Indonesia is a year-round destination with a tropical climate. Determining the best time to visit Indonesia depends on various factors such as weather, crowd levels, and your own preferences. The country's tropical climate and diverse geography offer unique experiences and opportunities throughout the year. If you're wondering about the best time to visit Indonesia, it's important to consider what you want to see and do during your trip. From trekking through lush rainforests to lounging on idyllic beaches, Indonesia has something for every type of traveller. Can't decide? We'll explore the different seasons and help you decide when is the best time to visit Indonesia for your next adventure.
Tailor-made trips for Indonesia
If trekking is a priority, it's best to avoid the wettest months of the year when many volcano hikes are closed. The weather patterns make the dry season ideal for hiking, biking, and bathing in waterfalls.
However, temperatures remain high during the rainy season and rainfall is limited to short downpours. So it remains a great time to visit Indonesia — particularly if you want to visit temples and museums.
Arguably, when deciding when to go to Indonesia, the best time to visit is May, June and September. These are the shoulder months of the dry season. You’ll get clear days but you'll find the islands have fewer tourists and are less expensive.
Planning tip: If you prefer a quieter and more affordable trip, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons of April to May or September to November, when the weather is still good, but the crowds are thinner, and prices are more reasonable.
Padar Island close to Komodo National park
The weather in Indonesia varies depending on the region and season, but it generally experiences high temperatures and humidity levels throughout the year.
January is one of the wettest months in Indonesia, with heavy rainfall and high humidity. The weather conditions during this time can make outdoor activities like trekking and volcano hikes difficult.
February is still very much a part of the wet season. That said, the rainfall begins to decrease, and the weather becomes more temperate. Temperatures remain warm, with average highs of around 30 degrees Celsius.
In March, the rainfall begins to decrease, and the weather becomes more temperate. Temperatures remain warm, with average highs of around 30 degrees Celsius. However, the weather can still be unpredictable, and there may be occasional showers.
Nyepi, the Balinese New Year, kicks off at the end of March or beginning of April, which is a great local experience.
April sees the start of the transition period between the wet and dry seasons.
The tail end of the rainy season is the best time of the year to visit Indonesia for natural beauty. At this time, the jungle and rice fields are at their most lush, while rain showers are increasingly few and far between.
May marks the end of the wet season in Indonesia, and the country begins to experience a dry spell. Temperatures can soar during this period, particularly in urban areas, but the humidity levels are generally lower than during the wet season.
May is an ideal time for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring the countryside. This is also a prime month for diving off the coast of Bali, Lombok and Komodo National Park.
The weather in June is generally pleasant with low humidity. In June you'll find favourable weather conditions — with blue skies, sunny days, and little rain. June is the time of the most consistent surf, especially in Java and Bali.
Culture-seekers may like to time their visit with the Bali Arts Festival, which runs from June through to mid-July.
Nusa Lembongan Bali Indonesia © Shutterstock
Indonesia in July is marked by warm and sunny weather. However, temperatures can soar, particularly in urban areas, and visitors should take precautions to protect themselves from the sun and heat. July marks the start of the peak season.
August is the busiest month across most of Indonesia’s tourist hot spots, and you'll find there are beach parties and festivals galore. The weather makes it a great time to visit Indonesia. However, this is also a time of high season prices.
September is one of the best months to visit Indonesia — when the summer chaos has dissipated. Still dry and sunny, it’s a great time for land-based activities.
September is when one can catch the Erau Festival Tenggarong — a fantastic display of indigenous Dayak skills and dancing.
In October, the weather in Indonesia begins to cool slightly, with more moderate temperatures (average temperature of 27°C) and lower humidity levels. This is the perfect month for exploring the many cultural attractions that the country has to offer — including ancient temples, museums, and traditional villages.
October is also when the Krakatau Festival Lampung takes place — five days of events highlighting Lampung’s cultural heritage.
November is known as the shoulder season and is the best time to visit Indonesia. This is the transition month between the dry and wet seasons, with increasing rainfall and cooler temperatures. However, the weather can still be pleasant for outdoor activities.
In November, one can time their visit with the Kora Kora Festival. This is a great way to experience traditional longboat races in the Maluku Islands.
Generally speaking, Christmas and New Year are extremely busy and expensive. December is one of the wetter months and can be a time of heavy downpours and humidity. However, the festive season is the best time to visit Indonesia for raucous parties.
Many visit Indonesia for the Kasada Bromo. During this celebration, 0fferings are made to the gods and thrown into the crater.
Lombok Senggigi Beach © Shutterstock
Indonesia's peak season typically falls between June and August, coinciding with the dry season when the weather is sunny and pleasant. This is the most popular time to visit Indonesia, particularly for beach and outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy activities such as surfing, diving, and island hopping.
During the peak season, tourist hotspots such as Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands can become quite crowded and accommodation prices tend to be higher than during the rest of the year. It's advisable to book in advance to secure your preferred travel dates and avoid disappointment.
If you prefer a quieter and more affordable trip, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons of April to May or September to November, when the weather is still good, but the crowds are thinner, and prices are more reasonable
Indonesia's wet season typically lasts from October to May and is characterized by high humidity and heavy rainfall, particularly in December and January.
It is easy to find good deals when visiting Indonesia in the low season. From October to April, you can travel with little advance booking and low prices. Despite frequent downpours, temperatures hover around 30 degrees, and a big plus is that the islands are less crowded and cheaper.
Indonesia's dry season typically lasts from May to October and is a busy time for tourism. The weather is characterized by sunny and dry weather, with low levels of rainfall and warm temperatures. Average highs range from 28-32 degrees Celsius in most parts of the country.
It is not a good idea to visit Indonesia during peak tourist season (between July and mid-September). This is when prices soar and rooms can be fully booked for weeks on end.
The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season, which runs from April to September. During this time, the weather is sunny and dry, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as sunbathing, swimming, and hiking. The peak season in Bali falls between July and August, when the island can get crowded and prices may be higher.
However, if you visit Bali during the shoulder season (April to June or September to November), you can still enjoy good weather and fewer crowds.
The wet season in Bali runs from October to March, and while it may be cheaper to travel during this time, heavy rain can disrupt travel plans and limit outdoor activities.
The optimal period to explore Java is from April to September when the dry season prevails. During this period, the climate is generally sunny and arid, ideal for engaging in outdoor endeavors such as hiking and sightseeing.
It's worth noting that the high season in Java falls between June and August, which means the island can get quite crowded and prices may be higher. The shoulder season in Java occurs from May to June or September to November, while the wet season runs from October to April. During the wet season, heavy rainfall may hinder travel plans and limit opportunities for outdoor activities.
For the best experience, it is recommended to visit Lombok between April to September during the dry season. The weather is usually sunny and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities like swimming, surfing, and snorkeling. July and August, is peak season which can lead to overcrowding and higher prices.
Nevertheless, if you plan to visit Lombok during the shoulder season, which spans from May to June or September to November, you can still enjoy pleasant weather conditions and avoid large crowds.
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written by
Rough Guides Editors
updated 26.04.2021
