Best time to visit Indonesia

Rain showers drench most of Indonesia during January except for Raja Ampat. During this month, showers are frequent, with the occasional burst of sunshine. As one of the year's wettest months, January is off-season for most regions, meaning lower prices and fewer visitors. However, it's the peak season for visiting Raja Ampat in Southwest Papua. Sitting pretty at the meeting point of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, this archipelago boasts brilliant marine biodiversity, and you’ll have a good chance of seeing manta rays during this month.

The rain continues into February across much of Indonesia and you can expect high humidity and temperatures ranging from 24 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius. Dive into the waters of the Coral Triangle, in Raja Ampat, to explore the rich reefs and spot manta rays in the pristine waters or brave Komodo’s rains and head to Manta Point, where these marine creatures congregate to feed.

Emerging from the worst of the rains, March promises warmer temperatures and fewer visitors. During the shoulder season, enjoy prime weather conditions in the eastern regions of West Papua, Raja Ampat and the Moluccas (also known as the Maluku Islands). In the latter, make sure to pack your binoculars for excellent bird-watching opportunities in the lush, forested islands. A trip to Manusela National Park is a must too, promising glimpses of vibrant birds in the sunlight (just beware of the saltwater crocodiles that may be lurking in Salawai River).

When it comes to visiting in April, our advice is: the earlier the better. This transition month sees sunnier and dryer days, leading to an influx of visitors in the second half of the month. Marking the beginning of the dry season, April is one of the best times to visit Indonesia for orangutan sightings. Head to the rainforests of Kalimantan (Borneo) and northern Sumatra to spot the orange-haired mammals among the tapestry of leaves. Just be prepared for the occasional afternoon shower.

The clouds part in May to welcome warm weather and sunny skies. Temperatures range from 24 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius across most of Indonesia, making this prime time to explore the archipelago’s diverse landscapes. Hike up Java’s magnificent Mount Bromo, sunbathe on Bali’s blissful beaches or seek out Komodo National Park’s iconic reptiles before the peak summer months set in. Visitor numbers to Indonesia begin to rise in May, but most areas will remain uncrowded, meaning your money will go further.

The sun continues to shine into June across the western and central islands, while the eastern islands of Raja Ampat, West Papua and the Moluccas experience more rainfall. The warm and dry conditions make June the best time to visit Indonesia for hiking. Trek up Mount Batur for sunrise views of Bali or explore the caves of Bantimurung-Bulusaraung National Park in Sulawesi (also known as Celebes) for an adventure. Keen to cool off? Dive into the glassy waters surrounding Lombok, the Gili Islands and Sumba.

July marks the peak season in Indonesia, as high temperatures draw in large crowds. Coinciding with the European school holidays, expect areas like Bali and Lombok to be bustling with sun-seekers. Keep your eyes on the sky for the annual Bali Kite Festival, which sees locals and international teams gather to fly traditional and colourful kites. To escape the crowds, visit Java’s volcanic terrain or head to Medan’s Maimun Palace in sunny Sumatra to admire its intricate façade, opulent interiors and royal heirlooms on a private guided tour.

Peak season continues into August across the western and central Indonesian islands. Expect dry climates and high temperatures (ranging from 27 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius) across Bali, Komodo, Lombok, Flores, Java and the Gili Islands. Bali’s glimmering shorelines and sun-kissed sands are particularly popular in August, so be sure to book your trip far in advance.

In our expert opinion, September is the very best time to visit Indonesia. With the crowds dispersing and the sun still shining, this month is the ideal time to enjoy an island-hopping holiday. Stroll along Komodo Island’s Pink Beach and snorkel over its coral reefs or dive into Kelimutu National Park’s vibrant crater lakes, in Flores. If you’re after a more laid-back break, Bali’s beaches are quieter at this time of year so you can soak up the sun in peace. And the dry climate also serves as excellent hiking weather.

October is a transition month across the central Indonesian islands. Expect brief showers, lower prices, and fewer crowds during this time. The sun still shines over much of Indonesia, making this a great time to go hiking, and you can’t go wrong with Java's majestic mountains. Set your alarm early and head up the slopes for stunning sunrise views. Raja Ampat is great at this time of year as well. The archipelago experiences a transition from wet to dry season in October, making it an excellent time to secure a deal before the influx of visitors in November and December.

November is the beginning of the rainy season in much of Indonesia, however, it marks the beginning of Raja Ampat’s dry season. Dive into the clear, calm waters of Raja Ampat for excellent visibility and a diverse array of marine species from clownfish and pygmy seahorses to manta rays, dolphins and reef sharks. Bali and northern Sulawesi also enjoy sunny skies during this time, with temperatures averaging around 30 degrees Celsius in most regions.

Raja Ampat’s dry season continues into December and manta ray sightings remain high during this month. However, December is one of the wettest months across the central islands, with regions like Bali, Komodo, Flores and Java experiencing intense rainfall and high humidity. To avoid the showers, head inside Bali’s tranquil temples, charming cafes and designer boutiques.