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Best time to go to Indonesia

Depending on where you’d ideally like to visit: Bali, Flores or Sumatra, for starters, will essentially dictate the best time to go to Indonesia which is why our temperature & rainfall chart covers all bases, especially when added to our month by month guide, supplier advice and our cultural picks from the Indonesia calendar.

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Best time to go to Indonesia

Indonesia is never stiflingly hot, or bitingly cold; an entirely tropical archipelago, the whole country is bathed in a dewy, misty warmth that says ‘relax’

The best time to go to Indonesia really just depends on you and what you’re up to. Being located near the equator, the country does have a pretty even climate with two long seasons – the cooler wet season from Nov-Apr, where rain falls for a few hours daily in sudden tropical downpours, and the warmer dry season that runs from June to Nov. As a rule of thumb, if you’re heading to Bali alone, take your pick, the weather is ideal year-round; June to Sept will allow you optimum island hopping.

Call us for the best time to go to Indonesia

Bali Weather Chart

MIN °C

MAX °C

RAIN (mm)

JAN

328

FEB

261

MAR

225

APR

117

MAY

107

JUN

JUL

119

AUG

SEP

116

OCT

173

NOV

187

DEC

258

Our Indonesia Vacations

Indonesia, Month by month

During the wet season (late November, December - April), roads can be blocked and trekking routes closed for safety reasons, so it’s best to double check how much this will affect your chosen itinerary. The shoulder season (March, April, May, October and November) is fairly unpredictable weather-wise, but both prices and crowds drop and temperatures are cool making it a great time for trekking. During December, January and February rain makes areas such as Sumatra and Flores virtually inaccessible due to closed ferries and washed out roads. There are plenty of other places to see at this time though - with Bali and Kalimantan enjoying much more stable climates. If you're heading to the Mount Rinjani National Park on Lombok to see the infamous volcano, plan your Indonesia vacation outside of January – March, when the park closes. If you’re heading to Java, avoid the end of July – these are the final days of Indonesia’s Lebaran celebrations and transport is utter chaos. Indonesians often choose to take vacations at the end of Ramadan (usually around June or July, but flexible, so best to check according to your chosen year of travel) which can mean more crowds and higher prices. September in Indonesia brings the favourable weather conditions of August, but without the crowds and high season prices, making it a brilliant time to visit.

Travel Team

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Philip Beale, from our supplier Pioneer Expeditions, shares his advice on the best time to go to Indonesia: “The seasons in the country are pretty clear-cut – anytime from April through to September is generally the best time to visit, but it’s a country of three time zones, so it’s hard to generalise. The rainy season comes in and conditions start to get worse from October through to March, and although you can travel in the rainy season, you need to be prepared for two or three hours of rain daily plus a bit more wind. From April onwards it gets warmer with blue skies all day and then over our summertime, the weather is hot and sunny and perfect conditions for the wide range of activities that Indonesia offers.”

Festivals & events

Ubud Writers & Readers Festival

Taking place in Ubud, Bali’s artistic heartland, this a five-day party that brings the written word to life through the musings of some of the best Indonesian, Southeast Asian and international voices across a lively programme of book launches, talks, film screening and local workshops.

More about Indonesia

Indonesia travel guide

Our Indonesia travel guide aims to point responsible travelers in the right direction when it comes to what we rate & what we don’t as well as all the information you need on food, shopping & people to assist in your quest to discover Indonesia like a local.

Where to go in Indonesia

Our interactive map of highlights features everywhere from Kalimantan and Sulawesi to Java, Komodo and Lombok.

Things to do in Indonesia

From a kayak into the jungle to a tour of the temples, this is just the tip of the misty mountain when it comes to finding things to do in Indonesia.

Things to see & do in Bali

Despite its enduring popularity, it’s still possible to find a quiet slice of life in Bali away from the hectic beach resorts.

Komodo dragon tours in Indonesia

If you’re getting into Game of Thrones or can’t forget Smaug from The Hobbit, there’s only one thing to do – set sail on a Komodo dragon tour.

Things to see & do on Lombok

Lombok’s a laid-back place with deserted beaches from where to surf, swim or snorkel over coral, and a majestic mountain at its core to challenge travelers in search of hardy hikes.

Sea kayaking the Komodo Islands

Sea kayaking in the Komodo Islands is a chance to be immersed in nature, paddling your way to remote corners of this beautiful national park.

Things to see & do in Sulawesi

Sulawesi is a legendary destination for diving and snorkelling, especially off its volcanic northern peninsula, but just as rewarding for visitors are its thick tracts of jungle, rugged mountains and proud traditional cultures.

Things to see & do in Sumatra

Sumatra delivers big when it comes to both natural beauty and cultural wonders, from otherworldly volcanoes to ancient sites to the tropical jungle that orangutans call home.

Things to see & do in Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta, on the island of Java, is a city of two parts, with a modern, busy side but with age-old customs and traditional arts living on in the ancient old walled town known as the kraton.

Traveling in Indonesia with kids

There are loads of activities for families in Indonesia, from hiking around volcanoes to horseback riding to snorkelling.

Indonesia travel advice

Read on for a few tips from our friends in Indonesia, including how to avoid overcrowded beaches and how to travel safely.

Responsible tourism in Indonesia

Weigh up development vs poverty, find out more about palm oil and research what you can do to help when it comes to animal rights.

All our Indonesia guides

Find all of our Indonesia guides in one place, including guides to Bali, Borneo, Raja Ampat and orangutan watching.

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Written by Polly Humphris

ABTA member P7085 so you are fully protected

Photo credits: [Page banner: Jean-Marie Hullot] [Intro: Ifan Bima] [Philip Beale Quote: Farhan Perdana (Blek)] [Ubud Writers & Readers Festival: Ubud Writers & Readers Festival]

Best time to go to Indonesia