Weather in Bali in May

How May compares

May is the 5th warmest month of the year in Bali and ranks 40th of 134 destinations we compare for May - see where else is hot in May. Against London's average high of 16.6°C in May, Bali is 11.1°C warmer by day and 16.5°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in May

The typical May day in Bali peaks at 27.7°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 28.7°C or more. About 100% of days top 25°C and 1 in 43 pass 30°C. Nights average 24.8°C; one night in ten drops to 23.9°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest May day here reached 31.0°C (2020-05-03) and the coldest night 21.6°C (2003-05-18).

Rain in May

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 15 days with 1 mm or more, 72 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest May was 2010 with 246 mm, the driest 2005 with 10 mm. Humidity averages 83%.

Sea temperature in May

The sea averages 27.9°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 27.3°C to 28.6°C. For the warmest sea here, come in February (28.9°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.6 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 11.6 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:24 and sets about 18:07 local time in mid-May. Average cloud cover is 52%.

Is May a good time to visit Bali?

It is a reasonable choice: hot days but expect showers. The best months for Bali on our scoring are August, September, July; months averaging 25°C or more: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.

Warm all day, with little cooling overnight

Bali feels firmly hot in May, especially compared with London: the average daytime high is 11.1°C higher. Humidity of 83% makes that warmth feel more demanding, so the temperature alone does not tell the whole story. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible choice, and strenuous outdoor plans are better kept away from midday. Days reaching 30°C are uncommon, but there is little relief after sunset, with average lows of 24.8°C. Choose accommodation with effective cooling if warm nights affect your sleep. May suits travellers who enjoy consistent warmth more than those who want fresh evenings after a hot day.

Plan for rain rather than uninterrupted sunshine

The catch is rain: about 15 days see at least 1 mm, so a rigid schedule of outdoor activities could be frustrating. That does not mean those days are complete washouts, but it does mean you should leave room to change plans. A light waterproof layer or compact umbrella is useful; keep clothing quick-drying rather than heavy. Sunshine averages about 5.6 hours within 11.6 hours of daylight, so expect a mix rather than clear skies throughout. May is a reasonable compromise if warmth matters more than reliable sunshine. If your holiday depends on staying outdoors whatever the weather, the wet conditions are a meaningful drawback.

Comfortable sea temperatures, but a long journey

The sea is a clear reason to consider May: at an average 27.9°C, it is warm enough for comfortable swimming rather than a bracing dip. The year-to-year range of 27°C to 29°C also points to consistently warm water. That makes May appealing if swimming is central to your holiday, provided you can work around rain. Warm water does not establish safe swimming conditions, so check local advice before entering. From London, the flight takes about 16 h 24 min. That is a substantial journey, so weigh the appeal of warm seas against the chance of wet days rather than choosing May for guaranteed sunshine.