Indonesia Weather & Seasons
Indonesia has a diverse and tropical climate due to its vast archipelago of over 17,000 islands. Straddling the equator, it experiences two main seasons: the dry season from April to October and the rainy season from November to March. Although weather conditions are relatively consistent year-round, the dry season is the most popular for travelers.
Weather plays a crucial role in trip planning, especially when exploring Indonesia’s varied landscapes, from the beaches of Bali to the jungles of Kalimantan.
Here’s all you need to know about weather across Indonesia:
Best Time to Travel to Indonesia
When is the best time to visit Indonesia?
The best time to visit Indonesia depends on several factors. Most importantly, the weather (rainfall, temperature, and sea conditions), and whether you plan to travel during high or low season, which affects prices for accommodation and flights. Traveling in shoulder months like April and October can offer pleasant conditions with fewer crowds and better deals.
Tip: Aim for the Shoulder Season
Shoulder Season: The months of May, June, and September are particularly favorable across much of Indonesia, with dry conditions, fewer crowds, and lower prices compared to peak months.
Why visiting during shoulder season is a smart choice?
The shoulder season is just before or after the peak, with dry weather and pleasant temperatures. Prices for accommodation and activities can be 30-50% lower than during high season, and you’ll find it easier to navigate the popular spots with less crowding.
- Room prices 30-50% off high season rates
- Still dry and less humid
- Less crowded, relaxed atmosphere
- Sea conditions ideal for diving and snorkeling
- Airfares more affordable
- Promotions in shops and restaurants
When is High / Peak Season in Indonesia?
These are Indonesia’s busiest times:
- July and August
- Easter
- Christmas & New Year
- Chinese New Year
- End of Ramadan (Idul Fitri)
Some regions may become quite busy, especially in areas like Bali, Jakarta, and Yogyakarta. If you prefer a more tranquil experience, it’s wise to avoid these peak times or explore quieter destinations like Flores or Sulawesi during high season.
Dry and Rainy Seasons in Indonesia
Dry Season
April to October
Sunny and less humid
Dry season weather in Indonesia is characterized by clear skies, lower humidity, and temperatures typically ranging from 27-32°C (80-90°F). This period is perfect for beach activities, trekking, and outdoor adventures. It’s the best time to visit popular regions like Bali, Java, and Lombok.
Rainy Season
November to March
More rain, higher humidity
Rainy season in Indonesia brings frequent rain, often in short, heavy bursts. Temperatures remain warm, between 24-29°C (75-85°F), with higher humidity. While some areas, particularly in Sumatra and Kalimantan, experience heavier rainfall, you can still enjoy travel in regions like Nusa Tenggara, which remain drier. The lush greenery during this period is especially stunning.
Indonesia's Highlands and Mountain Regions
Highland and Mountain Regions in Indonesia
Indonesia’s diverse landscape includes volcanic highlands and mountainous regions, which experience cooler temperatures and more rainfall compared to coastal areas. In places like Java’s Mount Bromo or Bali’s central highlands, temperatures can drop to around 15-20°C (59-68°F) at night, especially at higher altitudes like in the Dieng Plateau or around Mount Rinjani in Lombok.
The highland areas are often more pleasant during the dry season (April to October), with cooler breezes and less humidity, making them popular for hiking, trekking, and cultural tourism. During the rainy season, expect lush, green landscapes, but be cautious of slippery trails and possible landslides.
Drier Areas in Indonesia
Regions like Nusa Tenggara (including Flores and Sumba) and parts of the Maluku Islands receive significantly less rainfall than the western and central islands of Indonesia. These areas are known for their dry savannah landscapes and experience a more pronounced dry season, sometimes lasting from May to October.
Due to their arid nature, these regions can struggle with water shortages during the peak of the dry season, but they offer a unique contrast to the lush, tropical islands elsewhere in the country. This makes them ideal destinations for those seeking sunshine, even during Indonesia’s rainy months.
Indonesia is a very large and diverse country
Traveling to Indonesia’s beaches and coastal areas offers a significantly different experience compared to venturing into the mainlands, highlands, and jungles. Coastal regions, especially in places like Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands, typically experience steady warm temperatures, ranging between 27-32°C (80-90°F), and enjoy more predictable dry and rainy seasons. During the dry season (April to October), the beaches are sunny and ideal for water activities, while the rainy season (November to March) often brings short bursts of heavy rain, but it rarely disrupts travel along the coast.
In contrast, the mainlands and highland regions—such as the mountains of Java, Sumatra, and the jungles of Kalimantan and even the mountains of Bali and around Ubud for example —experience cooler temperatures, particularly at night, and are more prone to heavier and prolonged rainfall, especially during the rainy season.
The highlands and jungles can be much more humid, and travel conditions can be more challenging due to muddy trails and slippery roads during the rainy months. These regions are lush and green year-round, but travelers should prepare for a more rugged experience, with cooler breezes in the mountains and frequent showers in the dense jungles. Understanding these differences is key to planning the best time and activities for each destination.
Best Diving Seasons in Indonesia
Bali, Komodo, Raja Ampat, and Manado
Indonesia is home to some of the most extraordinary dive sites in the world. Whether you’re after pristine coral reefs, thrilling pelagic encounters, or unique muck diving, the country’s waters offer something for every diver. The trick, however, is knowing when to go. Different regions of Indonesia have different seasons that can significantly impact your diving experience. Here’s a breakdown of the best seasons to dive in Bali, Komodo, Raja Ampat, and Manado.
Bali: Best Time to Dive
The best time to dive in Bali is during the dry season, which runs from April to November. During this period, the water is clearer, currents are manageable, and you’ll have the best visibility. If you’re aiming to see the elusive mola mola (sunfish), the best months are from July to September, especially around Nusa Penida.
Dive spots like Tulamben, known for the famous USAT Liberty wreck, offer year-round diving, but the dry season ensures better conditions. Shore dives in Amed and Padang Bai are excellent during this time, with vibrant coral gardens and schools of fish.
The rainy season from December to March can affect visibility due to runoff, particularly at shore-based dive sites. However, places like Nusa Penida can still be dived during these months, although the sea can be choppier.
Komodo: Best Time to Dive
Diving in Komodo is best from April to November, with the most favorable conditions occurring in the shoulder months of April to June and September to November. The waters are calm, and visibility is excellent during these times, perfect for encountering manta rays, sharks, and schools of fish.
Komodo’s waters are known for their strong currents, which attract an abundance of marine life. Dives at sites like Batu Bolong and Castle Rock offer some of the best pelagic encounters in Indonesia. During the rainy season, from December to March, liveaboards continue to operate, but be prepared for rough seas and reduced visibility due to plankton blooms.
Raja Ampat: Best Time to Dive
October to April is the best time to visit Raja Ampat, a region often referred to as the heart of the Coral Triangle. The seas are calm, and visibility is at its peak, offering the chance to witness an unparalleled diversity of marine life, from vibrant coral reefs to large schools of fish and manta rays.
The peak season is from October to December, when the waters are clearest, and the famous Manta Sandy dive site is teeming with activity. The water temperatures range from 27°C to 30°C (80°F to 86°F), making it ideal for long dives. While you can dive year-round in Raja Ampat, the months from May to September bring rougher seas and stronger winds, which can affect liveaboard trips and overall conditions.
Manado (Bunaken and Lembeh): Best Time to Dive
The dry season in Manado runs from May to October, with the best diving conditions occurring between June and September. Manado is known for its amazing coral walls in Bunaken and for the macro life in the Lembeh Strait, making it a perfect spot for both reef enthusiasts and muck divers.
In Bunaken, visibility can reach up to 40 meters, and you’ll find plenty of sea turtles, reef sharks, and vibrant coral gardens. Meanwhile, Lembeh is the place to go for critter hunting, with sights of frogfish, nudibranchs, and even the elusive blue-ringed octopus. The rainy season from November to April can bring rain and reduced visibility, but muck diving in Lembeh remains excellent year-round due to its shallow sites and calm waters.
Diving in Indonesia
Each of these dive destinations in Indonesia offers something unique, and timing your visit can make all the difference. For Bali, the dry season from April to November is the best, with mola mola sightings peaking from July to September. Komodo is best visited during its dry months, with April to June and September to November being optimal. Raja Ampat’s peak season is October to December, and Manado offers great diving from May to October.
No matter when you go, Indonesia’s rich marine biodiversity will leave you with unforgettable underwater experiences. Just make sure to plan your trip according to the season for the best diving conditions!