The rainy season is coming to a close in Bali and across Indonesia. While the end of the rain brings a sense of relief in many ways, as the country begins to recover after one of the most intense and destructive rainy seasons in living memory, another threat is just around the corner: drought and wildfires.
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency has not yet officially declared that the rainy season has ended and the start of the dry season has begun; but it is only a matter of weeks away. As the seasons turn, so does the focus of leaders and disaster response teams who must now prepare to mitigate the risk of drought and wildfires.
According to disaster relief teams and forecasters looking at Bali and outlying islands like Nusa Penida, the islands must prepare for a ‘Godzilla’ grade El Niño, which massively increases the risk of drought and wildfires.
It is not only Nusa Penida where these risks exist, but this is also an issue faced by main island Bali, and almost all provinces in Indonesia, especially West Nusa Tenggara, home to the Gili Islands and Lombok.
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) predicts the onset of the 2026 dry season in Bali will begin in April 2026, with islands like Nusa Penida first to feel the shift.
The real impact of the dry season is predicted to be felt most between June and August 2026, with a significant decrease in rainfall due to the shift in the center of cloud formation to the Pacific Ocean.
Speaking to reporters, Nusa Penida Sub-district Head, Kadek Yoga Kusuma, explained that there have been no reports of clean water shortages due to the ongoing rain in several areas. He shared, “For now, there have been no reports of water shortages. It’s still raining occasionally in some places.”
He noted that his teams are not immediately concerned about the early phase of the dry season but are already looking ahead to the June-August period, especially for the risk of wildfires.
Kusuma has urged the public, businesses, and all government agencies in the area, as well as tourists, to be extra vigilant and mindful of the risk of fires.
This includes disposing of cigarettes attentively and appropriately, as well as the use of incense and candles during the ceremony and even in the home.
In terms of water usage, normal consumption measures are in place, but tourists visiting Bali later this year must be aware that water restrictions may come into effect in extreme circumstances.
As a precautionary measure, the Nusa Penida sub-district government is coordinating with the Regional Water Company (PDAM) to improve clean water services.
Later in 2026, a new water network is set to be installed in Pejukutan Village to expand community access to clean water.
Fresh water accessibility is an ongoing issue for communities on small outlying islands like Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, as well as Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno.
Tourists traveling to remote areas this dry season must be mindful of their water consumption, especially for showering and laundry.
Localised water restrictions may be brought into effect across Bali and Lombok during the height of the dry season. Here at The Bali Sun, we will keep you informed of any changes affecting travel, as per usual!
It is not only water usage, droughts, and wildfires that tourists must be aware of during the dry season, but also the increased risk of harmful UV exposure.
Speaking to reporters last week, Made Sudarma Yadnya, a forecaster at the Denpasar Region III Center for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BBMKG), explained that during this transitional season, tourists need to be prepared for every eventuality; sun, storms, showers, and everything in between!
He noted, “Even though the heat is dominant, heavy rain can still occur for short periods.” He warned the public to make use of UV protective equipment such as sunscreen, hats, or umbrellas.
He also highlighted the importance of maintaining fluid intake to avoid dehydration.
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