Bali Weather in May

🇮🇩 Indonesia

28°C

High

25°C

Low

Rain Days

11h

Sunshine

82%

Humidity

Asia › 🇮🇩 Indonesia › Bali

Updated: March 2026

Is May a Good Time to Visit Bali?

5/10

Fair

May is a fair time to visit Bali (5/10). With 11 daily sunshine hours and only 18 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it the sunniest month of the year in Bali. Culture-focused travellers and those who prefer lighter crowds will find May a practical choice, with prices running lower than peak May without sacrificing all the good weather. April offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. Watch out for prolonged rain stretches: with 18 wet days, a fully outdoor itinerary is risky. Build in museum days and covered market visits as contingency. Planning tips: accommodation is generally available without long lead times, and flight prices are typically lower than peak season. Flexible travellers will find the best deals by booking 2-4 weeks ahead. Mid-week arrivals consistently unlock lower hotel rates than weekend check-ins.

vs April:28°C avg high

May sits at a particular moment in Bali's seasonal arc. Temperatures average 28°C during the day, placing this month in the warmer half of the year, when the city operates at full summer intensity. Against the seasonal backdrop, 18 rainy days and 11 sunshine hours per day help calibrate expectations for what actually awaits on the ground.

28°C

Avg High

25°C

Avg Low

18 days

Rain Days

11h

Sunshine

82%

Humidity

Temperature in Bali in May

The narrow 3°C gap between daytime and overnight temperatures, characteristic of coastal cities with maritime moderation, means a single mid-layer works across the whole day. At 82% humidity, the 28°C daytime high feels 2-4°C warmer in practice: quick-dry fabrics and shade-seeking between noon and 3pm are the sensible response. The UV index of 3 is low, meaning sun exposure is minimal concern and sunscreen is largely optional. Winds are calm at an average 13 km/h, so wind-chill is not a factor in planning your clothing. In Fahrenheit: 82°F average high, 77°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).

Temperature in May

Monthly Precipitation (mm)

What to Wear in Bali in May

Morning25°CBefore the day warms up

Afternoon28°CPeak daytime temperature

Evening28°CAfter sunset cools down

Packing for Bali in May means dressing for 28°C days and 25°C evenings. A light cotton tee with a casual overshirt works well at 28°C, the overshirt doubles as a layer for air-conditioned venues. Evening temperatures settle at 25°C, a modest 3°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. Comfortable walking trainers are the versatile choice for both outdoor sightseeing and indoor venues. With 18 rain days expected, a compact travel umbrella is worth the bag space. A waterproof jacket is better than an umbrella if you plan full-day outdoor routes. For temple and religious site visits, carry a lightweight scarf or sarong to cover shoulders and knees, required at most major sites across the region. At 82% average humidity, quick-dry synthetic or bamboo fabrics dry overnight and stay comfortable longer than cotton.

💡

Local tip: Temple and religious site visits require covered shoulders and knees in most of Bali's heritage areas. A lightweight scarf or sarong weighs almost nothing and solves the problem instantly.

Events in Bali in May

May has no major festivals or public holidays in Bali, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.

What to Pack for Bali in May

Based on 28°C average highs and 18 rainy days

Light layers for morning and evening
Breathable T-shirts and comfortable trousers
UV-protective sunglasses
Quick-dry travel towel
Anti-chafe balm for long walking days
Moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics for active days
Compact folding umbrella
Waterproof outer layer or packable rain jacket
Quick-dry clothing that recovers fast after a shower
SPF 30+ sunscreen
Comfortable walking shoes (a second pair lets the first air out overnight)
Universal travel adapter
Small day pack for city exploration
Reusable water bottle

Best Activities in Bali in May

Explore outdoor markets and street food stallsMid-morning (10am-12pm)At 28°C, the temperature is ideal for extended walking without overheating
Guided walking tour of the historic centreMorning or late afternoonComfortable temperatures allow several hours on foot without fatigue
Visit rooftop viewpoints and observation decksGolden hour (1 hour before sunset)Warm clear evenings provide exceptional visibility for panoramic photography
Day trip to the surrounding countryside or coastFull day (depart by 8am)May is reliably dry enough for rural day trips without weather risk
Spend a morning in the national or city art museumOpens at 10am; arrive earlyWith 18 rain days expected, having a full-day indoor plan is practical insurance
Cooking class focused on regional cuisineHalf-day sessions run 10am-1pm or 3-6pmIndoor activity that fills a rainy half-day with genuine cultural content
Visit covered historical sites: cathedral, palace, or bazaarAny time; most crowded middayRoofed monuments and covered markets provide exploration without weather exposure
Visit the main botanical garden or city park at seasonal peakYear-round; best light in morningMay brings distinct seasonal changes to public green spaces worth exploring
Seek out chilled local specialities: cold-brew tea, ice desserts, or chilled seafood at street-level stallsAny time; most atmospheric in evening marketsHot-weather street food culture peaks in May, with vendors setting up specifically for warm evenings

Why is Bali warm in May?

In May, Bali sits in the dry season corridor, as the ITCZ shifts away from the region and trade winds bring drier, more stable air. This produces reliably sunny days reaching 28°C, with lower humidity than the wet months. Overnight lows of 25°C offer a pleasant reprieve from the midday heat. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).

Sunshine Hours

The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.

UV Index

A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate -- wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High -- hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High -- limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme -- seek shade between 10am-4pm.

Rain Days

A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.

Humidity

Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry -- skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable -- ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky -- light, breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy -- heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions: Bali in May

In May, Bali experiences average highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 25°C (77°F). Expect around 18 rainy days and 11 hours of sunshine per day, with humidity averaging 82%. The 3°C gap between daytime and overnight temperatures is worth planning around: light layers work for most visitors during the day, but an overshirt or cardigan handles the cooler evenings. UV exposure is moderate at index 3.

Bali typically sees 18 rainy days in May, with total precipitation of around 109mm. This is a notably wet period. A waterproof jacket or compact umbrella is essential, and it is worth building indoor alternatives into your daily itinerary for the inevitable rainy stretches. For context, the driest month in Bali typically sees 4-6 fewer rain days than May.

Pack light layers, a light jacket for evenings, comfortable walking shoes, and sunscreen for Bali in May. Daytime temperatures of 28°C are pleasant, but the evening drop to 25°C means a jacket is essential if you plan to be out after dark. With 18 rainy days, bring a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket for unexpected showers. Comfortable walking shoes are a priority given the amount of ground most visitors cover.

May is a reasonable time to visit Bali. Expect 18 rainy days, so pack a light rain layer for flexibility. Average temperatures of 28°C make outdoor exploration comfortable during the dry periods. With 11 daily sunshine hours, there are reliable windows of good weather to plan outdoor activities around, even if the month is not the driest on the calendar.

The average high temperature in Bali in May is 28°C (82°F), and the average low is 25°C (77°F). The mean daily temperature is approximately 27°C (80°F). The day-to-night range of 3°C is narrow, typical of coastal or maritime cities. These are 30-year climate normals based on the 1991 to 2020 reference period; individual years will vary, particularly in transitional months like spring and autumn.

The best month to visit Bali is generally August. August offers the most sunshine at 11 hours per day and only 10 rainy days. Average temperatures reach 26°C, making it comfortable for sightseeing, outdoor dining, and exploring the city. If your travel dates are flexible, planning your trip around August gives you the best chance of dry, bright weather.

May is shoulder or low season in Bali, meaning fewer tourists and generally lower prices than peak months. With 11 sunshine hours and 18 rainy days, the weather is less of a draw for mass tourism. This is an advantage for travellers who prefer a quieter, more relaxed experience with shorter queues and easier accommodation availability.

In May, Bali suits a range of activities thanks to mild temperatures around 28°C. With frequent rain, indoor activities and covered attractions are a smart choice. Top options include exploring historic neighbourhoods, visiting museums and galleries, local food markets, and day trips to surrounding areas. With 11 hours of sunshine, parks and waterfront walks are particularly enjoyable.

May ranks 1st sunniest of the year in Bali, with an average 11 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are August, September, and July. January is the hottest month (28°C avg high); July is the coolest (26°C). From here, temperatures fall 1°C into June. Compared to last month (April: 28°C high, 24 rain days), May is similarly warm and drier. May is among the top three sunniest months to visit Bali.

Year-Round Climate

Month	High	Low	Rain Days	Sun	Details
January	28°C	25°C	29	9h	View
February	28°C	25°C	27	9h	View
March	28°C	25°C	28	10h	View
April	28°C	25°C	24	10h	View
May	28°C	25°C	18	11h	View
June	27°C	24°C	14	11h	View
July	26°C	23°C	12	11h	View
August	26°C	23°C	10	11h	View
September	27°C	23°C	11	11h	View
October	28°C	24°C	17	11h	View
November	28°C	24°C	23	11h	View
December	28°C	25°C	28	9h	View

Other Months in Bali

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Plan Your Trip to Bali

Best Time to Visit Bali Bali vs Lombok in May

Data Sources for Bali

Bali on Wikipedia Open-Meteo Climate API NOAA National Centers UK Met Office WMO GeoNames

Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.