October marks the beginning of the rainy season in Indonesia, and although there are still plenty of things to do that don't involve beaches and sunshine, it's not the most ideal time for a vacation if weather is a big factor for you. That said, it's a great time to go with fewer crowds, and the prices are much cheaper. Plus, temperatures stay warm and the rain showers typically only last a few hours, so some travelers find it worth the other perks.

Weather

it's definitely rainy in Indonesia in October; however, the storms typically only last for a few hours, usually in the late morning or early afternoon. They sweep in suddenly and forcefully and then clear up fast, returning to sunshine and blue skies. As long as you're not too bothered by brief showers—and you have a good rain jacket to bring along—it shouldn't prevent you from enjoying your vacation. What's more, Bali—one of the most popular islands—is less affected by the storms (although it certainly gets its fair share), so if you stick to that region, you won't feel the brunt of it as much.

Temperature-wise, it's warm and pleasant. Bali and Sumatra hover between 84°F (29°C) and 90°F (32°C) during the daytime and drop to roughly 73°F (23°C) to 77°F (25°C) at night. Java is hotter, averaging daytime highs of about 95°F-99°F (35°C-37°C), and only cooling to about 78°F (26°C) in the evening. 

Crowds & Costs

October is a great time to come to Indonesia if you want smaller crowd sizes and cheaper prices. Although it's by no means empty—or even as uncrowded as later in the winter—it's nevertheless much better than in the middle of summer. It's a transitional time when the tourists begin leaving and locals shift into low-season mode. It's a good time to snag deals on hotels and airfare, and you won't find as many people at all of the visitor attractions. 

Where to Go

Bali is less affected by the rains than some of the neighboring islands and for that reason, it's one of the best October destinations. Not only that, it has much better infrastructure due to the large amount of tourism it receives so you're less likely to encounter washed out roads and power outages (which can sometimes be issues on other islands). 

Java is one of the next best options. It's home to the capital city of Jakarta, which gives it higher-quality infrastructure, too. If you opt to head that way, stick to the eastern part of the island, which gets considerably less rain. Destinations around Surabaya and Lumpur will make good choices. 

Another option that can be ideal for travelers with a sense of adventure is to head to the Moluccas Islands (also called the Spice Islands). The rainy season is different there and it won't be nearly as wet. Just keep in mind that these islands are more remote and won't offer the same degree of amenities as you'll find in the more heavily touristed destinations. 

It's best to avoid places like Nusa Tenggara, Lombok, and Flores, which will be inundated with water. 

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What to Do

In Bali, the southern beaches get more of the rain, so stick to the central and northern regions where you can. Check out the town of Ubud, a quaint town that's famous for meditation and yoga retreats. Take a class at the Yoga Barn or wander through the beautiful Monkey Forest (Mandala Suci Wenara Wana), where eager Balinese long-tailed monkeys will greet you. The rice paddies outside of town will be green this time of year, so it's the perfect season for a bike ride through the countryside or a long walk through the fields. Or, just up the road at the Celuk village, visit the traditional silversmiths where you can shop for souvenirs or watch them work. 

In Bedugul, just north of Ubud, check out the Ulun Danu Temple, which sits directly on the water at Baratan Lake. It's a stunning piece of architecture that pays tribute to the goddess of the lake. Take an early morning tour of the temple to watch the sunrise, which is actually best during the rainy season. Adrenaline-seeking tourists can visit Bali Treetop Adventure Park, or more mellow travelers can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the Bali Botanic Garden.

In Java, the volcanoes will be wet and visibility may be low, so it's not a great time to climb Mount Bromo or Mount Ijen. However, the island offers lots of other interesting activities. Head to Surabaya, for example, where Indonesia's second-largest city offers a host of urban activities such as museums, shopping, food, and nightlife. Another option is to visit the Borobudur Temple complex outside Yogyakarta or the Candi Prambanan complex near Borobudur.

Events in October

Maulidur-Rasul, Nationwide. This sacred Islamic holiday, which marks the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, is celebrated by Muslims worldwide. In Indonesia, it's a public holiday called Maulidur-Rasul. For Sunni Muslims, it occurs on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi' al-awwal, and for Shi'a Muslims, it takes place on the 17th day.

Traveling to Indonesia in October? Check out this great itinerary

Highlights of Bali - 8 Days. If you'd rather have someone else do your trip planning, this eight-day excursion is an excellent option. It's perfect for October vacations because it forgoes the wetter islands that aren't fun this time of year in favor of Bali, which typically gets less rain. Highlights include a trip to the Tanah Lot water temple, a cooking lesson in Ubud, and a bike tour through the countryside.

More Helpful Information

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