Bali in November 2026: Weather, Surf, Ceremonies and Hotel Prices

November 2026 will most likely still feel like the tail end of the dry season across most of Bali. In its rainy-season outlook released on 22 September 2026, Indonesia's weather agency BMKG expects only parts of Bali to enter the wet season in November, with most of the island starting in December 2026. The reason is a strong El Niño combined with a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, which delays the onset and shortens the season.

Is November already rainy season in Bali?

For some zones, yes; for most tourist areas, not fully. BMKG head Teuku Faisal Fathani said the 2026/2027 rainy season will start late across about 61 percent of Indonesia. Peak rainfall in Bali is expected between December 2026 and February 2027, depending on the zone.

As a long-term average, Denpasar gets about 150 mm of rain over roughly 10 rainy days in November, up from about 90 mm in October and jumping to around 290 mm in December (Climatestotravel climate data). The typical November pattern: clear mornings, clouds building by midday, then a short, heavy downpour in the afternoon or evening. The average temperature is around 28°C and it feels sticky; November is often one of the hottest months. The sea is around 29°C.

Which beaches and surf are good?

November is a wind-transition month. The dry-season south-easterlies weaken, and the north-westerlies typical of the wet season usually dominate from December to March. What that means for you:

• Surfers: the west coast (Uluwatu, Canggu) can still be clean early in the morning before the wind picks up. Once the westerlies become consistent, east-coast spots such as Keramas, the Sanur reefs and the eastern side of Nusa Dua get cleaner.
• Swimmers and families: Sanur and Nusa Dua remain the calmest. In Kuta, Legian and Seminyak, follow the lifeguards' red-and-yellow flags and do not swim outside that zone.
• Washed-up rubbish: on Badung's west coast, plastic brought in by currents usually starts appearing towards late November and lasts until March. Mornings are often cleaner because crews sweep the beach.

Which holidays and events fall in November 2026?

• Wednesday 4 November: Pagerwesi, four days after Saraswati (Saturday 31 October). In Buleleng it is celebrated almost as grandly as Galungan; see our notes on Pagerwesi in Buleleng. Some temples get very busy with prayers and village roads can clog.
• Sunday 15 November: Makepung Lampit in Kaliakah, Jembrana, buffalo racing in muddy rice fields held before planting season.
• Monday 23 November: Goa Lawah Festival 2026 in Klungkung.

There is no Galungan in November 2026. The next Galungan falls on Wednesday 13 January 2027, with Kuningan on Saturday 23 January 2027. November also has no national public holiday, so there is no surge of domestic travellers like during long weekends; crowds only rise slightly at weekends.

How do hotel prices compare with the year-end holidays?

November sits between two peaks: the July-August school holidays and the Christmas-New Year period. Room rates are therefore generally lower and there are more promotions. That flips from around 20 December: rates rise sharply, many resorts impose minimum stays of 3-5 nights, and some make a gala dinner package compulsory on 24 or 31 December. Check those conditions before paying. If your dates are fixed, compare an AccessiaPass hotel voucher for a November stay with the same room in late December; the difference usually covers several days of activities.

What closes or changes?

• Mola mola around Nusa Penida: sightings are mostly July to October. Your chances drop in November, although manta rays at Manta Point are around all year.
• Waterfalls and canyons: after heavy rain upstream, operators may temporarily close access to the pool or canyon floor because the water rises and turns murky. Ask at the ticket desk before you pay.
• Volcano hikes: the Batur and Agung trails can close temporarily in extreme weather or during temple ceremonies. Use a licensed guide and check for announcements the day before.
• Rafting: actually gets better once the rain starts, as the Ayung and Telaga Waja rivers rise.

Are there extra fees on arrival?

Yes, regardless of season. Foreign visitors must still pay the Rp150,000 (about US$9) tourist levy per person for every arrival, via the official Love Bali website or at counters in the airport and ports; the rule has applied since 14 February 2024. Indonesian travellers are exempt. Keep the QR receipt on your phone, as some attractions check it.

What should you pack?

• A light raincoat or poncho, and sandals with good grip.
• Mosquito repellent, since dengue cases usually rise as the rainy season begins.
• A backup plan for afternoons: a spa, a cooking class or a museum in Ubud.

In short, November suits travellers who want lighter rates and emptier roads and do not mind the occasional afternoon soaking. Schedule beaches and hikes for the morning and keep indoor plans for after 3 pm.