Indonesia has a tropical climate with a distinct wet and dry season and hot, humid weather throughout the year. Temperatures average 70°F to 90°F 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 79°F to 82°F.
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 3,100 miles 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!
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 73°F to 90°F. 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 |
91°F |
75°F |
|
June to August |
86°F |
73°F |
|
September to November |
89°F |
73°F |
|
December to February |
91°F |
75°F |
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 70°F to 90°F, but it's slightly cooler in the Minangkabau Highlands. Traveling 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 |
86°F |
72°F |
|
June to August |
88°F |
72°F |
|
September to November |
86°F |
70°F |
|
December to February |
90°F |
70°F |
Weather in Java
Java is home to the Indonesian capital of Jakarta. It's hot and humid all year with average highs of 73°F to 90°F, 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 |
90°F |
75°F |
|
June to August |
90°F |
73°C |
|
September to November |
92°F |
75°F |
|
December to February |
89°F |
75°F |
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 68°F to 86°F.
|
Month |
Average high |
Average low |
|
March to May |
86°F |
70°F |
|
June to August |
84°F |
68°F |
|
September to November |
86°F |
71°F |
|
December to February |
84°F |
73°F |
Read about the best time to visit Indonesia
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