What May feels like in Bali
May sits between Bali's dry and wet seasons. Midday heat is intense, and most people keep to shade or air-conditioning in the afternoon. Nights bring little relief: even the coolest hour of the night stays very warm. High humidity makes the heat feel heavier and sticky, especially on still afternoons.
Rain in Bali in May
May is persistently wet here: some rain falls on about every other day. Rainy days are intense, averaging about 9.6 mm (0.4 in) — downpours rather than drizzle. Across the year Bali averages about 11.1 mm per rainy day, so May is typical.
Daylight and sunshine in May
Mid-month, Bali gets 11 h 44 min of daylight, from sunrise near 6:24 am to sunset near 6:08 pm. Evenings are drawing in — 11 min less daylight than mid-April. Close to the equator, sunrise and sunset times move very little through the year. About 89% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, skies are mostly clear.
How May compares to the rest of the year
In Bali's temperature order, May sits as the 2nd warmest month. Compared with April, afternoons are 1°C (1.8°F) cooler, with 77 mm more rain. The cooling trend carries on into June. By June, typical highs are 33.3°C (91.9°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — midday heat makes long walks hard.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
- Beach: a good fit — hot coastal weather.
- Hiking: less ideal — too hot for long hikes.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — a cool break during the hottest hours.
Tips for visiting Bali in May
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Sun Protection
Protect yourself from strong sun: hat, SPF and plenty of water.
Quick questions
How warm is Bali in May?
Expect around 35°C (95°F) in the afternoon and 26.8°C (80.2°F) at night, which most visitors would call very hot.
Does it rain a lot in Bali in May?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about every other day and totals about 144 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Bali in May?
The numbers point to rain protection and sun protection. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is May or June better for visiting Bali?
May scores better on our climate ranking (#8 of 12 vs #12), rated Fair against Poor. June is cooler and has more rainy days.