Bali in November: Weather, Events & 9 Best Things to Do

Summary: By November, high season is officially over in Bali, and as the crowd eases. The island settles back into a more relaxed pace. Why not consider a holiday in Bali in November? Especially with the chance to get excellent deals on last-minute flights and find great savings on our amazing luxury villas. It is a great idea. 

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This Guide Is Designed For

• Travellers planning a holiday in Bali in November
• First-time visitors deciding whether November is a good time to visit Bali
• Couples and families looking for quieter experiences
• Travellers interested in Balinese culture, nature and local life
• Visitors seeking outdoor activities that work well in the November climate
• Luxury travellers looking for a private villa base in Bali

What is Bali like in November?

Wondering what to expect in Bali in November? Quieter beaches, less crowded cultural attractions and restaurants, and warmer weather. The wet season is on its way, so you may also see some dramatic skies and experience a brief shower or two in the afternoon or evenings. But a little rain won’t dampen your spirits; it’s just a gentle reminder that you are in the tropics. And after months of dry weather, November showers provide a breath of fresh air. The island’s sub-tropical rainforests also come to life. Everything glimmers and shines, making it a wonderful time to get out and explore with a private driver.   

The Elite Concierge will be delighted to help you plan a day trip to the north to visit stunning waterfalls. Or to snorkel and dive into Bali’s best coral reefs. There are also exciting cultural events that will give you a fantastic insight into traditional life. Plus, vibrant markets to visit, and fun water parks to keep the kids happy. And of course, a range of stunning, fully staffed pool villas to create your own luxury home away from home while visiting the island.  

What are the best things to do in Bali in November?

The best things to do in Bali in November combine outdoor experiences, cultural activities and flexible itineraries that work with the changing weather. These nine experiences range from traditional events and underwater adventures to waterfalls, markets and unhurried days at your villa.

1. Experience Buffalo Racing or Makepung Lampit in West Bali

Best for: Culture, rural Bali and off-the-beaten-path experiences

Looking for a slightly off-the-beaten-path Bali adventure, and a unique insight into local rural culture? How about traditional buffalo racing? Taking place on various circuits in the Jembrana Regency in western Bali, farmers-turned-jockeys ride on a wooden plough pulled by two ornately decorated buffaloes. Action-packed races are not just about speed, but also style and agility, and the atmosphere is thick with excitement as all the community turns out to cheer their local teams. There are also ‘best-dressed buffalo’ fashion shows, as well as art and cultural performances. Racing dates vary, but the Elite Concierge will be happy to organise a day trip for you – it’s an experience you will never forget.  

2. Celebrate Pemuteran Bay Festival

Usually held in November, the community-based Pemuteran Bay Festival combines culture with conservation. Expect three days of food, music and cultural performances. It also showcases fascinating bio-rock and reef gardening workshops.

The 2026 Pemuteran Bay Festival is scheduled for 26–28 November, with activities including cultural and music performances, food, yoga and Biorock reef-restoration workshops.

Set in the north of Bali, Pemuteran is one of the world’s most inspiring coral reef restoration projects. Ancient reefs blown apart by dynamite fishing in the 90s have been rejuvenated by a revolutionary technology called Bio Rock, which uses electric currents to stimulate the growth of coral. Snorkelers and divers can explore close to fifty large structures shaped in the form of a caterpillar, whale, igloo, dome, flower and a goddess, all covered in a profusion of brightly coloured coral.  

3. Explore Bali’s temples, rice terraces and villages

Best for: Culture and slow travel

November’s greener landscapes create a beautiful backdrop for exploring Bali beyond its beaches. Combine a temple visit with a walk through rice terraces, a village experience or a scenic drive through the island’s interior.

Rather than trying to cover too much in a single day, allow time to stop along the way. A private driver and local guide can make it easier to adapt an itinerary around weather and discover smaller villages and viewpoints along the route.

4. Dive and Snorkel

Best for: Marine life and underwater adventures

Bali’s north-east coast is also home to beautiful reefs. These are inhabited by sea horses, giant trevally, schools of barracuda, clown frog fish, turtles and a diverse range of hard and soft coral. Day trips are easily organised from the south of Bali. Dive and discover the coral-encrusted Liberty shipwreck in Tulamban. Or check out Shark Junction for a serious adrenaline surge. Nearby Amed offers both divers and snorkelers much to explore in a series of sheltered coves. There’s a Japanese wreck nestled in a pretty coral garden just a few meters off the beach. And the shallow waters of Jemaluk Bay host a plethora of tropical fish, who make their home in the pastel-hued corals.   

5. Watch a Balinese dance performance

Best for: Culture, history and an evening experience

A cool evening is the ideal time to enjoy a classical dance performance at GWK Cultural Park, or at one of the beautiful palaces or temples in Ubud. Elaborate performances blend storytelling, religion and art with intricate choreography and rousing music performed by a Gamelan orchestra. A night filled with Bali magic and mysticism is on the cards. If you’re visiting Bali in November, this is a must-do.  

6. Spend a day at Waterbom Bali (waterpark)

Best for: Families and rainy-day flexibility

Travelling as a family? We all know that happy kids mean happy parents. With dozens of waterslides and rides set in lush, landscaped gardens, kids will have a great day splashing around at Waterbom. Toddlers can play to their heart’s content in the fully supervised Funtastic Zone. Older kids can find their thrills on serious adrenaline-inducing rides with fitting names such as Climax, Fast ‘n’Fierce and Smashdown. There are also more gentle options for the whole family, like floating in tubes down the Lazy River and lounging around a cabana enjoying the beautiful setting and tropical Bali vibe.  

7. Visit Bali’s scenic waterfalls

Best for: Nature and lush landscapes

Bali has numerous waterfalls and November is a good time to combine waterfall visits with other island attractions. From highly Instagramable Bali swings, to ornate Hindu temples rising from the jungle. Dramatic terraced rice paddies to serene water palaces. There’s so much to see.

Set within an extraordinarily picturesque canyon in the north of the island, Gitgit Waterfall is easily reached via a jungle path. Smaller, but just as pretty, and barely visited is nearby Colek Pamor Waterfall. Also in the north of the island, Tirta Buana is reached via a steep but short trail and features a stunning cascade flowing into a cool natural pool ideal for plunging into on a hot day. There are several other beautiful waterfalls closer to Ubud.

8. Discover Denpasar’s traditional markets

Best for: Food, shopping and local life

How about an authentic Balinese shopping experience? Rise in the cool of the early morning and head to Denpasar’s traditional markets for a colourful immersion in Bali life. The largest and busiest market in Denpasar, Badung Market is a feast for the senses, and a chance to scoop up some bargains. Shop for exotic fruits, sample spices, and browse fabrics and batik clothing. Just across the river is Kumasari Art Market – a treasure trove for arts, crafts, textiles, wooden sculptures and traditional paintings. Practice your haggling skills, shop for souvenirs, and try local snacks like nasi goreng (fried bananas) sate lilit (minced fish sate.)   

9. Embrace the art of doing less

Best for: Relaxation, wellness and unhurried luxury

A tropical shower can be the perfect excuse to spend an afternoon at your villa rather than rushing between attractions. So, if it’s been a busy year, and you are yearning for a relaxing holiday, why not make this your moment to get away? With your own private swimming pool, and air-conditioned living rooms and bedrooms, it’s easy to keep cool. And some of our villas also enjoy lovely outlooks and a fresh breeze from the ocean or rice fields.

If you feel too lazy to head out for a meal, your private chef will be happy to prepare food to your preference. Whether you fancy a salad or sushi poolside, a Mediterranean lunch in the dining room, or an Indonesian-themed dinner under a starry sky. We can also bring the spa to you so you can enjoy a soothing massage, manicure or traditional scrub without having to step foot outside the villa.

Is November a good time to visit Bali?

November can be a good time to visit Bali if you are comfortable with tropical showers and prefer a quieter, more flexible holiday. The island is warm year-round, while November marks the beginning of the wetter season across much of Bali.

The trade-off is simple: you may encounter more rain than during the dry season, but you can also enjoy lush scenery, a more relaxed atmosphere and greater flexibility in your itinerary.

What is the weather like in Bali in November?

Bali is warm and humid in November, with intermittent rainfall. Weather can vary considerably by location, and rain does not necessarily mean an entire day will be wet.

Plan for a mix of sunshine and showers, carry light rain protection and avoid making every day dependent on a single outdoor activity.

Bali in November at a glance

What to expect	November in Bali
Season	Beginning of the wet season
Climate	Warm and humid
Rain	Increasing rainfall and tropical showers
Landscape	Lush and increasingly green
Best for	Culture, nature, diving, wellness and relaxed itineraries
Planning tip	Keep outdoor plans flexible

What events are happening in Bali in November?

November’s event calendar changes from year to year because many Balinese ceremonies follow traditional calendars. For 2026, the Bali Government Tourism Office lists events including Makepung Lampit on 15 November, Pemuteran Bay Festival from 26–28 November, and Nusa Penida Festival from 6–8 November.

When planning a future November trip, check the latest official event calendar rather than relying on a fixed list of annual dates.

Where should you stay in Bali in November?

The best area to stay depends on what you want from your November holiday. South West Bali (Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu) offers easy access to restaurants, beaches and cultural attractions, while Ubud and central Bali provide a greener, more tranquil setting. North and east Bali are particularly appealing for diving, snorkelling and a quieter island experience.

A private villa also gives you flexibility when the weather changes. Instead of having to leave your accommodation to enjoy your day, you can swim, dine, relax or arrange wellness treatments without leaving your private space.

How can the Elite Concierge help plan a Bali holiday in November?

The Elite Concierge can help build a flexible Bali itinerary around your interests, from private drivers and cultural experiences to diving, snorkelling, restaurant reservations, wellness treatments and day trips.

Because November weather can change, having local support also makes it easier to adjust plans and find suitable alternatives when conditions affect outdoor activities.

Make November Your Time to Experience Bali Differently

Bali in November is not about ticking off as many attractions as possible. It is an opportunity to experience the island at a more relaxed pace — exploring its culture and landscapes when the rain brings new life to the forests, then returning to the privacy and comfort of your villa.

Build in flexibility, leave room for spontaneity and let the island set the pace. With the right villa and a little help from Elite Concierge, November can be an unexpectedly rewarding time to discover Bali.

Sound like heaven? Get in touch now and start planning your trip to Bali in November by booking one of our luxurious havens.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Bali in November

Is November a good month to visit Bali?

Yes. November can suit travellers who prefer a quieter Bali experience and do not mind occasional tropical rain. It is the beginning of the wetter season, so flexible planning is recommended.

Does it rain all day in Bali in November?

No. Rainfall varies by location and day, and tropical showers do not necessarily last all day. However, November marks the beginning of the wet season, so rain should be expected as part of the trip.

What should I pack for Bali in November?

Pack lightweight clothing, swimwear, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection and a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella. For waterfall and outdoor excursions, shoes with good grip are useful.

What festivals are held in Bali in November?

November events vary annually. In 2026, the Bali Government Tourism Office lists events including Makepung Lampit, the Nusa Penida Festival and Pemuteran Bay Festival. Check the latest official calendar before travelling because dates can change.

What is the best way to get around Bali in November?

A private driver is particularly useful in November because it gives you flexibility to change plans around weather and combine several attractions in one day. Elite Concierge can assist with transport arrangements and itineraries.