BALI – Visitors arriving in Bali expecting warm tropical evenings may be surprised this week. Across the island, nighttime temperatures have dropped noticeably, with some of Bali’s coolest mountain areas recording temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F).
The chill has been especially noticeable in Bedugul, the highland region famous for its lakes, botanical gardens, and cool mountain air. Even residents say this year’s dry season has brought colder-than-usual nights.
“It’s around 10 to 11 degrees Celsius between late evening and dawn. This is one of the coldest periods we’ve experienced,” said Bedugul resident Dzulkifli.
During the day, temperatures in the area have remained relatively cool at around 16°C (61°F), offering a stark contrast to Bali’s coastal destinations.
Even Locals Are Feeling the Chill
While travelers often pack light clothing for Bali, locals in Bedugul say extra blankets have become a nightly necessity.
“Even those of us who have lived here for years are struggling with the cold. It feels like sleeping inside a refrigerator. We use two blankets at night,” Dzulkifli said.
The cooler weather has also been noticeable in lower-lying parts of the island. In Denpasar, overnight temperatures have fallen to around 22°C (72°F), cooler than many visitors typically associate with Bali.
Why Is Bali Suddenly So Cold?
According to Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the cooler temperatures are a normal part of Bali’s annual dry season.
Meteorologist Agus Mahendra explained that the phenomenon is driven by several seasonal factors.
As the sun shifts north of the equator during this time of year, southern Indonesia receives slightly less direct solar radiation. At the same time, winter in Australia creates high-pressure systems that push cooler, drier air northward across Indonesia, including Bali.
Clear skies also play a role.
With fewer clouds overnight, heat absorbed during the day escapes more quickly into the atmosphere, allowing temperatures near the ground to fall significantly between evening and early morning.
The Best Time for Sweaters in Bali
The cooling effect is strongest in Bali’s mountainous regions, including Bedugul, Kintamani, and other elevated areas, where temperatures can feel surprisingly cold by tropical standards.
BMKG says the pattern is entirely normal and typically occurs every year between June and August, the peak of Bali’s dry season.
For visitors planning sunrise trips, volcano hikes, or overnight stays in Bali’s highlands, warmer clothing is highly recommended.
While Bali remains a tropical destination, this time of year offers a different side of the island—one where crisp mountain mornings, cool evening air, and mist-covered landscapes provide a refreshing alternative to the heat of its famous beaches.
