Bali Surf Seasons: The Ultimate Guide With Monthly Breakdown

Bali isn’t just another island... it’s a surfer’s paradise.

With world class waves rolling in from the Indian Ocean, stunning scenery and a vibrant culture, it’s no wonder people from all over the globe plan their surf trips here.

But while Bali delivers rideable waves year round, there are two very different seasons to understand:

The dry season and the wet season.

Knowing the difference is key. Surf conditions, surf spots and even the size of the crowds all vary depending on the time of year. Whether you’re just booking your first surf camp or hunting barrels as one of the more advanced surfers, this guide breaks it all down.

Season by season, month by month and even by skill level. 

This way you can score the best waves for your abilities and make the most of your Indo vacay!

The two main surf seasons in Bali

Dry season (April – October)

The dry season, starting in April, is prime time for surfing Bali’s west coast and the Bukit.

Easterly trade winds create ideal wave conditions with offshore winds that groom the surf into perfect waves. This is peak season, when Bali’s most famous breaks fire. Think Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Impossibles, Bingin, Dreamland, Echo Beach and Temples for the truly experienced surfers.

Expect consistent waves, powerful swells and world class conditions (but also premium prices and smaller crowds only if you know where to look).

Surf shops are buzzing, surf schools are packed and every Bali camp is full of stoked surfers... including ours!

Wet season (November – March)

From November to March, the winds flip and Bali’s rainy season begins.

The rain cools the island and turns everything lush green. This is the low season for tourism, with fewer crowds and a more relaxed vibe.

It’s the time for east coast breaks like Keramas, Nusa Dua, Sanur, Green Bowl and river mouth setups to fire.

Swells are smaller, but still deliver great waves and perfect waves for intermediate surfers or anyone who prefers rideable waves without the hassle of peak-season lineups. Early morning sessions are often glassy (and ridiculously fun).

Learn more about surfing during Bali's wet season in this deep dive article.

Bali surf by month

Regardless of when you go, it's handy to know how to tell what constitutes good and bad conditions here. Learn how to do just that in this handy guide on reading a surf forecast for beginners.

January – February

Deep in the rainy season, but you’ll score clean surf on the east coast. Pack a light rain jacket if you plan on zipping around on your scooter to mitigate against sudden showers. Enjoy lineups with smaller crowds.

March

A shoulder season month with shifting winds. Both coasts can have great waves if you’re flexible. Fewer crowds still but more people than January and February. Nyepi takes place too, which is pretty cool to experience!

April

Start of the dry season. Surf Bali at its best with less rain and consistent waves. Surf camps and surf schools start filling up.

May – June

Prime time on the Bukit Peninsula. World class conditions at Uluwatu and Padang Padang, with great food and nightlife waiting after your sessions.

July – August

Peak dry season. The biggest swells of the year hit the reef breaks. Perfect for advanced surfers but heavy at times for beginners. Expect premium prices and crowded lineups at the best spots.

September

Still in the dry season, but with smaller crowds and slightly cheaper rates. A favorite month for many surfers who want to experience Bali but dodge the hecticness of peak season.

October

Another shoulder season Bali month. Both east coast and west coast can deliver depending on a range of factors. Localised storms, wind direction, high tides and low tides. A roll of the dice, but possibly worth it.

November – December

The wet season returns. East coast breaks like Green Bowl light up with rideable waves and fewer crowds. Great time to visit Bali if you’re after a more relaxed atmosphere, breathtaking landscapes and cultural events.

When to surf in Bali based on your skill level

Even though Bali has clear dry and wet seasons, the island offers waves for every surf level all year long. The key is knowing where to go based on your skill level and having the right board to match.

That’s where a trusted surf camp or local surf guide turns a so-so surf trip into the best surf trip of your life.

Never surfed before / wet + shoulder seasons

• The wet season and shoulder season offer softer, forgiving waves
• Surf schools often teach on more mellow east coast waves
• Ideal for building confidence without heavy reefs or big crowds

Beginner surfers / shoulder + dry seasons

• Best months are the shoulder and dry season months
• Consistent rideable waves without the biggest swells
• Friendly breaks like Dreamland and Echo Beach are perfect practice grounds
• Good mix of fun surf and manageable lineups

Intermediate level surfers / shoulder + dry seasons

• The end of the shoulder and start of the dry season offers progression-friendly conditions
• The west coast has great waves at reef breaks like Bingin and Uluwatu
• Ideal time to refine turns, cutbacks and positioning in the lineup
• A surf camp or local surf guide helps with learning reef navigation

Advanced surfers / peak dry season

• Peak dry season brings the prime time swells. Get your big-wave board ready
• Bukit Peninsula spots like Padang Padang and Outside Corner Uluwatu deliver world class waves
• Expect powerful surf, bigger crowds and heavy jagged reef
• Best choice for more advanced surfers chasing barrels and perfect waves

Planning your Bali surf trip

• High season (dry) = world class conditions, great waves and surf shops buzzing. Best for experienced and intermediate surfers chasing the biggest swells
• Low season (wet) = fewer crowds, less rain than you think, board rentals cheaper and plenty of surf spots still working
• Shoulder season = a sweet balance of great waves, smaller crowds and premium prices that haven’t peaked yet.

No matter your surf level, Bali has rideable waves every month. And with surf camps, board rentals and local surf guides, you’ll always find the right surf for your skill level.

FAQ

Q. When is the best time to surf Bali?

The dry season April to October is prime time for world class waves on the west coast, while the wet season November to March lights up the east coast breaks.

Q. Is Bali good for beginner surfers?

Yes! Especially in the shoulder season or wet season, when surf schools and surf lessons run on mellow surf spots with smaller crowds.

Q. Where can intermediate surfers go in Bali?

Intermediate surfers love the reef breaks around the Bukit Peninsula in the dry season, including Bingin, Impossibles and Echo Beach. If you're flying in just remember to check our travelling with surfboards guide before you book!

Q. Are Bali’s waves too heavy for beginners?

Not if you choose the right surf level spots. Avoid any particuarly jagged reef breaks (like Outside Corner at Uluwatu) and stick to beach breaks or softer reefs with a surf guide.

Q. Does the rainy season mean no surfing?

Not at all. Bali’s rainy season still offers great waves on the east side, with early morning sessions often glassy and uncrowded.

Final thoughts

If we've said it once, we've said it a thousand times... Bali really is a surfer’s paradise.

From mellow surf lessons to chasing world class conditions on legendary reef breaks, the island has something for every surf level. Add in great food, breathtaking landscapes, the energy of a vibrant culture and it’s clear why so many surfers keep coming back year after year.

So whatever season you choose (wet or dry, high season or low season), you’re guaranteed a surf trip filled with great waves, good people and epic memories… so long as you book with Kala, that is!