Weather
The weather is one of the best things about a vacation to Indonesia in July. It's warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from the low 80s to mid-90s. Bali is cooler than some of the other islands, with daytime highs lingering around 82°F to 84°F (28°C-29°C) and evenings dropping to roughly 71°F to 77°F (22°C-25°C). Java and Sumatra, by contrast, are a bit hotter, averaging 88°F to 93°F (31°C-34°C) midday and coming down to the 73°F to 79°F (23°C-26°C) range at night.
Unlike earlier in the year, when storms pummel the islands with rain, July has almost no precipitation to speak of, save for occasional light showers in North Sulawesi. The only exception to this is in West Papua and the Raja Ampat islands, which experience a brief wet season this time of year, drawing strong winds that make it difficult for things like boating and diving.
Crowds & Costs
The only negative aspect of the nice weather is that it brings crowds along with it. In fact, July is one of the busiest times of the year for Indonesia. Visitor numbers spike, and most of the restaurants, hotels, and bars get packed with people. Similarly, you'll find increased prices, particularly when it comes to lodging. It's a time when hotels, airbnbs, and other accommodations charge high-season rates (which can sometimes be double the cost) and airlines bump up their prices, too.
Where to Go
It's hard to go wrong in Indonesia in July. Bali is one of the best destinations with its long stretches of white sand beaches and crystal clear water. The only drawback is that it's one of the most popular islands, and therefore, the crowds are typically large.
Java makes a fantastic July destination as well. The scenic island to the west of Bali is famous for its stunning volcanic peaks which you can climb this time of year without worrying about the rain, mud, low visibility, or other less-than-ideal conditions. The temple complexes too are all open for tourists and you won't get rained on strolling through them.
Another excellent choice is Sumatra. The large island is divided by the equator, which creates different conditions in the north and the south. The southern region, which gets wetter during the rainy months, will be as dry as the north in July and idyllic for a visit. The islands of Nusa Tenggara, Sumba, and Flores have similar conditions, which are also ideal for vacationers.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
Head to Kuta beach in Bali, a watersports mecca full of surfers, kiteboarders, beachgoers, and party-seekers. Try snorkeling, scuba diving, or sea kayaking. You can also simply lounge by the pool—or if you're eager for an adrenaline fix, swing through Tanjung Benoa, where you can ride a jetpack on the water. it's also not too far from the famous Tanah Lot water temple.
Go to Java and explore the stunning Candi Prambanan temple complex near Borobudur, or drop by Surabaya, where you'll find Indonesia's second-largest city. it's chock-full of restaurants with a vibrant dining scene and lots of nightlife. It also has its share of tourist attractions, such as the Monumen Kapal Selam submarine monument or historic Chinatown.
In Sumatra, head up to the northern city of Medan to explore the Istana Maimun (a beautiful royal palace) or swing by the Mesjid Raya Al Mashun mosque. It's a great city for markets, too—be sure to check out the Merdeka Walk. In the southern part of the island, visit Palembang, a vibrant city that includes the Kuto Besak Fort palace and the Great Mosque of Palembang.
Events in July
Bali Arts Festival, Denpasar, Bali. Perhaps the biggest event on Bali (and Indonesia's longest-running arts festival), the Bali Arts Festival draws huge crowds to participate in the celebration. The festivities, which typically begin in mid-June and last into July, include traditional Balinese dance, performing arts, exhibitions, lectures, and more.
Bali Kite Festival, Bali. This unique event, which draws hundreds of people to Bali in July, honors the harvest. it's believed that the kites persuade the gods to bless the people with an abundant harvest, and people fly giant creations that can span more than 30 feet (9 m) in size.
Eid al-Adha, Nationwide. This Islamic Festival of the Sacrifice holiday commemorates Ibrahim's sacrifice of his son for God and lasts about four days. It typically involves food, chanting, and prayers.
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.
Traveling to Indonesia in July? Check out these great itineraries
Sumatra Jungle & Wildlife Adventure - 9 Days. This nine-day jungle adventure takes you through the lush landscapes of two National Parks full of rare wildlife, from rhinos and endangered tigers to the elusive orangutan. You'll take an exhilarating tubing excursion and jungle trek, where you can spot toucans and macaques and climb to the top of the active volcano Mount Sibayak at sunrise. Then you'll explore Samosir Island by motorbike with sweeping views of Toba Lake.
Explore Indonesia: Sumatra, Java & Bali - 21 Days. Spot rare orangutans on a memorable multiday jungle trek on Sumatra, then hop over to Java to visit ancient Buddhist temples and climb active volcanoes. Your adventure ends on the tropical beaches of Bali, where you'll snorkel through colorful underwater worlds and raft down the Ayung River.
More Helpful Information
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Indonesia in June
Best Time of Year to Visit Indonesia
How Many Days to Spend in Indonesia