Best Time To Visit Indonesia (Tropical Islands & Active Volcanoes)

Indonesia is a Southeast Asian country surrounded by the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It is composed of more than 17,000 islands, including Bali, Java, and Sumatra.

Its picturesque tropical beaches and active volcanoes make it an attractive destination for tourists. The weather is pleasant year-round and there is no shortage of adventures to experience across its biodiverse landscape.

November is the best time to travel to Indonesia. Daily temperatures are still warm, averaging 28 C / 84 F despite intermittent rainfall. There are fewer tourists due to the weather, so flights are up to $100 cheaper. It is also possible to save 48% on hotel accommodations at this time in comparison to the high season.

Indonesia has a relatively warm climate, experiencing wet and dry seasons throughout the year. Read on to learn about the best times to maximize your vacation to The Emerald of The Equator.

Worst Time To Visit Indonesia

The worst time to visit Indonesia is between July and September. This is the country’s peak season for tourism. Visitors at this time can expect large crowds and booked up accommodations.

When visiting Indonesia in the late summer months, it can be hard to find an available hotel. Similarly, flights can get very expensive during the high season. Those who are concerned about vacation prices and crowds are advised to skip Indonesia from the beginning of July to the middle of September.

Cheapest Month To Go To Indonesia

The cheapest month to go to Indonesia in November. This is when tourist season begins to subside, and crowds are less.

The best discounts on flights and hotels can be found toward the end of the month. Travelers may be able to find up to a 50% discount on airline tickets in the last two weeks of November.

Additionally, you may want to check discount sites or with a real estate agency if you're visiting Bali, since the trip isn't cheap and it's better to look for packages and dates where it's not as expensive.

Best Time To Visit Indonesia For Tropical Islands & Active Volcanoes

January: Best Time To Visit The Eastern Islands

Indonesia’s weather in January is warm, with temperatures between 85 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit on average. Most of the country experiences its rainy season during this time, however.

Many of the most popular tourist destinations see several days of rain throughout the month. These include Bali, Java, Sumatra, and Madura on the western side.

January is the perfect time to visit Indonesia’s less-traveled eastern islands. Travelers can take advantage of pleasant weather and tons of outdoor activities.

Some of the best things to do on Indonesia’s eastern islands include relaxing on the beach, swimming, and surfing. There are plenty of your experiences available, from cruises to walks through ancient ruins.

A few of the most beautiful islands to visit on Indonesia’s eastern side are Sumba and Sumbawa Island. The Island of Flores is another breathtaking destination to spend the day.

Travelers can gain a rich cultural experience traveling to the eastern islands. While the most popular tourist cities often contain more mainstream restaurants and attractions, authentic traditions, and untouched nature await on the other side.

The eastern islands can be reached by ferry from other areas of Indonesia. In some cases, visitors can travel by air. The western islands of Bali, Sulawesi, and Java offer flights and stopovers to the eastern side.

• Indonesia’s Komodo National Park
• Kanawa Island
• Nihiwatu Resort

Related Read: Mentawai Islands: Indonesias Secret Jungle

February: Best Time To Go Sightseeing Near Bali

February is part of Indonesia’s wet season. Although there is plenty of rainfall throughout the month, it is not as heavy as others. Travelers can expect some rainfall in the early mornings or late afternoons when visiting Indonesia in February.

Bali is generally much drier than other areas, however. This makes February the perfect time to see everything the island has to offer.

Guests can escape most of the rain in Bali and see plenty of sights. These include the Monkey Forest and Bali Treetop Adventure Park. Baratan Lake and the Bali Botanic Garden are other points of interest.

There is no shortage of interesting things to see in and around Bali in February. Attractions include the Uluwatu Temple and Tirta Empul Temple.

The Tegallalang Rice Terrace is an arrangement of sculpted rice fields in Ubud. The irrigation technique that created the terraces dates back to ancient times. It is a must-see site when traveling around Bali.

Another interesting location is Seminyak. The small village is situated on Bali’s southwestern coast. It is a vibrant town full of restaurants, shops, and boutiques. The Oberoi Flea Market may be a point of interest while sightseeing.

• Ulun Dani Temple
• Manusela National Park
• Celuk Village

March: Best Time To Explore Wildlife

March is a beautiful time to visit Indonesia. Near the end of the rainy season, the weather is warm with minimal wet days.

The best time to explore wildlife in Indonesia is in March. Pleasant temperatures and sunny days provide the perfect opportunity to spot unique animal species.

Indonesia is home to hundreds of unique animal species. There are over 500 types of land mammals found throughout the country. It is considered to be one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.

Wildlife watching is an essential experience when visiting Indonesia. Travelers can choose between guided tours and solo experiences.

Some of the best things to see are orangutans and the famous Komodo Dragons. The Lorentz National Park is another point of interest for wildlife watching.

Lucky tourists may come in contact with a rare rhinoceros in Javan. There are also plenty of Sumatran Tigers in Indonesia’s expansive jungles.

• Ujung Kulon National Park
• Wildlife Rescue Centre
• Komodo Island Hopper

April: Best Time For Beach Adventures

April is the beginning of the dry season in Indonesia. Pleasant, warm weather is found across its many islands and beaches during this month.

The best time to visit the beach in Indonesia is in April. There is no shortage of thrilling activities to participate in while there. These range from snorkeling to surfing and scuba diving.

Swimming and sunbathing are also great options. The turquoise waters and golden sand make the perfect location for a simple picnic.

Indonesia has thousands of islands and beaches to explore during a vacation in April. Some of its most picturesque beaches include Lombok, Jimbaran, and Canggu.

The Gili Islands features beautiful turquoise waters and a white sand coastline. Travelers can swim amongst vibrant coral reefs and may come in contact with sea turtles on the shore.

• Nusa Dua Beach
• Double Six Beach
• Seminyak Beach
• Kuta Beach

May: Best Time To Enjoy The Outdoors

Indonesia’s weather in May is warm and sunny. This time of year is ideal to spend time enjoying nature outdoors.

Some of the best things to do while visiting the country include attending yoga classes and meditating. There are plenty of beautiful temples and similar sights to tour during a peaceful walk.

Various outdoor activities are available all around Indonesia. While spending a day by the water, travelers can participate in diving or water rafting.

There are ample opportunities to go hiking and wildlife watching on land as well. Several hikes throughout the landscape feature beautiful waterfalls and sunsets at the peak.

The Tegallalang Rice Terrace, a historical attraction in Bali, features several walking paths and a zip line through the trees. Visitors to Bali can also take advantage of its expansive cycling trails. These routes are inclusive of the famous Mount Batur.

The various islands across Indonesia have tons of fitness activities to take advantage of, from specialty yoga to pilates. Some of the most popular styles of yoga include Hatha and Kundalini.

• Outdoor Antigravity Yoga
• Pura Tirta Empul
• ATV Rides in Bali

June: Best For Hiking Volcanoes

Indonesia is home to 147 volcanoes spread across its thousands of islands. The country holds the most active volcanoes in the world.

Mount Tambora is the largest volcano found in Indonesia. It is found on the island of West Nusa Tenggara. Hiking this volcano is one of the most challenging and unforgettable experiences while visiting Indonesia.

Travelers should plan a full day around hiking the mountain. Reaching the top of the volcano is an accomplishment rewarded with a beautiful sunset view.

The more popular tourist destinations of Bali and Java also host a string of volcanoes to explore. Mount Merapi, one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia, is a wonderful hike during low activity periods.

Mount Semeru and Mount Catur are among some of the other most worthwhile volcano hikes while visiting Bali and Java. There are dozens of interesting hiking adventures to experience when visiting Indonesia in June. Visitors are recommended to wear sturdy hiking shoes with a strong grip for uphill travels.

• Mount Agung
• Mount Batur
• Mount Bromo
• Mount Ijen

July: Best Time To Attend Cultural Festivals

July is included in the dry season in Indonesia. Guests during this time can expect pleasant temperatures and tons of opportunities for outdoor affairs.

The islands host many cultural festivals throughout July. The Rambu Solo Ceremony is one of the most popular events celebrated all over the country.

The holiday has origins in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The customary ceremony, also referred to as the Toraja Funeral, is centered around respect for deceased souls.

The Toraja people traditionally hold these festivities every year in July. It is a celebration of their unique culture and strong belief in rituals.

Indonesia features a blend of many diverse cultures. Several annual festivities cater to various nationalities and belief systems. Buddhist and Muslim festivals can be witnessed throughout the country when visiting in July.

• Eid-Ul-Fitr
• Waisak
• Yadnya Kasada

August: Best Time To Go Diving

The month of August is warm and dry in Indonesia. It is the perfect time to head out on a scuba diving trip during the day. There are endless diving destinations all around the country’s many islands to take advantage of.

Travelers can put on their diving gear and see unique species of wildlife up close. Some of the marine animals that may be found include jellyfish, sharks, and sea snakes.

The best diving locations include the island of Bali and Wakatobi in South East Sulawesi. Cenderawasih Bay and Tulamben are other optimal places to go scuba diving.

Travelers can also venture to the Gili Islands for a diving adventure. It is composed of three separate islands surrounded by beautiful blue waters.

The area is plentiful when it comes to coral reefs and marine wildlife under the water. The nearby sunken ships are also a point of interest for scuba diving.

August trips may be accommodated by one of Indonesia’s dedicated dive resorts. Many of these can be found in locations such as Ambon Bay, Maluku, and Komodo.

The typical resort in Indonesia offers ample amenities and convenient diving packages. Guided tours are available during the day, and spa treatments are provided back at the hotel.

• Banda Sea, Maluku
• Derawan Islands, Borneo
• Alor, East Nusa Tenggara

Related Read: 25 Fun Things to Do on a Long Flight

September: Best Time For Water Sports

September is one of the warmest and driest months in Indonesia. Minimal rain and clear days create the perfect opportunity for outdoor water sports.

Indonesia has tons of island beaches for surfing, snorkeling, and swimming. In the absence of rain, it is easy to see the diverse marine life below the water.

White water rafting is another popular activity in September. Adventure-seekers visiting Indonesia can take advantage of guided rafting excursions.

Experienced instructors accompany guests on trips down Indonesia’s beautiful rivers. Visitors can also experience the water with equipment rentals from water skis to jet packs.

• Water Sport Tanjung Benoa Club
• Toekad Rafting
• Bali Rafting Adventure

October: Best Time To Explore Indonesian Cuisine

Indonesian cuisine is well-known for its intense and complex flavor profiles. Traditional dishes can be described as spicy and savory for the most part.

Signature dishes to try include ayam, ikan, and babi. Many offerings are meat-centered with additional sour and sweet accents. Similarly, there are lots of vegetable dishes served with rice and noodles.

There is no shortage of restaurants to choose from throughout Indonesia’s various cities. Aside from American style food in heavy tourist areas, there are tons of authentic Indonesian restaurants found in residential areas.

In addition to freshly prepared dishes, Indonesia is bountiful with fruit. Coconuts, pineapples, jackfruit, and snakefruit are among the many options travelers have to sample.

Visitors can take advantage of food tours led by experienced local guides. This is a great way to become immersed in Indonesian cuisine.

With the help of someone who knows the area, travelers are able to find the best spots to eat and dishes to order.

• The House of Raminten
• Canting Restaurant
• Ankhusa Indonesian Contemporary Cuisine

November: Best For Budget Travelers

November is the peak of the low tourism season in Indonesia. This month falls into the wet season, with precipitation up to 20 inches in some areas of the country. Travelers can easily find accommodations during this time, as opposed to the high season when hotels are often booked up.

Discounts on flights are not hard to come-by either. Due to the heavy rain, not many tourists are traveling to Indonesia’s islands. Those looking for a cheap hotel or discounted flight deal should visit Indonesia in November.

There are plenty of free or cheap things to do during a budget trip to Indonesia. These include walking the shops and markets, and going sightseeing.

• Visit art markets in Bali
• Walk the beach
• Tour shopping centers and malls

December: Best Time For Nature Exploration

December is a wet month in Indonesia. Although it does rain during this time, it is less extreme in comparison to other times throughout the season.

Aside from the rain, it is still considered one of the best months for travel to experience everything the country has to offer. While travelers may experience some drizzles during their stay, episodes of rain are usually minimal and spread out.

In addition to controlled rain, there is little humidity. This makes December the perfect time to explore nature in Indonesia.

There are an array of parks and outdoor areas to visit on the various islands. This includes the Komodo National Park, where gigantic Komodo Dragons can be viewed in their natural habitat.

Indonesia is also home to historical architecture for sightseeing outdoors. The National Monument in Jakarta and Borobudur Temple are popular choices when visiting Java.

There are plenty of other mosques and historical temples to visit in many areas of the country. Guests can marvel at beautiful beaches, mountains, volcanoes, and jungles when visiting Indonesia.

December is the perfect time to take walks through nature and take in the beauty of the country. Travelers should, however, keep in mind that the islands of Papua and Maluku may experience heavier rain in December than most other areas. Outdoor activities should be planned carefully as a result.

• Tanah Lot Temple
• Kelimutu National Park
• Green Canyon

Related Read: Jakarta, Indonesia: Is it worth Visiting?

Best Time To Visit Indonesia To Avoid Crowds

The best time to visit Indonesia to avoid crowds is between November and March. This is the season that experiences the most rain, which tends to drive tourists away. Those who are not bothered by the wet climate can experience Indonesia’s beauty in a less crowded setting from November to March.

What Is The Best Time To Go To Bali?

The island of Bali in Indonesia is best known for its serene beaches and lush fields. The tropical paradise is a world renowned travel destination.

A vacation in Bali is best spent soaking up the sun on the beach. For this reason, trips should be planned around optimal weather.

Indonesia typically experiences its dry season between April and October. This is the best time to visit Bali and enjoy its expansive beaches. Popular activities during this time include swimming and surfing in the picturesque blue waters.

Which Month Is The Hottest In Indonesia?

October is the hottest month in Indonesia. The weather at this time of year is warm and dry. While Indonesia has a tropical climate that is relatively warm all year, temperatures reach their peak during this month.

Daily temperatures can reach a high of over 90 degrees Fahrenheit in October. The skies are typically clear during the day with lots of sun. Travelers are advised to wear sunscreen and dress lightly when traveling to Indonesia in October.

What Is The Dry Season In Indonesia?

Indonesia experiences two seasons every year: wet and dry. The wet season ends in March, with the dry season beginning in April.

After the rain subsides, Indonesia boasts clear, sunny days through October with no extreme weather conditions. The dry season is regarded as one of the best times to visit for the least amount of interference with planned activities.

What Is The Coldest Month In Indonesia?

February is the coldest month of the year in Indonesia. The climate is usually wet, with rainy days and temperatures averaging 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

While February is the month with the lowest temperatures in comparison to the rest of the year, Indonesia rarely experiences cold weather. The tropical climate is warm year-round with some humidity.

The largest change in the weather throughout the year in Indonesia is when it rains between November and March. Travelers can expect it to be warm and humid with occasional downpours of rain when visiting Indonesia in February.

What Time Of Year Should Bali Be Avoided?

The worst time to visit Bali for budget travelers is between June and August. This is the peak season for tourism on the island. Due to an influx of tourists during these months, hotels are usually booked and accommodations can be pricier.

Those looking for a quiet, private getaway in Bali should avoid traveling in June, July, and August. During this season, visitors are likely to run into crowds.

Similarly, travelers might consider skipping a trip to Bali from November to March. Within this time span, Indonesia experiences its wet season. Those who are planning outdoor activities during their trip to Bali may be deterred by the rain.

Related Read: Incredible Infinity Pools in South East Asia

What Is The Rainy Season In Indonesia?

The wet season in Indonesia begins in November and ends in March. Temperatures are consistently warm throughout the year in addition to seasonal rain.

Travelers may experience some humidity when traveling to Indonesia from November to March. Towards the end of the wet season, there may be certain islands with rain that is lighter or more intermittent on an average day.

When Is The Tourist Season In Indonesia?

The tourist season in Indonesia lasts between June and September each year. This is when the weather is warm and the climate is dry.

There is minimal to no rain during this time, creating plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Those visiting Indonesia from June to September should expect beautiful weather and lots of crowded beaches.

During the peak season, hotels are often booked for several weeks. It may be difficult to secure reservations that have not been booked months in advance during the summer almost anywhere in Indonesia.

December and January also bring plenty of tourism to the islands. Many travelers visit Indonesia during the holiday season to celebrate Christmas and New Years.