May is the beginning of the dry season when Indonesia transitions from a long, wet winter into summer. The weather is sunny and beautiful—with occasional scattered showers—and visitors begin arriving again. The white sand beaches along Bali's southern coast are idyllic and still fairly uncrowded, and the volcanoes on Java, Lombok, and other islands are finally in the perfect condition for climbing.

Weather

May officially begins the dry season. You'll still experience scattered showers throughout the month, but they're not usually as intense as they are earlier in the year, particularly around Bali, and they don't last as long. You'll still want a light raincoat, but you may or may not need it. 

Temperatures are hot with plenty of sunshine and blue skies. Bali tends to linger in the 86°F to 90°F (30°C-32°C) range while East Java is hotter, averaging 95°F to 97°F (35°C-36°C). Evenings stay warm, particularly in Bali, where night temperatures rarely fall below 87°F to 90°F (31°C-32°C). Java is a bit cooler, averaging 68°F to 70°F (20°C-21°C) at night. Overall, you'll want lots of sunscreen, hot weather clothes, and plenty of water. Kalimantan experiences a light rainy season this time of year, which lasts from March to May, so it's one of the few islands that isn't ideal for a visit.

Crowds & Costs

Tourist numbers begin increasing in May, but it's not like the middle of summer when the beaches are packed and you have to elbow for room at all the restaurants and bars. Bali is the most heavily trafficked of the islands and definitely the one where you'll see the largest crowds. By contrast, places like the Moluccas or Raja Ampat are more remote and see far fewer travelers. 

Cost-wise, May is a month when airlines and hotels begin switching over to high-season rates. You may still be able to snag some deals if you hunt around, but overall prices will be more expensive, especially compared to the wet season rates. 

Where to Go

Just about everywhere in Indonesia is wonderful to visit in May. Bali, for instance, is warm and sunny with picturesque beaches and crystal blue water, yet the crowds are smaller. You can enjoy popular destinations like Kuta, Ubud, Tanah Lot, and other spots that normally crawl with people without all of the masses. It's also an excellent month to climb any of the country's numerous mountains and volcanoes, all of which will be dry and accessible. Among the many options are Mount Bromo or Mount Ijen in Java and Mount Rinjani in Lombok.

Head to the islands of Nusa Tenggara, Flores, or Sumba, where it will be dry and sunny with beautiful beaches and lots of outdoor opportunities. Diving off the coast of Lombok is stunning, and it's also a wonderful time to visit Komodo National Park.

Sumatra is another great option. Temperatures will be around 80°F to 83°F (27°C-28°C), which is perfect for enjoying the beach or wandering through the temples and cultural sites. 

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What to Do

In Bali, surf at Kuta beach, shop and dine in Sanur, or get your adrenaline fix in Tanjung Benoa riding a jetpack across the water. The southern part of the island is full of beach activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, sea kayaking, and other ocean sports. Farther north, visit Ubud, where you can get close and personal with Balinese long-tailed monkeys at the famous Monkey Forest (Mandala Suci Wenara Wana).

Try meditating or taking a class at the Yoga Barn, or make a trip to the silversmiths in a Celuk village just outside of town. From there, you can continue north to Bedugul to check out destinations like the Bali Treetop Adventure Park or the Bali Botanic Garden.

Head to Java and climb Mount Bromo or Mount Ijen. Or, if volcanoes don't pique your interest, check out the sacred Borobudur Temple complex near Yogyakarta or the Candi Prambanan complex by Borobudur. If you have a hankering for some city life, swing through Surabaya, the second-largest city in the archipelago, and dig into its food, shopping, and entertainment. 

In Sumatra, visit the Mesjid Raya Al Mashun mosque in the northern city of Medan, or explore Istana Maimun, a royal palace that once belonged to the Sultanate of Deli. Or you can head to the south to Palembang, also known as the "Venice of the East." There, stop by the Great Mosque of Palembang or take a Musi River cruise.

Events in May

Waisak Day, Nationwide. This major Buddhist holiday is celebrated throughout Asia. The festival, which commemorates the birthday of Buddha, as well as his enlightenment and death, takes place on a full moon, typically in early to mid-May (although it occasionally falls in April). Thousands of monks gather in the town of Borobudur to chant in a ritual called Pradaksina that involves transporting holy water and flames. 

Traveling to Indonesia in May? Check out these great itineraries

Discover Borneo's Rainforest, Java's Volcanoes & Bali's Beaches - 12 Days. Dive into the ecosystems of Indonesia on this adventurous, 12-day tour to Borneo, Java, and Bali. See orangutans in the wild as you cruise down a rainforest river on the island of Borneo, fly to Java to hike the volcanic Mount Bromo at sunrise, then transfer to the paradise island of Bali for terraces, waterfalls, and monkeys. 

Active Indonesia Adventure: Bali, Lombok & West Sumatra - 15 Days. Explore the Indonesian islands of Bali, Lombok, and Sumatra on this epic adventure for the active. Hike to rainforest waterfalls near Ubud's rice terraces, then fly to Lombok to camp on Mount Rinjani before summiting the volcano. Island hop and snorkel with sea turtles at the Gili Islands, then head to West Sumatra. 

More helpful information

Indonesia in April
Indonesia in June
Best Time of Year to Visit Indonesia
How Many Days to Spend in Indonesia