When to visit Indonesia? The weather can be surprising and, in the event of downpours, it could cause a change of itinerary. This could ruin your trip to Indonesia. The weather can be surprising and, in the event of downpours, it could cause a change of itinerary. This could ruin your trip to Indonesia. To avoid the unexpected and set off prepared, we have created a guide. This guide will dispel all your doubts about climate, seasons and the best time to tour Indonesia.
When to visit Indonesia to find the perfect climate
Are you wondering when the ideal time to travel to Indonesia is? This is undoubtedly one of the crucial questions to consider when choosing your itinerary.
In general, the best time to visit Indonesia is the dry season, from May/June to September. But this varies from place to place. For example, the Maluku Islands receive their peak rainfall in the summer. The most suitable climate for touring is between November and February, which is characterised by low rainfall.
You can tour numerous parts of Indonesia even during the rainy season. However, the intense and incessant rainfall could make dirt roads impracticable.
To travel safely, take the right precautions and pay attention to areas miles from the city centre.
Seasons in Indonesia
Indonesia is an archipelago of islands covering an extremely large area located on the equator. Due to the wide territorial extension, the equatorial and sub-equatorial climate of the central-north regions leaves room for the tropical one. This is especially true for the southern islands.
The country enjoys a fairly constant climate throughout the year and there are two seasons:
the dry season, between May and September;
the rainy season, between October and April with short yet intense rainfall.
Even the temperatures remain fairly uniform, registering an annual average of 28°C.
In some regions the difference between the two seasons is pretty minimal. Bali, for example, is not particularly affected by any change of season. However, the contrast increases as we travel to the islands of Lombok and Flores. There is a greater chance of downpours during the rainy season, and drought in the dry one.
The best time to travel in Indonesia depends a lot on your itinerary. Muddy roads could be a problem during the rainy season if you plan to explore the obscure off-beat paths. What’s more, rough seas could make some islands inaccessible to small boats.
Bearing this in mind, if you love water sports, the best months for diving in Bali, Lombok and Komodo are between April and September. If you’re keen on trekking and you want to reach the summit of Mount Bromo, then we recommend the dry season.
The peak tourist season coincides with our summer holidays. This is particularly relevant for anyone who books resorts and hotels as there is a surge in prices and room availability is limited. If, on the contrary, you want to escape the hordes of tourists that suffocate Indonesia in the summer months, you fancy lower prices and rain is no biggie, you could brave the off-peak season.
Best time to go to Bali: climate, temperatures and seasons
So you can expect a tropical and warm climate all year round with two distinct seasons:
the rainy season (from November to March)
the dry season (from April to October) with a few brief showers.
Temperatures are fairly uniform throughout the year and range between 26°C and 29°C. These figures decrease in the central regions around Ubud and the mountains (e.g. Mount Batur) that record more frequent rainfall than coastal areas.
Are you planning any excursions at high altitudes? Dress up (and cover yourself up) properly!
Above 2,000 metres the temperature becomes more extreme, especially in the evening, while the showers are more frequent in the afternoon hours.
Bali remains a fairly sunny island throughout the year, providing heavy, short-lived tropical rains. On the contrary, clouds lead to an increase in downpours close to the mountain peaks.
The best time to visit Bali? Undoubtedly from June to September: clear skies, sun and mild heat make the stay really appealing. Although there are sometimes showers, these spells are always transitory. If you can not leave during the summer do not worry, even May and October are suitable for a tour in Bali, even if a tad rainy and sultry.
If you are planning a trip to this fantastic island, here we point out the fundamental things to see and do. And then of course there’s our fantastic eight-day trip to Bali!
When to visit Java: climate and temperatures, weather in Jakarta and surroundings
Java is a wonderful island that combines spirituality, culture and fun. The best time of year to visit the island of Java is during the dry season from June to September when the days are hot, dry and sunny. These are the ideal months to visit if you want to hike Mount Bromo or the Ijen volcano.
This area is characterised by a tropical climate and temperatures remain warm all year round, at around 28-30°C.
Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is located north of Java and is sheltered by the monsoon in the southwest. The rains are pretty abundant during the rainy season, from December to March.
The heat is intense in the big city, where the temperatures can reach 35°C, while the breezes bring some relief near the coast.
When to go to Lombok and the Gili Islands: climate, temperatures and best time to visit them
Lombok and the Gili Islands are located east of Bali with a tropical climate that is warm all year round. The best time to visit Lombok and enjoy its white beaches is from June to September, while the rainy season begins in November and ends in March. In the latter period, the tropical rains appear in the form of intense but rather short showers giving way to sunny intervals. So don’t fret, bad weather is fleeting!
The temperatures are uniform throughout the year but the humidity makes the heat unpleasant during the rainy season. The inland is the rainiest area of the island, close to the heights and the Rinjani volcano (which reaches 3,726 metres).
What you should pack in your rucksack
Are you ready to set off? Now you just have to prepare your backpack with everything you need for your trip to Indonesia. What should you carry?
Since the country covers a vast area and has climatic variances from region to region, it is not easy to decide how to dress.
Unless you want to climb mountains, leave your heavy clothes at home: it is better to dress in layers wearing a jacket or a light sweatshirt to be used on occasion.
For a tour on the road, wear light clothes and shorts and slip your sunscreen, mosquito spray, sunglasses and an evening scarf into your backpack.
If you plan to visit temples, refrain from exposing certain parts of the body, such as the legs and shoulders. Access to sacred places requires a more rigid dress code.
So we recommend you wear a t-shirt and long pants or buy a sarong that covers the body from the waist down, as a sign of respect.
A lightweight raincoat or umbrella is essential during the rainy season.
Finally, for mountain hikes, don’t forget hiking shoes, a sweatshirt, jacket and raincoat.
Do you love South-East Asia? Then don’t miss our guide to Vietnam!
