Bali’s winter in Denpasar doesn’t really fit the cold, gray image you might have in mind. Temperatures stay warm, usually hovering between 24°C at night and 30°C during the day. The air feels humid almost constantly.
You’ll experience steady warmth with hardly any changes, so it’s basically summer—even in winter.
Rainfall shifts as the dry season approaches, with showers becoming less frequent. Skies clear up more often than during wetter months, giving you more opportunities to get outside.
Sunshine, passing clouds, and light rain mix things up but never get too extreme.
Water temperatures stay inviting, averaging 26°C to 28°C. Swimming and diving remain comfortable.
Winds pick up a bit, especially in August, making the air feel fresher. These steady patterns shape Denpasar’s winter vibe and help you decide when to head outdoors or hit the water.
Overview of Winter Weather in Denpasar
Winter in Denpasar, Indonesia, means warm temperatures, high humidity, and frequent rainfall. You’ll notice steady tropical conditions with only minor shifts in sunshine, cloud cover, and daily comfort.
Typical Temperature Range
During December, January, and February, average daytime highs in Denpasar stay close to 28–29°C (82–84°F). Nights are mild, usually between 25–26°C (77–79°F).
Denpasar’s weather doesn’t swing with the seasons. You won’t find cold snaps here, but the warmth and humidity can make the air feel heavy.
Sea temperatures also stay pleasant, ranging from 28°C to 29°C (82–84°F). Swimming and water activities stay comfortable, so the coast is a reliable bet, even when it’s wetter.
Humidity Levels
Humidity in Denpasar during winter usually sits around 80% or higher, which can make the heat feel a bit more intense. You’ll probably notice your clothes drying slowly and the air feeling sticky, especially after rain.
Rainfall peaks now. December and January bring 100–106 mm (3.9–4.2 in) of precipitation, with rain falling on more than 20 days per month.
Showers tend to be short and heavy, then clear to sunshine.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, expect dampness and frequent, brief interruptions. The lush greenery around Bali thrives in this humidity and looks its best.
Daylight Hours
Daylight in Denpasar hardly changes all year since it’s near the equator. In winter, you get about 12 to 12.6 hours of daylight per day, with sunrise close to 6:00 AM and sunset near 6:30 PM.
Cloud cover becomes more common in winter, even though daylight hours stay steady. On average, skies are 55–62% overcast or mostly cloudy, cutting down on direct sun.
Still, you’ll get about 8 to 10 hours of usable daylight for sightseeing, beach time, or exploring. The mix of light and cloud cover keeps temperatures pretty stable, even with frequent rain.
Rainfall and Rainy Season Patterns
Denpasar has a tropical monsoon climate with clear wet and dry seasons. Rainfall doesn’t spread evenly through the year, and both the amount of rain and the number of rainy days change a lot depending on the season.
Monthly Precipitation Totals
Rainfall in Denpasar peaks during the wet season and drops way down in the dry season. January is usually the wettest month, averaging around 280 mm of rain. August, on the other hand, is driest at about 40 mm.
Here’s a quick look at monthly averages:
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| January | ~281 mm |
| February | ~240 mm |
| March | ~210 mm |
| April | ~90 mm |
| May | ~70 mm |
| June | ~50 mm |
| July | ~45 mm |
| August | ~41 mm |
| September | ~60 mm |
| October | ~90 mm |
| November | ~180 mm |
| December | ~220 mm |
You can really see the sharp difference between the rainy and dry halves of the year.
Rainy Days Frequency
Rainy days in Denpasar follow the same seasonal rhythm as rainfall totals. In January, you’ll get about 19 days of measurable rain. August might only see 1–2 days of rain.
Even in the wet months, rain usually spreads out over many days, not just a few big storms. Showers are often short but happen frequently, especially in the afternoon or evening.
The wettest months bring rain on over half the days in a month. The driest months may have less than a week of rain altogether.
Rainy Season Characteristics
The rainy season in Denpasar runs from November through March. During this stretch, the weather feels stickier and skies cloud up more often.
Rain falls in bursts, with heavy showers that break up into sunny spells.
Daytime temperatures stay warm—usually around 27–29°C—so rain doesn’t really cool things off. The main difference is higher humidity and wetter conditions for outdoor plans.
Travelers often find mornings start out clear, with rain more likely later in the day. That makes it easier to plan early outings and save indoor activities for the afternoon.
Sunshine and Cloud Cover
Winter in Denpasar means shorter periods of sunshine than in the dry season, and clouds show up more often. Still, you’ll get several hours of bright weather each day, but skies can swing between clear and overcast as showers pass through.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
During winter, Denpasar averages 5 to 6 hours of sunshine a day. January usually has the least, with about 5.7 hours daily. February and March see a bit more.
You still get about 12 hours of daylight, so there’s plenty of time to get outside. The real difference is how often clouds block the sun.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Average Sunshine Hours/Day |
|---|---|
| December | ~6.0 |
| January | ~5.7 |
| February | ~6.1 |
Showers usually pass quickly, and the sun often returns in the same afternoon. You might notice brighter mornings, with clouds or rain rolling in later.
Cloudiness Trends
Cloud cover increases in winter as the wet season settles in. Skies look mostly cloudy to overcast a lot, especially in January when rain peaks.
Cloudiness isn’t constant, though. Breaks in the clouds happen often, and you’ll see alternating sun and shade, sometimes within the same hour.
Compared to the dry season’s clear skies and lower humidity, winter brings softer light and more muted sunsets.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, expect changing skies. Brief showers can quickly shift visibility and brightness.
This mix of clouds and sun gives winter days a more unpredictable rhythm.
Sea and Water Temperatures
Water around Denpasar stays warm all winter. You’ll notice only small changes from early to late season. Swimming, snorkeling, and diving remain solid options, though by August you might feel a tiny bit of cooling.
Average Sea Temperature in Winter
In winter, average sea temperatures near Denpasar range from 28°C (82°F) in June down to about 26°C (79°F) in August. This slow drop happens as winds shift and surface waters cool a little.
Even at its coolest, the sea stays warmer than at many tropical spots. The difference between June and August is just 2°C, so most swimmers won’t mind.
Here’s a breakdown:
| Month | °C | °F |
|---|---|---|
| June | 28 | 82 |
| July | 27 | 81 |
| August | 26 | 79 |
The sea stays swimmable all season. You might notice cooler currents further offshore, but the coast remains mild.
Swimming and Water Activities
You can swim year-round in Denpasar, since the sea never drops below 26°C (79°F). Winter is a great time for snorkeling, surfing, and diving.
Visibility in the water tends to improve during the dry season, which overlaps with winter. Less rain means less runoff, so reefs often look clearer.
Surfing conditions shift a bit. Winter brings stronger winds from the east and south, which change wave patterns on different Bali coasts. If you’re surfing, check local forecasts to pick the best beaches.
For casual swimmers, the sea’s warmth means you won’t need a wetsuit. Light swimwear does the trick, and you can stay in the water a long time without getting chilled.
Wind and Atmospheric Conditions
In Denpasar’s winter months, you’ll feel steady winds and stable air pressure. These factors affect how comfortable the air feels, how clear the sky looks, and how pleasant your outdoor plans will be.
Prevailing Winds in Winter
Winds in Denpasar during winter usually blow in from the southwest and south. They bring moisture from the Indian Ocean, but rain falls less than in the peak wet season.
Wind speeds average around 10–20 km/h, creating a steady breeze that helps cut the humidity and makes the warmth easier to handle.
For beachgoers, these winds can change wave height and sea conditions. Surfers might find more consistent swells, while swimmers should watch for stronger currents along open coastlines.
Since the winds stay steady instead of gusty, they rarely mess up daily plans. Instead, they cool things down during hot afternoons, making sightseeing and walking more comfortable.
Air Pressure and Visibility
Air pressure in Denpasar during winter holds steady, averaging about 1010–1012 hPa. This stability means you won’t get the sharp weather swings or sudden storms you might see in other tropical places.
Visibility usually stays good, with more clear skies than in the rainy months. You’ll get 8–10 hours of daylight and fewer overcast days, which helps if you’re flying, driving, or taking outdoor tours.
Humidity remains high, often around 75–85%, but clearer skies let in more sunlight. These conditions give you reliable weather for activities like cultural visits, hiking, or exploring the coast, without too many interruptions from heavy rain.
Seasonal Travel Tips for Winter in Denpasar
Winter in Denpasar brings warm temperatures, high humidity, and frequent rainfall. You’ll want to prepare for wet conditions, but you can still enjoy outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and plenty of beach time.
What to Pack for the Climate
During winter, Denpasar’s daytime highs usually hit 28–29°C (82–84°F). At night, temperatures dip to around 25–26°C (77–79°F).
You’ll probably get some rain, since the city averages 100–106 mm per month. Humidity sticks close to 80%, so it can feel muggy.
Bring lightweight, breathable clothes—cotton or linen works best. Quick-dry fabrics come in handy because those rain showers can pop up out of nowhere.
Throw in a light rain jacket or a compact umbrella to stay dry while you’re out and about.
Pack sandals for dry days. On soggy streets, you’ll want water-resistant shoes.
A small daypack with a waterproof cover keeps your electronics and valuables safe from sudden downpours.
Don’t skip insect repellent—mosquitoes really love the rainy season. Oh, and even if it’s cloudy, you’ll still need sunscreen, because UV levels stay high.
Best Activities During Winter Months
Even with the rain, you’ll find plenty to do in Denpasar during the winter. Short showers usually pass, so you might catch some clear skies and get outside between bursts of rainfall.
You can duck into indoor spots like the Bajra Sandhi Monument or the Bali Museum for some culture without worrying about getting soaked. Local markets and temples open up early, and honestly, mornings tend to be drier—worth keeping in mind if you’re planning a visit.
If you’re more of an outdoors person, the sea stays pretty warm at 28–29°C (82–84°F), so swimming or snorkeling is still on the table. Surfing draws a crowd too, although the waves get a bit wilder this time of year.
Evenings feel just right for grabbing snacks from Balinese food stalls or catching traditional dance performances. These keep going, rain or shine, so you won’t miss out. With a bit of flexibility, you’ll find a nice mix of indoor and outdoor adventures.