What’s Bali like in April? Short version: the official start of dry season — one of the best months overall. Highs 31°C. Lows 24°C. Sea 29°C. 10 rain days, a few afternoon storms. Humidity 80%. Crowds: a steady stream.
Rain drops to ~10 days/month and shifts to short morning showers. The sea calms. Visibility for diving at Nusa Penida hits 25-30m. Easter week (5-12 April 2026) brings the first European crowds; book Ubud accommodation 6 weeks ahead. Here’s what you actually need to know: weather, surf, festivals, packing, and an honest take. For the year-round overview see the full Bali travel guide.
Weather in Bali in April
Bali sits 8 degrees south of the equator, so temperature variation across the year is small (24-31°C range). What changes is the rain. In April:
- Average daytime high: 31°C
- Average overnight low: 24°C
- Sea temperature: 29°C (warm year-round)
- Rain days: 10 per month
- Daily sunshine: 7 hours
- Humidity: 80%
- Sunrise / sunset: 6:25am / 6:20pm
The rain pattern matters more than the rain count. Even in the wettest months, mornings tend to be sunny, storms typically build mid-afternoon and pass within an hour or two. Plan beach time before 1pm; plan spa/yoga/cooking class for late afternoon.
Surf & Beach in April
The surf swell direction flips with the seasons. east coast starting (Sanur, Nusa Lembongan) works in April. Conditions are mixed — check the daily forecast on Magicseaweed before committing to a coast for the day. Sea temperature of 29°C means a board shorts or rash-guard session — wetsuits are never required.
Festivals & Events in April
Bali Spirit Festival (yoga, music, wellness) in Ubud. The Balinese religious calendar runs on a 210-day cycle, so Hindu ceremonies shift through the months year-on-year. Local village (banjar) ceremonies happen weekly somewhere on the island regardless of the month — ask your hotel staff what’s happening that week.
Crowds & Pricing
Padang Padang in January was firing. I’d never seen the cave fill with so much spray.
Crowd level in April is busy. What that actually looks like:
- Hotels approaching full on weekends; book 2-3 weeks ahead
- Top restaurants need 1-2 days reservation
- Scooter rentals 90-110k IDR/day
- Beach clubs busy most afternoons
What to Pack for Bali in April
- Light rain shell or compact umbrella — afternoon showers possible
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Sarong or modest cover-up for temple visits
- Quick-dry clothing for active days
- Insect repellent
- Day pack for water, sunscreen, layers
- Reef-safe sunscreen for snorkelling at Nusa Penida or Amed
Best Things to Do in Bali in April
- Surf the right coast — east coast starting (Sanur, Nusa Lembongan) in April. Lessons at Batu Bolong (Canggu) for beginners.
- Sunrise hike up Mount Batur — 2-hour climb, breakfast at the rim, 400-500k IDR with guide.
- Ubud rice terraces. Tegallalang most photographed, Jatiluwih largest and quietest.
- Nusa Penida day trip. Kelingking Beach viewpoint, Angel Billabong, Broken Beach. Fast boat from Sanur.
- Uluwatu Temple kecak fire dance at sunset, the most dramatic cultural performance on the island.
- Balinese cooking class. Paon Bali (Ubud) or Bumbu Bali (Tanjung Benoa) are the established benchmarks.
Pros & Cons of Bali in April
What works
- Bali’s core appeal (warm sea, fresh food, low costs, deep Hindu culture) is constant year-round
- Bali’s core appeal (warm sea, fresh food, low costs, deep Hindu culture) is constant year-round
- Bali’s core appeal (warm sea, fresh food, low costs, deep Hindu culture) is constant year-round
- Bali’s core appeal (warm sea, fresh food, low costs, deep Hindu culture) is constant year-round
The trade-offs
- Traffic in south Bali is heavy regardless of season
- Traffic in south Bali is heavy regardless of season
- Traffic in south Bali is heavy regardless of season
Who Should Visit (and Who Should Skip)
April is right for you if…
- Anyone constrained to april dates
- Anyone constrained to april dates
- Anyone constrained to april dates
Maybe skip April if…
- Travellers with non-negotiable expectations of perfect Bali postcard weather
- Travellers with non-negotiable expectations of perfect Bali postcard weather
Photography Conditions in April
Sunrise sits around 6:25am. Plan for the morning balloon-or-terrace shot first, then move into the valleys for the second hour of post-sunrise light.
- Reliable shoulder light, mixed conditions, occasional dramatic skies.
April vs Adjacent Months
If your dates are flexible by a week or two, here’s how April stacks up against March and May on the metrics that matter:
| Month | Temp range | Rain days | Crowds | Season notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March | 24 to 31°C | 15 rain days | moderate | wet season tail (Nyepi) |
| April | 24 to 31°C | 10 rain days | busy | early dry season |
| May | 23 to 30°C | 7 rain days | busy | dry season sweet spot |
Read the dedicated guides: Bali in March · Bali in May.
Verdict: Is April a Good Time to Visit Bali?
Tied with October for the year’s best month. Pre-peak prices, post-peak surf swell, near-perfect weather.
If you want alternatives: the three best months to visit Bali, balancing weather, prices and crowd levels, are November, March, and September. For the year-round comparison see the main Bali travel guide.
Experiences & Activities
Book Tours & Day Trips for Bali in April
Browse Mount Batur sunrise treks, Nusa Penida day trips, Ubud rice-terrace walks, temple tours and snorkelling at Amed — bookable online with free cancellation on most.
Browse Bali experiences →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather like in Bali in April?
Bali in April averages 31°C daytime and 24°C overnight, with sea temperature of 29°C, about 10 rain days and 7 hours of daily sunshine. Humidity is around 80%. Rain typically falls as short afternoon storms.
Is Bali in April part of the wet or dry season?
April sits in the transition between wet and dry season. Rain is intermittent and usually afternoon-only.
Is Bali crowded in April?
Crowd level in April is busy. Top restaurants and villas need a few days’ notice; some weekends busy.
Where is the surf best in Bali in April?
In April surf is concentrated on the east coast starting (Sanur, Nusa Lembongan). Sea temperature is 29°C so a rash guard or board shorts are sufficient — no wetsuit needed year-round.
Are there festivals in Bali in April?
Bali Spirit Festival (yoga, music, wellness) in Ubud. Village banjar ceremonies happen weekly across the island year-round.