WEATHER AND NATURE OF THE BALI

Bali is blessed with a tropical climate, providing travellers with sunny days and balmy nights nearly year-round. The two distinct seasons of wet and dry ensure the “Island of the Gods” remains lush and green, with rice paddies carpeting the inland valleys and beaches fringed by swaying coconut palms.

The rich volcanic soil sustains an abundance of exotic plant and animal life. Brilliant bougainvillea and fragrant frangipani perfume the air, while forests echo with the calls of monkeys, tropical birds and even the occasional bark of the Bali starling. Under the sea, coral reefs shimmer with schools of angelfish, parrotfish, and octopi hiding among the colourful corals.

With its inviting weather and bounty of natural wonders both on land and underwater, Bali offers visitors the chance to experience jungle treks, beachcombing, snorkeling, and more. As Bali transforms from a honeymoon hotspot to an eco-tourism destination, nature and outdoor adventures now share center stage with the island’s colorful culture and artistic heritage.

The Climate and Weather of the Bali

Blessed by a tropical climate, Bali enjoys warm weather year-round with average temperatures ranging from 24-31°C (75-88°F). The island has two distinct seasons: a dry season from April to October and a wet season from November to March. Even during the wetter months, Bali sees sunshine most days thanks to the quick passing of short afternoon showers. Cooling sea breezes moderate the heat, especially along the coasts. The best time to visit weather-wise is during the dry season when days are consistently sunny and humidity is lower.

Plants and Wildlife of the Bali

Bali’s tropical climate and varied ecosystems, from mountain forests to coastal mangroves, support abundant exotic plant and animal species.

Flora native to Bali includes towering canopy trees like teak, ironwood and sandalwood in the rainforests. Thousands of vibrant orchid varieties thrive here, including the giant Rafflesia arnoldii flower. Mangroves line the coasts while bamboo groves, frangipani, orchids and pandanus plants dot the inland landscapes.

Fauna includes several endangered mammal species only found in Bali like the critically endangered Bali starling, the Bali mynah with its striking black and white plumage, and the Bali long-tailed macaque monkey. Other mammals are barking deer, mouse deer, and the now-extinct Bali tiger and Bali elephant.

Reptiles range from the infamous Komodo dragon lizard to numerous venomous snake species. Bali’s surrounding waters are part of the Coral Triangle, home to over 500 coral species and abundant marine life including reef sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, and giant clams.

Well over 300 bird species inhabit Bali such as herons, egrets, and the Bali starling. Thousands of insect varieties including butterflies thrive across habitats. However, habitat loss threatens many unique and endangered species native to Bali.

Marine Life

Bali lies in the heart of the Coral Triangle, making its surrounding waters incredibly biodiverse with over 900 fish species and 350 coral species.

Reef sharks like white tip, black tip, and grey reef sharks are often spotted in deeper waters and around coral reefs. Manta rays can be seen year-round, best from April to November. The ocean sunfish is seasonally encountered from July to October around Nusa Penida.

Sea turtles, especially the green sea turtle, are commonly seen around Bali. Myriads of reef fish include sweetlips, butterflyfish, triggerfish, and angelfish. Macro life like nudibranchs, frogfish, cuttlefish, and octopus delight scuba divers.

The USAT Liberty shipwreck hosts a unique marine ecosystem. Top snorkeling and dive sites like Blue Lagoon, Crystal Bay, Manta Point, and Mangrove Point allow encounters with amazing marine creatures. Bali’s waters abound with incredible biodiversity ready to be explored.