Just because Bali’s wet season is on the way doesn’t mean there’s no surf. From November to March the tropical rains roll in and the winds change directions and this is when Bali’s East coast becomes a surfer’s playground with spots like Keramas, Serangan and Nusa Dua pumping. While the West Coast still has some waves the East lights up with uncrowded lineups and great surfing conditions. At Kima we make sure our surfers are able to surf the best waves year-round and during the wet season we head to the East. Bali’s wet season is one of the best-kept secrets in the surf tourism world and with the right guidance you’ll discover a completely different side of the island.
The waves during the wet season don’t disappear, they just move. The island’s two main surf seasons are shaped by wind: the dry season (May to October), when easterly trades light up the West Coast with long left-hander spots. The wet season (November to April) is when the westerlies switch things up. Those winds make the West Coast onshore but turn the East Coast offshore which creates clean and consistent conditions at every surf spot. With fewer crowds, warm water, and a mix of powerful rights and mellow reef breaks, it’s one of the best times to surf Bali’s quieter side. The Kima Surf team checks tides, wind and swell daily making it easy to find the best waves year-round. No matter whether you’re staying at Seminyak or Canggu, both camps come prepared.
One of the reasons Bali is such a reliable surf destination is that there’s always somewhere with good waves. You just need to know which coast is working. The island’s two main surf seasons are shaped by wind: the dry season (May to October) and the wet season (November to March).
During the dry season the easterly trade winds blow offshore along the West Coast lighting up the surf spots closer to our Canggu and Seminyak camps with breaks in Canggu like Old Mans, breaks in Seminyak like Double six and Uluwatu which offer long left-handers, big swells and golden sunsets over the Indian Ocean. This is the time most people visit Bali for surfing. When the wet season arrives those winds reverse. Westerly winds make the West Coast onshore but that same shift turns to the East Coast creating smooth and clean conditions from Sanur to Keramas. This seasonal switch transforms the surf map of Bali. The waves don’t disappear, they move.
At Kima Surf we plan our surf sessions around these changes. We track tides, swell direction and wind conditions daily so surfers can always find the best possible waves no matter what season. Understanding how these coastal shifts work means you can surf Bali confidently all year-round and experience both sides of the island at their best.
From our Canggu and Seminyak camps we run regular day trips to these East Coast gems during the wet season, our experienced surf guides will take you to the surf spots with the best conditions and bring you back in time to unwind back at the camp. Here are some of the top East Coast surf spots worth surfing this season:
Keramas is one of Bali’s well-known surf spots and for good reason. This powerful right-hand reef break produces steep and fast waves that often barrel on the inside sometimes even after take off. It’s best suited for advanced surfers who are comfortable in stronger surf. Early mornings are the best at Keramas with the cleanest conditions before the wind shifts.
A reliable and versatile option is Serangan which is best for surfers that are confident intermediate surfers. This reef break delivers both lefts and rights with plenty of space to spread out with its many different peaks especially on mid to high tide. When the westerly winds blow, Serangan stays protected and holds its shape. Serangan is one of Kima’s favourite wet season spots for group sessions. From here you can hop on the Kimaboat which takes you out to the outer reef breaks including Serangan and Baby Reef. Baby Reef sits just nearby and offers a slightly softer wave making it ideal for those who want a fun, cruisy session away from the crowds.
Stretching along Bali’s southeast coast is Nusa Dua which picks up plenty of swell and offers multiple peaks along the reef. The outer reef breaks tend to be larger and more powerful while the inside sections provide shorter rides. Here we have Mushroom Rock, a reliable right-hander with fast sections and shorter more friendly sections,also Black Stone known for its extra push. You’ll also find spots like Geger which is a reef break with two waves: a short and fast left suited for intermediate to experienced surfers and a powerful right known as one of the most challenging spots on the East Coast. The right works best on mid-to-high tide, often accessed by boat, while the left is more manageable from low to mid-tide. Chicken Wings is a playful and clean wave on mid-tide. Mengiat is a consistent reef break that shines on a mid to high tide; and Mushroom Secret, a lesser-known break offering smooth, glassy walls and fewer crowds which is more for intermediate surfers. Blackstone it’s a great place to surf when you’re looking for consistency and a bit more of a push.
Baby Reef in Sanur is a welcoming wave and is one of the East Coast’s most enjoyable surf spots and is perfect for beginners and intermediates looking to build confidence. This reef break offers long rides that break over deeper water making it far more forgiving than some of Bali’s sharper reefs. When the winds turn offshore during the wet season, Baby Reef lines up beautifully with clean faces and playful walls.
From November to March, Bali’s wet season brings steady southern swells and offshore winds on the East Coast, creating clean, glassy waves from shoulder- to head-high. Warm 27–29°C water and lighter crowds make it one of the most enjoyable times to surf. With Kima’s premium surfboards, expert guides and top-notch facilities for recovery every session is set up for perfect conditions and easy comfort.
The wet season might bring a few tropical showers but it also brings warm water, fewer crowds, and a quieter side of the island that most surfers never get to see. If you’re in Bali during the wet season don’t be too quick to assume the waves have disappeared, they’ve just moved. Our day trips to the East Coast have plenty to offer from glassy mornings at Keramas to mellow walls at Serangan and with Kima finding the right spot is easy. Our team checks the conditions daily and knows exactly where to go whether there’s rain or sunshine. Pack your board, stay flexible and head East.