Bali Weather in May: Best Places to Go & Travel Tips

This article covers weather in May in Bali including average temperatures and rainfall as well as travel tips on places to go and what to wear in May.

Bali Weather in May: Overview

Bali Weather in May

• Averages temperature range: 24–33°C (75–91°F)
• Rainfall: 9 cm (4 inches)
• Rainy days: 8
• Sunshine hours/day: 9
• Ocean temperature: 29°C (84°F)
• Humidity: 60%

May is in Bali's dry season. It is hot and sunny, averaging 8 hours of sunshine per day. The average daily maximum is 33°C (91°F), and the average nightly minimum is a comfortable 24°C (75°F). This is perfect beach weather.

Bali can expect an average of 8 days with some light rain in May. When it rains, it usually falls for a few hours in the later afternoon or evening. So, you can plan your activities earlier and miss the rain. Evenings often have a refreshing breeze.

Read more on: How to Plan a 1–2-Week First Trip to Bali

The Best Places to Visit in Bali in May

The Best Places to Visit in Bali in May

May is one of the best months for visiting Bali. It is dry season when the beaches and the sea are cleaner, and the bright sunshine and hot temperatures encourage visitors to be on the beaches, do watersports and dive.

The waterfalls are still bigger than in the dry southern hemisphere winter months. You might like to hike and stay in the mountains where it is cooler. You may also enjoy visiting Bali's islands and adventurous ocean activities including surfing and diving.

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1. Uluwatu Beach for Solitude, Resting, and Honeymoons

Enjoy Beautiful Beach in Uluwatu, Bali

The cliffs and private resort beaches make Uluwatu a good beach in May. Uluwatu is one of the best beaches in Bali for solitude, because the many cliffs break up the shore into small stretches of more secluded beaches. This makes it better for people who want privacy and need a rest.

There is golden sand, and snorkeling is a favorite activity. It is also a good place to swim and surf, but wear shoes for the rocky bottom and the coral.

Bulgari Resort Bali is a more secluded clifftop resort nearly 150 meters (500 feet) above sea level with a private beach. It is a resort for those looking for a luxury getaway or a honeymoon suite, and there are breathtaking clifftop ocean and sunset views. Other similar hotel options are Alila Villas and Kowowai Tiny Cottages.

Transportation: Uluwatu is conveniently close to Denpasar. It is about 25 minutes from the airport by road. A taxi ride may cost about 16 to 20 USD.

Recommended reading: Best 12 Beach Clubs in Bali for Adults, Famlies with Kids

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2. Amed Beach for Snorkeling and Diving

Enjoying a Snorking in Bali

Amed is known as one of the best snorkeling areas. You could also do scuba diving. You can see the fish and coral reef near the beach. There is also a shipwreck you can go visit.

Not only is there beauty under the sea, the natural landscape is also beautiful, and it is a place to go for solitude in May, since it is not very popular as a family beach area. It is less crowded. The beach is strewn with rocks and pebbles and there is black volcanic sand.

The village nearby is also quite interesting and less touristy. Transportation and accommodations are convenient.

The area has waterfalls and terraced fields such as the Sidemen terraced fields that are about an hour away by road. The area is suited to backpackers and hikers. It is definitely a place for fresh seafood.

For recommended terraced fields nearby, see: Guide to the Bali Rice Fields: Which to Visit

Transportation: Going by road would take about 100 minutes (70 to 85 USD) from Denpasar.

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3. See Waterfalls around Munduk

Amazing Waterfall in Bali, Indonesia

While the weather is hot, before the dry and warm winter months, good places to hike to are the waterfalls in the north near Munduk. Munduk Waterfall (entrance fee about 1 USD) is impressive, and there are three others you can see too. Munduk is about 90 minutes from Denpasar Airport by road.

About a 30-minute drive from the Munduk Waterfall is the Banyumala Twin Waterfall. There are two bigger streams and several thin ones that all flow into a large pool where people swim. The walk down to the pool can be slippery, so wear shoes with good traction. The Banyumala Twin Waterfall is open 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Entry is only 30,000 IDR (2 USD).

The Munduk area is extensive. You could also walk up Mount Sengayang volcano. To avoid getting lost and also for safety on the trails to the waterfalls, we suggest you go with a local guide and use our private vehicles and drivers.

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4. Mount Batur for Volcano Hiking

Mount Batur, Bali

As the chance of rain decreases through May, you could hike up popular Mount Batur (1,717 m) in northern Bali. It is easier and quicker to hike up than other volcanoes. You could hike up it in 2 hours. If you go before dawn, you could enjoy an awesome sunrise since most of the rainfall comes in afternoon/evening showers.

It's about 10°C (18°F) cooler on the top of Batur compared to sea level, so bring some warmer clothing with you.

Transport: Mount Batur is about 75 minutes from Denpasar by private driver or taxi (45 to 55 USD).

5. Tegallalang Hiking

Photogenic Tegallalang Rice Teracces in Bali, Indonesia

The Tegallalang Rice Terraces are popular due to their accessibility and steep, photogenic cultivated tiers. It is Bali's second most popular rice fields area. It is surrounded by attractions in the Ubud area such as the Tibumana Waterfall.

Cooler place to hike: It is located 600 m (2,000 ft) above sea level so there are cooler temperatures than on Bali's coast. Tegallalang features steeper rice terraces set among the palm trees and jungle in a valley, so there is more shade too.

For hikers, one option is to hike down to the bottom of the valley and up the other side. This walk might take an hour. Tegallalang is a good place for photography, and there are plenty of good vantage points for taking pictures.

Ticket price: There are small parking and entrance fees of about 2 US dollars total. There are more crowds because it is smaller and closes to Ubud.

Transport: By road, Tegallalang is about 35 minutes away from Ubud. A taxi ride would cost about 22 to 24 USD.

Suggested reading:

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Less Crowding and Cost

Uluwatu Temple，Bali

The pleasant dry-season weather continues in May in Bali. Bali is in its shoulder season, and prices are still low, so if you want to go to Bali when the weather is great, without the crowds of winter, go in May and save up to 30% off high-season prices.

What to Wear in May

Enjoy a wonderful Surfing in Bali

May is the hottest month. It is also one of the sunniest months with 9 hours of sunshine a day. Pack light, cool, and quick-drying clothing to cover your skin. You might need an umbrella to provide shelter from showers and sun. Sandals and cool, breathable footwear are generally recommended.

UV levels will be high, so bring a sunhat and sunglasses. Insect repellent might be required in the evenings especially in the rural areas.

For hiking around the rice terraces or on the volcanos, wear strong comfortable trainers or light hiking boots to support your feet and ankles.

Holidaying in Bali with Asia Highlights

With so much to explore on Bali in May, it would be so much easier to have everything professionally arranged for you. With Asia Highlights, just tell us what you want to do and turn up. We do itinerary tailoring and expert arranging to make the best trip for you. Contact us for more information about Bali trip.

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Get more tips: How to Plan a 1–2-Week First Trip to Bali. Or tell us your interests, and we'd be happy to find the perfect timings and activities for you.