Surf Weather in Bali: Navigating Stormy Waves at SUKO SURF School

Currently, Bali is experiencing extreme stormy weather. Let’s find out where it comes from and how it influences the waves.

Bali is rarely hit directly by cyclones, but those forming in the Indian Ocean still have a major impact on the island’s weather and surf conditions. These cyclones generate powerful swells that push waves toward Bali. At first glance, this might seem great for surfers—bigger waves, more excitement—but there’s more to it than that.

Wind Map

Source: windy.com

While cyclones can bring large, powerful waves, they also create unstable wind conditions. As the cyclone moves and shifts direction, so does the wind, making it difficult to predict when and where the waves will be clean and surfable.

Wave Map

Source: windy.com

For ideal surfing conditions, we prefer no wind or offshore wind, which blows from the land toward the ocean, shaping smooth, well-formed waves that are easier to ride.

And here’s the problem—a cyclone in the Indian Ocean typically brings onshore or unstable wind conditions to Bali’s west coast. Onshore wind, which blows from the ocean toward the land, disrupts the waves, making them choppy, unpredictable, and harder to surf.

In this situation, making an accurate forecast for the West Coast is difficult, as it can change daily—or even hourly...

But the good news is that Bali still offers great waves, even in these conditions. The island has a variety of surf spots, especially on the east coast, that work in different weather patterns. With the right knowledge, you can still find quality waves, even when the weather is extreme.

Do you want to learn more?

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