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Travel advice for Indonesia
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Indonesia
written by Dre Roelandt
updated 21.09.2023
Bali, with its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and lush landscapes, beckons travellers year-round. But what's it like to visit the Island of the Gods in January? In this guide, we'll explore the weather in Bali in January as well as other travel tips for this time of year.
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6 days / from830 USD
Bali's Beaches and Temples
Experience Bali's brilliant beaches and temples with this stunning trip. Marvel at ancient temples like Tanah Lot and Pura Besakih, soak in stunning sunsets, stroll bare-footed along the best beaches in Bali and haggle at local markets – experience all of this, and much more, with this unique trip!
customize ⤍14 days / from4025 USD
The Best of Bali
This trip will take you from the modern-day Bali to the traditional one. Bali has many adventures to offer, tour the countryside with a Vespa or glide through the hidden canyons. You will also be able to enjoy visits to enchanting villages, where you can take in the local way of life.
customize ⤍10 days / from1783 USD
Java and Lombok - culture and beaches
Start your trip in Yogyakarta (also called Jogja) with its rich cultural past such as the Borobudur temple. From there continue to hike Mount Bromo and explore more of East Java in Malang and Surabaya. End your trip on the dreamy beaches of Kuta/Lombok, dubbed 'the next Bali'.
customize ⤍12 days / from1250 USD
Singapore & Bali - A Unique Exploration
Combine Southeast Asia's smallest country Singapore with its largest country: Indonesia. Spend a few days exploring the metropolis before flying to the magical island of Bali. Temples, volcanoes and ceremonies are part of your itinerary, as are the gorgeous beaches of Nusa Lembongan.
customize ⤍14 days / from2600 USD
Culture, volcanoes and dragons - Bali, Flores & Komodo
Combine several islands on one trip - start in Bali's cultural capital Ubud before heading to the rice fields in Sidemen. A short flight to Flores allows you to explore volcanoes and local villages before hopping on a cruise around Komodo and other islands close to Labuan Bajo. Dragons included!
customize ⤍10 days / from1320 USD
Love trip to Bali
Celebrate your love union on this magical island. Included are couples massages at relaxing spas, a blessing ceremony by a Balinese priest, an authentic cooking class and of course - a beautiful white sandy beach on Nusa Lembongan to relax towards the end of your trip.
customize ⤍14 days / from1691 USD
Unknown Java and Bali - an overland adventure
A fast-paced itinerary packing plenty of highlights: discover the temples of Prambanan and Borobudur and sunrises at Mount Bromo and Mount Ijen before heading to Bali: a beautiful underwater world and the landscapes of Ubud and Sidemen await.
customize ⤍7 days / from1300 USD
Java Discovery
Experience the magic of Java, the third-largest of the Indonesian Islands, with this stunning trip! Discover stunning ancient temple complexes, ride a bicycle through idyllic rural villages, climb to Mount Ijen's crater at sunrise and laze around on palm-fringed tropical beaches!
customize ⤍10 days / from2768 USD
Nature in Borneo and Relaxation in Riau
Experience the best of both worlds with this unique trip to Indonesia. Embark on a cruise up the Rungan River, where you will discover incredible wildlife and traditional villages, before continuing on to the Telunas Resort, a deserted island paradise that will be your home for a few days.
customize ⤍13 days / from1550 USD
Exploring Bali's Culture & Gili's beaches
Dive deep into Balinese culture from Ubud and Sidemen. Visits include rice field walks, the Gates of Heaven, water temples like Tirta Empul and Tirta Gangga as well as a traditional cooking class. Your trip ends with the beaches of Gili Air and Jimbaran.
customize ⤍The weather in Bali in January makes this month a great time to visit for some. January in Bali carries the remnants of the wet season, as the island slowly transitions towards drier months.
It's not the most popular time for tourists, but it holds its own charm. The landscape is adorned with vibrant, rain-fed greenery, offering a tranquil and lush backdrop for your adventures. If you prefer a quieter and more intimate Balinese experience, January could be the perfect month for your visit.
Planning a trip to Indonesia? Check out our itineraries
Tanah Lot Temple, Bali © Shutterstock
The weather in Bali in January is comfortably warm, with temperatures ranging from 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F). The sea temperature, holding steady at around 29°C (84°F), invites you to take a refreshing dip.
So, if you're wondering whether you can swim in Bali in January, the answer is a resounding yes. The waters are ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring the island's underwater wonders.
Bali beckons with unforgettable opportunities.
Rough Guides tip: make sure to read all about the best time to visit Bali or best time to visit Indonesia.
January in Bali offers a pleasant equilibrium between solitude and affordability. While it's not as crowded as the bustling high season in Indonesia (June to August), it's also not as budget-friendly as the low season (November to January).
Accommodation and flight prices tend to be moderate, striking a favourable balance for travellers seeking both peace and value.
Rice fields in Ubud © Shutterstock
As January unfolds in Bali, it marks a transition from the tropical wet season to the drier months. The island occasionally receives gentle showers during this time, offering a welcome respite from the dry heat.
While the rain isn't an unwavering companion on your journey, it can be a refreshing interlude to your explorations.
With the weather in Bali in January being somewhat wet, it's a good idea to pack a light rain jacket or carry an umbrella, just in case. However, rest assured that these showers are typically fleeting and shouldn't disrupt your enjoyment of Bali's myriad attractions.
Let our local experts design your dream itinerary with our tailor-made trip service. Say goodbye to planning hassles and hello to your personalised dream trip.
Pura Luhur Uluwatu, Bali © Shutterstock
January in Bali is a delightful time marked by vibrant festivals, lush landscapes, and opportunities for relaxation and exploration. As you plan your Bali adventure for this month, here's a more detailed guide to what you can see and do:
Embrace the rich cultural heritage of Bali by experiencing the Galungan and Kuningan festivals. This period is a celebration of Balinese Hindu traditions, characterised by elaborate decorations and offerings in homes and temples.
Witness the island come alive with vibrant colours and joyful celebrations as families gather to pay homage to their ancestors.
Make your way to the picturesque Tegalalang Rice Terraces in Ubud, a must-visit destination in January.
The terraces are at their greenest during this time, creating a mesmerising backdrop for your exploration. Marvel at the intricate subak irrigation system that has sustained th
Discover the allure of the iconic Uluwatu Temple, perched dramatically on the edge of a cliff that offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
Explore the temple grounds and its architectural marvels, including ancient sculptures and sea-facing shrines. Be sure to catch a Kecak dance performance at sunset, a captivating cultural experience against the backdrop of the ocean.
Bali is renowned for its world-class wellness centres and resorts. January is the perfect time to rejuvenate your body and soul with Balinese massages and spa treatments.
Choose from a range of holistic therapies and wellness programs that promote relaxation and overall well-being. With the weather in Bali in January being rainy at times, this is a perfect time to book a treatment.
6 days / from830 USD
Bali's Beaches and Temples
Experience Bali's brilliant beaches and temples with this stunning trip. Marvel at ancient temples like Tanah Lot and Pura Besakih, soak in stunning sunsets, stroll bare-footed along the best beaches in Bali and haggle at local markets – experience all of this, and much more, with this unique trip!
customize ⤍10 days / from1600 USD
Rest and Relaxation in Bali and Lombok
This unique trip will take you to some of Bali and Lombok's most traditional places. Look forward to driving through tropical landscapes and spending time in villages nestled in scenic spots of traditional luxury with infinity pools and stunning vistas over the ocean.
customize ⤍10 days / from2100 USD
Royal Bali - Culture & Beaches
Enjoy a luxurious stay in Bali, with hand-picked 5 Star Hotels. This trip includes privately guided tours as well as leisure time, ideal for families with kids. Highlights include sea temple Tanah Lot, Jatiluwih rice terraces and Uluwatu temple with its famous Kecak dance.
customize ⤍14 days / from4025 USD
The Best of Bali
This trip will take you from the modern-day Bali to the traditional one. Bali has many adventures to offer, tour the countryside with a Vespa or glide through the hidden canyons. You will also be able to enjoy visits to enchanting villages, where you can take in the local way of life.
customize ⤍10 days / from1783 USD
Java and Lombok - culture and beaches
Start your trip in Yogyakarta (also called Jogja) with its rich cultural past such as the Borobudur temple. From there continue to hike Mount Bromo and explore more of East Java in Malang and Surabaya. End your trip on the dreamy beaches of Kuta/Lombok, dubbed 'the next Bali'.
customize ⤍12 days / from1250 USD
Singapore & Bali - A Unique Exploration
Combine Southeast Asia's smallest country Singapore with its largest country: Indonesia. Spend a few days exploring the metropolis before flying to the magical island of Bali. Temples, volcanoes and ceremonies are part of your itinerary, as are the gorgeous beaches of Nusa Lembongan.
customize ⤍14 days / from2600 USD
Culture, volcanoes and dragons - Bali, Flores & Komodo
Combine several islands on one trip - start in Bali's cultural capital Ubud before heading to the rice fields in Sidemen. A short flight to Flores allows you to explore volcanoes and local villages before hopping on a cruise around Komodo and other islands close to Labuan Bajo. Dragons included!
customize ⤍10 days / from1320 USD
Love trip to Bali
Celebrate your love union on this magical island. Included are couples massages at relaxing spas, a blessing ceremony by a Balinese priest, an authentic cooking class and of course - a beautiful white sandy beach on Nusa Lembongan to relax towards the end of your trip.
customize ⤍7 days / from1750 USD
Bali Yoga Retreat
Discover a new you with this rejuvenating Bali-based yoga retreat. Enjoy personalised yoga and meditation classes, together with revitalising Ayurvedic treatments, all in idyllic surroundings. The cuisine is a treat for all the senses; you will also have the chance to explore the temples of Bali.
customize ⤍14 days / from1691 USD
Unknown Java and Bali - an overland adventure
A fast-paced itinerary packing plenty of highlights: discover the temples of Prambanan and Borobudur and sunrises at Mount Bromo and Mount Ijen before heading to Bali: a beautiful underwater world and the landscapes of Ubud and Sidemen await.
customize ⤍7 days / from1300 USD
Java Discovery
Experience the magic of Java, the third-largest of the Indonesian Islands, with this stunning trip! Discover stunning ancient temple complexes, ride a bicycle through idyllic rural villages, climb to Mount Ijen's crater at sunrise and laze around on palm-fringed tropical beaches!
customize ⤍10 days / from2768 USD
Nature in Borneo and Relaxation in Riau
Experience the best of both worlds with this unique trip to Indonesia. Embark on a cruise up the Rungan River, where you will discover incredible wildlife and traditional villages, before continuing on to the Telunas Resort, a deserted island paradise that will be your home for a few days.
customize ⤍14 days / from3800 USD
Indonesia Island Hop
From your base on Bali's renowned beaches you'll island hop your way round glorious Hindu temples and heritage sites. See komodo dragons, partake in a traditional Balinese ceremony, meet with a Hindu High Priest and visit local villages: this trip to Indonesia ticks all the tropical getaway boxes.
customize ⤍13 days / from1550 USD
Exploring Bali's Culture & Gili's beaches
Dive deep into Balinese culture from Ubud and Sidemen. Visits include rice field walks, the Gates of Heaven, water temples like Tirta Empul and Tirta Gangga as well as a traditional cooking class. Your trip ends with the beaches of Gili Air and Jimbaran.
customize ⤍written by Dre Roelandt
updated 21.09.2023
Dre Roelandt is originally from the United States but lives and works in Berlin, Germany. Dre is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for travelling. They are an in-house Content Editor at Rough Guides.
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