Is the Mount Batur Jeep Tour Cold? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re planning on taking the popular Mount Batur sunrise jeep tour, one of the most common questions travellers ask is—“Will it be cold up there?” The short answer? Yes, it can be chilly, especially in the early morning hours before the sun comes up. But the good news is, with just a bit of preparation, you’ll stay perfectly comfortable and enjoy the ride without any shivers.

The Mount Batur area sits high in Bali’s central highlands, and the jeep tours usually take you up to around 1,560 metres above sea level—not quite the summit, but still high enough that things cool down significantly compared to Bali’s coastal areas. While places like Ubud or Seminyak may still feel warm and humid at night, the temperature around Mount Batur in the pre-dawn hours often drops to 10–15°C (50–59°F). And when you add in the open-air jeep ride and light mountain breeze, it can feel even cooler—especially if you're fresh out of bed and haven't fully woken up yet!

Most tours begin pick-up between 3:00 to 3:30am, which means you'll be riding up in the dark. The experience is surreal and peaceful, with the moon lighting your way and the stars above, but it’s also when it’s coldest. The jeeps are typically open-top or semi-open, so you’ll definitely want something to keep you warm during both the drive up and while waiting for sunrise at the viewpoint.

Here's where a bit of smart packing goes a long way. A warm jacket, long pants, and closed-toe shoes are highly recommended. Many travellers also bring a hoodie or light fleece to wear under their jacket for extra insulation. And don’t forget—once the sun rises and you start exploring the black lava fields or heading back down, you’ll warm up quickly, so wearing layers you can easily shed is a good idea. If you're someone who really feels the cold, a beanie or scarf wouldn’t be overdoing it either.

Despite the chilly start, many guests say the crisp morning air is part of what makes the Mount Batur jeep experience so refreshing and memorable. It’s one of the only parts of Bali where you’ll need a jumper—even in dry season—so lean into it! Watch the steam rising from the crater, sip on a hot drink (many tours include coffee or tea), and enjoy the calm, cool beauty that you simply can’t find down by the sea.

In short, yes—Mount Batur can be cold, particularly during the early hours of a sunrise jeep tour. But don’t let that put you off. With a decent jacket and a few warm layers, you’ll be perfectly fine, and you’ll get to experience a completely different side of Bali—one that most beach-loving tourists completely miss. The cool air, the peaceful scenery, and the golden sunrise lighting up the volcano are more than worth a little chill in the air.