Bali Weather in January

Visiting Bali in January

January brings 313 mm of rain across 28 days, with 86% humidity, heavy cloud and just 2.2 hours of sun a day. Highs reach 29°C and lows 25°C, so expect warm, sticky days and frequent downpours rather than reliable beach weather. Rain can interrupt trips between Ubud, the coast and other parts of the island; Mount Batur's trails may also be slippery. Keep plans flexible, and avoid relying on a long outdoor hike or a full day on the beach. For a better chance of fitting in a walk around Ubud's rice terraces, go earlier in the day, before showers are more likely to disrupt outdoor plans. Rainy spells suit a slower visit: see the carved stonework at Goa Gajah or spend time over a Balinese meal in Ubud.

Crowds, holidays and local tips

January starts with New Year's Day, and Bali can still feel busy in the first days of the month as Christmas and New Year visitors depart. Australian summer school holidays also bring families to the island. After that, January is generally quieter and often less expensive than the July-to-September high season, though the wet weather is a trade-off. There is no single major Bali-wide festival that falls in January every year; Balinese Hindu ceremonies follow a traditional calendar, so dates vary. If rain slows the road to Ubud, use a driver familiar with the route rather than assuming the usual journey time. For a local meal, try nasi campur at a warung in Ubud, where you can take a break from a passing shower without giving up on Balinese food.