Start of dry-season diving
May to November
Manta Point at Nusa Penida and the Tulamben wreck have their best visibility. A rash guard protects you from the sun on boat days.
Highs31°C (88°F)
Lows25°C (77°F)
Rainy days~7
Daylight11.5 h
CrowdsModerate
May averages for Denpasar (Ngurah Rai Airport). Source
May is one of the best months: dry, sunny and not yet crowded. Pack beach clothes, a temple outfit and a fleece for sunrise volcano hikes.
☀️ By day
Swimwear, a cover-up and sandals as the dry season starts.
🌙 Evening
A linen shirt or slip dress for beach-club sunsets.
What's on in May
Typical dates. Many festivals follow lunar calendars, so check this year's dates before you book.
West-coast surf season
April to October
Uluwatu, Padang Padang and Bingin fire up. Surf wear by day and relaxed linen at the cliff-top bars.
May packing essentials
Your May outfit list
- Linen or cotton sundressCotton maxi dress with sleevesShop Amazon ↗
- Sarong (temples & beach)Shop Amazon ↗
- Linen shorts or skirtCotton palazzo pantsShop Amazon ↗
- Breathable topsShop Amazon ↗
- Bikini or swimsuitFull-coverage swimwearShop Amazon ↗
- Comfortable sandalsShop Amazon ↗
- Linen shirtsShop Amazon ↗
- Swim / board shortsShop Amazon ↗
- Quick-dry shortsShop Amazon ↗
- Breathable teesShop Amazon ↗
- SandalsShop Amazon ↗
Also pack
Showing more covered picks for travellers from India.
Dress code
- Temples require a sarong (kamen) and sash for everyone, and covered shoulders — rent one at the gate or bring your own.
- Swimwear is for beaches and pools; cover up in shops, restaurants and villages.
- Ubud and the highlands are cooler at night — bring a light layer.