How Cold is it on Top of Mount Batur? What to Expect & What to Wear

Mount Batur might be in tropical Bali, but trust us — it can get surprisingly chilly at the top, especially if you’re heading up for sunrise. When you’re standing at the summit (roughly 1,717 metres or 5,633 feet above sea level), the temperature can drop to around 10–15°C (50–59°F) in the early morning hours. Factor in the wind and you’ll definitely feel the bite in the air, especially if you’ve just rolled out of your comfy hotel bed.

The reason it feels so cold is because most people start the journey around 2–3AM, either hiking or taking a Jeep tour while it’s still dark. The pre-dawn chill, combined with altitude and open terrain, makes it feel way cooler than you might expect for a holiday in Bali. It's a sharp contrast from the warm, humid lowlands — and a real eye-opener if you’re not dressed for it!

So, what should you wear? Layers are your best friends. Start with a breathable base layer (like a t-shirt), add a warm fleece or hoodie, and top it off with a windbreaker or lightweight waterproof jacket. Long trousers or leggings are ideal — shorts will leave you shivering. You might also want to bring a beanie or cap, and something to keep your hands warm like gloves if you get cold easily. Once the sun rises, it warms up quickly and you can peel off the outer layers — but until then, you’ll be glad you came prepared.

One of the perks of doing a Jeep tour instead of hiking is that you can wait for the sunrise from inside a warm vehicle if it’s too cold outside. But even then, you’ll want to bundle up when you step out to enjoy the views or snap some photos.

In short: it’s not Everest, but it’s chilly enough to need proper layers. Come ready, and you’ll enjoy the sunrise without the teeth-chattering discomfort. And once the golden light spills over Lake Batur and the misty hills, you’ll forget all about the cold — we promise.