Bali’s legendary waves have drawn surfers to its shores for decades, but timing is everything when planning your Indonesian surf adventure. From the pumping left-handers at Uluwatu to the consistent breaks of Canggu, each season brings distinct conditions that can make or break your surf trip. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an ambitious beginner, getting a handle on Bali’s weather patterns and how they affect its world-class waves is super important for scoring the perfect session.

Understanding Bali’s seasons

The island’s surf conditions are dictated by two distinct seasons: the dry season (April to October) and the wet season (November to March). During the dry season, southeast trade winds dominate, creating ideal conditions for many of Bali’s west coast breaks. These consistent offshore winds shape the waves to perfection, particularly at spots like Uluwatu, Padang Padang, and Impossibles.

The wet season brings northwest winds and more variable conditions. While some spots can be blown out during this period, the season offers excellent opportunities at east coast locations like Keramas and Nusa Dua. Don’t let the term “wet season” discourage you, as the rains typically come in short, intense bursts and leave plenty of windows for surfing.

Early year swells: January to March

January kicks off the year with heavy rainfall averaging 350mm, but this doesn’t deter dedicated surfers. Water temperatures hover around a balmy 29°C (84°F), and wave sizes typically range from three to six feet. The east coast breaks shine during this period, with Keramas offering particularly good conditions when the winds cooperate.

February maintains similar conditions to January but with slightly decreased rainfall. The morning sessions become increasingly worth prioritising, as afternoon storms are common. Green Bowl and Sri Lanka (the surf spot, not the country) can produce some gems during this period, especially during the early hours.

March marks a transitional period as Bali moves toward the dry season. Rainfall begins to decrease, and while wave sizes might be smaller (typically two to four feet), the conditions become more consistent. Sanur Reef joins Keramas and Nusa Dua as a reliable option during this time.

Prime time: April to June

April heralds the start of the dry season, and with it comes the southeast trades that make Bali’s west coast spots come alive. Uluwatu, Padang Padang, and Bingin begin their peak season, with wave sizes ranging from three to five feet and increasing as the month progresses. The decreased rainfall (around 100mm) means more consistent surfing windows throughout the day.

May is when the prime surf season truly begins. Wave sizes increase to four to six feet, and the consistent offshore winds create perfect conditions at most breaks. Uluwatu and Impossibles start showing their true potential, while lesser-known spots like Balian offer alternatives for those seeking to escape the growing crowds.

June brings even better conditions, with wave sizes regularly reaching four to eight feet. This is when Padang Padang really turns on, offering the barrel rides that have made Bali famous. While the crowds begin to build, the consistent conditions mean there are waves for everyone who’s patient enough to wait their turn.

Peak season: July and August

July marks the arrival of the biggest swells of the year, with waves commonly reaching four to 10 feet. The minimal rainfall (around 40mm) and steady offshore winds create picture-perfect conditions. However, this is also when Bali’s breaks are at their most crowded. The lineup at Uluwatu can resemble a small city during this period, but the waves are so good that most surfers consider it a worthy trade-off.

August continues the peak season trend with similar conditions. Water temperatures drop slightly to 26°C (79°F), but this is hardly noticeable in the tropical climate. The crowds remain intense, making early morning sessions essential for those seeking less competitive lineups. Bingin and other slightly less accessible spots can offer refuge from the masses while still delivering quality waves.

The wind down: September and October

September sees a slight decrease in swell size, but conditions remain excellent with waves typically in the three to seven foot range. The crowds begin to thin as peak season winds down, making this an ideal time for intermediate surfers looking to progress their skills in quality conditions. Canggu comes into its own during this period, offering more manageable waves while still maintaining power and form.

October represents the last month of consistent dry season conditions. While some rain begins to appear (around 100mm), the surfing remains excellent. This is an ideal time to explore different spots around the island, as the diminishing crowds and still-favorable winds create opportunities at both well-known breaks and hidden gems.

Wet season sessions: November and December

November marks the transition back to the wet season, with wind directions becoming more variable. Wave sizes typically decrease to two to five feet, but the east coast spots begin their time to shine. Keramas, in particular, can offer world-class waves during this period, especially during the morning sessions before the winds pick up.

December brings the wet season in full effect, with rainfall averaging 300mm. However, the waves remain surprisingly consistent, ranging from three to six feet. The east coast continues to provide the best options, with spots like Green Bowl and Sri Lanka offering clean conditions when the west coast is blown out.

Making the most of your trip

Bali weather table courtesy of Weather and Climate

For most surfers, choosing when to visit Bali involves balancing ideal wave conditions against crowds and costs. While everyone dreams of scoring perfect barrels at Uluwatu, the reality is that peak season’s pristine conditions come with packed lineups and premium prices. Understanding how different seasons affect various spots can help you plan a trip that matches your skills and goals, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out.

Key considerations for timing your trip:

While the allure of perfect high-season waves might be tempting, don’t overlook the advantages of off-peak visits. The wet season’s reduced crowds mean more opportunities to work on your surfing, especially at beginner-friendly spots like Kuta Beach and Canggu. Plus, modern forecast technology means you can still score excellent sessions year-round – it’s just a matter of being in the right spot at the right time.

Beyond the Waves

While wave conditions might be your primary concern, it’s worth considering other factors when planning your trip. The high season of July and August not only brings crowds to the lineup but also results in higher prices for accommodation and services. Cultural events and festivals can affect availability and prices throughout the year, so it’s worth researching these before booking.

The influence of tides varies significantly between breaks. Uluwatu, for instance, can handle most tides but tends to be best on mid to high tide, while Keramas often produces its best waves on mid to low tide. Knowing what’s what can make the difference between an average session and an exceptional one.

All the seasons

Whether you choose to visit during the peak dry season or take your chances with the wet season, Bali’s warm water, consistent waves, and vibrant culture make it one of the world’s premier surf destinations. The key to a successful surf trip lies in matching your skill level and goals with the right season and locations. With proper planning and a flexible attitude, great waves await year-round on the Island of the Gods.Planning your first surf adventure? Rapture’s experienced instructors offer daily lessons at pur two stunning Bali locations: Green Bowl and Padang Padang. With world-class waves at your doorstep and supportive guidance, you’ll be riding waves in no time. Daily surf theory classes and video analysis included.