Indonesia Travel Advice

Beautiful landmark Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple in Bali

Indonesia in January: Travel Tips, Weather & More

January is the wet season in Indonesia, and many of the islands get hit with rain, making it a less-than-ideal time if you're seeking sunshine and beach-going activities. That said, it usually only rains for a small portion of the day, and there are plenty of locations where the precipitation is lighter. Best of all, there are hardly any people around, so you won't have to contend with the crowds that swarm beach resorts during other times of the year.

In between the rains, head to the Taman Sari Water Castle in Yogyakarta, Java in February

Indonesia in February: Travel Tips, Weather & More

During February, rain falls on many of Indonesia's islands as tropical monsoons roll across the sea. It's considered low season—tourists aren't out in heavy numbers, making it a great time to come to escape the crowds. The storms typically don't last more than a few hours, and the rest of the time it's full of lush, green jungles and sunny beaches with blue shorelines.

Traditional fishing boats at Sanur beach, Bali, Indonesia

Indonesia in March: Travel Tips, Weather & More

March is a rainy month in Indonesia, and large swathes of the country get pummeled with tropical storms. Although Bali remains less affected, many of the other islands are susceptible to flooding and washed-out roads. That said, the rain usually comes in short, intense bursts followed by sunshine and blue skies. Plus, the crowd sizes are small so if you don't mind a little bit of rain, it can actually be a great time of year for a visit.

Sunrise and mist at Batur volcano, Kintamani, Bali, Indonesia

Indonesia in April: Travel Tips, Weather & More

April is a shoulder season in Indonesia when the country shifts from its wet, rainy low season into a more pleasant dry season that's sunny and full of visitors. It still gets a fair amount of rain—in fact, some consider April to be the wet season still. However, you'll find far more dry days than earlier in the year, and there are hardly any travelers, which makes it a great "best of both worlds" destination.

When the sun appears, head to the white sands of Lombok's Kuta beach in May

Indonesia in May: Travel Tips, Weather & More

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.

A Balinese woman performing in traditional garb

Indonesia in June: Travel Tips, Weather & More

June is one of the best months of the year to visit Indonesia. It's hot, sunny, and dry with blue skies overhead and idyllic conditions for activities like beach-going, volcano hiking, and exploring the many cultural sites that the region has to offer. Tourist numbers are higher this time of year, but not as crowded as later in the summer, providing a great blend of good conditions and space to move around.

Wander the impressive temple complex of Candi Prambanan, Java in July

Indonesia in July: Travel Tips, Weather & More

July is a month when Indonesia is at its absolute best. The weather is dry, the ocean is warm, and the beaches are full of people surfing, snorkeling, and playing in the sun. It's the perfect time to hike one of the volcanoes, explore the many temples, and wander through the bustling street markets. It's high season, and hence more crowded and expensive. Still, if you're seeking a vacation with great weather and plenty of activities, it won't disappoint.

This traditional Balinese offering is known as a "canang sari," created daily by Balinese Hindu women as a form of gratitude to the gods

Indonesia in August: Travel Tips, Weather & More

August marks the middle of the high season in Indonesia when the weather is hot and sunny; the skies are blue; and the popular attractions are bustling with people. It's one of the best months of the year to plan a vacation, whether you plan to head to the white sand beaches of Bali or the volcanic peaks of Java. The only downside is that it can be crowded, so plan accordingly.

Head to Medan on Sumatra in September for cultural exploration and visit the Masjid Raya Al-Mashun mosque

Indonesia in September: Travel Tips, Weather & More

September is by far one of the best times of the year to visit Indonesia. The weather is warm and beautiful with sunny skies and an almost complete lack of rain anywhere; yet the crowds thin out as kids go back to school (read: there are fewer travelers than in July and August). The result is an idyllic destination with beautiful beaches, impressive volcanoes, and reasonable crowd sizes.

Explore Bali's Uluwatu coastline in October, a region on the southwestern tip of the Bukit Peninsula—known for its dramatic clifftop views and white-sand beaches

Indonesia in October: Travel Tips, Weather & More

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.

Visiting Bali and checking out its temples is your best bet if visitng Indonesia in November

Indonesia in November: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Indonesia is wet and rainy in November, although that doesn't necessarily mean it's not a good time for a vacation. It rains to some degree on most days; however, the storms don't usually last for more than a few hours, and the rest of the time it's sunny and beautiful. Plus, prices are lower and crowd sizes are smaller.

Focus your holiday on Bali and enjoy the intense greenery of the Tegalalang Rice Terrace

Indonesia in December: Travel Tips, Weather & More

The rainy season is in full effect in Indonesia in December. The monsoons sweep across the ocean and bring rain to the majority of the islands, making it a less-than-ideal time weather-wise. That said, there are hardly any crowds during this month (with the exception of the Christmas holiday), and prices are often cheaper. For those reasons, some tourists find December the perfect time to plan a vacation.