Indonesia
The best time to visit
When to go to Indonesia
Go in the dry season, April to October, for sunny days, calm seas and the best diving. The wet season, November to March, brings warm afternoon downpours, cheaper stays and green landscapes.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Bali. Higher is better. Some links on this page are affiliate links, at no cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Aug.
Either side of peak, with thinner crowds and better rates.
Rainy season.
In short
The year at a glance
Indonesia straddles the equator, so it is warm all year and splits into a dry season and a wet one rather than four seasons. These ratings follow Bali, where the dry months from April to October bring the sunniest, calmest weather and the peak crowds.
The wet season from November to March is hot and humid with heavy afternoon rain, but the storms often pass quickly, prices fall and the rice terraces are at their greenest. Diving and surfing both favour the dry months.
Month by month
Indonesia month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Bali.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rating | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 345 mm | Avoid 28 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| February | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 275 mm | Fair 38 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| March | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 230 mm | Good 45 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| April | 32°C / 90°F | 24°C / 75°F | 90 mm | Ideal 79 | Hot with a little rain. |
| May | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 75 mm | Ideal 86 | Hot with a little rain. |
| June | 30°C / 86°F | 22°C / 72°F | 65 mm | Ideal 90 | Hot with a little rain. |
| July | 29°C / 84°F | 22°C / 72°F | 60 mm | Ideal 93 | Hot with a little rain. Bali hotels in July |
| August | 29°C / 84°F | 22°C / 72°F | 40 mm | Ideal 97 | Hot and dry. Bali hotels in August |
| September | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 55 mm | Ideal 93 | Hot with a little rain. Bali hotels in September |
| October | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 80 mm | Ideal 84 | Hot with a little rain. |
| November | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 140 mm | Great 60 | Hot and wet. |
| December | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 290 mm | Fair 36 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
By region
Where you go changes when you go
Bali and the south
Dry, sunny and busy from April to October, the prime window for beaches, surfing and temples. July and August are the peak.
Java and the volcanoes
Bromo and Ijen are best in the dry season for clear sunrise views and safe trails. The wet season clouds the peaks.
Komodo and the east
Drier and sunnier than the west. The dry season brings the calmest seas for diving and island hopping.
Go for
Best time to visit Indonesia for
Diving and snorkelling
April to October for the clearest water and calmest seas around Bali, Komodo and Raja Ampat.
Surfing
May to September for the classic dry-season swells on the Bukit Peninsula and beyond.
Volcanoes and trekking
The dry season for clear sunrises over Bromo and Ijen and firmer trails.
Value and green season
November to March brings better rates, fewer crowds and emerald rice terraces, in exchange for daily rain.
On the calendar
What is on, and when
Nyepi, March
Bali falls silent for its day of silence, a striking and uniquely Balinese new year.
Dry-season beaches, Apr to Oct
Sunny days and calm seas across the islands, at their busiest in July and August.
Rainy season
Nov to Mar.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Indonesia
Compare hotels and rentals around Bali, then book the month you want.
Ready to book?
Rates climb in peak season, so the best-weather months pay to book early. Shoulder and low months are the value windows.
Prefer to sort flights first? Compare flights
Questions
Good to know
What is the best time to visit Bali?
Is the wet season a bad time for Bali?
When is the best time to dive in Indonesia?
Where else, and when
Every country on one map, or jump straight to another guide.