March marks the transition period between the end of the wet season and the beginning of the dry season in the Southern Hemisphere. Bali experiences relatively warm and sunny weather throughout March, with average temperatures ranging from 26 - 31 degrees celsius. Even though there is an occasional chance of rainfall for about half of the days in March, the rains are not continuous nor as intense as the previous months, making it ideal for enjoying more outdoor activities. Downpours are most common during afternoons, and the total precipitation in March is around 200mm. Temperatures can be slightly cooler in the coastal regions and warmer in the central regions due to higher altitudes. The humidity levels in Bali in March stay at about 80%, and this can make the temperatures feel warmer than it is.
Visiting Bali in March will help you avoid the peak tourist crowd during the high season in Bali from June to August and Christmas. You can still enjoy most of the popular attractions in Bali during March owing to generally pleasant weather and lesser chances of rainfall. This also means that you can travel within a smaller budget since many amenities like accommodation, food, travel costs like taxis, and other services like spas cost cheaper than during peak season. Traveling to Bali also costs less; you can find the cheapest flight tickets to Bali during March.
Activities and Events in Bali in March
1. Nyepi (Balinese New Year)
This widely renowned Hindu festival is called the “Day of Silence.” It marks the end of the old year and the beginning of the new one. The most amazing feature of the festival is that this red letter day is celebrated by inactivity and maintaining complete silence for the whole day. For the original inhabitants of Bali, this day is the day for introspection and meditation. But for foreigners, the rules of the customs are much more relaxed. Without any doubt, it is sure that for a traveler, it will certainly feel great because just on the previous night, different colorful and cheerful celebrations exist. In contrast, the next day observes a period of complete serenity and silence. This extreme level of contrast feels eerie and thrilling at the same time, and also, sometimes, it appears really good to “do nothing” a whole day because, after all, holidays are meant for relaxation also.
Nyepi Day 2023: 22nd March 2023 to 23rd March 2023
2. Ogoh Ogoh Parade
The Ogoh Ogoh parade is the eventual glimpse of the glittering Bali ritual and festival just before the island observes a complete day of silence at the Nyepi (the day of silence). During the parade, celebrations are carried out with large and shining torches and drums. Varied numbers of giant monster dolls are the main attraction of this parade, representing mythological demons that are incinerated at the end of the parade to mark the destruction of evil and, eventually, the triumph of good.
Ogoh Ogoh Parade dates 2023: 21st March 2023
3. Melasti – The cleansing Pilgrimage
Melasti is a Hindu cleaning ritual performed in Bali a few days before Nyepi day. Balinese people dress in traditional white and yellow dresses, carry banners and chant the Melasti prayer for purification. Women balance fruits and flowers on their heads during the procession. It takes place on the coasts of sea, lake, or other water sources, and the purification is known as Terta Amerta. It is especially famous on the coasts of Kuta and Sanur.
Melasti date 2023: 3rd March 2023
4. Tumpek Kandang - The Animal Festival
It is the day of celebrating the God of Animals in Bali and is celebrated once in 6 months (March and October) and encourages the preservation and prospering of the environment. Animals, especially cows, and elephants, are dressed in human attires and are worshipped during this day.
Tumpek Kandang Dates 2023: March 25, 2023, October 21, 2023
5. Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
The traditional rice terraces is about 2 hours away from Bali town and is a Cultural landscape Heritage site. During the month of march, the rice terraces cn be seen in their absolute best glory as the occasional rainfall and sunny days make the rice stalks glitter.
Timings: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
6. Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu Temple is located on a cliff in Uluwatu, offering stunning views of the island. The temple is also famous for Kecak dance and fire dance, performed every day at 6 in the evening. Sunsets from the temple are best enjoyed during March, and it is also less crowded.
Entry Fee: IDR 30,000
Timings: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
What to Wear in Bali in March
Since the weather is warm and humid, wearing light and breathable clothing like cotton is advisable. But be sure to carry your umbrellas and rainwear since downpours in Bali in March can be unpredictable.
March is regarded as the “shoulder season”, meaning it is a transitional phase between the previous heavy rains and the upcoming summer peak season. Therefore, the pressure of tourists during this time remains tolerable, making Bali's pristine nature more attractive and appreciable, thus making it a great choice for vacation once and for all.