Things to Do in Ubud in October

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Stay in Ubud in October

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October in Ubud marks the pivot between Bali's dry season and the heavy rains that arrive in November. You'll see showers on roughly 21 of the month's 30 days, but most arrive as afternoon cloudbursts that clear within an hour, leaving a total of 135mm for the month, less than half of what January dumps on the town. Daytime temperatures hover near 29°C (85°F) and drop to about 22°C (71°F) after dark, with 84 percent humidity. The kind of thick, warm air that fogs your sunglasses the moment you step out of an air-conditioned car.

The month's headline is the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, which typically occupies 4 to 5 days in mid-to-late October and fills cafes, galleries, and temple courtyards across town with authors and readers from more than 30 countries. Outside that week, October is noticeably quieter than the July and August peak. Hotel rates along Jalan Raya Ubud and in Penestanan tend to sit 20 to 30 percent below their August highs.

For dining, the warungs clustered along Jalan Suweta and in Peliatan serve nasi campur for 25,000 to 35,000 IDR per plate. Cafes on Jalan Goutama pull single-origin Kintamani pour-overs for 30,000 to 40,000 IDR, and October's quieter tables mean you can often sit down at the popular spots without a wait. Getting around town is mostly on foot or by scooter, which rent for 70,000 to 100,000 IDR per day. For trips beyond central Ubud to sites like Tirta Empul or Gunung Kawi, the Koperasi taxi stand near the football field offers fixed-rate fares. Carry cash in small denominations, since many warungs and market stalls do not accept cards, and some card terminals at restaurants add a 3 percent surcharge.

Why visit in October

Shoulder-season hotel rates in Ubud run 20 to 30 percent below July and August peaks, with strong walk-in availability at guesthouses in Nyuh Kuning and Campuhan.
The Ubud Writers & Readers Festival draws international authors and creates a week of literary events, panel discussions, and workshops scattered across central Ubud.
Rice paddies around Tegallalang and Ceking are bright green from recent rains, making October one of the more photogenic months for the terraces.
Crowds thin significantly from peak season. Tirta Empul Temple and Gunung Kawi see noticeably fewer tour groups than in August.

Worth knowing

Rain falls on roughly 21 of 30 days, mostly as afternoon showers, which limits full-day outdoor itineraries and makes late-afternoon hikes unreliable.
Humidity averages 84 percent, which can feel oppressive by midday and makes any physical activity more tiring than the temperature alone would suggest.
Roads around the Campuhan Ridge and Tegallalang get slippery after rain, raising the risk for scooter riders unfamiliar with Ubud's narrow, steep lanes.

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 29° / 22°C 135mm rain · 21 rainy days · 84% humidity rains perceptibly ~2h/day · 87% of mornings dry

Crowds medium

Pack Lightweight breathable clothing in natural fabrics like cotton or linen. A compact rain jacket or travel umbrella for afternoon showers. Moisture-wicking layers for temple mornings, plus a sarong for temple entry.

October sits at the dry-to-wet transition. Mornings typically start warm and hazy, clearing to partly cloudy skies by mid-morning. Afternoon thunderstorms roll in around 2 to 3pm on most days, dropping brief but heavy rain before clearing by early evening. The air smells like wet earth and frangipani after each shower. Nights cool to a comfortable sleeping temperature without needing more than a sheet.

Seasonal caution

Afternoon thunderstorms can produce intense lightning, particularly over the Ayung River valley. Avoid exposed ridgelines like the Campuhan Ridge Walk after 1pm if clouds are building to the north.
Dengue-carrying mosquito activity rises with the onset of afternoon rains and standing water. Apply DEET or picaridin repellent at dusk, especially near the Monkey Forest and along river edges.

Year-round climate

Averages from the last 5 years.

Monthly climate averages for Ubud
Month	Avg high (°C)	Avg low (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
Jan	29	23	348
Feb	29	23	304
Mar	30	22	246
Apr	29	22	151
May	29	22	136
Jun	28	22	90
Jul	27	21	135
Aug	27	21	114
Sep	28	21	130
Oct	29	22	135
Nov	29	22	286
Dec	29	23	283

Headline events

Citywide

Ubud Writers & Readers Festival

Mid-to-late October, typically running 4 to 5 days (exact dates announced each year)

Southeast Asia's largest literary festival brings authors, poets, journalists, and thinkers from more than 30 countries to venues across central Ubud. The festival started in 2004 and has grown into a fixture of the regional cultural calendar. Panel discussions, workshops, book launches, and evening performances fill Puri Saren Agung, Indus Restaurant, and community halls over 4 to 5 days. It tends to generate a noticeable uptick in guesthouse bookings along Jalan Kajeng and Jalan Bisma during the festival window.

#UWRF

Best things to do in October

Morning walk along Campuhan Ridge

outdoors

The paved path follows a narrow ridge between two river valleys, with views of palm canopy and the Gunung Agung silhouette on clear mornings. The walk takes about 30 to 40 minutes one way and starts near the Ibah hotel at the western edge of central Ubud.

October mornings are typically clear before afternoon clouds build, and the grass along the ridge is green from recent rains, unlike the brown of August. Fewer walkers than peak season mean you might have stretches of the path to yourself before 8am.

Booking tipNo booking needed. Start before 7am to beat both the heat and the tour groups that arrive by 9.

Purification ceremony at Tirta Empul Temple

culture

The 10th-century temple in Tampaksiring, about 30 minutes north of central Ubud, is built around natural spring pools where Balinese Hindus perform melukat purification rituals. Visitors can participate by following the sequence of 13 fountain spouts while wearing a sarong.

Shoulder-season crowds mean shorter waits at the purification pools, sometimes under 10 minutes per spout compared to 30-plus-minute queues in August.

Booking tipArrive before 9am on weekdays. Sarongs are available for rent at the entrance for 15,000 IDR.

Attend the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival

culture

Southeast Asia's premier literary festival hosts panel discussions, writing workshops, poetry readings, and evening performances across multiple venues in central Ubud. Past speakers have included Amitav Ghosh and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

The festival runs only in October. Many fringe events at cafes and restaurants throughout town are free and open to walk-ins.

Booking tipMain festival passes tend to sell out weeks ahead. Check the UWRF website by September for early-bird pricing, which typically saves 20 to 30 percent.

Descend to Gunung Kawi at dawn

outdoors

The 11th-century rock-cut shrines sit in a river valley reached by a steep staircase of over 300 steps through a ravine of palms and moss-covered stone. The carvings stand nearly 7 meters tall and depict memorial shrines to Balinese royalty.

October's humid air and morning mist fill the valley with an atmospheric haze that burns off by mid-morning. The green moss on the carved facades stands out against wet stone. Afternoon rain makes the return climb slippery, so dawn is the window.

Booking tipOpen from 8am. Aim to arrive at opening to have the valley largely to yourself. Entry is 50,000 IDR for international visitors.

Cooking class in a Peliatan family compound

food

Several family-run cooking schools in the Peliatan neighborhood east of central Ubud offer half-day sessions that start with a market visit to Pasar Ubud. You prepare a full Balinese meal yourself, typically sate lilit, lawar, and jukut ares (banana stem soup).

October's afternoon rain makes indoor activities appealing after lunch, and shoulder-season class sizes tend to be smaller, often 4 to 6 students compared to 10 to 12 in peak months.

Booking tipBook 2 to 3 days ahead for weekend sessions. Weekday classes often accept walk-ins.

Yoga retreats along Jalan Hanoman

wellness

Ubud's concentration of yoga shalas and wellness centers along Jalan Hanoman and in Nyuh Kuning runs daily drop-in classes in styles from vinyasa to yin. Studios like The Yoga Barn publish weekly schedules with 6 to 8 classes per day.

Shoulder-season pricing takes 15 to 25 percent off multi-day retreat packages, and class sizes thin enough that instructors give more individual attention than during the packed July and August sessions.

Booking tipDrop-in classes rarely need advance booking in October. Multi-day retreat packages benefit from booking 2 weeks ahead.

Explore Penestanan's art studios

culture

The hillside village of Penestanan, a 10-minute walk west of the Campuhan bridge, was home to the Young Artists movement of the 1960s. Small galleries and working studios line the narrow lanes, and several resident painters welcome visitors to watch them work.

October's quieter foot traffic means gallery owners have more time to talk about their work. The post-rain light in late afternoon casts a warm glow through studio windows that painters here particularly value.

Booking tipNo booking needed. Wander the lanes between 10am and 4pm. Most studios close by 5.

What to eat in October

In season: fruit

Mangosteen (manggis)
Late October marks the very start of Bali's mangosteen season. The first fruits appear at Pasar Ubud and roadside stands along Jalan Raya Tegallalang, smaller than their December peak but intensely sweet with a floral tartness. Expect to pay around 20,000 to 30,000 IDR per kilogram for the early crop.

On menus now

Lawar
This finely chopped mix of green beans, grated coconut, minced meat, and spice paste appears at warungs across Ubud whenever a temple ceremony falls in the month. October's Purnama and Kajeng Kliwon days bring fresh batches to warung counters in Peliatan, where the lawar is mixed that morning.
Bubur injin
Black rice pudding cooked with palm sugar and served with thick coconut cream. The evening market stalls near Jalan Suweta serve generous portions for around 15,000 IDR, and the warm sweetness pairs well with the cooled-down air that follows an afternoon downpour.

What to drink

Kintamani arabica coffee
The arabica harvest in the Kintamani highlands wraps up around September and October, meaning October's beans at Ubud's specialty roasters are the freshest of the year. Look for single-origin Kintamani pour-overs at cafes along Jalan Goutama.
Jamu kunyit asam
Turmeric-and-tamarind tonic sold by jamu sellers who walk Ubud's streets each morning with bottle-filled baskets. The warming, slightly sour drink feels particularly welcome on humid October mornings. A glass costs about 5,000 to 10,000 IDR from a walking vendor.

Regular events in October

Hari Kesaktian PancasilaFree

Indonesian national day on October 1 commemorating the state ideology. Government offices and some banks close. You might notice flag ceremonies at schools and public buildings across Ubud. Shops and restaurants stay open.

October 1

Purnama (Full Moon) ceremonyFree

Balinese Hindus mark the full moon with prayers and offerings at temples across Ubud. Pura Taman Saraswati, the water palace in central Ubud, is one of the more photogenic settings for observing the ceremony from outside the inner courtyard.

The full moon of October (date shifts yearly)

Hari Sumpah Pemuda (Youth Pledge Day)Free

National holiday on October 28 marking the 1928 Youth Pledge, a founding moment of Indonesian nationalism. Expect school processions and cultural performances in Ubud's central area near the football field. Shops stay open.

October 28

Evening dance performances at Puri Saren Agung

The Ubud Royal Palace hosts nightly traditional Balinese dance performances, typically Legong or Ramayana Ballet, in its open-air courtyard. Performances start around 7:30pm and run about 90 minutes. Tickets are sold at the gate for around 100,000 IDR.

Nightly, 7:30pm

Best places this October

Tegallalang Rice Terraces
nature
The cascading rice paddies about 20 minutes north of central Ubud are at their most vivid green in October. Recent rains feed the subak irrigation channels that UNESCO recognized in 2012. Visit before 9am to avoid tour buses and the midday heat.
Tegallalang
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Mandala Suci Wenara Wana)
nature
Home to over 1,200 long-tailed macaques and three Hindu temples within a dense forest of banyan and nutmeg trees. October's lower visitor numbers mean the monkeys seem marginally calmer, and the trails through the mossy forest floor are at their most atmospheric after a morning shower.
Padangtegal
Neka Art Museum
museum
Five pavilions of Balinese and Indonesian art spanning the Kamasan tradition through the Young Artists movement. A solid rain-day option with Arie Smit works and Lempad drawings that reward at least 2 hours of browsing.
Campuhan
Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA)
museum
Gallery and cultural center in southern Ubud with permanent collections of Balinese classical paintings alongside work by Walter Spies and Rudolf Bonnet. The landscaped grounds include a stage for occasional evening dance performances.
Peliatan
Pura Taman Saraswati
temple
The water palace in central Ubud, fronted by a lotus pond that typically blooms throughout October. The temple honors Saraswati, the goddess of learning, and the carved entrance gate is one of the most detailed in the Ubud area. Free to enter the outer courtyard during the day.
Central Ubud
Pasar Ubud (Ubud Morning Market)
market
The two-story market near the Royal Palace splits into a morning produce section, where locals shop for vegetables, flowers, and temple offerings before 9am, and a tourist art and textile market later in the day. October mornings bring the season's first mangosteens to the fruit stalls on the ground floor.
Central Ubud

Your packing checklist

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Compact travel umbrellaAfternoon showers are an almost daily event in October. A small umbrella beats a rain jacket for comfort when humidity sits at 84 percent, since the jacket traps body heat. Shop
Lightweight sarongRequired for entry at every temple in Ubud and across Bali. Bringing your own saves the 15,000 to 20,000 IDR rental fee at each site and means you always have a clean one ready. Shop
Waterproof phone pouchRain arrives fast in October, and pockets stay damp in the humidity. A sealed pouch protects your phone during scooter rides and rice terrace walks when a sudden downpour catches you in the open. Shop
Quick-dry clothingCotton stays damp for hours in Ubud's humidity. Synthetic or merino layers dry in under an hour and reduce the musty smell that builds in backpack wardrobes during wet weeks. Shop
SPF 50 sunscreenOctober mornings are deceptively sunny before clouds build. UV at Bali's latitude of 8°S remains strong even through haze, and most Ubud guesthouses do not provide sunscreen. Shop
Insect repellent with DEET or picaridinMosquito activity rises with the October rains. Dengue is present in Bali year-round, and standing water from afternoon showers creates breeding sites in gutters and rice paddies near town. Shop
Rubber-soled sandals or water-friendly shoesTemple steps, rice terrace paths, and Ubud's stone sidewalks get slick after rain. Flip-flops without tread are a genuine ankle-twist risk on the 300-plus wet stone steps at Gunung Kawi. Shop
Dry bag (10 to 20 liters)Keeps electronics and a change of clothes dry during sudden downpours. Particularly useful if you rent a scooter, since most scooter baskets and under-seat compartments have no waterproof seal. Shop

Insider tips

The produce section of Pasar Ubud before 8am is where Ubud's warung cooks do their shopping. Prices run 30 to 50 percent lower than the tourist-facing stalls that open after 9. The fruit sellers on the ground floor have the freshest early-season mangosteens at the end of the month.
If the UWRF's main-stage panels are sold out, check the satellite events list on the festival's website. Many fringe talks at cafes on Jalan Goutama are free and draw smaller, more conversational audiences than the ticketed sessions.
Ask your guesthouse host which temple ceremonies are happening during your stay. The Balinese calendar does not follow the Western one, and a local host can point you to village-level ceremonies that no guidebook covers. Dress modestly and arrive with a small canang sari offering if invited.
The BCA ATMs south of Jalan Raya Ubud tend to charge lower withdrawal fees than the cluster of machines opposite the Royal Palace. Maximum withdrawal is typically 2,500,000 IDR per transaction, so plan accordingly for multi-day cash needs.

Avoid these mistakes

Planning a full-day outdoor itinerary without accounting for afternoon rain. Showers usually hit between 2 and 4pm, so schedule temple visits and terrace walks for the morning and save museums, cooking classes, or cafe time for the wet hours.
Assuming October is fully dry season because November has not started. The 135mm of rain falls across 21 days, meaning short showers are a near-daily feature. Pack rain gear rather than hoping for dry luck.
Renting a scooter without experience on wet roads. The lanes around central Ubud are narrow, steep, and poorly drained. After rain, oil slicks on the first wet surface of the day catch riders off guard. If you are not confident on two wheels in these conditions, hire a driver through your guesthouse for about 500,000 IDR per day.
Skipping the UWRF because literary festivals seem niche. The fringe events, food stalls, and evening performances draw a broad crowd, and even non-ticketed visitors absorb the atmosphere around the festival venues in central Ubud.

Practical tips for October

Book UWRF panels and workshops 2 to 3 weeks before the festival opens, as headline sessions sell out early. Most Ubud temples require a sarong and sash for entry. You can buy a basic sarong at Pasar Ubud for around 50,000 to 80,000 IDR, roughly 3 to 5 USD. Carry small-denomination rupiah notes since many warungs and market stalls do not accept cards, and some card terminals charge a 3 percent surcharge. Scooter rental runs about 70,000 to 100,000 IDR per day, but ride cautiously after rain, especially on the descent from Tegallalang. Most yoga studios along Jalan Hanoman accept walk-ins in October, unlike in peak August when advance booking becomes necessary. If you plan to visit Tirta Empul on a weekend, arrive before 9am to beat domestic tour groups from Denpasar. Grab-style ride-hailing apps work in Ubud but face pushback from the local transport mafia. Guesthouse drivers or the Koperasi taxi stand near the football field are more reliable options for airport transfers to Ngurah Rai, about 90 minutes south.

FAQ

Is October a good time to visit Ubud?

October is a solid shoulder-season window. Rainfall at 135mm sits well below the November through February wet season, which can top 280mm monthly. While showers fall on most days, they tend to be brief afternoon events that clear within an hour. Hotel rates are lower than the July and August peak, crowds thin noticeably, and the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival adds a cultural anchor unique to this month. The trade-off is persistent humidity and the need to plan outdoor activities for the morning hours.

What is the weather like in Ubud in October?

Daytime highs reach about 29°C (85°F) and nighttime lows settle near 22°C (71°F). Humidity averages 84 percent. Rain falls on about 21 of 30 days, mostly as afternoon thunderstorms between 2 and 4pm that clear by early evening. Mornings are typically warm, hazy, and dry. Pack lightweight breathable clothes, a compact umbrella, and shoes with good grip for wet temple steps.

Is Ubud crowded in October?

Compared to July and August, October is noticeably quieter. The main tourist sites still receive daily visitors, but queues are shorter and guesthouses in neighborhoods like Penestanan and Nyuh Kuning have real availability for walk-in bookings. The exception is UWRF week, when central Ubud's cafes and certain guesthouses along Jalan Bisma fill up with festival attendees.

Do I need to book accommodation in advance for October?

For most of the month, you can find guesthouse rooms on arrival, especially in Peliatan and Mas. The exception is during the UWRF, when rooms near the festival venues book up 2 to 3 weeks ahead. If your dates overlap with the festival, reserve in advance. Otherwise, walk-in rates at guesthouses are often lower than online listings because owners save the platform commission.

Is October monsoon season in Ubud?

Day trip: 6 hours, free cancellation.

via Viator

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Month	Avg high (°C)	Avg low (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
Jan	29	23	348
Feb	29	23	304
Mar	30	22	246
Apr	29	22	151
May	29	22	136
Jun	28	22	90
Jul	27	21	135
Aug	27	21	114
Sep	28	21	130
Oct	29	22	135
Nov	29	22	286
Dec	29	23	283

Month	Avg high (°C)	Avg low (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
Jan	29	23	348
Feb	29	23	304
Mar	30	22	246
Apr	29	22	151
May	29	22	136
Jun	28	22	90
Jul	27	21	135
Aug	27	21	114
Sep	28	21	130
Oct	29	22	135
Nov	29	22	286
Dec	29	23	283

Things to Do in Ubud in October

Stay in Ubud in October

Why visit in October

Worth knowing

Best for

Think twice if

! Seasonal caution

Year-round climate

Headline events

Best things to do in October

Morning walk along Campuhan Ridge

Purification ceremony at Tirta Empul Temple

Attend the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival

Descend to Gunung Kawi at dawn

Cooking class in a Peliatan family compound

Yoga retreats along Jalan Hanoman

Explore Penestanan's art studios

What to eat in October

In season: fruit

Mangosteen (manggis)

On menus now

Lawar

Bubur injin

What to drink

Kintamani arabica coffee

Jamu kunyit asam

Regular events in October

Hari Kesaktian PancasilaFree

Purnama (Full Moon) ceremonyFree

Hari Sumpah Pemuda (Youth Pledge Day)Free

Evening dance performances at Puri Saren Agung

Best places this October

Tegallalang Rice Terraces

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Mandala Suci Wenara Wana)

Neka Art Museum

Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA)

Pura Taman Saraswati

Pasar Ubud (Ubud Morning Market)

Insider tips

Avoid these mistakes

Practical tips for October

FAQ