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January
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February
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March
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April
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May
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June
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July
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August
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September
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October
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November
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December
Visiting Indonesia in January
Except for a few days around Lunar New Year, January is a low season in Indonesia. Yet the rainy season, which covers much of the country, can work to your advantage. Enjoy lower prices and less-crowded beaches and tourist attractions. The arrival of rain doesn’t affect daily temperatures too much, though it may be a little more humid. The rains tend to be concentrated into a few hours of heavy downpour, usually at night or in the late afternoon. This is likely to leave plenty of morning sun and clear days for exploring.
Visiting Indonesia in February
The northern reaches of the island of Sumatra see the rainfall at its lowest. Towards the end of the month, you’ll find the dry season emerging on the most easterly regions of Indonesia. Now is a good time to visit diving and snorkelling hot spots such as those in Maluku and Papua. Here you’ll find especially clear waters, perfect for sighting tropical marine creatures.
The widely celebrated Chinese New Year – a public holiday here – tends to fall in February. Visit during this time to witness a range of intriguing cultural festivities.
Visiting Indonesia in March
March can be an unpredictable month wherever you travel in Indonesia. Expect sudden outbursts of rain and sporadic dry stretches, though temperatures are likely to remain steady and warm, staying in the high 20s and low 30s (Celsius).
Java Jazz is held in early March at Jakarta Convention Centre, attracting acclaimed international artists.
The Nyepi Day Festival held on Bali is a complete day of silence. Locals stay inside all day and airports close alongside other public buildings. The night before, a huge party erupts throughout the whole island with fire and drums to scare off evil spirits.
Visiting Indonesia in April
April tends to be the last wet month of the year. This makes it a good month for those who like to arrive in time for summer sun but before the number of tourists begins to rocket. This is the beginning of the surf season, and great swells arrive on all coasts facing to the south and southwest, including those in Bali, Lombok, Java, Sumatra, Flores and Sumbawa.
At BaliSpirit Festival, like-minded yoga instructors and practitioners from around the world come together to learn, teach and share experiences.
Visiting Indonesia in May
Bali and Lombok offer the best weather during May. Enjoy clear sunny days and hot temperatures as the dry season begins, but prepare for occasional showers.
Galungan is a major holiday for Balinese Hindus. Offerings and prayers take place at family shrines and village temples. Penjors – bamboo poles hanging decorations – adorn roadsides and homes. On 30 May, Balinese women transport temple offerings on their head as men follow with palm fronds.
Vesak Day celebrates Buddha’s birth, death and enlightenment. At Borobudur on Java, the largest Buddhist monument in the world, thousands of monks and pilgrims gather.
Visiting Indonesia in June
Later in the month, tourist numbers swell as the European school holidays begin. June brings almost-guaranteed sunny weather. Wildlife watching is at its peak, particularly for seeing great-ape and monkey species, tiger and elephant. Kalimantan is one of the best destinations for nature lovers, where you can explore jungle rivers to spot orangutan. Komodo Island is home of the giant lizards of the same name. Or head to Papua Island in the hope of spotting the famous Birds of Paradise.
Also in June is Danau Toba Festival, a week-long traditional festival full of dances, chants, crafts and boating events.
Visiting Indonesia in July
July is well and truly a peak month. Hot and dry weather can be experienced throughout the many islands of Indonesia. You can have incredible beach escapes, visit spectacular cultural and historic sights, and enjoy world-class wildlife watching and diving adventures throughout the month.
Ramadan is celebrated in Indonesia as a two-day national holiday. This falls at the end of the month in time for the breaking of the fast. Families spend time together and enjoy lavish feasts and gift giving.
Visiting Indonesia in August
Peak season continues as Indonesia’s many attractions continue to draw visitors from all around the world. This is a good month for fun and cultural experiences.
Independence Day is held midmonth. Witness vast parades throughout the country. Jakarta, where the parade is held before the president, sees the highest attendance.
During this month you can also attend the Bidar Race – competitive canoe races held on South Sumatra – and the Baliem Valley Festival, when the indigenous cultures of Papua's Baliem Valley display mock tribal fights, traditional regalia and music performances.
Visiting Indonesia in September
Sublime weather continues into September as the visitor numbers start to thin out towards the end of school holidays. With low prices and crowds, as well as reliable hot weather, September is a good month to visit. Explore first-rate beaches and national parks, and don’t miss out on some of the best diving waters in the world. Tarimbang Bay on Sumba Island is a hot spot for surfers in September.
Bali International Film Festival (also known as Balinale) is renowned for the diversity of its programming. Here you can watch award-winning Indonesian and international documentary, feature and short films.
Visiting Indonesia in October
The last month of reliable sunshine, October offers warm weather and low tourist crowds. Prepare for occasional short downpours, particularly towards the end of the month. Northern Sumatra experiences one of its wettest months, which can affect roads, while in other regions you wouldn’t know the wet season was approaching.
Ubud hosts a festival for readers and writers in October, attracting authors from around the world. You’ll also witness plenty of yoga activities and fun events.
Nusa Dua Fiesta features a week of arts, culture, sport, music and exhibitions in and around the peninsula in Nusa Dua.
Visiting Indonesia in November
November spells the return of the rainy season to the country, meaning a further reduction in visitor numbers. However, temperatures remain consistently hot and good weather can still be found. Head to Bali and northern Sulawesi to enjoy uncrowded beaches. November is a good month to visit Lombok, the next island to the east of Bali, where you visit a range of historic temples. Here you can also enjoy sea-kayaking and diving excursions. Lombok can be easily reached by daily 30-minute flights from Bali.
Visiting Indonesia in December
Indonesia tends to experience more visitors during the build up to Christmas and New Year. During this time Christian Balinese celebrate as families and gather to attend mass at churches. These incredible buildings showcase a blend between traditional Balinese design and colonial Christian architectural aspects. December is also a prime time to go diving in areas such as Maluku's Banda Islands.
Nusa Penida Festival is a great time to visit the Nusa Islands. The festival spans four days, featuring artistic and cultural performances by local villagers.
