Packing clothes for a trip to Bali
Short answer: Bali is warm and humid all year, around 27 to 31 degrees, with a rainy season from roughly November to March. Pack light, loose pieces that breathe, a layer that covers shoulders and knees for the temples, and something thin to sleep in.
The climate decides what you pack
Bali lies close to the equator, so the temperature hardly changes through the year. What changes is the rainfall. In the dry season from about April to October you get the most sunshine, while the wet season brings short, heavy showers, often in the afternoon. Humidity is high most of the time, so clothing that sits close and traps heat quickly becomes uncomfortable. Loose cuts and thin fabrics that let air through are the best choice for almost every day of the trip.
Light tops for the daytime
During the day a light top is enough for the beach, the market and a cafe. Choose fabrics that feel cool and do not cling to the skin when you sweat. Viscose made from bamboo is soft, lets moisture and air pass, and drapes loosely rather than sitting tight. Bring more tops than you think, as you change more often in the heat. See bamboo tops for women. Light colours often feel cooler in direct sun than dark ones.
Temples require covering up
Bali's many temples are sacred places, and a simple dress rule applies. Shoulders and knees must be covered, and at many temples you are given or can rent a sarong and sash at the entrance. It is easiest to keep a thin long sleeved top or a scarf in your bag so you are always ready. See women's long-sleeved bamboo T-shirt. It also protects you from the sun on a long day outdoors.
Ubud and the mountains are cooler
Many people assume the whole island is equally warm, but in the highlands around Ubud, Munduk and Kintamani the evenings become noticeably cooler. If you hike Mount Batur for sunrise, you start in the dark and meet real cold at the summit. An extra layer helps here, such as a long sleeved top and a thin jacket. The layers roll up into a small daypack once the sun comes out.
Nights in heat and humidity
On Bali you often sleep with air conditioning or a fan, and the air in the room can swing between cold and mild. A light night top in a soft fabric gives comfort without becoming too warm, and it also works for yoga or a quiet morning on the terrace. See bamboo night tops for women. Pack a small bag for damp clothes so the rest of your suitcase stays dry.
Caring for clothes on the trip
In humid air clothes dry slowly and can start to smell if they are folded away in a suitcase. Hang worn clothes up and let them air before you pack them. Many places on Bali offer inexpensive laundry services where you drop clothes off in the morning and collect them in the evening. Ask for a low temperature for soft fabrics. Avoid leaving viscose in strong sun for hours, as colours can fade over time.
Frequently asked questions
Which month is best for visiting Bali
The dry season from April to October brings the most sun and the least rain. July and August are popular and busy months.
Do I need long trousers for the temples
Not necessarily. A sarong is often required and can be rented at the entrance, but you need to bring your own top that covers your shoulders.
How do I avoid getting too hot
Choose loose, light fabrics, drink plenty of water and rest in the shade around midday. If you feel unwell or dizzy, get help and talk to a doctor.
