Month guide · Bali · Indonesia
Bali in May
What May is really like in Bali: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: PHGCOM, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
May is one of the best months to visit Bali. Expect average highs of 31°C (88°F), lows of 24°C (75°F), about 6 rainy days and roughly 11.7 hours of daylight. Dry, sunny and less humid — one of the best months for trekking, diving and rice terraces.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 31°C (88°F) / 24°C (75°F)
- Rainy days
- About 6
- Daylight
- About 11.7 hours
- Sea temperature
- 28°C (82°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in May
May is the 7th-warmest month in Bali: days average 31°C (88°F) against a yearly average high of 31°C (88°F), and nights fall to about 24°C (75°F). Rain falls on roughly 6 of its 31 days. Compared with April (32°C (90°F)), May is about as warm; by June highs stay near 30°C (86°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 06:23
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 18:07
- Daylight
- About 11.7 hours
- Sea
- 28°C (82°F)
Wet season (November–March). Hot and humid with heavy afternoon or overnight downpours, rough seas on the west coast and rubbish on some beaches, but lush scenery and lower prices.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, May rates 3 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in July). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in May
May has no major recurring festival in Bali, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in May
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Religious site · Tabanan
Tanah Lot
Arrive mid-afternoon to see it at low tide and stay for sunset from the cliff-top cafés.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Views
- Photo spot
- Kids
Nature · Ubud
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
About 20 minutes north of Ubud, Tegallalang's terraces step down a palm-fringed valley.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Nature
- Photo spot
- Outdoors
Religious site · Karangasem
Lempuyang Temple
Arrive at dawn to beat the photo queue, which can last hours, and to see Mount Agung before clouds form.
- Time needed
- 2–5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Views
- Photo spot
- Active
- History
Nature · Kintamani
Mount Batur sunrise trek
An active volcano of 1,717 metres, Mount Batur rises over the crater lake of Batur.
- Time needed
- 6–8 hours including transfers
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Active
- Views
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Photo spot
The sea averages 28°C (82°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Bali.
What to pack
For highs near 31°C, lows near 24°C and 6 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; comfortable walking shoes.
Is May a good time to visit Bali?
One of the best months to visit Bali. The other best months are April, June and September–October. Compare every month.
Bali in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is May a good time to visit Bali?
It is one of the best months to visit Bali. Dry, sunny and less humid — one of the best months for trekking, diving and rice terraces.
+How warm is Bali in May?
Average highs are around 31°C (88°F) and lows around 24°C (75°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Bali in May?
Expect rain on about 6 days of the month.