Things To Do In Ubud When It Rains

I’ll be honest, when it rains in Ubud I always do the same things: get my laundry done (always overdue), order a delivery from my favourite place and do some yoga at home or a bit of self care.

If my neighbour invites me over so we can share Pisang Goreng (fried banana) even better. But I get it, you didn’t come all the way to Bali to sit indoors folding socks.

So here are a few ideas in case your clothes are already sparkly clean (I doubt it but ok!) and you still want to go out even if it’s pouring down.

Before jumping in, I recommend getting a driver for those rainy days. Walking around or driving a scooter is not advisable. The car is your best bet and it’s actually really affordable. I do it all the time if I want to get out of the house on rainy days! 👉 Check current prices on Klook.com!

#1 Book A Gamelan Class

A group of Balinese musicians dressed in matching light green shirts and traditional headgear sit in a circle on a blue tarp under a metal-roofed structure, playing gamelan instruments including drums and metallophones during a nighttime performance.

If you have always wanted to learn how to play an instrument, today is the day! If you are reading with a puzzled face, wondering what a Gamelan is, let me explain. Have you ever been to a Balinese dance show? Or fire dance? Or any ceremony? For literally any occasion, there will be a Gamelan band. It looks like an Xiliphone and the sound is dreamy. I’m in love with it!

If you know what I’m talking about you will also remember that literally only men play it, and if you go to a local ceremony, you will notice that their fuel is kopi (coffee) and really strong cigarettes. I don’t even know how they play and smoke at the same time. This instrument is beautiful and you will fall in love with it!

👉 Book your class on GetYourGuide.com! The class is only around $20 and you get to learn something very unique!

#2 Go For A Kirtan Or A Ceremonial Hot Chocolate At Sayuri

A hand holding a large ceramic cup of dark beverage rests on a wooden table beside a small lit candle in a glass jar, creating a cozy, dimly lit atmosphere.

Sayuri Healing Food is a social cafe with lots of events going on on a daily basis. My favourite is a Kirtan and there are a few every week. If you are lucky enough to find one on a rainy day you should definitely sign up! It’s devotion chanting (if it sounds too wohoo for you don’t go ahah).

If not, I suggest going with a book and getting a nice hot ceremonial cacao. People are friendly there so you might meet someone if you’re open to otherwise, you can just stay there on your own. It’s very enjoyable and comfortable.

#3 Cooking Class

A bowl of clear noodle soup filled with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, green beans, and leafy greens, served with a spoon on a napkin beside it on a wooden table.

Going for a cooking class on rainy day is a FANTASTIC idea. You are indoors and someone teaches you how to make amazing dishes. Plus you get to meet other people and eat!

👉 Check cooking class availability here! This is a really fun experience, I highly recommend it!

#4 Go To An Art Exhibition

A framed painting of a traditional Balinese dancer in vibrant ceremonial attire hangs on a plain white wall, with a small metal sign beside it that reads “KEEP CLEAN AND SAVE THE PLANET.”

Ubud has a few museums that literally none ever checks out or not even know the existence!

Some places are free (such as Neka Art Gallery) and others have a small entrance fee but they are definitely cool to visit!

For example, Blanco Museum is beautiful and you can also stop at Plant Bistro straight after to get some food with a fantastic view!

There is also a small cafe called Littletalks Ubud that from time to time would host a small exhibition, I went to one not too long time ago and I really enjoyed it!

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#5 It’s Laundry Day

A cozy laundry room decorated with macrame wall hangings and a sign that reads “Laundry: Sorting life’s problems one load at a time,” with shelves full of folded clothes and hangers neatly arranged.

Back to the laundry point. There are laundry shops in every corner in Ubud, so I bet there is one just down the road from your accommodation!

Pick up everything filthy hanging about, including the outfit you travelled with on the plane and do yourself a favour! Prices start from $1 per Kg and everything will be folded and smelling like roses! You are welcome!

Quick tip: if you’re staying in a nice resort, you will probably pay a lot for your laundry because they will charge you per item rather than per kg. So I always suggest finding a laundry shop yourself.

#6 Yoga Class

The glass storefront of Ubud Yoga Centre displays a motivational message that reads, “You are exactly where you are supposed to be,” surrounded by lush green plants.

Ubud has the most amazing Yoga studios in Bali. If you go to places like Alchemy, Yoga Barn or Ubud Yoga Centre, you are literally surrounded by nature, you can hear the rain coming down and smell wet trees but you’re dry and doing a relaxing class!

👉 Book your class at the Ubud Yoga Centre on Klook. If you are visiting during the rainy season you can just show up. For the other yoga centres I just go 30 minutes before the class and sign up!

Small tip: Bring a towel and dry clothes in case it rains a lot on the way and get to the studio absolutely drenched. One time in December I took grab to go to a yoga class. It was raining so much the streets were flodded. I literally asked the Grab driver to stop and said I would have swam from there ahaha. The helmet had to screen and at some point I couldn’t tell if I had rain in my eyes or it was tears!

#7 Check Out Some Ogoh Ogoh!

A dramatic sculpture display featuring two fierce red demon figures engaged in battle, standing atop a platform with carved golden details and surrounded by fiery elements and smaller mythical creatures.

If you missed Silence Day in Bali, this is your chance to see some really cool monsters. The day before Silence Day there will be the Ogoh Ogoh parade in which each neighbourhood will show huge statues which represent bad spirits in Bali.

They will then get burned, everyone goes home, and from 6am of the day after, Nyopi would start. But if you’re not here for that celebration, you have to see these statues because they are insane!

I recommend visiting the Ogoh Ogoh Museum, just outside Ubud.

The level of detail in which they’ve been perfectly crafted is incredible. The owner would also guide you through the museum and be available if you have any questions.

There is a tiny entry fee that you will easily cover with your spare cash!

#8 Paradiso Cinema

The warmly lit entrance to a place called “Paradiso,” with a retro-style sign overhead and shelves displaying wellness products and event posters inside a chic, boutique-like interior.

This is the only cinema in Ubud and it’s located on a cute street full of independent shops and restaurants. So after the cinema, if it stops raining you can go on a nice stroll!

Paradiso cinema is quite cosy and it offers food. You can even order it and they would bring it to you at your seat.

#9 Cafes (Alchemy)

The left image shows a cozy café with wooden furniture, hanging rattan light fixtures, and large windows letting in natural light and views of greenery. The right image features a dessert plate with a small glass of chocolate mousse topped with whipped cream and a chocolate curl, next to a chocolate-covered bar, fork, and spoon on a rustic wooden table.

Ok, after the laundry and deliveries at home, this is my favourite place to hang out when it rains.

For some time, I lived literally behind Alchemy cafe and I would walk quickly here on a rainy day. This place is super cosy and warm its like going home!

The back of the cafe is open so you can see the rain pouring down while you’re having a delicious smoothie or tea with a cake.

My favourite smoothie is Papaya Passion and I haven’t changed my order in a year ahahah I also get the Bounty bar, which is a small chocolate bar with a coconut filling.

When I feel like I deserve some extra love I also get the chocolate mousse, which by the way can be the perfect take away because they would give you the lid of the container. Sometime I would order that and bring it to the coworking space!

#10 Get A Proper Massage

A serene spa room with a massage table covered in deep green fabric, next to floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook a tropical garden with colorful plants and greenery.

Let me tell you something about massages in Ubud. You can get a cheap massage for about $5, an affordable one for $15 and an amazing/dreamy one for $25-50.

I obviously get cheap ones most of the time but when it rains, I get a PROPER ONE. Let me explain.

The cheap massages are mostly outdoors, or indoors with a fan pointing on you and although the massage itsself is great, the whole experience is limited. If you go for a mid range, you might be indoors with AC and a private room with shower and bathroom.

The more expensive one is an incredible experience. The massage is divine and includes a few additional services that you wouldn’t normally get.

You would also get disposable underwear and a robe, a private room, and an incredible experience, like a floral bath and much more. It’s still a lot cheaper than back home, but you would get the Balinese spa experience from start to finish. I found that with Svaha SPA and loved it!

👉 Secure your massage at Svaha through Klook.com! I absolutely loved it and came back home feeling light and peaceful!

#11 Get A Dessert From Vaniglia Cafe

A bright and stylish gelato shop named Vaniglia, with a white exterior and tropical touches, features an inviting entrance path and upstairs seating visible above the storefront.

I have to admit I go here with whatever weather forecast because I’m addicted to the Paradiso Cake, which is a spongy chocolate cake with powdered sugar.

But if I was to choose a dessert place to spoil myself while it’s raining, I would definitely go here!

Vaniglia Cafe is also a good place to get your work done or have a long chat with a friend, my favourite spot is upstairs. It’s quiet and relaxing!

What Do You Need On Rainy Days In Ubud?

1. A solid raincoat is your best friend. Go for a one-piece raincoat or a top and trousers set. Locals usually wear the latter when driving, and it truly keeps you dry underneath. That’s important because once something gets wet in the rainy season, it stays wet for days.

If you choose a one-piece, make sure the sleeves reach your wrists or, even better, have elastic cuffs. I once had rain slip through my sleeve and travel right down to my trousers. Lesson learnt.

For example, this raincoat on Amazon would be perfect, the sleeves come with tight cuffs so the water won’t get in! Let me tell you that when it rains in Bali the water comes from everywhere!!!

If you are looking for the 2-piece set of jacket and trousers, check this on Amazon. I’ve seen it many times in Bali. This is my favourite because it gives you full protection from the rain on your legs and again, the sleeves have elastic cuffs so no rain going down your arms all the way to your hips!

Don’t get one of these cheap ones they sell in Ubud on the road or small shops, they only last a day and they don’t really do anything!

A smiling couple stands under a colorful floral umbrella on a rainy day, wearing bright orange and blue rain ponchos. Behind them is a narrow, wet alley lined with green foliage and graffiti-covered walls. — **When my friend and I finally understood we needed elastic and cuffs!**

If you have a scooter, you can store your raincoat under the seat. If not, always keep it with you.

2. During this time of year, don’t hand wash your clothes! I once hand-washed my underwear and it took a full week to dry. Not ideal! Laundry shops will become your best allies. I’ve written a list of the best ones in Ubud in this blog post!

3. Lastly, be patient! Things slow down a lot when it rains. Grab rides might take longer to appear, and it’s not uncommon for roads or entrances to flood.

FAQs On Rainy Days In Ubud

Does it rain all day in Ubud?

Nope. It usually rains for a couple of hours and then stops completely. Sometimes it’s sunny in the morning and by the afternoon it looks like the sky is having a full meltdown. Then it clears up again like nothing happened.

What months does it rain the most?

Rainy season usually starts around November and goes until March. January and February are the wettest ones. Don’t worry though, it’s still warm and it doesn’t ruin your day unless you forget your raincoat.

Can I still do tours or visit rice fields during the rainy season?

Yes, totally. Just wear proper shoes because the paths get slippery. Some tours might get rescheduled if it’s really heavy rain but you can still do a lot. And the good thing is, everything looks greener after it rains.

What should I avoid doing when it rains in Ubud?

Definitely don’t visit the monkey forest. There is a big risk for trees to fall and it’s highly dangerous!

One more tip!

Did you know that in Ubud it rains a lot more than Sanur, Canggu or other places by the coast? That’s because Ubud has a huge forest and because of that, it’s on a microclimate that provides more humidity.

That being said it’s rare to have a few days in a row of rain. If you’re are unlucky and really want to go to a drier area, I would move to the coast for sure.

Before moving, ask on a local FB group what the weather is like in that area. I’ve added a few in this blog post about how to make friends in Bali!

Ciao for now,

Silvia x

Things To Do In Ubud When It Rains

#1 Book A Gamelan Class

#2 Go For A Kirtan Or A Ceremonial Hot Chocolate At Sayuri

#3 Cooking Class

#4 Go To An Art Exhibition

Don’t land in Bali unprepared

#5 It’s Laundry Day

#6 Yoga Class

#7 Check Out Some Ogoh Ogoh!

#8 Paradiso Cinema

#9 Cafes (Alchemy)

#10 Get A Proper Massage

#11 Get A Dessert From Vaniglia Cafe

What Do You Need On Rainy Days In Ubud?

FAQs On Rainy Days In Ubud

One more tip!

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