Bali packing list for women

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If you are a woman traveling to Bali and thinking about what to pack and wear, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we will look at what the weather will be like and local customs and cultural norms, as well as tips to stay comfortable and looking good on your trip to the Island of the Gods.

Remember, Bali is hot all year round and you are likely going to spend a lot of time outdoors and probably participating in lots of activities from hiking to “beaching”, so how you dress is not only a matter of fashion, but also practicality and safety.

See our Amazon Bali packing list with all the product recommendations mentioned here.

What to expect on a trip to Bali

Bali is on the Equator and this means that it is hot and humid all year round, and extra wet during the Monsoon season, when tropical storms fill the air and the humidity shoots up.

Because it never cools down much and the humidity is high, you will be constantly sweating. While you may be tempted to wear as few clothes as possible, you also need to make sure you are protecting yourself from the sun, which is very strong at such latitudes.

So, on a trip to Bali you should expect high humidity, sunshine and heat.

Weather in Bali

As mentioned, Bali doesn’t really have seasons like how they are understood in the Northern and Southern hemisphere. Instead, there is a dry and a wet season, but temperatures and humidity stay relatively stable through the year.

Below are key statistics per season.

December to March

The peak of the Monsoon season runs from November to April and is marked by high rainfall and higher temperatures, but also with fewer tourists with the exception of the Christmas and New Year’s period.

  • Days of rain per month: 18 to 20 days. Half of the annual precipitation falls in these 3 months.
  • Temperature: 25 C to 31 C / 77 F to 88 F.
  • Hours of sunshine per day: 6 to 7 hours.

November and April

November and April are transition months referred to as the shoulder season. They see a drop in rainfall and increase in hours of sunshine.

  • Days of rain per month: 10 to 12 days.
  • Temperature: 25 C to 32 C / 77 F to 90 F.
  • Hours of sunshine per day: 7 to 8 hours.

May, September and October

These are already dry months, when the rainfall drops significantly but the number of tourists have yet to take off like it will in the peak of summer. These are our favorite months to visit Bali because the weather is as good as it gets, but the crowds have yet to descend to the island.

  • Days of rain per month: 3 to 8 days.
  • Temperature: 23 C to 31 C / 73 F to 88 F.
  • Hours of sunshine per day: 9 hours.

June, July and August

The peak summer months in Bali see the highest number of visitors and the best weather, with the coolest temperatures the island sees, the most amount of sunshine and the least amount of rain.

These months coincide with the best time to visit and also the summer holiday period in the Northern Hemisphere. The fact that it is the dead of winter in Australia, the number one nationality visiting the island, brings crowds and traffic jams that are hard to handle.

  • Days of rain per month: 3 to 7 days.
  • Temperature: 24 C to 29 C / 75 F to 84 F.
  • Hours of sunshine per day: 10 hours.

How to dress in Bali

Now that you know what kind of weather to expect, there are a few other considerations that are also important.

Not big fans of AC

Most business in Bali, and this includes the majority of cafes and many restaurants, are open air and have no AC. You will be able to clearly see this from outside because windows and doors will be open.

Sometimes, there are fans, but at times ventilation is simply the flowing air, which in the hottest months, and in the urban centers, is stale and barely moving.

Sweating constantly is pretty common, and everyone does. Bringing your own personal fan or portable neck AC is the best idea you could have, as is wearing breathable, light clothes.

Breathable fabrics

Because it is hot and humid, natural breathable materials are best. Think cotton, linen, silk for a more upscale outfit at the higher end resorts or for a more special evening, or even bamboo fabric are breezy and more comfortable than polyester.

Footwear

Every visitor to Bali will check out some waterfalls; We do so on our Bali for women itinerary, and I have never heard of a visitor to Ubud that didn’t at least visit one.

Getting to most waterfalls involves a slippery, wet and often muddy path down uneven, sometimes steep stairs. Appropriate footwear will be the difference between a twisted ankle and a great vacation.

Waterproof Teva sandals like this one with grip or even reef shoes, are a good idea, not only for the hike / walk to the waterfalls but also to get inside of them as the bottom tends to be mushy and pebbly.

Flip flops are a sure ticket to a painful fall or a slip and I would not recommend them for waterfalls. They are however great for the beach and for lounging at the resorts.

Everything goes, but the local culture is conservative

There are so many tourists in Bali that you are bound to see all kinds of outfits and styles worn. And with the heat and high humidity, female visitors tend to stick to dresses, athleisure wear and shorts with a top.

However, the Balinese people are mostly devout Hindu and dress conservatively. The traditional dress for women is a Kebaya, a long sarong skirt made of batik cloth with a selendang, a sort of sash tied around the waist, and a long sleeved white blouse, typically made of lace material.

A sarong and covered shoulders is a mandatory dress code when entering a temple (men and women) and if you are wearing spaghetti straps and shorts, sarongs will be available to borrow or rent.

Beware of pickpockets and bag snatching

Bag snatching is not unheard of in Bali, and when walking on the sidewalks, you should always be aware of your belongings and wear your bag in the inside not on the side of the road, to avoid someone in a scooter driving past and snatching it, pulling you down on the road in the process.

A cross-body bag that is always zipped and in front will help but the best safeguard is a slash-proof, anti-theft bag, designed for extra safety. There are a few anti-theft bag models that I specifically recommend because Meg and I, our team or many of our guests have used on our European tours:

  • Many of our guests have this one from Travelon that comes with a compartment for the water bottle. This has to be the most commonly used by our guests.
  • A waist bag option from Travelon that you can wear on your waist or across your chest like I always use mine. This makes it much more convenient to reach out for things and much closer to your body, so harder to steal from.
  • For shorter trips to the beach, or a half day excursion, a simpler water bottle with a compartment for some essentials is usually enough. Meg likes to use this one, to the amusement of her nephews who think she is “not cool enough”.

Leave the heels at home

There will be no opportunity to wear high heels in Bali.

All the sightseeing is done in uneven floors made of volcanic rock, paths, the sidewalks are constantly filled with scooters and broken by the roots of growing trees, and the general atmosphere is bohemian chic rather than cosmopolitan.

Casual, Bohemian chic

Bali is world famous for being the center of spiritual vacations, retreats, digital nomads and all kinds of conscious living.

This philosophy goes hand in hand with a certain dress style that favors earthy, natural colors and fabrics, layering, and loose clothes. Accessories can be chunky or small, and the overall outfit feels relaxed and effortless.

Make-up and blow driers are practically pointless

While you can definitely wear make up and blow dry your hair, the weather will fight you on it and thick make up will melt in the humidity and your pristine blow dry will soon fluff up with the humidity in the air, so reconsider whether you should give up and go au naturel instead.

Trust us, if Taylor Swift’s pack of professional hair stylists could do nothing to avoid her hair returning to “factory settings” in neighbouring Singapore, your battle against fizz is futile.

What to pack for Bali

Now that you understand the weather and the know what it means for your wardrove, let’s have a look at what you should pack.

Dresses

The best thing to wear on a trip to Bali is a light, comfortable, flowy dress. It can be long for the evenings, short, midi or maxi, in a solid color or patterned, but generally, it is loose and not tight, to let the air flow.

Think spaghetti strap dresses, florals, etc. and generally, in bright summer tones or earthy colors if you are channeling the more spiritual side of the island.

For the night, a cute dress in a solid color paired with a nice accessory are nice, but you can also continue wearing your colorful dresses. I love this V-neck one.

Crop pants

I am a big fan of crop pants because they can be really cute, come in a variety of materials and are fun yet conservative and cover me from the sun, plus they fit my silhouette and are comfy without any risk of chafing.

A pair of cropped linen pants will come in handy. They are loose and fresh and will be comfy even if you have so sit on the floor.

Skirts

Long ones with a cute top (I have this one in 2 colors), three quarter length ones and short skirts.

They cover your legs, thus making you temple-appropriate, and also protect you from the sun. If you are going to be riding a scooter, they are also much better than short skirts which make riding difficult, and they can be pretty fashionable. Bonus points for being a great outfit to wear to a fancier dinner or drinks.

At the beach or nearby areas in Jimbaran, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, Canggu, etc., short skirts are very common as they are easy to slide into when wearing a swimming costume underneath, although they may be harder to wear without swimming gear underneath if you plan to visit one of the many laid-back cafes or beach clubs where sitting is on bean bags, hammocks or other similar furniture that is inconvenient when wearing a stiff miniskirt.

Cute t-shirts and tops

Comfy but cute tshirts, sleeveless, strapless or tank tops and blouses that may be floral, with a design or have details that make them a bit more than just a white t-shirt march great with shorts or skirts.

Shorts

I like to wear relatively loose and comfy shorts in Bali. They are comfortable, easy to pair with a tshirt or top and will keep you fresh when the sun is shining. I avoid thick or stiff materials like denim that are not great when it’s hot and humid and you are sweating a lot, plus they take long to dry.

Choose classy chinos and cute cotton shorts, or go for linen and even stretching yoga / cicling shorts.

Leggings and yoga pants

Leggings are another great comfortable outfit to pack for Bali and will make you fit right in with the yoga-going crowd that fills the streets of especially Ubud.

Leggings cover your legs and knees for temples (though you’ll be asked to put a sarong over them anyway) and can pair up with lots of tops.

They are light, don’t occupy a lot of space in your suitcase, don’t need ironing and are quite comfy to wear. Plus, they collect the sweat so it does not drip down your back or legs. Yes, it is that hot and humid in Bali all year round.

Choose the lighter, thinner leggings in natural fabrics and not the thicker ones which will result in you sweating even more.

Athleisure

A lot of women in Ubus are there for a yoga retreat, yoga training or a wellness getaway and seem ready to get in downwards facing dog at any point.

Athleisure apparel, that is, clothes are made for exercising but are equally as nice outside of the gym or yoga studio, are commonly seen.

Think sports bras with oversized tshirts, cute tops with pretty back motifs and other pieces that are good to be active in and quick dry, are great.

Linen shirts and slacks

Linen is a great material for the hot summer weather and I love to wear it, especially in loose fitting shirts over leggings or as a pair of long trousers for a more stylish evening outfit. 

However, the main issue when traveling with linen clothing is that it requires ironing and I don’t like to iron when I am on holidays. To minimize creasing, check out our packing hacks and roll your clothes. 

Swimwear and kaftan / overalls

Whether you prefer a bikini or a swimming suit, you can’t visit Bali without bringing several pieces of swimwear with you so one can dry while you were the other.

Pro tip: As soon as you leave the beach and the adjacent streets, cover up and don’t walk around in swimwear.

To go down to the swimming pool and club area of our beach resort in Seminyak, you will also need some classy and fashionable overalls / kaftans. Channel your inner goddess and your chic style with a flowy kaftan you throw over your swimming suit or bikini.

Sandals with grip

As mentioned in the previous section, a good pair of waterproof sandals will be your best footwear for chasing waterfalls. Access paths are usually steep, uneven, slippery when wet and sometimes muddy. A pair of flip flops will be dangerous.

Here are a few waterproof sandal ideas:

Hiking boots

If you plan to hike one of the volcanoes in Bali, you will need proper hiking boots that go up to the ankle to avid lava rocks and sand getting into your shoes.

These bestselling lightweight, waterproof hiking boots have grip and are a good option for hot destinations.

A pair of walking shoes or sandals

A pair of walking shoes are a must for exploring the temples, or the city centers of Ubud, Seminyak or Canggu in general.

A good pair of sports / tennis shoes / sneakers that have grip and are comfortable are strongly recommended. Or you could wear the same sandals you’ll wear to the waterfalls.

You can also bring a pair of Amazon Best selling cork sandals, Italian cotton trainers Superga, a pair of comfy Dr. Scholls sneakers, or Sketchers walking sneakers that have been specifically designed for touristing.

I have a pair of these New Balance sneakers when I need to properly exercise or be comfortable, and I wear Anothersole shoes on all our tours, they are fantastic as long as it is dry. Want something fancier, opt for a pair of golden sneakers or cute sandals or espadrilles.

These flat espadrilles, these flowery summery ones or these ankle wrap strap ones that can go from day to night. The brand Toni Pons from Barcelona has many models and styles.

A stylish evening outfit

Although Bali is a preeminently laid back, casual destination, the more upscale restaurants will have a dress code that does not allow for shorts, sports clothes or sports sandals.

It is a good idea to bring one nice outfit to dress up for the evenings. Here are some ideas for inspiration for the evenings in Santorini and Mykonos:

Other things to pack for Bali

Besides clothing, there are a few other things worth packing for your trip to Bali.

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A light waterproof backpack: If you’re going hiking, chasing waterfalls or plan to head out for more active excursions or rent a scooter to get around, a light waterproof backpack will be useful. If you choose one of the dry bag versions, you can also take them on a boat tour. This roll-top waterproof backpack is multi-purpose and packs down flat.
Neck fan: On our women-only tours in hot destinations like Greece, Italy’s Amalfi Coast and Tanzania, guests rave about this portable air neck fan conditioner you wear around your neck. The fan blows out cool air and can be recharged with a USB cable.
A sun hat: As mentioned, the sun will be shining all day long so a hat is a great way to protect eyes and face from the sun exposure. Straw hats are perfect for the beach and the resorts, but a cap is more useful for more active excursions that involve hiking, chasing waterfalls, etc. Check out this wide brim one.
A strapless bra: For all those tops and dresses, or if your outfit demands it, a stick-on one so you look perfect, or these best selling nipple covers if you don’t need the support. Find a comfy wire free strapless bra here.
A rain jacket or poncho: Even in the dry season, rain is possible. Pack a light packable raincoat or a poncho and have it with you when out all day so you can stay warm.
A pair of flip flops: If you are going to spend time by the Red Sea, a pair of flip flops or sandals will come in handy for poolside lounging or beach time. I have been wearing Havaianas for decades and like these golden skinny ones.
Universal plug adaptor: Bali uses standard two round prong European plugs. I like the plug adaptors which come with USB ports. I love this one because it has USB ports for all the electronics I now carry.
Power bank: This Anker Portable Charger has a 20000mAh capacity, and fast-charging USB-C ports, you can power up your devices in a flash, while the LED display keeps you in the know about your battery level. It’s the perfect companion for road trips, travel adventures, or just surviving a long day out and about in Bali using Google maps.
Sunglasses: A pair of good sunglasses is an essential travel item in Bali. I like Oakley sunglasses as they are polarized and protect your eyes from any damaging sun rays. I alway wear them. Yes, they are not fashionable, but I have sensitive eyes that don’t like bright days, so they are a lifesaver for me. Lately, they have been launching more modern and stylish models. Check out their store on Amazon.
Water purifier bottle: Make sure to always have safe drinking water anywhere with a water purifier bottle from Grayl. I have used it in more than 15 countries to turn tap water into drinking water.
Electrolytes or rehydration tablets: Maybe the fact that toilets aren’t great or that the weather is rather dry make you drink far less than usual so you end up having a headache, the first symptom of dehydration. I like to bring these hydrating tablets from Nuun with me, always. They come in handy if you are somewhere dry, like the desert, or if you end up with travelers’ diaorreah where the risk of dehydration is high.
Biodegradable tissue and wet wipes: It’s a good idea to have a small packet of biodegradable wet towels handy for any hikes or adventures through Bali’s rugged terrain. These ones are specifically designed for outdoorsy people.
Water bottle: Single use plastic bottles are terrible for the environment so I recommend you bring your own reusable bottle as part of our efforts towards zero-waste and responsible travel. The water purifier bottle is heavy because of the filter, so it is useful to bring a second one to fill up and take around.
Sun protection: Sunscreen is so important as Bali has some of the highest UV rays in the world, and can cause skin damage, especially during the dry month’s extended daylight hours. 

I highly recommend Aussie brand Sun Bum which is specifically designed for the strong sun, is vegan, reef-safe and smells heavenly. They have a travel pack with sizes below 100ml that comes with a pretty pouch and includes sunscreen, lip balm (very important) and aftersun.
Lip balm: The sun makes it particularly tough for the skin and lips so you should bring a lip balm to stay moisturized. I find these are essential to not end up with completely ruined lips or even blisters. This best selling Neutrogena has SPF 15, so your lips will never be dry again!
Motion sickness patches: Most of the roads in Bali are windy, and if you are prone to motion sickness you are likely to feel it. Many of the guests on our tours, use motion sickness patches, and they spend a week without getting sick. 
A phone lanyard: A phone lanyard is super useful to travel with, to Bali or anywhere. It will help you have free hands but your phone always handy for photos, and it will prevent theft. I have this one.
Sleep mask: Although hotels have proper blinds, you will be sharing the room with another traveler who may be a late owl. Bring a sleep mask like this one to block the light. Or upgrade to Manta Sleep, I have been using the sound mask for months now and it is INCREDIBLE both for the flight as well as to sleep at night and get over the jetlag. It is magic when paired with my Calm app.
Travel pillow: If you are flying to Italy overnight, you will need a proper neck pillow to sleep and arrive rested. Me and Meg both use the Turtle neck.
Pajamas: As mentioned, you will most likely be sharing a room so don’t forget to pack your pajamas! Here’s a comfy choice from Amazon.
Ear plugs: It is never a bad idea to have a pair of earplugs handy, for the flight, a noisy neighbor or an antsy roommate. Check out these from Amazon.
First aid kit and medication: Available medications, brands and products in Spain may not be the same back home so it’s always best to bring everything you are used to and of course, all prescription medication or vitamins you take. I also recommend packing a basic first aid kit with items such as plasters, an antiseptic ointment, eye drops, hydration powder, etc. Have a look at our suggested first aid kit here.
A foldable toiletry bag: I always travel with a foldable toiletry bag which I can hang anywhere. You will be moving around a lot on any trip to Iceland because of the fact that most people visit on a road trip, so you save on packing and unpacking. They also help you keep everything easy to find and tidy. This one is very cute.
Mosquito repellent: I have used and can recommend 3 brands, all with at least 30% DEET. Repel brand is one I find everywhere so it’s the one I use the most. Ben’s also very effective and I have bought their small bottles, perfect for travel, before. Lastly, OFF! Is another pervasive and widely available option that works too. 

Unfortunately, natural repellents don’t work as well so you may want to bring the DEET ones in case you still get bitten. 

Most repellents won’t work well on flies, though DEET is not a scent they particularly like. Also Cinnamon, lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint and lemongrass essential oils are smells they hate.

What not to pack for summer in Barcelona

There are also a few things I do not recommend you bring to Barcelona and Catalunya if you are coming in the summer, mainly, because you won’t need them.

  • Thick jeans: Summertime is too hot and humid for jeans, though a pair of light summer denim trousers or cotton jeans, chino style, in light colors like blue, white or pastels will come in handy for an evening meal and can be styled to look cute.
  • Hair dryer: Most hotels have them and if yours is old, you’ll also need to carry a converter or make sure it works with double voltage so that it does not get fried by the Spanish 220V.
  • Hand bags that don’t close: You know the ones, the basket-style ones that don’t have a zipper to close them are a big no-no in Barcelona, unless you want to make pickpockets happy.
  • Dress like you are going on safari: I find it hilarious when I see tourists dressed in Barcelona like they are in the Serengeti, with khaki clothes, trousers that unzip to shorts and trekking boots, in the middle of the city.
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