When is the best time to visit Indonesia?

Visiting Indonesia in February

The sun is back out in northern Sumatra, where rainfall is at its lowest. However, the rest of Indonesia remains under rain clouds. Closer to the end of the month, the rains begin to subside and temperatures hover around the low 30°Cs.

Events & Festivals

• Chinese New Year (date varies): As with many Southeast Asian countries, Chinese New Year is celebrated in Indonesia as a public holiday, with traditional festivals taking place throughout the country.

Visiting Indonesia in March

There is mixed weather throughout Indonesia as the sunshine is broken up by the occasional heavy downpour. That being said, you may be able to secure some low season bargains.

Events & Festivals

• Chinese New Year (date varies): As with many Southeast Asian countries, Chinese New Year is celebrated in Indonesia as a public holiday, with traditional festivals taking place throughout the country.
• Hari Raya Nyepi/Balinese Day of Silence (March): A Hindu celebration to mark the Saka New Year, it is a public holiday across the country as people fast and spend the day in silence and meditation.

Visiting Indonesia in April

The sun returns to most of Indonesia, with Sumatra still seeing a little rain in the afternoons. Indonesia begins to get busy toward the end of the month so it's best to arrive early to avoid the crowds.

Events & Festivals

• Ramadan (exact dates vary): While the month of Ramadan may impact your daily routine as shops and restaurants close during the day, this is an exciting time to visit if you are fascinated by different cultures and religions.

Visiting Indonesia in May

Bali and Lombok receive some of their best weather for the year and beach goers flock to the area, making the most of the glorious sunshine and clear blue skies. The country continues to see hot and dry weather throughout, although the occasional shower is to be expected in some areas. This is a good time to spot orangutans as they come out to play in the forests, and you may be able to take advantage of shoulder season hotel promotions.

Events & Festivals

• Idul Fitri/Lebaran (May): A major two-day national holiday celebrated at the end of Ramadan as the breaking of the fast, also known as Eid al-Fitr in other Muslim countries. Families get together and enjoy a feast.
• Ramadan (exact dates vary): While the month of Ramadan may impact your daily routine as shops and restaurants close during the day, this is an exciting time to visit if you are fascinated by different cultures and religions.

Visiting Indonesia in June

The beginning of June is quite possibly the best time to travel to Indonesia. If you go early enough you will miss the European school holidays, and you are almost guaranteed sunny weather throughout. Wildlife is also at its peak, making treks through the forests extremely rewarding.

Visiting Indonesia in July

This is peak season and the whole of Indonesia experiences hot, dry weather. With the school holidays in full swing and the sun nearly always shining, accommodation tends to get booked up far in advance and beach locations can feel a little crowded. Humidity in Kalimantan can make travel uncomfortable.

Visiting Indonesia in August

Peak season continues and August will see even more visitors than July; with the weather, wildlife and national parks all key attractions. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Events & Festivals

• Independence Day (17th August): A public holiday to celebrate the anniversary of Indonesia's independence, which was won from the Dutch in 1945. You can enjoy various festivities as the Indonesian flag flies high across the country.

Visiting Indonesia in September

September has the favourable weather conditions of August, but without the crowds and high season prices, making this a fantastic time to visit.

Events & Festivals

• Muharram 1/Islamic New Year (date varies): The Islamic New Year is celebrated throughout Indonesia with parades, festivals and prayer, making this an exciting but busy time to visit.

Visiting Indonesia in October

Enjoy the last of the sunshine before the wet season takes hold. Warm and sunny weather still dominates most of the region, although regular showers can be expected in some areas, worsening in intensity as the month draws on. Northern Sumatra, in particular, experiences one of its wettest months, which can affect roads. This can be a great time to grab a shoulder season bargain.

Events & Festivals

• Muharram 1/Islamic New Year (date varies): The Islamic New Year is celebrated throughout Indonesia with parades, festivals and prayer, making this an exciting but busy time to visit.

Visiting Indonesia in November

The rains return throughout Indonesia, but you may be lucky and experience the occasional burst of sunshine; particularly in Bali and northern Sulawesi. Temperatures still average around 30°C in most areas, but the rains mean that road conditions can be poor and the humidity can be stifling.

Events & Festivals

• Muharram 1/Islamic New Year (date varies): The Islamic New Year is celebrated throughout Indonesia with parades, festivals and prayer, making this an exciting but busy time to visit.

Visiting Indonesia in December

During December you are likely to experience rain and high humidity levels throughout Indonesia. With Christmas prices just around the corner, it may be best visiting early on in the month.