Best Month

Ubud Weather in May

Excellent weather. Cool mornings, warm afternoons, minimal rain.

High Temperature

29°

Celsius

Low Temperature

22°

Celsius

Rainfall

100

mm (9 days)

Humidity

77%

average

What to Expect in May

Perfect for trekking, cycling, and exploring temples.

Pros & Cons of Visiting in May

Pros

Best month for outdoor activities
Cool and comfortable
Fewer crowds

Cons

Occasional afternoon shower

May Weather in Ubud: A Closer Look

May is one of Ubud's premier months. The dry season is established, rainfall is around 100mm over 9 days (mostly brief evening showers), and the highland climate delivers its most comfortable conditions: 29°C highs, 22°C lows, and humidity at just 77%. The UV index drops to 6 — less intense than April's. Morning air at 600m is genuinely refreshing, carrying the fragrance of the surrounding jungle and the occasional distant smell of wood smoke from village cooking fires. Views of the Campuhan valley and terraced rice fields are exceptional, and trail conditions are near-perfect for trekking and cycling. The Ubud Food Festival at the end of May (May 29–31) draws international chefs and food writers to Taman Kuliner in Ubud, making it one of the region's best culinary events. Tumpek Uduh on May 23 sees elaborate offerings placed at trees around every family compound in Ubud's villages. May also sits at the sweet spot where prices have not yet hit the June-August peak.

Crowds: moderatePrices: moderate

Best Activities in Ubud in May

1Multi-day trekking itinerary: Campuhan Ridge Walk, Penestanan rice fields, Kelebang Forest, and Bukit Cinta viewpoint

2Attend the Ubud Food Festival at Taman Kuliner (May 29–31) for Indonesian culinary excellence

3White-water rafting on the Ayung River — May water levels are high enough for good rapids without being dangerous

4Visit the Jatiluwih UNESCO rice terraces at golden hour — May light and green field growth creates postcard perfection

5Sunrise hike to Mount Batur from Kintamani — May gives clear summit views as the rainy season mist has lifted

What to Pack for Ubud in May

A light fleece for evenings and early morning treks — 22°C at altitude is noticeably cool before 8am
Trail shoes or hiking sandals for dry-season ridge and forest walks
Reusable water bottle — Ubud has good filtered water refill stations throughout the town
Sunscreen SPF30–50 — UV 6 is still significant at altitude on clear days
Smart casual clothes for the Ubud Food Festival — it's a semi-social culinary event, not a casual street market

Travel Tips for May

1May sits at the sweet spot between dry-season quality and peak-season prices — consider this your primary window if budget matters
2Book the Ubud Food Festival events online before arriving — ticketed dinners and workshops sell out within days of release
3The morning temperature window (6–9am) in May is Ubud at its absolute best for outdoor activity
4Mount Batur sunrise treks should be booked 24–48 hours ahead with a licensed guide through the Kintamani guide association
5Avoid arriving in Ubud on weekend afternoons in May — domestic tourists from Denpasar fill the central market area from noon to 5pm

Events & Festivals in May

Tumpek Uduh

May 23, 2026

Balinese ceremony honouring trees and agricultural abundance; throughout Ubud's villages, elaborate offerings are tied to significant trees and rice field shrines in an ancient tradition linking humans and the plant world

Ubud Food Festival

May 29–31, 2026

Premier Indonesian food and drink festival at Taman Kuliner, Ubud; three days of cooking demonstrations, tastings, discussions, and dinners with leading Indonesian and international chefs