The perfect time to explore Indonesia

In the past, Indonesia had just two straightforward seasons: wet and dry. However, climate change, along with El Niño and La Niña, has made weather patterns more unpredictable.

Nowadays, with erratic weather, pinpointing the ideal locations for pleasant conditions can be challenging, but we believe there's never a wrong time to experience Indonesia.

Naturally, other elements influence travel decisions beyond just the weather. Many visitors prioritize the best times for surfing, volcano hiking, or meeting orangutans and whale sharks. Others focus on vibrant beach parties, lively festivals, or avoiding tourist crowds. With so much to think about, don't fret. Whether your interest lies in waves or beaches, jungles or spectacular events, here's our guide to the best times for visiting Indonesia.

The peak season (July–August, Christmas & New Year's) offers the best weather and vibrant beach celebrations

Indonesia's peak season occurs during the delightful months of July and August when sunny skies align with European summer vacations and Australian winter, resulting in a tourism boom throughout the islands. If you enjoy a lively atmosphere, this is an exciting time to visit. Bali and Lombok are particularly bustling, with lively beaches and packed bars. It’s also the ideal period for trekking, surfing, diving, and outdoor adventures in most regions, except for West Papua and Maluku, which experience heavy rainfall during these months.

However, this excitement brings challenges such as crowded surf spots, congested tourist sites, packed trails, and frustrating traffic, along with elevated accommodation and airfare costs. To dodge the highest prices, you'll need to make reservations several months in advance. The Christmas holiday period is another peak time for increased tourism and pricing, although expect more rain and humidity then.

The shoulder season (March–June & September–November) is ideal for natural wildlife experiences

With its perfect blend of great weather, fewer tourists, and lower costs, the shoulder seasons at the start and end of peak times are our preferred moments to explore Indonesia. While some rain may occur (notably in March and November), you're more likely to enjoy beautiful sunny days.

Everything falls into place during this period. The waves are excellent, orangutans are active in the jungles of Sumatra and Kalimantan, and divers seek out famous visitors like whale sharks and mola mola (sunfish), which gather from June to September. The shoulder seasons are also fantastic for climbing Indonesia’s volcanoes, offering trekking conditions without the crowds.

What are the drawbacks of traveling in the shoulder season? Occasionally, you may encounter smoke haze pollution due to farmers burning fields and cleared forests in Sumatra and Kalimantan from September to November. If you have respiratory concerns, this is something to keep in mind.

The low season (January–February) offers the best deals for travelers

Ah, the rainy season – two words that can strike fear in the hearts of sun-seeking tourists. While Indonesia is certainly humid during this time and your hair might frizz up, the wet season doesn’t mean you'll be drenched for your entire trip. Instead, anticipate brief, heavy downpours followed by clear skies and sunshine returning as if nothing happened.

During the rainy months, tourist numbers drop significantly, creating a more laid-back atmosphere and various discounts. Traveling during the off-season is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture and explore temples in Java and Bali without the usual crowds. However, it's not ideal for hiking, as most volcanoes are closed from December to March. Spotting orangutans and other wildlife can also be more challenging during the rainy season.

If you’re looking for drier weather, West Papua and Maluku experience their dry season during this time. For those interested in hiking to remote villages or diving the incredible reefs of Raja Ampat, these months are ideal. The sea is calm, and visibility is superb, providing perfect conditions for exploring this breathtaking underwater landscape.

Let’s focus in – when’s the best time to visit Bali?

For many travelers, Indonesia is synonymous with Bali, and there are certainly ideal times to experience this famous vacation destination. The sweet spots are at either end of the peak season, from May to June and throughout September. Not only will you enjoy beautiful beach weather, legendary surf, stunning volcano hikes, roaring waterfalls, yoga retreats, and captivating Hindu culture, but you’ll also experience it all without the bustling crowds. Plus, you won’t have to book months ahead, allowing you to save money compared to peak season rates.

Will my vacation be spoiled by traveling during the rainy season?

If you’re looking for a relaxed getaway and great bargains, a rainy season trip to Indonesia is definitely worth considering. Yes, you’ll encounter some rain from December to February—sometimes quite heavy—but that doesn’t mean it will rain constantly. Expect a few hours of rain, usually in the afternoon, followed by clear skies that allow you to return to the pool with a cocktail. However, if your plans include trekking, diving, surfing, or wildlife spotting, it's advisable to plan your trip during the drier, busier months from April to October.