Indonesia straddles the equator, so temperatures stay warm year-round (23-31°C). What changes is the rain. A dry-season Bali is paradise; a wet-season Komodo trip can be disappointing.
Dry Season (April to October)
The best time for most of Indonesia. Blue skies, low humidity, excellent diving visibility. July and August are peak season — Bali and the Gilis are busy, prices rise, and flights fill up. Book 4-6 months ahead for August travel. September and October offer the sweet spot: still dry, fewer crowds, better value.
Wet Season (November to March)
Afternoon downpours are the norm, usually lasting 1-2 hours rather than all day. The landscape turns lush green, waterfalls are at their best, and tourist numbers drop significantly. Java and Sumatra can still be perfectly enjoyable. Bali gets afternoon rain but plenty of sunshine too. January and February are the wettest months.
Island-by-Island Guide
- Bali: Dry Apr-Oct, wet Nov-Mar. Best: May, June, September
- Java (Yogyakarta, Borobudur): Dry May-Oct. Borobudur at sunrise is spectacular in the dry season
- Komodo & Flores: Dry Apr-Oct. Komodo dragons are active year-round but boat trips are smoother in dry season
- Raja Ampat: Dry Oct-Apr (reversed from most of Indonesia). World’s best diving
- Sumatra: Drier May-Sep. Orangutan trekking in Bukit Lawang is best June-August
- Lombok & Gilis: Dry May-Oct. Good for hiking Rinjani May-November (dry season)
Festivals Worth Planning Around
- Nyepi (Balinese New Year, March) — A full day of silence across Bali. The night before features giant demon effigies (ogoh-ogoh) paraded through streets
- Waisak (May, Borobudur) — Thousands of Buddhist monks process to Borobudur temple at dawn
- Galungan & Kuningan (every 210 days) — Balinese celebration of good over evil with decorated bamboo poles (penjor) lining every street
- Bali Arts Festival (June-July) — A month of dance, music, and crafts in Denpasar