensive time to holiday in Bali.
While wet season brings about a relaxed and lazy atmosphere. The humidity is at its highest and it’s common to dance between crazy rainstorms that soak the island, to sunny days without a cloud in the sky.
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