Is January a good time to visit Bali? Except for the first few days, Bali tends to be rather quiet during the first month of the year. So you will practically have the Island of the Gods to yourself. Not only is this the slow season. Also, it is the rainy season. Fortunately, it doesn’t usually rain all day.
In This Post
Bali January Weather
How is the weather in Bali in January? First of all, Bali has two seasons: wet and dry. The wet season runs from October to April. And the dry season runs from May to September.
Because Bali is near the Equator, there is little variation in temperature from month to month. However, there is more chance of rain during wet season. And the humidity tends to be higher, as well.
In fact, the weather in Bali in January is wet. Because January falls in the middle of the rainy season. On average it rains most days in January. However, keep in mind that is doesn’t usually rain all day.
The average maximum temperature in January is in the low 30s degrees Celsius, or mid-80s Fahrenheit. And the average low is in the mid 20s Celsius, or low to mid-70s Fahrenheit.
While you might not be able to spend a lot of time by the pool or at the beach in January, you can discover some of Bali’s other attractions. For example you can visit museums and temples. In addition, you can shop till you drop. Bali has some great shopping!
| Ave. High | Ave. Low | Ave. Rainfall | Rainy Days | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canggu | 33 C / 91 F | 24 C / 75 F | 13 inches | 19 days |
| Denpasar | 33 C / 91 F | 24 C / 75 F | 13 inches | 19 days |
| Kuta | 33 C / 91 F | 24 C / 75 F | 13 inches | 19 days |
| Sanur | 33 C / 91 F | 24 C / 75 F | 13 inches | 19 days |
| Seminyak | 33 C / 91 F | 24 C / 75 F | 13 inches | 19 days |
| Ubud | 30 C /86 F | 22 C / 71 F | 14 inches | 19 days |
Visiting Bali in January
The first five or so days of January can be busy. And that is because many travelers spending Christmas in Bali stay behind to ring in the New Year. However, generally speaking, January is one of the slowest months in terms of tourism.
If you want to avoid crowds – and don’t mind a little rain – January could prove a cost-effective time to visit Bali. In addition, you might be able to get special deals at hotels, resorts, and guest houses.
However, an exception would be if Chinese New Year’s falls in January. Bali can be very popular with Chinese tourists, who take advantage of the long holiday to visit the Island of the Gods. Fortunately, Chinese New Year does not fall in January in 2024.
What to Do in Bali in January
Bali has a vibrant club scene. And because of its tropical climate, many of the best clubs are outdoors. Not only that, some of them are located overlooking the ocean! For example, check out the Rock Bar at the Ayana Resort and Spa!
And I am speaking from personal experience – Rock Bar rocks!
In the same vein, clubs with outdoor swimming pools are not uncommon. So the parties often get started long before the sun goes down. Day clubs are highly popular! And some of them don’t charge admission! In fact, you only pay for what you consume!
Again, I am speaking from personal experience! A hotel I was staying at didn’t have its own swimming pool. So they sent me to a day club by van. And I spent the afternoon doing laps in its swimming pool overlooking the sea – gratis! I only paid for the drinks!
Most traditional festivals and celebrations follow the Balinese calendar, which has 210 days. Therefore, the date of events varies from year to year. In addition, many of the festivals are purely local in nature. So it is impossible to list them all.
New Year’s Day – 1 January 2024
As with most other countries, New Year’s Day is an official holiday in Indonesia. And that includes Bali. But not much is happening in the Island of the Gods as most people will be sleeping in following a night of revelry on New Year’s Eve.
Siwa Ratri – 9 January 2024
As one of the most important festivals on the Balinese calendar, Siwa Ratri is a time to meditate, look inward, and pray for forgiveness.
Rituals include staying awake for 36 hours, fasting for 24 hours, and keeping silent for 12 hours.
Following 36 hours of abstinence, many people head to the beach and take part in purification rituals.
Ceremonies are held at temples across the island.
If You Are Visiting Bali
You Might Also Enjoy
- Bali: 700 Year Old Village Keeps Culture Alive While Welcoming Tourists>>
- Balinese New Year Demystified, or Why I’m Extending My Stay
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Hi. I’m enjoying your write-up on Bali since I’m almost ready to commit to going in January (despite the rain). The link to “Balinese New Year Demystified..” does not work. I’d like to now which Balinese New Year it is so I can decide whether to stay for it or not. Thank you!
Thank you very much for your comment and notifying me that the link to the Balinese New Year doesn’t work. Hopefully, this one will work
https://accidentaltravelwriter.com/travelogue-balinese-new-year-dr-mystified-or-why-im-extending-my-stay/
BTW, the Balinese New Year (or Silent Day) will fall on 23 March in 2023. I totally enjoyed the experience, but keep in mind that you will be confined to your hotel for 24 hours. The hotels usually organize special activities such as movies and yoga or meditation classes, and you are allowed to go outside so long as you remain within the hotel compound. But all exterior lighting must be turned off. I thought it was magical!