The rainy season on the island is coming to an end. Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) forecasts that the dry season will start earlier than usual and last longer than normal. In other words, there will be more sunny days than in an average year.
Bali will enter the dry season as early as April—one of the first regions in the country to do so. The rainy period here traditionally ends in February–March, and from April to September the islands of Java, Bali and Nusa Tenggara typically experience sunshine and dry heat. This year, the shift will be especially abrupt, with hardly any gradual changeover.
In the south and in coastal areas—Kuta, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, Sanur and Denpasar—the rains will end first. In May, the dry season will spread to central Bali—Ubud, Tabanan and the foothills. The transition is gentler here: occasional morning mist and cooler nights are still possible. Northern and highland Bali—Kintamani, Bedugul and the Mount Batur area—is traditionally cooler and more humid even at the height of the dry season, and rains may continue there until May.
The peak of the season will be in August: maximum sunshine, minimal rainfall and the best conditions for surfing, diving and trekking. July and August in Bali are what people travel for from all over the world: clear skies, a calm ocean, comfortable temperatures and long, warm evenings.
The reason for the longer dry season is a shift in climate cycles. La Niña, which had been moderating the weather in recent months, faded in February, and the climate cycle moved into a neutral phase. By mid-year, there is a 50–60% chance that El Niño could arrive—a phenomenon that can make the season even hotter and drier.
However, there is a downside. A prolonged drought creates challenges for Balinese farmers, makes water supply more difficult in tourist areas, and increases the risk of wildfires. BMKG is urging the authorities to act in advance: refill reservoirs, strengthen fire services and help farmers adjust planting schedules. “A forecast isn’t just numbers; it’s a call to action,” the agency’s head, Teuku Faisal Fathani, stressed.
If you’re planning a trip to Bali, the weather this year looks set to be on your side.
Source: bmkg, infodenpasar
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