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Indonesia Weather by Region: Dry and Rainy Seasons, and the Best Time to Visit
Most parts of Indonesia generally have a dry season from April to October and a rainy season from November to March. The timing of the rainy season and its effects vary in Bali, Lombok, the Gili Islands, and Jakarta. If your plans include island transfers or trekking, check the forecast and operating updates before departure, as well as the typical seasonal calendar.
At a glance
- Most parts of Indonesia generally have a dry season from April to October and a rainy season from November to March.
- In Bali and Yogyakarta, the rainy season typically peaks in January and February.
- Lombok is generally dry from May to October, while the Gili Islands are relatively clear and sunny for beach activities from May to September.
- Jakarta's rainy season generally runs from October to March, with the wettest months in January and February.
- The 2026/2027 rainy-season outlook predicts a later-than-usual start in most regions, so typical seasonal calendars may not tell the whole story.
When is the rainy season in each region, and when is the best time to visit?
These periods are based on general seasonal guides and typical patterns. The start of the rainy season and the timing of rainfall can vary from year to year, so check the latest forecast when finalizing your plans.
| Region | Rainy season | Best time to visit |
|---|---|---|
| Most parts of Indonesia | Generally November–March | Generally dry season from April to October |
| Bali | Generally November–March; typical peak in January and February | Dry season from April to October |
| Lombok | Heaviest rainfall generally falls from December to February | Generally dry season from May to October |
| Gili Islands | Rain, wind, and waves during the rainy season can affect boat schedules | May to September is relatively dry and sunny for beach activities |
| Labuan Bajo and Komodo | Sea conditions during the rainy season can affect boat schedules | Dry season runs roughly from mid-April to mid-October; April–June or September–December are often recommended as good times to visit |
| Jakarta | Generally October–March; typical peak from November to January, with the most rain in January and February | Check rainfall and flooding conditions for your travel dates rather than relying on the dry-season calendar |
| Special Region of Yogyakarta | Typical peak in January and February | Allow extra time in your itinerary in case of heavy rain |
What weather should I expect in Bali during the rainy season?
A general seasonal guide for Bali is a dry season from April to October and a rainy season from November to March. Short showers are possible during the rainy season, so leave time to take a break indoors between outdoor activities.
For sunrise trekking on Mount Batur, the dry season from May to October generally offers better visibility and trail conditions. In wetter months, damp volcanic ash can be slippery, so check the forecast and your operator's updates.
How should I plan boat trips and trekking in Lombok and the Gili Islands?
Lombok is generally dry from May to October, and the Gili Islands are relatively dry and sunny for beach activities from May to September. During the rainy season, rain, wind, and waves can affect speedboat services, so keep your island-transfer dates flexible.
Mount Rinjani National Park recommends trekking from April to November and advises avoiding the rainy season from December to March because of slippery trails and other hazards. The park closes regularly from January 1 to March 31 each year. Check the latest updates to confirm whether your route is open on your visit date.
When is a good time to visit Komodo National Park?
The dry season around Labuan Bajo and western Flores, near Komodo National Park, runs roughly from mid-April to mid-October. Travel guides often recommend April–June or September–December, so choose based on your preferred activities and schedule.
During the rainy season, sea conditions can affect boat schedules. If a boat tour is central to your plans, check the marine forecast and service updates before departure.
What should I keep in mind during the rainy season in Jakarta and Yogyakarta?
Jakarta's rainy season generally runs from October to March, with a typical peak from November to January. January and February usually have the most rainfall and rainy days. Much of the city is low-lying, and rivers run through the city toward Jakarta Bay, so be mindful of flooding during the rainy season.
The rainy season typically peaks in January and February in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. BMKG advises that heavy rain and hydrometeorological disaster risks may increase during this period.
What clothes and gear should I pack for the rainy and dry seasons?
Recommended items for a Bali trip include lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable shoes, and sun protection. For outdoor activities in the hot sun, consider bringing a hat, umbrella, and sunscreen.
If you plan an early-morning trek on Mount Batur or Mount Rinjani, pack a warm layer and a waterproof outer layer, as conditions differ from the heat on the coast. Mount Batur trekking advice lists a lightweight waterproof jacket as a packing item.
What to do in these situations
- If you're planning outdoor activities in Bali during the rainy season
Allow some flexibility between activities in case of short showers, and check the forecast for your visit dates.
- If you're planning to take a boat to the Gili Islands or Lombok
Check the marine forecast and service updates before departure, and leave room for changes to your plans.
- If you're planning to trek Mount Rinjani
First check the route-opening updates for your visit dates, and follow the advice to avoid trekking during the rainy season from December to March.
- If you're taking an early-morning trek on Mount Batur
Check the forecast and your operator's updates, and pack a warm layer and a lightweight waterproof jacket.
- If you're staying in Jakarta during the rainy season
Check for rain and flooding before traveling, and allow extra time for trips through low-lying areas.
Pre-departure checklist
- Check the dry and rainy seasons for your destination as well as the forecast for your visit dates.
- If you're traveling between islands, check the marine forecast and boat service updates.
- Before trekking, check whether your route is open and review your operator's updates.
- Pack lightweight, breathable clothes, comfortable shoes, and sun protection.
- For early-morning hikes, bring a warm layer and a waterproof outer layer.
FAQ
When is the dry season in Indonesia?
Most parts of Indonesia generally have a dry season from April to October. Timing varies by region and can shift from year to year.
When is the rainy season in Bali?
General seasonal guides place Bali's rainy season from November to March, with a typical peak in January and February.
When is a good time to visit Lombok and the Gili Islands?
Lombok is generally dry from May to October, while the Gili Islands are relatively dry and sunny for beach activities from May to September.
Can boats to the Gili Islands be canceled during the rainy season?
Depending on the weather and waves, speedboat services to Lombok and the Gili Islands may be canceled. Check the marine forecast and service updates before departure.
Can I trek Mount Rinjani during the rainy season?
Mount Rinjani National Park advises avoiding treks during the rainy season from December to March because of slippery trails and other hazards. Check whether your route is open on your visit date as well.
Does the rainy season start at the same time every year in Indonesia?
The start varies by region and is becoming harder to predict. The 2026/2027 outlook also predicts a later-than-usual start to the rainy season in most parts of Indonesia.
Official sources & check dates
- Musim, Iklim dan Cuaca — Indonesia Travel · 2026-10-31
- Pemutakhiran Zona Musim Indonesia Periode 1991–2020 — BMKG · 2026-10-31
- Prediksi Musim Hujan 2026/2027 di Indonesia — BMKG · 2026-10-31
- Lombok Attractions: 10 Best Activities — Indonesia Travel · 2026-10-31
- Gili Air Lombok — Indonesia Travel · 2026-10-31
- Buku IRBI 2025, Provinsi DKI Jakarta — BNPB · 2026-10-31
- First-Timer's Guide to Komodo National Park — Indonesia Travel · 2026-10-31
- Taman Nasional Komodo — Indonesia Travel · 2026-10-31
- DIY Masuki Puncak Musim Hujan — BMKG · 2026-10-31
- Sunrise Volcano Trekking in Bali — Visit Bali · 2026-10-31
- FAQ Wisata Gunung Rinjani — Kementerian Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif · 2026-10-31
- CHAPTER V: Other Provisions — Rinjani National Park · 2026-10-31
- Indonesia shuts Rinjani trails early 2026 amid rainy season risks — ANTARA · 2026-10-31
- Latar Belakang — BPBD DKI Jakarta · 2026-10-31
- Top Things to Do in Bali — Indonesia Travel · 2026-10-31
- Buku Prediksi Musim Kemarau Indonesia 2025 — BMKG · 2026-10-31
- Prakiraan Cuaca Perairan Selat Lombok Bagian Selatan — BMKG · 2026-10-31
- Peringatan Gelombang Tinggi — BMKG · 2026-10-31
More practical info
- Indonesia Entry, Visa on Arrival (VOA) and Bali Tourist Levy: A Complete Guide
- How to get from the airport to the city: Bali, Jakarta, Lombok, and Yogyakarta
- Indonesia Currency Exchange, Travel Cards, and ATM Fees at a Glance
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- Grab and Gojek: How to Use Them and Bali Taxi Zones at a Glance
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Site updated: 2026-11-01