Best Time to Visit Indonesia

Indonesia may often be equated with a popular honeymoon destination or the best to come to party on the beach, but it offers something for everyone from outdoor adventurers to history enthusiasts. There are over 17,500 islands, 6,000 of which are inhabited, bringing diverse landscapes and a long list of recreational activities to enjoy. But just when is the best time to visit Indonesia is? Find out below.

On Bali, the landscapes include everything from gorgeous white sandy beaches to lush rainforests with countless waterfalls and soaring volcanic mountains. Then, there are the tens of thousands of magnificent temples, some with dramatic clifftop settings.

When planning any holiday, one of the most important considerations for getting the most out of the experience, is knowing the best time to visit according to the weather and other factors. Generally, most feel the best time to visit Indonesia is from July through September. This is when the weather is pleasant and warm, there will be little rain, the sea will be calm and the skies blue, making it easy to travel between the islands while enjoying gorgeous backdrops for photos and all sorts of adventures. The next best time may be from around mid-April through June, following the monsoons. The landscapes will still be green, and the weather will have improved significantly. The exception is Papua and Maluku, where it is still monsoon season, but Bali and Lombok will be ideal.

The High/Dry Season: April through October

April through October is the peak travel season, enjoying the driest weather of the year. The average temperature ranges from 79 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, while rainfall averages from about 1.2 to less than 4 inches. It’s the best time to visit Lombok and Bali, with the beautiful beaches ideal for swimming, snorkeling and all sorts of other watersports, or just relaxing on the sand. This is also when the waves off the western beaches will be at their best for surfing. There are a number of festivals that can be enjoyed during this time as well, including Ramadan in July, and Muharram from September through October.

The downside of visiting during the high season is that it’s the peak time for tourists with schools out of session in Europe and the U.S, as well as throughout Indonesia. Depending on where you plan to go, from July through September in particular, the crowds are likely to be thick, although you can almost always find a more remote place to venture to for tranquillity, like north Bali or one of the neighbouring islands.

The Low/Wet Season: November through March

In the low/wet season, the temperature won’t be much different, ranging from 79 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit, but it will be rainy. Rainfall averages from 5.9 to nearly 12 inches, bringing rain throughout the country with the exception of Papua and Maluku. With so much water falling, some of the interior roads can become inaccessible, although in between showers, there will be plenty of sunny skies. Despite some saying this is not the time to come, Indonesia is really a year-round destination and this period is ideal for relaxing by the sea and avoiding the biggest crowds, provided you don’t visit around Christmas and New Year’s Eve. There are some unique festivals to enjoy too, including Nyepi on Bali, the Day of Silence, which is celebrated in March. The day before there will be a monster parade, and the day of is spent in silence.

While Indonesia is generally budget-friendly anytime of the year, again, depending on where you go, the low season is the time you’ll find some of the best deals on accommodation and airfare, as well as being the quietest months for avoiding thick tourist crowds.