What to know before you go to Bali in May

Alex Keshen

4 min read

For Aussies, Bali is more than just a destination; it’s a second home. As the autumn chill begins to settle in back in Australia, May offers the perfect tropical reprieve on the Indonesian isle.

The beginning of Bali’s prime season, May is when lush, rain-washed landscapes of the wet season meet the clear blue skies of the dry season. Whether you’re looking to surf world-class breaks, find your zen in Ubud, or indulge in the legendary beach club scene, May provides the ultimate "sweet spot" for an island escape.

Is May a good time to visit Bali?

Absolutely. The start of the dry season, May is considered one of the best months to visit the Island of the Gods. It marks the definitive start of the six-month dry season, meaning you can expect consistent sunshine and significantly lower humidity than the sweltering months of January or February.

The beauty of May is that it lies in Bali's "shoulder season"; you get the glorious weather of the peak winter months (July and August) but without the heavy crowds and inflated peak season surcharges. It's also between school holiday periods which can inflate prices, too.

The island is still vibrant and green from the recent rains, but the trails are dry enough for hiking and the seas are calm for diving. If you want to see why this month is so highly recommended, check out our guide on the best time to visit Bali.

Is May a cheap or expensive time to visit Bali?

May is a great month for budget-conscious travellers. Since it falls between the Easter rush and the Australian winter school holidays in June/July, many hotels and villas offer shoulder-season rates, which can be up to 30% cheaper than peak periods.

Flights from major Australian hubs like Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne are also generally more affordable. You’ll find that your "Rupiah-to-fun" ratio goes much further this month, allowing for that extra spa treatment or a sneaky room upgrade.

Weather in Bali in May

The weather in Bali in May is near-perfect. Expect average daytime temperatures of around 28°C to 30°C, cooling down to a comfortable 22°C in the evenings; perfectly ideal for alfresco dining. Rainfall drops significantly this month. If a quick tropical spritz does occur, it usually clears within minutes. Humidity levels sit around 75-80%, which feels much fresher than the peak of summer, making it the ideal climate for both beach lounging and active volcano trekking.

Where to go in Bali in May

The dry weather makes May a great time to take advantage of Bali's outdoor experiences, like going to the beach or seeing its volcanoes.

Uluwatu: With the dry season swell arriving, May is prime time for the Bukit Peninsula’s famous surf breaks and sunset views at the cliffside temple.

Nusa Penida & Lembongan: The calm May seas provide excellent visibility for snorkelling with Manta Rays and exploring the iconic T-Rex Bay.

Ubud: Visit the Tegallalang Rice Terraces while they are at their lushest green before the drier months of August set in.

Mount Batur: Clear morning skies make May one of the best months for the sunrise trek to the summit of this active volcano.

Canggu & Seminyak: Enjoy the beach clubs like Potato Head or Finns with a bit more breathing room before the mid-year crowds arrive.

Festivals and events in Bali in May

Vesak Day (May 2026): Join the peaceful celebrations of Buddha’s birthday, particularly at the Vihara Banjar Buddhist monastery in North Bali.

Tumpek Uduh (May 23, 2026): A unique Balinese ceremony dedicated to plants and nature; you’ll see trees across the island "dressed" in traditional cloth and offerings.

Ubud Food Festival: Often held in May or early June, this is Indonesia’s premier culinary event featuring world-class chefs and local food heroes.

Bali Hope Ultra: A community-focused endurance event that takes place in late May, attracting fitness enthusiasts from around the globe.

A motorbike/scooter next to a rice field in Bali

Best things to do in Bali in May

With the humidity dropping and the sun out to play, May is the time for outdoor adventure. This is arguably the best month for scuba diving and snorkelling off the east coast (Amed and Tulamben) as water visibility is at its peak. For surfers, the west coast breaks are firing, but the winds are still light enough for beginners to learn in Kuta.

If you prefer land over sea, May’s reliable weather makes it the safest bet for long-distance cycling tours through the heart of the island or chasing waterfalls in Munduk. Because it isn't quite peak season yet, you can often secure bookings at high-end restaurants like Locavore or Mason without needing to book weeks in advance.

Your Balinese villa is calling! Why wait for the winter blues to kick in when paradise is just a flight away? From luxury beachfront resorts to adventure-packed tours, you can plan your entire May escape in minutes. Book your Bali flights, hotels, and activities with Traveloka today and score the best shoulder-season deals before they're gone!

Here’s all the basics you need to know before booking your trip.

Written by: Alex Keshen

The content strategist and SEO lead for Traveloka Australia, Alex manages the blog and other pages across the site. An avid traveller, digital content creator and writer, she’s contributed to publications such as Australian Women's Weekly, Marie Claire, Elle, Gourmet Traveller, Finder and Explore Travel… and has found the time to visit 50+ countries while doing it. She loves good flight sale and will share some of the best ones she can find right here on our Explore blog. Follow her regular Deals of the Week column for the latest bargains on flights, hotels and more.