Best time to visit Indonesia

Indonesia is a stunning archipelago with over 17,000 islands, each islands offers unique cultural and natural attractions. To make the most of your visit in Indonesia, it’s important to consider the best time to go.

The best time to visit Indonesia is between April and October when the weather is generally dry and sunny, making it perfect for outdoor activities. During this time, you can explore the stunning archipelago with its diverse landscapes, and it’s beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant cities.

However, Indonesia is a tropical country, so temperatures remain hot all year round. Rain season occurs from November to March. During this time, the weather can be unpredictable, with heavy downpours and thunderstorms.

While the rainy season may put a damper on some activities, it does bring some benefits. The rain provides nourishment for the Indonesia’s lush vegetation, and the landscapes become even more stunning. Moreover, the wet season means also fewer crowds, which make it perfect to visit Indonesia’s temples and historical sites without the crowds.

One of the best things about Indonesia is its diverse culture, and the country is home to many different ethnic groups, each with their own traditions and customs. By visiting during the rainy season, you’ll have the chance to witness local celebrations and festivals, which are often held during this time.

If you do decide to visit during the rainy season, it’s a good idea to head to higher ground, such as the mountainous areas in Java and Bali, where the temperatures are cooler and the scenery is breathtaking. This is also an excellent time to explore the country’s wildlife, including the famous Komodo dragons in Komodo National Park.

Best time to visit Bali

The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season, which is May-September, because of the high season the flights are more expensive and quite crowded with tourists. Dry season is the best time to climb Mount Batur, and participate to water sport activities, visiting rice field and have a tour on your bike around Bali. May is the best month to visit Bali and also Lombok. While you visiting Bali and Lombok you will enjoy the best weather for the year, sunshine and clear blue skies.

Best time to visit Java

If you are planing to climb Bromo mountain, Ijen crater or visiting Yogyakarta the best month to visit these places is during the dry season. From May to September, the weather is dry hot and sunny. If you are climbing mountains make sure you bring warm clothes, the temperatures are cooler in the mountainous regions. During the raining season from October to April, expect cheaper prices and fewer crowds.

Best time to travel in Sumatra

Sumatra is one of the largest island in the Indonesian archipelago. The weather conditions could be different between the north and south of Sumatra. In north Sumatra ( Medan and Padang) the climate is very tropical due to the dense jungles that surrounds these cities especially during October and January. In south Sumatra the weather is quite similar with west java with drier weather from may to October and rainfall from November to May. 

Best time to visit The Moluccas

On the Moluccas island the temperatures are always high. A lot of rain falls between May and September. The warmest month is December with a of temperature of 31°C (87°F). July is the most wet ( rainy season). November is the driest month with a sunny and hot weather.

Best time to explore Papua

Papua is a one of the region of Indonesia. The capital of Papua is Jayapura. Like everywhere on the archipelago the temperature are always high. This island has a tropical climate, with high humidity and rainfall throughout the year. The dry season runs from May to October, while the rainy season runs from November to April. The best time to visit is during the dry season, when it is easier to explore the rainforests and beaches.

Best time to visit Kalimatan

If you’re planning to visit the wild jungle and especially see orang-utans the best time is between May and September. November is the most wet month. July is the driest month. July is the most sunny month.

Best time to visit Sulawesi

Home of the famous Toraja and the beautiful Manado, Sulawesi experiences different weather conditions depending on where you are on the island. This island has a tropical climate, with hot and humid weather all year round. The dry season runs from April to October, while the rainy season runs from November to March. The best time to visit is during the dry season, when it is easier to explore the national parks and dive sites.

Best time to visit Nusa Tenggara

Lombok, Flores, Komodo National Park, Sumba

The islands of Nusa Tenggara, including Lombok, Flores and Sumba experience dry season between April and September. I recommend you to visit this part of Indonesia during that season, you can visit komodo island, climb Mt Rinjani, visit Gili island. The raining season happen between October and March.

Month-by-month guide for travelling in Indonesia

Travel Seasons	Min/Max Temperature	Season
January-March	25 degrees	Heavy rainfall
May to June	25-28 degrees	Moderate rains
July-August & December	25-27 degrees	Dry, windy and cooler
October-December	25-28 degrees	Moderate rainfall

Overall, the best time to visit Indonesia is during the dry season, which runs from April to September in most regions. However, keep in mind that this is also peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and larger crowds. If you are looking to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder season, which runs from October to March in most regions.