Best time to visit Java

This densely populated island contains many towering volcanoes, ancient temples and peaceful pockets beyond its megacities, which organised tours hop between. From cycling to hiking, cultural exploration and island hopping to Bali and beyond, read on to discover the things to do and the best time to visit Java, too.

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Best time to visit Java

The dry season, from May to October, means hot, dry and sunny weather in Java – perfect for hiking, biking and beach time.

May to October is the dry season all over Indonesia, with temperatures in the low 30°Cs, and also the best time to visit Java, particularly if you’re joining a cycling tour or hoping to hike. In the wet season from November to April you can expect sudden downpours for a few hours a day, which can make roads impassable and hiking trails a wash-out. Check your itinerary, though. Most Indonesia highlights tours that take in Java include activities that wouldn’t be too affected by rain, which means you can travel in the shoulder months of March, April and October and avoid the dry season crowds.

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Java Weather Chart

MIN °C

MAX °C

RAIN (mm)

JAN

406

FEB

298

MAR

245

APR

195

MAY

173

JUN

100

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

146

NOV

174

DEC

225

Our Java Vacations

Things to do in Java

Things to do in Java…

Cycle. Traveling by two wheels allows you to explore wider and deeper in Java, with time to take in the interesting scenes of slow-paced local life, chat to people and admire the scenery, too. Two week cycling vacations take you up volcano craters, along rainforest trails, through paddy fields and past ancient temples. You don’t have to join a dedicated cycling break to enjoy some pedaling, though. Some small group tours include biking out from Yogyakarta for 6km through the countryside on easy, flat roads. Java’s vast urban centers are a fairly full on experience, and most organised trips here focus instead on the island’s delightful countryside and coast. Beautiful beaches and small fishing villages like Pangandaran offer a coastal escape, and you can hike up a volcano, take a boat upriver through jungle scenery and, on dedicated wildlife watching vacations, look out for the island’s endemic species, including the Java rhino. Almost any rural exploration on the island reveals pretty villages, coffee plantations, cottage industries producing palm sugar and rice crackers and local markets. Take in some religious sites. Java has both Buddhist and Hindu sites to admire, two of which grab their share of superlatives: the Buddhist Borobudur temple, which is the largest Buddhist temple complex in the world, and Prambanan, the largest Hindu complex in Java.

Things not to do in Java…

Exploring Java is often best done on foot, so don’t forget your walking boots. Gentle hikes through fertile plantations are part and parcel of seeing rural life up close, while the more demanding hike up to the crater of Ijen Volcano is a calf-stretching highlight of many Java tours. Getting up before dawn to hike the dirt trail up to the top, with the blue fire created by the hot sulphur seeping out of the crater gleaming in the darkness, is an unforgettable experience. Don’t stick to hotels, there is plenty of fun alternative accommodation on Java. Some small group trips include camping, and a night on the beach near a fishing village makes a blissful back to nature experience. You can also stay in the Seloliman Nature Reserve, in its Education Centre’s accommodation, which has open-air bathrooms built in harmony with the surrounding forest. Or enjoy a village stay in the lush countryside beneath Mount Bromo. It’s worth exploring some of Indonesia’s other islands, so don’t stay solely on Java. Indonesia highlights vacations might take in Sumatra, Bali and Flores, too, and if the trip is tailor made, you can decide which combo of islands you visit. If you’re a keen diver, pick a tour that combines time exploring the pristine reefs of Komodo National Park and Raja Ampat with overland exploration of Java.

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Java travel advice

Miles Page from our expert vacation company Rickshaw Travel has lots of advice and recommendations on Java:

Why see Java

“Java is packed with traditional temples and fascinating history. The island offers both Hindu and Buddhist temples, whereas on Bali you will find mostly Hindu temples. Journey times between the highlights on Java are generally longer than on Bali, as the distances are greater. This can be turned into a great advantage by using the local trains to travel across the island, which is a really authentic way to experience this region. Borobudur Temple at sunrise is a can’t miss sight.”

Packing tips

“Bring some warm clothing for the highlands and early mornings. There can be a chill in the air. Also, roll your clothes when you pack then you can fit more in!”

Food highlights

“I’m a big foodie myself. Gudeg pawon is the signature dish for Yogyakarta and it’s delicious! Made from jackfruit, it’s a stew made with lots of spices. Wherever you are, eat at local warungs and push your boundaries as you will be surprised at how amazing the food is in Indonesia. It’s a foodie’s paradise!”

How long to spend

“You can experience a lot in a short space of time in Java. To allow enough time to do things at an easy pace, I recommend around two weeks. A great tip is to combine Java with Bali, whilst avoiding internal flights. Head to the east coast and take the local ferry and experience two of Indonesia’s wonderful islands on your adventure!”

More about Java

Java travel guide

Java is sometimes dismissed as chaotic and crowded, but this is a mistake. The island may be home to over half of Indonesia’s population, but it’s also bristling with volcanoes, gleaming with emerald green rice paddies and home to layers of history and culture, evident in its arts, crafts and astonishing temples. Our Java travel guide paints the full picture.

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Written by Joanna Simmons

Best time to visit Java