Indonesia is a massive country comprised of many regions and thousands of islands spread from east to west across the Indian and Pacific oceans. It's also primarily tropical. Other than a wet and dry season, the temperatures here change little throughout the year. So, planning the perfect Indonesian getaway is as simple as picking the months suitable for avoiding the heavier rains.

Seasonal Planning for Indonesia Travel

As the world's largest island nation, Indonesia is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural diversity, and while most are familiar with Bali, there are other highlights across this country's over 17,000 islands—from the volcanic peaks of Java and the dragons of Komodo to the rainforests of Sumatra and the coral reefs of Sulawesi.

Each region has its own rhythm and character, but planning when to go is an easy task. Straddling the equator, Indonesia enjoys consistently warm temperatures year-round, averaging around 86°F (30°C). The main difference comes down to rainfall, with two distinct seasons: the dry season (May to September) and the wet season (October to April). 

If you're after clear skies, calm seas, and the best visibility underwater, the dry season is the top choice, especially from June to August. This period offers the best conditions across most islands, though it's also peak tourist season—so expect crowds in popular spots like Bali's cultural capital, Ubud, and the Gili Islands. However, the wet season brings its own rewards: fewer foreign travelers, lush landscapes, and more affordable prices. The rain usually falls in short bursts, leaving plenty of time to explore. Aim for the shoulder months of April and October for a balance of good weather with thinner crowds and lower prices.

No matter when you go, Indonesia's diversity means there's always a region in season, whether you're chasing surf in Bali, wildlife in Sumatra, or culture in Yogyakarta.

Check out these tours and itineraries for ideas on planning a trip to Indonesia.

Seasons Pros Cons Best for Where to Visit
Dry (May-Sep) Mostly sunny; inland and highland areas stay pleasantly cool Can be crowded (especially in Bali); higher prices; need to book hotels and flights far in advance Snorkeling, surfing, island-hopping, festivals, hiking, nature excursions (hikes and sailing) Bali, Java, Komodo National Park, Lombok, Rajat Ampat, Nusa Tenggara, Sumba, Flores
Wet (Oct-Apr) Moderate prices in shoulder season (October and April); don't need to book ahead; fewer crowds Wetter weather; beach rainouts; often poor conditions for snorkeling/diving Jungle treks, wildlife spotting, nature excursions Borneo, Java, Komodo National Park, Ubud (Bali highlands)
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Dry Season in Indonesia (May to September)

Beautiful view of turquoise water and white sand at tropical Mawun beach in Lombok, Indonesia
The sun is out over Mawun beach in Lombok during the dry season

The dry season brings sunshine to Indonesia, along with the crowds looking for an epic beach holiday. Expect prices to be higher and places like Bali to be packed with sun-seekers. This is particularly true during the three North American summer months of June through August. Regardless, conditions throughout the dry months are ideal for diving and surfing. This is also a great time to enjoy nature excursions: summiting volcanoes in East Java, hiking to mountain waterfalls in Bali, visiting orangutans in Borneo, or touring massive Buddhist and Hindu temples in Java. See this active "Highlights of Java" itinerary—great for the dry season.

It's also the best time of year for aquatic adventurers to sail around Indonesia's many island archipelagoes. An excellent excursion is to hit the water on a 30-foot schooner and explore Rajat Ampat, an archipelago in far eastern Indonesia that consists of hundreds of islands. The turquoise waters, endless corals, and soft, white-sand beaches are nothing short of breathtaking. 

If you want to beat the crowds while still enjoying great weather, plan an Indonesia trip during the summer shoulder month of May, particularly if you want to vacation in a hotspot like Bali. This is at the tail-end of the rainy season, when the rice paddies and jungles are most verdant, and the exotic wildlife is out in force. Not only does Bali experience some of its best weather during May, but so does the adjacent island of Lombok. Or check out this off-the-beaten-path nature trip featuring Java and taking advantage of Indonesia's lush landscapes.

Another advantage to traveling in the shoulder months is that you can often score hotel deals comparable to prices in the low season. Plus, you don't need to plan your trip so far in advance. The same goes for airfare, which can be at least a couple of hundred dollars less the closer you travel to the low season. 

Events in the Dry Season

Waisak Day, Borobudur, Java (May). This major holiday, celebrated throughout Asia, commemorates Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death. Typically held in early to mid-May, thousands of monks gather in the town of Borobudur to chant and perform rituals with holy water and flames. 

Bali Arts Festival, Denpasar, Bali. Perhaps the biggest event on Bali (and Indonesia's longest-running arts festival), the Bali Arts Festival typically starts on the second Saturday of June and lasts through July. Revelers flock to Denpasar to enjoy the raucous celebration.

Muharram (Islamic New Year), Nationwide. This major public holiday falls in July or August and marks the founding of Islam by the Prophet Muhammad. There are huge festivals and celebrations on nearly every island involving food, music, parades, and dancing.

Hari Olahraga Nasional (National Sports Day), Nationwide (September 9). The occasion is usually held on September 9 and sees Indonesians host traditional sporting tournaments that involve much food and celebration. 

Maulidur-Rasul, Nationwide (October). This public holiday marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad and occurs in mid-October.

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Indonesia in May
Indonesia in June
Indonesia in July
Indonesia in August
Indonesia in September

Wet Season in Indonesia (October to April)

The rains make everything flourish in Bali, Indonesia

The transition month of October sees an increase in precipitation, with storms sweeping in suddenly and with great force but then clearing up fast. By the time November rolls around, frequent (though still relatively brief) showers hit Indonesia. This is the start of the wet season, with the rainiest months occurring in January and February before peaking in March. So, while rain is undoubtedly common during these months, the showers are primarily brief and clear up quickly. 

The amount of rainfall Indonesia receives varies slightly by region and topography, but lowland areas generally receive 70-125 inches (180-320 cm) annually. However, like Sumatra, rainier areas can receive up to 155 inches (393 cm). The peak rainy month in Jakarta, for example, is March, which receives close to six inches (15 cm). This amount of rainfall is comparable throughout the country. Also, during the rainy season, winds typically blow in from the northwest, and the tropical storm season occurs from September to December. Yet, Indonesia is usually spared the most extreme weather conditions. Typhoons are rare, and those that hit the country typically aren't very strong. So while travelers planning a trip during these months should prepare to get wet, they needn't worry about cyclones or hurricanes. 

The immediate effect on tourism during the wet season is that the frequent rains can make outdoor excursions a slog and can all but ruin a beach holiday. The best strategy to avoid a rainout is to visit Indonesia during the start or end of the wet season. If you do come during April, try to plan an inland itinerary so you can see nature in full bloom. This authentic Bali trip is the perfect shoulder-season holiday to enjoy active adventures and cultural exchanges in Bali's highlands' green jungles and villages. Plus, there's a bit of beach time thrown in for good measure. 

Of course, the holidays are exceptions to the realities of the low rainy season. If you plan to visit Bali over Christmas, you'll need to book far in advance. You can also expect prices to be as high as those during the dry season.

Events in the Wet Season

Christmas (December 25). Indonesia may be a Muslim-majority country, but there are Christians who celebrate Christmas similarly to Europe and North America. Also, expect hotspots like Bali to be packed during the holidays.

Chinese New Year, Nationwide (January). In Indonesia, locals celebrate the Chinese New Year, which occurs toward the end of January, with greater enthusiasm than the West's New Year. 

Maha Shivaratri, Nationwide. This Hindu Great Night of Shiva religious holiday occurs in late February (or sometimes early March) and pays tribute to Lord Shiva. It's celebrated in larger numbers on Bali, where many residents are Hindu. 

Holi Hindu Festival, Nationwide (March). This ancient Hindu festival, known also as the "Festival of Colors" and the "Festival of Love," occurs in early or mid-March and involves a night of prayers and bonfire rituals followed by a massive festival the next day.

Nyepi, Bali. This unique Hindu New Year's Day celebration falls between late March and early April every year. If you travel to Bali during Nyepi, almost everything, including the airport, will be closed.

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Indonesia in October
Indonesia in November
Indonesia in December
Indonesia in January
Indonesia in February
Indonesia in March
Indonesia in April