March is a great time of the year to come to Bali, and whether you want to lounge on the beaches of Nusa Dua, visit the rice terraces and markets of Ubud or enjoy some time at the world’s best beach club, FINNS, there’s always something to do in Bali in March.
But what’s the weather like? It’s very pleasant, and here’s everything you need to know about Bali weather in March.
What Will the Weather Be Like in Bali in March?
It’s hot and sunny with a fairly high dose of humidity. The average temperature during the day is between 22 and 31 degrees Celsius (that’s about 72 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit).
It’s a great time of year to enjoy the sea, Splash Water Park, and take up water sports.
It’s also less crowded at this time of year, and you can get good deals on suites, villas, and rooms of any kind.
An Overview Of The Bali Weather In March
So, let’s put that into numbers so you can see what you’re getting into if you take a holiday in Bali during March.
Minimum to Maximum Temperatures (Average Temperatures)
The minimum average temperature is 22-25 degrees Celsius (that’s about 72 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit).
The maximum average temperature is 30-31 degrees Celsius (86-88 degrees Fahrenheit).
That’s near the ideal temperature for most people, and it makes for long, hot days, and the afternoon can be very warm, indeed.
Monthly Rainfall And Rainy Days
It is the rainy season, and that means you can expect an average of 14-20 days of rainfall in March. That also means you can expect 11-17 days without any rainfall.
The island sees about 21.5 cm to 27 cm (about 8.5 inches to 10.5 inches) of precipitation across the whole month.
That means showers can be quite heavy at times, but they rarely last very long.
The average amount of sunshine per day is 7 hours, and that’s more than enough time to hit the beach in Nusa Dua or take a stroll around Ubud.
Relative Humidity Levels
This month is very humid, though, and the average humidity is between 81 and 85%.
This can make it feel warmer than it is, and it’s a good idea to make sure you stay hydrated when exploring Bali.
Average Sea Temperature
The average sea temperature is 30 degrees Celsius (that’s 86 degrees Fahrenheit), which is very pleasant indeed. It makes swimming a real pleasure.
Balinese New Year – Nyepi Day
Nyepi Day is the first day of the New Year for Balinese people, and it falls in March each year. Rather like Easter, it doesn’t fall on the same date each year, so you will want to check in advance if your visit will coincide with Nyepi.
Unlike many other New Year’s celebrations around the world, Nyepi is a day of silence.
That means from 6 a.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning, Balinese people are expected to spend the day at home in a period of self-reflection.
While visitors are not obliged to self-reflect, they are required to stay at home, and there is a prohibition of working, entertainment, and travel. In some homes, talking and eating may be forbidden for the day.
The good news is that hotels continue to operate as normal. So, you may use the pool (though you cannot swim in the sea or go surfing) and the cafes, bars, etc. within the hotel complex.
Everything in Bali closes for this day. This includes the airport, and you cannot fly in or out of the country on the day of Nyepi.
The hospitals are open but only for emergencies.
Visitors to Nusa Penida, for Nyepi, need to be aware that the electricity is switched off for the day there.
The day after Nyepi is “Ngembak Geni” (that is “, relighting the fire”), and things go back to normal with certain religious rituals taking place and families gathering to ask for forgiveness from each other.
We should also note that it can be hard to traverse the island on the day before Nyepi due to a parade being held in the evening.
One of our travel tips for Bali would be to ensure that you have somewhere to stay for Nyepi and have planned out what you intend to do for this period in advance.
What Are The Best Places To Visit In Bali In March?
FINNS Beach Club – there is never a bad time of year to visit FINNS, the best beach club in the world. The party never stops, and it’s warm and sunny in March, and if the rains come? You can take shelter under our specially covered area until they stop.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces – it’s one of our top travel tips for Bali. Always visit the rice terraces in the rainy season because that’s when they come to life, and you can see them attheir lush, green best.
What Are The Best Things To Do In Bali During March?
Ubud Art Market – Ubud is cooler and less humid at this time of year, so why not go shopping for some authentic Balinese artworks or handicrafts? It’s a great time of year to obtain a bargain as there are fewer shoppers competing for the best work.
Splash Water Park – there’s nothing quite like a water park to have some family fun in the heat, and the best thing about Splash is that once you’re feeling ready for a drink, but the kids still want to play, you can grab a sunbed and order a cocktail and watch them play! We think that makes Splash one of the best family destinations in March.
Ogoh Ogoh/Ngrupuk Parade – this is the parade in the lead-up to Nyepi, and there are local parades all over Bali. The local folks take to the streets brandishing puppets (the “ogoh ogoh”) and, playing drums and gongs and carrying torches. It’s a spectacle that you will never forget. The parade culminates in the monsters being burned to ash! If you miss the parade, there is an Ogoh Ogoh Museum in Mengwi, where you can see the monsters!
Ngembak Geni/Omed-omedan/The Kissing Ritual – this is a day for the boys to kiss the girls, and you can watch the villagers indulge in this centuries-old ritual in the Sesetan villages. The boys try to snatch kisses as the village tries to, quite literally, douse their ardour with buckets of cold water. Sorry, you can’t join in the kissing, though participation is limited to the local youth only.
Sunset – the sunset across Indonesia is something to behold, and there’s nothing better than sitting with a cold drink and watching the light show over the ocean. It’s magical.
What Should I Bring To Bali In March?
It’s warm and humid, so we’d recommend that you bring lightweight and breathable clothes to help the moisture evaporate in the sun.
You should also bring sun cream, a hat to keep the sun off your head and sunglasses. If you want to go to the sea, swimming gear is useful too. However, if you forget any of this, don’t worry – you can easily buy it in Bali.
FAQs
Is March A Good Time To Go To Bali?
Yes! We’re firm believers that there’s never a bad time to visit Bali.
The weather in Bali in March may include a little rainfall and humidity, but the showers don’t last forever, and it’s hot and sunny for the vast majority of the month.
It’s a great time of year to spend some time on the beach, going surfing, touring the island, and getting better prices at restaurants, cafes, and for hotel rooms, etc.
The only thing to remember is that the Balinese New Year falls within this month, and there is a day when everyone in Bali will be expected to stay at home (this will be March 11 2024, but the day does change each year) for Nyepi.
We don’t think this is too burdensome for most people as it just means enjoying the facilities of your hotel rather than heading out for the day, but if you’re only planning to spend a couple of days in Bali – it’s best to plan around the date of Nyepi.
Is Bali Rainy In March? Does It Rain A Lot In Bali In March?
Yes, it’s rainy in March. Bali has only two seasons, a wet season and a dry season, and March is part of the wet season.
However, though it rains for 14-20 days in March, you still get roughly 7 hours a day of sunshine and a rainy day is rarely a day with nothing but rain.
There is usually a light shower in the afternoon and plenty of time for outdoor activities such as water sports or watching the Kecak Dance at Uluwatu Temple.
However, there’s no doubt that it is humid in March, and visitors will want to pace themselves as the hot humidity can feel a bit overwhelming if you’re not used to it.
Bali is best for relaxing holidays, and in March, particularly, there needs to be a bit of an emphasis on “relaxing”.
Is It Better To Go To Bali In February or March?
We don’t think that there’s a huge amount of this, but it’s drier and sunnier in March than in February. (Find out more about February Weather in Bali).
What Season Is It In Bali In March?
It’s the rainy season as well as the low season. That means it will rain for some of the month (though not for all of it or even all day long), and it will rain more often than it does in the dry season.
However, it also means lower prices than in high season, and a trip to Bali at this time of year can be much better value for money than you might expect.
It’s not the best time for diving, however, as the water can get a bit murky after the rain, but the beaches are great.
What’s The Weather Like In Bali In March/April?
The weather in March and April in Bali is very pleasant, with plenty of sunshine each day. The humidity is higher than average, though, and it can get quite hot, particularly in the middle of the day. (Our guide to April weather in Bali has more details).
It does rain, but it doesn’t rain every day, and mostly, the rain comes during the later part of the day and is over after an hour or two.
Is March Part Of The Wet Season In Bali?
Yes, March is part of the rainy season in Bali. The tropical climate here allows for only two seasons: a “rainy season” and a “dry season”. However, it doesn’t rain all the time at this time of year, and it does rain during the dry season. It just doesn’t rain as much.
The beautiful beaches of places like Nusa Dua remain every bit as attractive in March as they are at any other time of year. You’ll find that there’s more than enough sunshine for you to get a tan and the sea water is warm and pleasant for swimming, water sports, etc.
How Should I Book A March Holiday In Bali?
We always recommend that you book a Balinese holiday through the folks at the Bali Res Centre. That’s a specialist travel agency based here in Bali that can help you plan the perfect trip.
Whether you want to go diving, visit fine dining restaurants, stay in hostels or villas, take tours of the island or chill on the beach, they can help.
Their local connections ensure you always get competitive prices, and when you spend money with the Bali Res Centre, you can be certain that you’re supporting the local economy and not a faceless multinational corporation.
Final Thoughts On Bali Weather, March
If you come to Bali in March, you’ll be in good company, and many tourists prefer this time of year with its hot weather and bargain accommodation pricing.
There are fewer crowds at the big attractions, and it’s still warm and sunny most of the time. If you do visit in March, we hope to see you at FINNS, the best beach club in the world.
We promise you’ll have a great time in our infinity pools, relaxing by the beach and enjoying cold drinks to an amazing soundtrack. See you soon!
