When to visit Indonesia

The best time to visit Indonesia is April through October as the weather is warm and sunny for beaching, walking, snorkeling and diving. Indonesia has a fairly even climate despite its vast size and thousands of islands, averaging at 30 degrees Celcius. Expect sudden tropical downpours most days during the rainy season between November and March. The shoulder months of March to May and October to November may be best for trekkers as the temperatures, crowds and prices are much lower despite the occasional shower.

Indonesia is hot all year round being on the equator, with widespread rain in the south between November to March. Despite the rain, the scenery is beautiful as you venture into the highlands, temperatures are cooler than the humid conditions further down.

July to August

Peak season in Indonesia falls during the months of July and August, a sweet spot for tranquil weather coinciding with European summer holidays. This is a lively time to visit with popular islands Bali and Lombrok becoming full of growing crowds soaking up the sunny weather. This is also a great time to enjoy trekking, surfing, diving and other outdoor wilderness activities such as wildlife-watching, with the exception of west Papua and Maluku, which welcomes heavy rains in these months. This high season is a great time to visit the islands, but be prepared to pre-book accommodation months in advance.

March to June & September to November

Known as the shoulder season, March to June, and September to November are a great time to visit Indonesia, with a superb combination of incredible weather, lower tourist numbers and reduced prices. Although you may see some rain nearer to March and November, sunshine is highly expected. Whilst waves thud against the shores, orangutans make most of the bounty of fruit in the jungles of Sumatra and Kalimantan, and divers head beneath the waves in search of majestic whale sharks and mola mola, during June to September. This is also a great time to scale Indonesia’s outstanding volcanoes.

January to February

Whilst Indonesia is undeniably humid during these months, the rainy season months of January and February won’t greet you with endless rains. Expect short, intense downpours, followed by rich blue skies appearing within moments of the rain falling. Tourist numbers drop here, bringing a more relaxed vibe across the islands and discounts on accommodation. This is a great time to immerse yourself in local culture by visiting the temples of Java and Bali. Orangutans and other wildlife can be harder to spot during these rainy months.

If you want to see Komodo Dragons

The dry season of April through to early December is the best time to observe the Komodo Dragons as they enjoy being in the sun in the morning and afternoon. They breed and are most active at the beginning of the dry season. In August and September, the Komodo Dragons dig nests to lay their eggs. In the rainy season, they conserve their warmth and stay in burrows only coming out to hunt . Komodo National Park - rainy season (jan to march) few tours run because of the winds, waves and heavy rain. April to June is one of the best times to visit, with calmer seas and more comfortable temperatures and cooler nights. July through August, the high season, is hot, sunny and more expensive and lots of tour boats. Sep/Oct/Nov for warmer weather.

If you want to see Whale Sharks

You can see whale sharks in Cenderawasih Bay year-round, however, most of these majestic creatures visit the area from June to October, making this peak season for swimming with whale sharks. In the few months when Raja Ampat’s weather is less favourable, the boats offer Whale Shark liveaboard trips to Cenderawasih Bay, normally using harbours in Manokwari, Nabire or Biak for departure and return. It is recommended for you to plan your diving session here in Talisayan when the south winds are blowing during the summer months, which is around mid-June to mid-September.