Wet and dry indeed, and though this year September seems to try its hardest to still the show away from October and be the announcer of Madame “la rain”, the time elapsing from October to late April is most commonly known as Bali’s wet season.
The summer breeze slowly fading to a still, leaving the stage to diluvial mornings, dissipated later on in most days by the persistent sunshine common to these lands. Humidity is hot and gripping then, the pace lazy and sunsets magnificent. The water wild and overflowing leaving the landscape soaked and moody. The dance between rain and shine is very much a constant during these months and their combined influence fluctuating in intensity.
Mild is their play in the first two and a half months. Then the end of the year celebrations, see a sudden rise of “excitement”, as if to pair the general mood, the south winds joining in, announcing two dizzying months of steamy days, lengthy showers, diluted skies.
Nyepi, the Balinese new year, usually falling in March or close to it, often announces the beginning of the season’s change ; the wind, once more, eludes the trio and shining rays steadily get back to leading position. The land finally gets a chance to dry and return to a more decent, dryer consistency. All around is vibrant Green.
By the end of May, it is mostly back to bright and sunny. Rainfalls are few, often welcome, clearing the heaviness that still remains in the air.
June is charming, smily and the island then brimming with the warm colours of its thousands of Bougainvilleas, which will keep blooming for the next four months, amidst many more a flowery tree.
July and August are beautiful all around: crispy clear mornings, gorgeous sunshiny days and refreshing eves. Rain is for most part absent and the breezy north winds see us at times reach for a light shawl or other knit. Kites fill the sky and the general mood is light and happy. Beaches are clean, the land peaceful, enjoying of its blessing, and all waters appeased during these culminating “dry season” months.
September ends the cycle and prepare for the return of the grand lady, feared and revered: rain.
Bali Dry season facts:
Period: May to September
Average temperature: 28 degrees celsius
Atmosphere: Warm and pleasant
Sunshine: Predominant and soothing
Rain: Shy and absent
Dress code: Casual and comfortable summer clothing, with a preference for natural and fluid fibres: cotton, linen, silk, viscose or mix.
July and August can be quite chilly at night, thus light knits are a great addition to any suitcase.
Favour natural fibres: Wool, cashmere, cotton or mix.
Note on choosing a villa: The dry season is the best time to enjoy the typical outdoor living style of the tropics. This is the time to enjoy open air bathrooms, open living and the many variation of the creative tropical architecture present in Bali
Bali Rainy season facts:
Period: October to April
Average temperature: 32 degrees celsius
Atmosphere: Intense and dramatic
Sunshine: Intermittent
Rain: Confidently present
Dress code: Loose casual light summer wear, with a must for natural and fluid fibres: cotton, silk or linen, viscose mix.
Flip-flops and other sandals are an all year round must. Clogs and wellies are a great take, if like me you dislike to have constantly wet trotters. Light sneakers are good in all seasons, quick to dry and, kindly, let your toes breath. Keep in mind that you are often ask to remove your shoes in “homes” however.
A small and smart retractable unbrella may be the only thing you won’t regret to have packed or light weight rain attire.
Note on choosing a villa: During rainy season, one really must take the rain into consideration. Although Bali is truly magical and it is somewhat liberating to shower under a starry sky and enjoy the constant breeze present in an open living room, it is wise to ponder on the effect the hot and humid air may have on your stay. A word of advice is to choose properties with protected living areas, enclosed bathrooms and for those sensitive to heat and humidity, air conditioned living quarters.
- Posted by Stephanie Robert |
