Best time to visit Indonesia

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.

Best time to visit 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.

When to go to Indonesia per month

The weather in Indonesia varies depending on the region and season, but it generally experiences high temperatures and humidity levels throughout the year.

January: Best for cultural exploration

January in Indonesia is warm, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F). However, it's also one of the wettest months, with heavy rainfall and occasional thunderstorms. Despite the rain, it's a great time to explore cultural sites and attend traditional ceremonies, particularly in less crowded areas. Just be prepared for occasional flooding and plan indoor activities to make the most of your trip.

February: Best for indoor activities

February continues the rainy season, with temperatures similar to January and frequent downpours. Flooding can occur in some regions. This month is best for indoor activities like visiting museums, art galleries, and enjoying Indonesia's rich culinary scene. Coastal areas may still offer opportunities for diving and snorkeling between showers.

March: Best for exploring the rainforest

In March, rainfall starts to decrease but is still significant, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F). It's a good time for rainforest exploration, as the landscape is lush and vibrant. Visit regions like Kalimantan and Sumatra to experience Indonesia's diverse flora and fauna.

April: Best for exploring national parks

April marks the end of the rainy season, with a noticeable drop in rainfall and temperatures between 24°C and 32°C (75°F to 90°F). This transition month is ideal for outdoor adventures, including hiking, volcano tours, and exploring national parks. The weather becomes more predictable, making travel plans easier to manage.

May: Best for beach lovers

May brings dry, sunny weather across Indonesia, with temperatures from 25°C to 33°C (77°F to 91°F). This month is perfect for beach lovers, offering ideal conditions for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports on famous beaches in Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands.

June: Best for cultural festivals

June offers pleasant weather with temperatures around 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F). It's an excellent time to experience cultural festivals, such as Bali Arts Festival, and to explore the rich traditions and vibrant local life, as the dry season ensures clear skies and comfortable conditions.

July: Best for surfing

July features warm and dry weather, with temperatures between 24°C and 30°C (75°F to 86°F). It's the best month for surfing, particularly in Bali and Java, where the waves are consistent and the beaches are bustling with surfers from around the world.

August: Best for hiking and trekking

August in Indonesia is characterized by cool, dry weather, with temperatures from 23°C to 29°C (73°F to 84°F). It's an ideal time for hiking and trekking, with clear trails and stunning views, particularly in regions like Lombok’s Mount Rinjani and the highlands of Papua.

September: Best for safaris

September brings mild, dry weather with temperatures around 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F). This month is perfect for wildlife safaris, offering excellent conditions to visit national parks like Tanjung Puting in Borneo, where you can see orangutans, or Komodo National Park for the iconic Komodo dragons.

October: Best for volcano trekking

October in Indonesia features comfortable temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F), marking the end of the dry season. It's an optimal time for a variety of outdoor activities such as trekking volcanoes like Mount Rinjani, diving in Raja Ampat's crystal-clear waters, or exploring cultural sites in Yogyakarta. Enjoy clearer skies and fewer crowds before the true onset of the rainy season.

November: Best for Sumatra

November in Indonesia marks the beginning of the rainy season, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F). Rainfall will become frequent and heavy, especially in the afternoons and evenings. While beach activities may be limited, this month is perfect for rainforest exploration. The increased rain brings lush greenery and vibrant wildlife, making places like Sumatra and Kalimantan ideal destinations.

December: Best for a calm festive holiday

December sees warm temperatures from 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F) and frequent, heavy rainfall. The wet weather can cause travel disruptions and limit your outdoor activities. However, the festive atmosphere during Christmas and New Year celebrations makes it a lively time to visit. Cities like Jakarta and Bali offer vibrant nightlife, cultural events, and special markets despite the rain. 

Indonesia peak season

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 wet season

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 dry season

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.

Islands and their best time to visit

Best time to visit Bali

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.

Planning a family trip? Read our guide to travelling in Bali with kids. And to have a chance to explore everything that you are interested in Bali also read our guide on how many days are best to spend here.

Ready to explore Bali? Plan your transportation with our in-depth guide.

Best time to visit Java

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.

Best time to visit Lombok

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.