Wet Season in Bali

Double-Six beach in Legian moments after a rainstorm in December.

Beginning roughly in the month of November, Bali’s wet monsoon season comes right at the peak of the hottest and most humid days of the year when locals and expats alike all desperately await the cool and breezy showers of rainy season.

The beauty of wet season is hard to ignore.  One minute, an intense heat blazes down uninterrupted directly from the beating sun, drying and heating up the ground, which in turn reflects this intense heat directly back up into the atmosphere. 

Suddenly, something in the air changes.  Quickly creeping winds blow away the vibrant cocktail of fragrances that were lingering in the air just moments ago.  With this warm and determined breeze comes a fresh earthy aroma. And it’s coming from the same direction as the big dark cloud now rapidly approaching ready to revitalise and refresh.  

Well-prepared locals and expats quickly pull over to the side of the road, unraveling ponchos out of their motorbike seats ready to resume their day’s work, while un-expecting tourists creatively fabricate makeshift umbrellas, some hilariously attempting to wave down taxis, while others excitedly rush towards the nearest shelter for a spur of the moment shop, a nibble, or a warm cup of cappuccino.

Being blessed enough to have had the opportunity of living in Bali for some years now, I have experienced a number rainy seasons come and go.  With this luxury comes witness to the varied abundance this time period brings.

Plants grow remarkably fast.  Vibrant hills of emerald rice paddies are at their most beautiful, flooded with crystal clear waters reflecting the brilliant skies above.  

On the beach, enormous pieces of driftwood wash up ashore, wildly filling my imagination with visions of these gigantic chunks of trees madly roaring through the ocean towards land, providing housing and food for exotic sea life on their way. These pieces are in themselves works of art, making for the most beautiful silhouettes in contrast to the backdrop of Bali’s spectacular sunsets.

Some of Bali’s most magnificent views are best enjoyed during the wet season.  Due to the extreme dry heat in the months leading up to the rain, the island’s natural life becomes thirsty and dry.  With the anticipated showers comes a renewed life force rushing through, painting the island a cheerful and lively green.

Generally, with rain come clouds.  Having watched hundreds of sunsets in Bali, I can safely say that clouds make for the most glorious dusks.  Clouds catch the last red-orange rays of the setting sun, reflecting these vibrant colours back down to our marvelling eyes below, while contrasting the purple-blues of the clear skies behind.  Truly a remarkable sight.

Most intense rain showers happen throughout the night, when roaring thunder seems to shake the ground and flash lightening suddenly illuminates the skies.  These moments are best adored from the comforts of home snuggled up with a hot cup of tea on the veranda.  Occasionally, lightening shows can be witnessed from a distance away, free from rain or thunder.  Other times, light showers mysteriously drizzle down seemingly out of nowhere without so much as a puff of a dark cloud to be found nearby.

Many come to Bali for a relaxing getaway with various exciting day trips and sightseeing adventures planned.  Sudden rain can mean different things for different people.  They can postpone some plans, and cancel others.  However one thing is certain.  Wet season gently forces us to take a step back, and really exist in the moment.  So take a deep breath, and enjoy the free entertainment guaranteed to last the whole wet monsoon season long.

*inspired by Robyn Lee Austin <3

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