Bali is a paradise for surfers of all levels, from beginners to pros. The island offers a variety of waves, from mellow beach breaks to massive barrels, and a year-round surfing season.
But when is the best time to go to Bali for surf? Here are some tips to help you plan your trip.
Best Time to Go to Bali for Surf April to October
The dry season is generally considered the best time to surf in Bali, especially on the west coast and the Bukit peninsula.
This is when the biggest and most consistent swells hit the island, creating world-class waves like Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Bingin, and Balangan. The dry season also brings offshore winds that make the waves clean and smooth.
The peak of the dry season is from May to September, when the water is cooler and the skies are clear. This is also the most crowded time, as surfers from all over the world flock to Bali to enjoy the perfect conditions.
If you want to avoid the crowds, you can try surfing in April or October, when the swells are still good but less people are around.
The best spots to surf in the dry season
Uluwatu: A legendary spot with five different waves that break left over a reef. Suitable for experienced surfers only. The best tide is mid to high tide.
Kuta: The most popular beach in Bali with a sandy bottom and easy waves. Ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers. You can find many surf schools, board rentals, and surf shops here. The best tide is mid to high tide.
Canggu: A trendy area with several beaches and waves that suit intermediate to advanced surfers. You can find right and left swells, beach breaks and reef breaks here.
Some of the famous waves are Old Man’s, The Sandbar, Echo Beach, Pererenan, and Batu Bolong. The best tide depends on the spot.
Wet Season: November to March
The wet season is not as bad as it sounds for surfing in Bali. Although the weather can be unpredictable and rainy, there are still plenty of good waves to be found on the east coast of the island.
The wet season also brings onshore winds that make the waves more choppy and messy, but also more powerful and challenging.
The best time to surf in the wet season is from November to early March, when the trade winds are offshore on the east coast.
This is also a less crowded time, as most surfers prefer the west coast during this period. If you want to try something different and more adventurous, you can surf in the wet season.
Some of the best spots to surf in the wet season are:
- Keramas: A fast and hollow right-hander that breaks over a reef. Suitable for advanced surfers only.
- Nusa Dua: A long and heavy right-hander that breaks over a reef. Suitable for advanced surfers only.
- Sanur: A mellow and fun right-hander that breaks over a reef. Suitable for intermediate surfers.
Conclusion
Bali is a great destination for surfing all year round, but depending on your level and preference, you may want to choose the best time to go there.
The dry season offers more consistent and quality waves on the west coast, while the wet season offers more challenging and powerful waves on the east coast. Either way, you will have an amazing surfing experience in Bali.
If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below. Happy surfing!
