Month to Avoid

Ubud Weather in January

Very wet highland month. Frequent heavy rain and morning mist. Lush green rice terraces at their most vibrant.

High Temperature

28°

Celsius

Low Temperature

22°

Celsius

Rainfall

380

mm (28 days)

Humidity

88%

average

What to Expect in January

Rain almost daily. Great for visiting indoor galleries, museums, and spa treatments.

Pros & Cons of Visiting in January

Pros

Stunning green landscapes
Few tourists
Lower accommodation prices

Cons

Very wet
Slippery trekking paths
Limited outdoor activities

January Weather in Ubud: A Closer Look

January is the wettest month in Ubud, with approximately 380mm of rainfall spread across 28 days — nearly every day brings at least some rain. Sitting at around 600 metres above sea level in the central highlands, Ubud receives significantly more rainfall than coastal Bali, and January is its most intense period. Daytime temperatures reach 28°C but evenings and mornings can drop to 22°C — notably cooler than Denpasar's coastal heat. Humidity peaks at 88%. Morning mist rolls through the rice terraces and jungle valleys in spectacular fashion, often dissipating by mid-morning. The UV index in January is 6 — lower than coastal areas due to the cloud cover but still meaningful on clear breaks. Rain falls heavily in the afternoon and often continues through the night. Waterfalls in the greater Ubud area — Tegenungan, Kanto Lampo, Tibumana — are at their most powerful and dramatic in January. The highland microclimate means even on clear mornings the air retains a freshness impossible to find at sea level.

Crowds: lowPrices: budget

Best Activities in Ubud in January

1Visit Tegenungan or Tibumana waterfall — January river flow makes them genuinely spectacular

2Take a cooking class at one of Ubud's many dedicated cooking schools — a perfect rainy-day indoor activity

3Visit ARMA Museum and Neka Art Museum for Balinese art collections without the dry-season queues

4Attend a traditional Kecak, Legong, or Barong dance performance at Ubud Palace

5Explore the traditional healer network (Balian) — January is an introspective, spiritually significant period in Bali

What to Pack for Ubud in January

Bring a proper waterproof jacket — rain in Ubud at 600m is heavier and more sustained than coastal Bali
Waterproof hiking boots or trail shoes are essential; flip-flops become dangerous on muddy ridge walks
Pack a wool or fleece layer for evenings — 22°C with 88% humidity feels cold after a full day in the rain
Quick-dry performance fabrics are far better than cotton, which takes 24+ hours to dry in January humidity
A dry bag or waterproof phone case is essential — brief dry windows disappear without warning
Insect repellent — mosquito activity is highest in wet season; dengue risk is real in highland areas

Travel Tips for January

1Ubud in January is genuinely quiet — use this to get villa rates 40–60% below peak prices and experience an authentic highland pace
2Schedule outdoor activities (rice terrace walks, cycling) for 7–10am before cloud cover builds to rain
3Campuhan Ridge Walk turns muddy and slippery — wear grip footwear or wait for a clear morning after a dry night
4Confirm your accommodation includes adequate drainage and a covered outdoor area — not all villas are built for this amount of rain
5The Ubud central market operates in the early morning regardless of weather — arrive by 7am for the best produce

Events & Festivals in January

New Year Banjar Celebrations

January 1, 2026

Local neighbourhood (banjar) gatherings and ceremonies in Ubud's villages to mark the new year and set community intentions for the coming Gregorian calendar year