What to Do in Byron Bay When Rain Changes the Plan

Byron Bay has always traded on light, the pale sweep of Main Beach at dawn, surfers carving lines through The Pass and the lighthouse catching first sun while the rest of the coast is still half asleep. But what happens when the rain sets in? Where do the surfers go? And what should you do to sit the bad weather out? In this article, we give you some rainy weather hints.

Byron Bay When the Clouds Roll In

For decades Byron Bay has pulled people in on the promise of salt on skin, warmth and that barefoot way of living that started with backpackers many years ago, who never really left. You come to Byron expecting blue skies and open water, and most days it gives you exactly that.

But in the end, the weather decides what the day becomes. Summer storms roll in fast from the sea here and clouds sometimes drop low over the headlands until the ocean loses its shine. And when the beach stops being the main event, Byron might feel a bit confusing.

Do not fear, though, Byron swaps into a cosy version of itself when it rains. Cafés fill with damp hair and coffee steam and the town reveals the parts you never notice on a perfect blue-sky day.

What to Do in Byron Bay When It Rains

Let’s take a look at what exactly you can do in Byron during the rain.

Soak at the Banya Bathhouse

Steam rises off timber decks as rain hits the roof. Hot mineral pools, cold plunges and saunas make a grey day not so bad after all. At Banya Bathhouse, people move from pool to pool, dry off, warm up again, and let the weather stay outside while they feel nothing but the embrace of a warm hug.

Enjoy a spot of shopping

Byron Bay’s boutique shops are thoughtful with well-made pieces, and racks of linen clothing, handmade jewellery, ceramics, skincare and homewares that suit coastal living. You will also find surf-inspired labels, local designers, vintage finds and small gift stores selling books, candles and artwork that feel… very Byron!

Spend a slow afternoon at The Book Room

The Book Room is an independent bookstore in central Byron Bay with that classic book smell and a strong focus on literature, Australian authors, poetry, non-fiction and children’s books. Rainy afternoons suit it well, giving you time to browse properly and sit with a book while you wait out the weather.

Swim at the Byron Bay Community Pool

Open year-round, the Byron Bay Community Pool offers a heated pool with lap lanes just behind the main beach. Rainy days tend to draw locals rather than visitors, and swimming while rain taps the water feels kind of invigorating when the ocean is not an option.

Eat something warm Three Blue Ducks

Set at The Farm, just outside central Byron Bay, Three Blue Ducks serves seasonal dishes built around produce grown on site and sourced from nearby farms. It’s an iconic Byron Bay experience. Rainy days suit the setting, with warm plates, low light and plenty of space to cosy up indoors while paddocks and vegetable beds sit wet outside the windows.

Wander the Byron Bay Gallery or Lone Goat Gallery

Byron Bay Gallery feels informal for an art gallery and close to the street, with changing exhibitions that mix photography, painting and local work you can take time with. Meanwhile, Lone Goat Gallery sits higher up the hill near the library, with larger rooms, and rotating curated shows. On wet days, both offer a way to stay inside and still engage with something local.

Float or get a massage at Comma Byron Bay

If you find it hard to resist neutrals and a spa environment, you won’t be able to walk past Comma. Comma is a quiet, minimalist space with soft finishes and private treatment rooms designed to block out external noise. Float sessions take place in enclosed pods filled with warm, salt-dense water, while massage rooms remain simple with no music playlists or distractions.

Do a pottery or creative workshop

Rainy days are a good excuse to book into a hands-on class at places like Stone Studio Byron Bay for ceramics or Art & Wine Co for guided painting sessions. Workshops usually run for a few hours, give you all materials on arrival, and leave you with something tangible at the end.

Read for hours at Sparrow Coffee

On rainy mornings, Sparrow fills with the smell of coffee and damp jackets. You take a window seat, open a book, and stay put while the footpath outside clears and the day slows down.

Take a class at The Byron Yoga Centre

The Byron Yoga Centre sits just outside town and runs daily drop-in classes in a large, purpose-built studio with timber floors and high ceilings. Classes tend towards slower styles like hatha, yin and guided meditation. On rainy days, it is easy to spend a morning here, arriving early, taking a class, then staying on for tea or a second session while the weather passes.

Wine, Spirits & Tastings Near Byron

Byron Bay is not wine country, but the Northern Rivers region offers several solid tasting options when rain rules out the beach. Stone & Wood Brewing Co runs brewery tours and tastings at its Byron Bay brewery, where you can sample core beers and seasonal releases while learning about the brewing process.

Nearby, Lord Byron Distillery offers cellar-door tastings of small-batch spirits made on site, with a focus on native botanicals. For a guided experience without driving, Behind the Barrel Byron Bay runs tasting tours that visit local breweries, distilleries and wine producers.

Just north of town, Burringbar Natural Wine Shop & Bar specialises in natural wines from the region, with regular tastings and a strong local focus.

Arts & Culture Under Cover

The Byron Theatre, based at the Byron Community Centre, hosts live music, film screenings, comedy, talks and small performances year-round, offering an easy indoor alternative when the weather turns.

For a quieter option, Palace Byron Bay on Jonson Street shows a mix of new releases and art-house films, well suited to a wet afternoon or evening.

Where to stay in Byron Bay

Located just off Jonson Street, The Sebel Byron Bay offers spacious apartment-style accommodation a short walk from the beach and town centre.

Rooms are set up more like small residences, with kitchens, living areas and balconies, which makes staying in feel comfortable when the weather turns. The central location means cafés, shops and galleries are close by, giving you the option to move easily between indoor time and short outings without needing a car.