We Visited Bali in January: Here's Our Advice

As the post-holiday blues kick in, you might be wondering whether January is a good time for that Bali getaway. You're in the right place; having spent several Januarys in Indonesia over recent years, we've compiled this guide with all the pros and cons you need to know.

P.S. By the way, every photo in this article was taken during January.

Quick Summary

Is January a Good Month To Visit Bali?

January is peak rainy season in Bali and historically one of the wetter months. So in terms of weather, January isn't the best time to visit Bali. But if January is your only option, you can still have a great time, and there are plenty of positives too.

Unlike places in Europe or North America, Bali is a year-round tourist destination, so hotels and attractions remain open.

Early January is often still busy and pricey, with Australians on summer vacation and Indonesians finishing their New Year celebrations in Bali. But once the crowds head home, flights and accommodation become very affordable, the roads are slightly less chaotic, and beaches get much quieter.

The rainy season in general is also a great time to see Bali's tropical landscapes at their best, including the many epic waterfalls and lush green jungles (see a gallery of our January photos at the end!).

Now for the downsides. We won't sugarcoat it - rain and tropical storms are frequent. But the most likely scenario is a short downpour lasting a few hours in the morning or afternoon, with blue skies and sunshine for the rest of the day.

Other than disrupting your plans, the storms can cause trash to wash up on some of the beaches, which can detract from their usual beauty, but won't ruin your trip. Local organisations do a great job of keeping things tidy, but do help them out by joining a clean-up event if you can.

However, we should warn you that Bali's weather is unpredictable and can take a turn for the worse. January 2025 was a prime example of this when an unfortunate combination of weather patterns caused heavy rain and flooding across the island. But the previous two Januaries were nothing like this, so really, it’s a bit of a gamble.

For us, staying flexible and keeping a few indoor activities up our sleeve makes it pretty easy to work around the rain and enjoy January in Bali. Plus, the tropical climate means it's always warm, even when it's wet outside.

But if this is your once-in-a-lifetime trip or only annual vacation, we recommend sticking to the dry season to minimise your risk of getting caught up in extreme weather. Our favourite months to visit Bali are May, June, September, and October, when there’s a nice balance of weather, crowds, and pricing.

What’s the Weather Like?

For context, Bali has a tropical climate with just two seasons; dry season (May to October) and wet season (November to April). By January, wet season will be well underway, so you can expect higher humidity and an increased chance of rainfall.

Just how bad the weather in January is can vary from year to year. While the increased humidity is almost guaranteed, the rain is more unpredictable. January 2025 had particularly bad storms, 2024 was almost completely dry with very little rain, while 2023 was somewhere between the two.

Heat & Humidity

Temperatures in Bali remain similar year-round, with just a few degrees difference, according to the official stats:

But in reality, humidity can be as high as 85% in January, so the "feels like" temperature is more like 33°C (91°F). The increased humidity also brings more mosquito activity, so be vigilant with bug spray.

Temperatures are always cooler in the highlands, such as Munduk, Bedugul, and Kintamani, where we usually need an extra layer in the evenings. But in coastal areas, you'll manage with summer wear throughout the day and night.

Rainfall

In a typical January in Bali, expect rainfall on 18 out of 31 days in coastal areas. Total rainfall is 260mm, making it the wettest month on average. This is compared to just 17mm in Aug (the driest month).

Despite the weather, you can still have a great time by taking some precautions, such as remaining flexible with your plans, avoiding too much time in the highlands, keeping a raincoat on hand, and planning some alternative indoor activities.

What Are the Crowds Like?

Being off-season, most of January is a pleasant time to visit Bali with smaller crowds than usual.

You can secure excellent deals on flights and accommodation around this time of year. We've stayed in some amazing places for a fraction of what you'd normally pay during peak tourist season.

However, the first week of January is noticeably busier with more Indonesians around for NYE and Aussies on their summer vacation. At this time, the traffic can be more chaotic than usual, especially in the south in Seminyak and near the airport. This quickly dies down as the month goes on.

What’s On in January?

Here are some of the cultural celebrations, events, and festivals in Bali in January:

Photos From January in Bali

If you're still on the fence about visiting in January, here are some photos from our Bali travels during January over the past few years.