Weather in Indonesia

Indonesia has a tropical climate with a distinct wet and dry season and hot, humid weather throughout the year. Temperatures average 22°C to 32°C along the coast, but it's typically a bit cooler at higher elevations such as the Padang Highlands in Sumatra and Mt Bromo in Java. The sea is warm all year, with temperatures averaging a balmy 26°C to 28°C.

When’s the monsoon in Indonesia?

Throughout most of Indonesia, the rainy season is from October to April, and the dry season is from May to September. However, this can vary as some regions are influenced by different monsoonal patterns – which isn’t surprising when the country comprises over 17,000 islands with 5,000 kilometres between the easternmost and westernmost points. 

The monsoon rains come in heavy afternoon downpours that usually last a couple of hours or so. Indonesia rarely gets hit by typhoons as it's located south of the typhoon belt, but there is a risk of flooding which can cut off access to the roads, particularly as you travel further east toward the Nusa Tenggara region. As long as you factor some wiggle room into your itinerary, there's no need to let the wet weather deter you from visiting!

Two travellers standing at the Heavenly Gates at Lempuyang Temple in Bali

Weather in Bali

Bali has a distinct wet season from November to March (with January being the wettest month), and a dry season from April to October. The temperatures are consistent throughout the year, averaging 23°C to 33°C. It can feel much hotter in the wet season as humidity averages 80% or more. It's cooler at higher elevations like Mt Batur and along the coast where the sea breeze offers a reprieve from the heat. If you want to snorkel or dive, it’s best to go in the dry season as the monsoon can impact water visibility.

Month

 Average high 

 Average low 

 March to May 

33°C

24°C

 June to August 

30°C

23°C

 September to November 

32°C

23°C

 December to February 

33°C

24°C

A baby orangutan

Weather in Sumatra

The monsoonal patterns in Sumatra differ as the equator splits the island. The north is more tropical with year-round rain, although October through January tend to be the wettest months. In contrast, the south has a more distinct wet season with heavy afternoon downpours from October to March. Year-round temperatures average 21°C to 32°C, but it's slightly cooler in the Minangkabau Highlands. Travelling around the national parks in the wet season can be trickier due to flooding, and you'll need to take extra precautions against mosquitoes and leeches.

Month

 Average high 

 Average low 

 March to May 

30°C

22°C

 June to August 

31°C

22°C

 September to November 

30°C

21°C

 December to February 

32°C

21°C

Borobudur Temple in Java

Weather in Java

Java is home to the Indonesian capital of Jakarta. It's hot and humid all year with average highs of 23°C to 33°C, but cooler temps prevail at higher elevations like Mt. Bromo. Java's rainy season is from November to April, with the western side of the island experiencing the wettest weather. The dry season (May to October) is the best time to hike up volcanoes or cycle through rice paddies.

Month

 Average high 

 Average low 

 March to May 

32°C

24°C

 June to August 

32°C

23°C

 September to November 

33°C

24°C

 December to February 

31°C

24°C

A silhouette of two hikers on Mt Rinjani in Lombok

Weather in Nusa Tenggara

The province of Nusa Tenggara (comprising Lombok, Gili, Flores and Sumba) typically has its dry season between April and September. These months offer ideal conditions to hike Mt Rinjani or dive/snorkel off the coast of Lombok, Komodo National Park or the Gili islands. The wet season is from October to April, with December and January seeing the most rainfall. The temperatures are similar to Bali, with averages of 20°C to 30°C.

Month

 Average high 

 Average low 

 March to May 

30°C

21°C

 June to August 

29°C

20°C

 September to November 

30°C

22°C

 December to February 

29°C

23°C

Read about the best time to visit Indonesia

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