Bali Weather in January: Temperature and Best Places to Go

Before you travel to Bali in January read our summary of travel advice and weather info for January in Bali to know what to expect. We include average temperatures, rainfall, humidity, travel tips, places to go, and what to wear.

Bali Weather in January: Overview

Bali Weather in January

• Averages temperature range: 24–33°C (75–91°F)
• Rainfall: 350 mm (14 inches)
• Rainy days: 27
• Sunshine hours/day: 6
• Ocean temperature: 29°C (84°F)
• Humidity: 85% (feels muggy, except after rain)

January is the middle of the southern hemisphere summer and Bali's November–March wet season. Therefore, the weather in Bali in January is warm to hot, and January is the rainiest month.

There is still enough sun (average 6 hours per day) to enjoy beaches between the downpours, which happen on 27/31 days, but humidity builds to very high levels at these times. Bali's January rain is typically very heavy with tropical storms, though they are over quite quickly, often falling in the afternoon or evening.

See Best (and Worst) Times to Visit Bali and How to Plan a Trip to Bali

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The Best Places to Visit in Bali in January

The Best Places to Visit in Bali in January

January is definitely not a month for visiting Bali's islands, doing most watersports, or for adventurous outdoor activities. It is not good for island hopping, diving, snorkeling, or volcano/mountain climbing. If you really want to do those things, consider Thailand in January, which (apart from Ko Samui and the east coast) has ideal dry-season weather.

Make the most of the sunny times, but avoid getting caught out by tropical downpours, strong ocean currents, and rough seas. Here are Bali's best places for you to visit in January.

Check the sample itineraries of Bali for 10 days.

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1. Nusa Dua — Best Rainy Season Beach

Nusa Dua Beach in Bali

Most beaches on Bali suffer from murky seas with (dangerous) rubbish floating to shore during the rainy season. Not so sheltered Nusa Dua. It still enjoys clear water in January and is Bali's wet season go-to beach. Nusa Dua is popular even in the low season, especially over the New Year. Book early!

Though watersports may not be offered or be safe/doable when the storms come and the sea is rough, they can still be enjoyed on most days of the wet season at Nusa Dua, which is sunny and hot with clear enough waters when it's not raining. Nusa Dua is a great place for luxury resorts, honeymoons, family holidays, restaurants, shopping, and surfing.

For more, see Best Beaches in Bali: How to Choose the Right One for Your Trip.

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2. Besakih Great Temple on January 18, 2024

Temple Festival Odalan, Bali

If by coincidence or choice you can be in Bali on January 18th, 2024, then you can experience Bali's biggest Odalan — a 7-monthly Hindu festival celebrating the inauguration of a temple. Rich in colorful decoration and pageantry, with processions of locals in Balinese ethnic dress, the best Odalan to experience is for Bali's biggest Hindu temple — Besakih. The festivities can go on for up to a month.

Though Besakih Temple is the biggest temple on Bali, it's location on the slopes of Mount Agung makes it more difficult to get to in the rainy season. The roads are good though, so it should be okay (1½ hours from Nusa Dua Beach in ordinary conditions, a little less from Ubud). Happily, Besakih Great Temple's founding is also celebrated all over the island, especially at temples, including more-easily-accessible and highly-acclaimed Uluwatu, only 40 minutes from Nusa Dua. You can contact us to inquire about a private transfers.

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3. Experience Balinese Culture and Cuisine in Ubud

Cooking Class in Bali - Balinese Salad

If it looks like it will be a rainy day, Ubud — the cultural capital of Bali — is still somewhere you could go. (Bear in mind it hardly ever rains all day.) Go to Ubud Royal Palace to see the island's royal family treasures within charming architecture and gardens, and see Balinese dance performances. Visit its art market for souvenirs from silk scarves and lightweight shirts to statues and kites.

Ubud is the best place to find a Balinese chef, who would take you to a local market for fresh ingredients, then give expert guidance in making Balinese cuisine. Cooking and eating some tasty creations would be a great wet-day activity. See The 10 Best Bali Foods and Dishes You Absolutely Have to Try.

Contact us for an Ubud tour and Bali cuisine experience.

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4. Enjoy Peak-Flow Waterfalls near Ubud

Amazing Tegenungan Waterfall near Ubud in Bali

Ubud has several nearby waterfalls, and they are most impressive in the height of the wet season. Wait for a downpour to pass in Ubud, then head out to see a cascade in the sun. You may even see a rainbow! The most popular waterfall, about 20 minutes from Ubud town, is Tibumana — a single vertical torrent plunging into a pool that is shallow enough to paddle in at the edge.

Tegenungan Waterfall, also about 20 minutes outside Ubud, is a mightier tumult, best photo'd in the evening as it's west-facing.

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5. View Tegallalang's Reflective Rice Terraces

Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Bali

Bali's second-most popular rice terraces at Tegallalang are also close to Ubud (within 30 minutes), making them the best ones to visit at the height of the wet season. Apart from the almost-daily rain, January is a good month to visit, as Tegallalang's tiered paddies will have filled up with water, creating a steep-valley vista of mirror-like fields — some of the best scenery of the year. Try to get there when the sun's out for photography.

Bali's only World-Heritage rice terraces at Jatiluwih should be visitable too in January, but the roads out from Ubud may be affected by mudslides making the 2-hour journey longer/undoable. In January, the terraced-field paths become muddy, so bring your walking boots.

For more, see Bali Rice Terraces: The Best 8 Rice Terraces on Bali.

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Both Extremes of Crowding and Costs

There is some pleasant weather to be enjoyed in Bali in January, but it is definitely a rain-affected off-season month with corresponding price reductions, apart from around New Year, which is one of the most popular times of the year.

Go later in the month for lower costs and visitor numbers. Go early in the month (or in December) for the festive atmosphere, but book early.

What to Wear in January

Pack light, cool, quick-drying clothing. An umbrella will be handy to provide shelter from showers and sun. You may prefer a local poncho-like waterproof for walking around in the rain. Sandals and cool, breathable footwear are generally recommended.

Bring some light longer clothing to cover arms and legs for Bali's Hindu temples and religious sites, which will also help to protect you from the sun and mosquitoes.

UV levels will be high (when it's not cloudy), so pack some sun cream, a sunhat, and good sunglasses. Insect/mosquito repellent may be required, especially in evenings and rural areas.

For hiking on rural (hillside terrace) paths comfortable walking shoes with a good grip in the wet/mud are recommended.

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Monthly Weather in Bali

Holidaying in Bali with Asia Highlights

In Bali in January, with the challenges of negotiating the rains as well as a foreign culture, it would be so much easier to have everything professionally arranged for you, including a local guide who makes the best of the weather.

At Asia Highlights, we'll do all the itinerary tailoring and expert arranging to make the best trip for you. Contact us to begin an inquiry with your initial questions.

You could start from one of our Bali tour designs:

• 8-Day Private Authentic Bali Discovery Tour — Exciting or relaxing activities: rafting, yoga, massage, cycling…
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• 12-Day Romantic Bali & Java Honeymoon — Fairy-tale experience of Bali and Java: high tea, water sports experience, dreamy sunrises and sunsets, the Kecak dance…
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