Bali Weather Guide for Yacht Charters: The Best Time to Set Sail

Bali is one of the world’s dream destinations for a private yacht charter, with its turquoise waters, lush islands, and endless sunshine. But like anywhere in the tropics, the weather changes throughout the year — and knowing what to expect can help you plan the perfect trip.
At Bali Charter Boat, we’ve spent years navigating these waters and understanding the local seasons. This guide will walk you through Bali’s weather month by month, highlight the best times for specific activities, and give you tips on how to make the most of your experience no matter when you visit.

Bali’s Climate: A Quick Overview

Bali has a tropical climate, meaning it’s warm all year round, with average daytime temperatures between 27–32°C (80–90°F). There are two main seasons:
  • Dry Season (April – October): Sunny skies, calm seas, low humidity.
  • Wet Season (November – March): Tropical rain showers, higher humidity, and slightly rougher seas at times. However it should be noted that the areas around Nusa Lembongan and Penida such as Toyapekeh and Crystal Bay are quite protected and calm

Important note: Even during the wet season, it doesn’t rain all day. Most showers are short and dramatic, often in the late afternoon or evening, leaving plenty of time for charter adventures earlier in the day.

Month-by-Month Weather for Yacht Charters

Here’s what you can expect during each part of the year — and how it impacts your yacht charter experience.
April – June: The Start of the Dry Season (Excellent for Charters)
  • Weather: Clear skies, calm waters, low humidity.
  • Sea Conditions: Some of the calmest of the year, perfect for first-time sailors or families.
  • Why Charter Now:
    • Fewer tourists than July & August.
    • Fantastic visibility for snorkeling and diving around Nusa Penida and Lembongan.
    • Ideal for full-day charters to explore multiple islands.
Tip: This is one of our favorite times of the year — stunning weather without the peak season crowds.
July – August: Peak Season (Beautiful but Busy)
  • Weather: Hot, dry, and sunny almost every day.
  • Sea Conditions: Calm mornings, slightly breezier afternoons, but generally stable.
  • Why Charter Now:
    • Almost Guaranteed sunshine — perfect for island hopping and water sports.
    • The most vibrant time in Bali, with festivals and lively nightlife.
    • Great conditions for fishing charters.
Things to Know:
  • Bali is at its busiest, so book your yacht well in advance.
  • Popular beaches and attractions can feel crowded — another reason why a private charter is the ultimate escape.
September – October: Secret Sweet Spot
  • Weather: Dry season continues, with slightly cooler evenings and fewer tourists.
  • Sea Conditions: Excellent, with light winds and warm water temperatures.
  • Why Charter Now:
    • Amazing visibility for diving and snorkeling.
    • Lower prices compared to July & August.
    • Romantic sunsets and quieter anchorages — perfect for couples or small groups.

November – March: The Wet Season (Still Great Days on the Water!)

  • Weather: Warm and humid with short tropical downpours, usually in the late afternoon or evening.
  • Sea Conditions: Some days are calm, others can have mild swells.
  • Why Charter Now:
    • Mornings are often beautiful and clear, ideal for half-day charters.
    • Dramatic cloud formations make for incredible photography.
    • Fewer tourists, so it’s a more private experience.
Things to Know:
  • Trips may be adjusted slightly depending on weather forecasts — safety always comes first.
  • Even in the rainy season, chartering remains very possible. Our experienced captains know how to plan routes to avoid rougher waters.
Pro Tip: Consider booking in February or early March — the rain is easing, but crowds haven’t arrived yet.

How Weather Affects Charter Activities Bookings

It almost never rains non-stop for a full day in Bali. Even during the peak of the rainy season (December–February), the classic tropical pattern is:

  • Morning: Clear or partly cloudy skies, often great for boating and outdoor activities.
  • Afternoon/Evening: Sudden, heavy showers or thunderstorms for 1–3 hours.
  • Night: Often clear again.
Days of continuous, all-day rain
  • On average, only 3–6 days per year see true non-stop rain, and those usually happen during January or February, when the monsoon is at its peak.
  • Even then, it’s rare for it to last 24 hours without a break — most “continuous rain” days still have brief pauses.
For Bali yacht charters
  • In practice, it’s very unusual for an entire day to be rained out.
  • At Bali Charter Boat, most trips can still go ahead even in wet season because mornings are often clear, and routes are adjusted to avoid rougher weather.
  • If the weather truly makes it unsafe, we always reschedule or refund please click here to see our complete Terms and Conditions

In Summary

In Bali, you’d have to be very unlucky to experience a full day of non-stop rain. Even during the wet season, weather usually comes in short, dramatic showers, with plenty of clear skies in between. Light rain rarely affects activities like snorkeling or fishing, and many guests still have an amazing day on the water. In the rare event that storms create unsafe conditions, the local harbour master may close the port — and if that happens, Bali Charter Boat provides a full refund or reschedule, ensuring your safety and peace of mind