Forget bulky wetsuits and say hello to freedom! Bali’s warm waters mean ditching the neoprene and feeling the waves.
We’ll dive into the perfect surf outfits – from minimalist boardshorts to rash vests and the occasional bit of warmth.
Plus, we give you the weather data to plan your Bali surf trip like a pro. Ready to shred in style? Let’s go!
Do You Need A Wetsuit To Surf In Bali?
Nope. You would slowly bake if you tried to wear a wetsuit whilst surfing in Bali. With an average water temperature of 26 to 29°C year round, you will mostly be fine with either boardshorts alone, boardshorts + a rash vest or boardshorts + a 1mm wetsuit top.
What to Wear for Surfing in Bali: Your Core Choices
Boardshorts/Bikini/Borat Thong + Sun Protection:
Let’s be real, surfing’s about that feeling of freedom! Boardshorts, bikinis, or rock a daring Borat thong – it’s all about feeling the waves.
But one thing you absolutely cannot skip: reef-safe sunscreen. That Bali sun packs a punch, even on cloudy days.
Undergarment Choice + Rash Vest:
Rash vests (or “rashies”) are your secret weapon against sunburn and annoying board rash. I always opt for long sleeves for the perfect amount of coverage.
Ditch the slippery sunscreen messing with your ‘pig dog’ and don a rashie.
Undergarment Choice + 1mm Wetsuit Top
Okay, some of us feel the chill a bit more. If the winds kick up or you plan on a super long session, a lightweight 1mm wetsuit top gives you that bit of extra warmth. You can especially feel the chill on those rainy and windy wet season days.
Do You Need Booties in Bali?
Short answer: it depends! Bali has all sorts of breaks.
Those sandy beach breaks? Go barefoot and feel the sand between your toes.
Spot with a reef bottom? Booties offer foot protection, but many surfers, including me, still go bootie-free here. Some careful foot placement on your walkout will save you from tripping over your toes in clunky water full booties.
Just observe where the locals walk and tread carefully, especially if you’re new to surfing.
For me, feeling free and nimble is worth the rare bump and scrape on the reef!
How to decide what to wear when surfing in Bali?
Ultimately, you are the boss when it comes to your surfing attire. Here is a breakdown of the weather data looking at water temp, ait temp and humidity month to month so you can pick your travel months and decide for yourself:
What should you wear to surf in Bali in January
- Water Temperature: 27-29°C (81-84°F)*
- Air Temperature (High): 30°C (86°F)
- Air Temperature (Low): 23°C (73°F)
- Humidity: 85%
What should you wear to surf in Bali in February
- Water Temperature: 27-29°C (81-84°F)*
- Air Temperature (High): 31°C (88°F)
- Air Temperature (Low): 23°C (73°F)
- Humidity: 82%
What should you wear to surf in Bali in March
- Water Temperature: 27-29°C (81-84°F)*
- Air Temperature (High): 31°C (88°F)
- Air Temperature (Low): 23°C (73°F)
- Humidity: 83%
What should you wear to surf in Bali in April
- Water Temperature: 27-29°C (81-84°F)*
- Air Temperature (High): 32°C (90°F)
- Air Temperature (Low): 24°C (75°F)
- Humidity: 78%
What should you wear to surf in Bali in May
- Water Temperature: 27-29°C (81-84°F)*
- Air Temperature (High): 31°C (88°F)
- Air Temperature (Low): 24°C (75°F)
- Humidity: 76%
What should you wear to surf in Bali in June
- Water Temperature: 26-28°C (79-82°F)*
- Air Temperature (High): 30°C (86°F)
- Air Temperature (Low): 23°C (73°F)
- Humidity: 73%
What should you wear to surf in Bali in July
- Water Temperature: 26-28°C (79-82°F)*
- Air Temperature (High): 29°C (84°F)
- Air Temperature (Low): 22°C (72°F)
- Humidity: 70%
What should you wear to surf in Bali in August
- Water Temperature: 25-27°C (77-81°F)*
- Air Temperature (High): 29°C (84°F)
- Air Temperature (Low): 22°C (72°F)
- Humidity: 69%
What should you wear to surf in Bali in September
- Water Temperature: 25-27°C (77-81°F)*
- Air Temperature (High): 30°C (86°F)
- Air Temperature (Low): 23°C (73°F)
- Humidity: 70%
What should you wear to surf in Bali in October
- Water Temperature: 26-28°C (79-82°F)*
- Air Temperature (High): 31°C (88°F)
- Air Temperature (Low): 23°C (73°F)
- Humidity: 75%
What should you wear to surf in Bali in November
- Water Temperature: 27-29°C (81-84°F)*
- Air Temperature (High): 31°C (88°F)
- Air Temperature (Low): 23°C (73°F)
- Humidity: 80%
What should you wear to surf in Bali in December
- Water Temperature: 27-29°C (81-84°F)*
- Air Temperature (High): 32°C (90°F)
- Air Temperature (Low): 23°C (73°F)
- Humidity: 83%
To Conclude: What do you wear to surf in Bali?
Ultimately, your perfect Bali surf outfit is all about feeling good!
Use our weather guide as a starting point, then experiment until you find that sweet spot of comfort and freedom.
