Why Is Bali So Hot in October 2026? Is It Wildfire Haze?

The heat in Bali this week is not caused by wildfire smoke. BMKG's Bali climatology station says haze from the fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan has not reached Bali, and the hot, dry weather is expected to last until the shift to the rainy season, which BMKG puts in November 2026 at the earliest (checked 21 October 2026).

The BMKG Region III Denpasar forecast for Wednesday, 21 October 2026 calls for partly cloudy skies with a high of 34°C, as reported by IDN Times Bali. A day earlier, residents were complaining about the heat on social media, and some assumed the grey afternoon sky was smoke.

Why does it feel so much hotter?

Aminudin Al Roniri, head of the Bali Class II Climatology Station, gave detikBali three reasons on 20 October 2026:

• The sun's position. Since 16 October 2026 the sun has been over the southern hemisphere, so Bali and southern Indonesia get stronger sunlight.
• Few clouds. Late in the dry season cloud cover is thin, so the sun's heat reaches the ground directly.
• El Niño. The atmosphere is drier than usual, which makes the heat feel stronger.

BMKG expects most of Bali to stay dry for the coming week. For the rainy season forecast by area, see our 2026 rainy season forecast.

So what is the grey sky?

BMKG says its haze map only marks parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan. Winds from the east and southeast are pushing the smoke northwest and north, away from Bali. If the sky near you looks dark, BMKG suggests first checking for land or rubbish burning nearby. Backyard rubbish fires are still a common sight in Bali during the dry season.

Are flights from Bali affected?

Ngurah Rai International Airport is not on the list of affected airports. Onward connections are the thing to watch. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation at the Ministry of Transportation counted 2,458 domestic flights affected by haze between 11 August and 17 October 2026, of which 1,324 were cancelled or postponed (iNews, 18 October 2026). Affected airports include Supadio (Pontianak), Tjilik Riwut (Palangka Raya), Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II (Palembang), Sultan Syarif Kasim II (Pekanbaru), Pattimura (Ambon), Toraja, and Domine Eduard Osok (Sorong), the gateway to Raja Ampat.

If your trip continues from Bali to one of those cities, check your flight status before leaving for the airport and pick a fare that allows date changes. Your rights when a flight is late are covered in our guide to delays and compensation.

What to prepare while it stays hot

• Plan outdoor activities (hikes, rice terrace walks, clifftop temples) before 10am or after 3:30pm.
• Carry a refillable bottle and drink before you feel thirsty. Dizziness, nausea, cramps, and hot dry skin can be signs of heat exhaustion. Clinics and emergency numbers are listed in our Bali health and emergency guide.
• Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sleeves at the beach or on the boat to Nusa Penida. Reflection off the water burns skin faster.
• Waves in southern Bali waters were forecast at 0.5 to 2.5 metres on 21 October, with Sanur, Nusa Penida, and Serangan in the 1.25 to 2.5 metre range. Follow red flags and Balawista lifeguards.
• The dry season also raises the risk of brush fires on hills and vacant land. Do not toss cigarette butts; other rules for visitors are summarised on our Bali rules page.

FAQ

Is it safe to travel to Bali during the wildfire haze?

Yes. As of 20 October 2026, BMKG says the smoke has not reached Bali. If you have asthma, still check the daily air quality index before strenuous outdoor activity.

When will the rain come back?

BMKG expects the transition to the rainy season in November 2026 at the earliest, and timing differs between south, central, and north Bali.

Are there still fuel queues?

Queues appeared in several areas in mid-October. On 16 October 2026, Pertamina Patra Niaga said distribution was gradually returning to normal, with 66 petrol stations in Denpasar and Badung open 24 hours (detikBali). Whether tourists may buy Pertalite is covered in our fuel guide for tourists.