Best Time to Visit Indonesia

Wild rainforests, countless tropical beaches, misty volcanoes and a melting pot of fascinating cultures; Indonesia is the ultimate destination for adventure. So if you’re planning a holiday here, it’s important to know the best time to visit the various islands.

With a tropical climate, Indonesia has two seasons; the dry season (April to October), and the monsoon season, (November to March) and enjoys hot and humid temperatures all year. However, the pesky monsoon can make travelling to some islands tricky. Below you’ll find a breakdown of the climate split across the island regions that we offer.

One of the rainiest months across much of Indonesia, especially in Sumatra in the west and through the central islands, you’ve got more limited choices for a holiday in Indonesia in January.

If you’re looking for sunshine, you’ll need to head north to Raja Ampat and The Moluccas. You might not escape the showers entirely in Raja Ampat, but the seas are calm and there’s great visibility for diving. It’s also sunny and dry in the central Molucca islands, although rainier in the south-eastern isles and windy and wet in the southerly Banda Islands, so stick to places like Ambon and Seram.

In Java, the wet weather means that it’s not recommended to climb Mount Bromo or the Ijen Plateau as the paths can be very muddy and slippery, while it’s also the wettest month of the year in Bali – you can expect some sun between the downpours but it’s not the best time to visit if you’re hoping for beach time. The same goes for the Nusa Tenggara islands, where rough seas mean diving around Lombok is off the cards, and bad weather can stop ferries travelling between the islands, including to the Komodo National Park.

While rain isn’t as heavy in Kalimantan as some of the other islands, it’s not the best month for spotting orangutans, which are likely to be sheltering from the wet weather. In Sumatra, the rains are heaviest in the south, often making roads inaccessible, and still continuing in the north as well.

Festivals: Chinese New Year (date varies, usually late January/early February) is a public holiday in Indonesia with plenty of celebrations throughout the country to welcome the start of the new lunar year.

Best for: Raja Ampat, the central Molucca Islands

The rainy season is still in full force across most of Indonesia, although the wet weather is starting to ease slightly in some areas of the country.

Sumatra

The sun comes back out in North Sumatra this month, so it’s a great time to spot orangutans in the jungles around Bukit Luwang without the crowds of peak season – team it with a magical stay in the heart of Lake Toba on Samosir Island. South Sumatra is still very wet though, and the downpours can make some roads inaccessible, so stick to the northern side of the island if you’re visiting.

While the rain is easing in Kalimantan, which is moving from its wettest months to the lighter rainy season, you’ll be lucky to spot orangutans here as they’re more likely to be hidden away under shelter.

And in the north-east, Raja Ampat and the central Moluccas are still basking in sunshine this month.There’s fantastic diving at Raja Ampat, with a chance of spotting manta rays, although as in January, the south-eastern islands in the Moluccas are wetter with strong wind and heavy rainfall in the Banda Islands.

Bali

Bali is wet and humid, with rough seas making it a bad time for a holiday to Indonesia if you’re hoping to go diving, while there’s often flooding in west Java and Jakarta this month. East Java is slightly less rainy, but it’s still not the best time to visit the area, and climbing Mount Bromo or Ijen is definitely not recommended. And while Nusa Tenggara isn’t as wetl as Bali, you can still expect it to be rainy, with inter-island transport often disrupted.

Festivals: Chinese New Year (date varies, usually late January/early February) is a public holiday in Indonesia with plenty of celebrations throughout the country to welcome the start of the new lunar year.

The Pasola war festival is also held in Sumba, with men on horseback re-enacting old tribal battles. There are usually two rounds, first in the west and the second in the east, taking place on varying dates during February and May.

Ramadan takes place this month (dates vary) with Indonesia’s majority of Muslims observing the festival and you’ll find you may be limited as to where you can eat and drink during the day. It’s observed less in Bali, which has a majority Hindu population.

Best for: Orangutans in north Sumatra, Raja Ampat, Central Molucca Islands

The wettest weather is finally starting to ease across Indonesia, with conditions getting better throughout the month – it’s still very unsettled in most places, and the rainy season definitely hasn’t ended yet though.

For guaranteed sunshine, you’ll need to head east to Raja Ampat and the Moluccas, still best in the central islands but with drier days across the whole archipelago. Both Kalimantan and Sumatra in the west are finally starting to enjoy better weather too. South Sumatra is seeing some more sun towards the end of the month, while North Sumatra sees occasional downpours and hotter weather. There’s still a good chance of seeing orangutans in the Sumatran jungles, and exploring around Bukit Luwang.

There’s more chance of sunny days amid the rain in Kalimantan too, although while the weather is improving, it’s still better to postpone a visit for the drier months if you can.

Java is getting hotter but still quite wet, especially in the west, while Bali is humid despite the heavy afternoon rain showers. The humidity in Lombok is also high, reaching as much as 85%, and the rest of Nusa Tenggara is still seeing plenty of rain.

Festivals: Nyepi, or the Balinese Day of Silence is a celebration to mark the New Year (date varies, usually in March/April). A public holiday across the country, people fast and spend the day quietly and in meditation – expect streets to be silent, most places to be closed, even internet to be shut off, with everyone expected to abide by the restrictions. The following days are for families and friends to perform certain rituals together, with parades taking place.

The Pasola war festival is also held in Sumba, with men on horseback re-enacting old tribal battles. There are usually two rounds, first in the west and the second in the east, taking place on varying dates during February and May.

Best for: Orangutans in north Sumatra, Raja Ampat, Molucca Islands

The sun returns to most of Indonesia, and the crowds along with it, so it’s quieter earlier in the month. And whether you want to spy orangutans in the rainforests and jungles, hit the beaches, go diving, discover temples or generally explore the country’s fantastic scenery, this is when to go to Indonesia, including some tempting opportunities for family holidays.

Java

After the months of rain, rice fields are vibrantly green and lush and the flowers are blooming. On Java, it’s one of the best months to visit Borobudur, surrounded by greenery, although Jakarta will feel hot and sticky with temperatures rising into the low 30Cs. Now the dry season has arrived, you can trek the Ijen Plateau with its volcanic peaks, explore villages like Kalibaru and climb Mount Bromo – although conditions here will be even better later in the year. For one of Java’s more unusual experiences, you can discover a little slice of Africa in the savannah of Baluran National Park, where flowers will still be in bloom after the last weeks of rain and before the driest months begin in May.

Bali

It’s also a great time to go diving off Bali, including Pemuteran, the west Bali National Park and the east coast such as Nusa Lembongan, Amed and Candidasa. There’s fabulous weather on the beaches too if you fancy a more relaxed time in the sun, whether that’s around Sanur, Lovina, Jimbaran or the surf at Paradise Beach. The rice paddies of Ubud and Sidemen will still be green, as will the hills at Munduk and around Tirtagangga where you can visit the famous water palace.

Snorkelling and diving are just as good in Nusa Tenggara, with clear, warm water off the coast of Lombok, the Gili Islands, Flores and in the Komodo National Park, where you can also look for the island’s dragons. Can’t decide where to go? How about an island-hopping cruise to see some of the best. Head into the hills of Tetebatu to discover the scenery away from the coast, or climb Mount Rinjani, although bear in mind that it will be cooler as you trek here.

Wildlife

It’s one of the best months for spotting wildlife as well. You won’t escape the rain entirely in Kalimantan, but there are fewer wet spells and more sun, with temperatures rising to around 32C as you cruise down jungle rivers or venture into the rainforest to look for orangutans. You’ll find a similar situation in Sumatra too; less rain in the south, and while there’s the occasional downpour in the tropical north, you’ll have a good chance of seeing orangutans in the jungle, especially around Bukit Luwang.

Elsewhere, you’ll find more sun in southern Sulawesi, and while it’s shoulder season across the Molucca Islands, the winds have dropped in the Banda islands, and it’s less rainy in the southern and northern islands of the archipelago this month too. You’ll find warm weather and good diving in Raja Ampat as well.

Festivals: Nyepi, or the Balinese Day of Silence is a celebration to mark the New Year (date varies, usually in March/April). A public holiday across the country, people fast and spend the day quietly and in meditation – expect streets to be silent, most places to be closed, even internet to be shut off, with everyone expected to abide by the restrictions. The following days are for families and friends to perform certain rituals together, with parades taking place.

Best for: Exploring the whole country, beaches, diving and snorkelling, trekking, rice paddies, wildlife spotting, temples

There’s some of the best weather of the year across Indonesia in May, although visitor numbers aren’t at their peak this month so you can enjoy the sights – from glorious beaches to volcanoes and hills, temples to wildlife – without the worst of the crowds. As with all tropical countries, the occasional shower is always a possibility, especially if you’re venturing into the jungles and rainforests, but generally you can expect dry, sunny days.

Beaches

If you’re hoping for beach time, you’re spoiled for choice across Bali and Nusa Tenggara, with some great diving, snorkelling and surfing as well as countless chances to lounge under a palm tree. On Bali, head to Pemuteran, Nusa Lembongan, Amed and Candidasa to discover the fabulous marine life, or relax on the sands at Sanur, Lovina, Jimbaran and Paradise Beach. In Nusa Tenggara, you could try an island-hopping cruise to see as many as possible, or choose from Lombok, the Gili Islands, Flores and the Komodo National Park, where you can also look for the island’s dragons.

Nature

It’s a fantastic month to get outdoors as well, whether you’re looking for a walk through the rice paddies of Ubud and Sidemen in Bali or a chance to get into the island’s hills at Munduk and around Tirtagangga to visit the famous water palace. Or on Lombok, you could head into the hills of Tetebatu or challenge yourself to trek Mount Rinjani, although bear in mind that it will be cooler here.

Java

On Java, May is a perfect time for a holiday in Indonesia if you’re planning to climb Mount Bromo, trek the less-visited Ijen Plateau with its volcanic peaks and villages, or even visit the remote active Papandayan volcano. It will be cooler at altitude, so do go prepared. Java’s biggest tourist spots, including Yogyakarta and Borobudur will also be quieter than other peak months, so it’s an ideal time to explore here. And the dry season has started at Baluran National Park where you can be lucky enough to see Javan leopards in the savannah.

Wildlife

For more wildlife, it’s a good month to visit Sumatra and Kalimantan as well, both generally hot and sunny although with the occasional shower, especially in the north of Sumatra. Head to Bukit Luwang for the chance to spot orangutans in the jungle, or you can cruise along jungle rivers in Kalimantan, and head into the rainforest there to look for orangutans as well.

Sulawesi

In Sulawesi, the south is getting drier throughout the month, although with some rain still in the north, and the southern and northern Molucca Islands, including the Banda islands, are all enjoying sun. Rainy season has begun in the central isles while the southeast monsoon is arriving across Raja Ampat this month.

Festivals: Vesak – or Waisak – usually takes place this month, celebrating the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha, with some of the biggest celebrations at Borobudur on Java.

Best for: Exploring the whole country without the crowds, beaches, diving and snorkelling, trekking and climbing the peaks, rice paddies, wildlife spotting, temples

If you’re wondering when to go to Indonesia, June is one of the best months of the whole year. School holiday visitors don’t start arriving before the end of the month, there’s sun across much of Indonesia, except Raja Ampat and the central Moluccas, and great weather for everything from spotting wildlife to exploring temples, climbing, trekking, and beaches.

Java

Now is when to venture into the Abode of the Gods, as the Dieng Plateau is known. Home to more than 400 temples among the volcanic peaks, it’s one of the most fascinating corners of Java. Don’t miss Borobudur as you visit Yogyakarta, as well as saving time for Bandung, which has some of its driest weather this month, and the beach at Pangandaran. You could team Bandung with a visit to the active Papandayan volcano, or challenge yourself to climb Mount Bromo. Or trek the less-visited Ijen Plateau, where you can get a taste of authentic Indonesian life with a stay at Kalibaru village, among the spice plantations. The dry season is well underway at Baluran National Park too, known as Little Africa and home to wildlife including Javan leopards.

Wildlife

Wildlife spotting is at its peak in Sumatra, where it’s the hottest month of the year and the only rain showers tend to fall in the jungle at Bukit Luwang – a price worth paying to spot orangutans. Then escape to the highland town of Berastagi to climb the Sibayak volcano, to Samosir Island in Lake Toba where you can learn more about local life and traditions, or to beautiful Lake Maninjau to discover Minangkabau culture.

Kalimantan is similarly dry this month, with occasional short, sharp showers in the rainforest towards late afternoon, but a higher chance of spotting orangutans during the drier months at Tanjung Puting National Park. Take a river cruise to watch them swinging through the trees at Bapallas Island, or head into one of the protected areas of Kalimantan, to look for orangutans there.

Snorkelling

June is also a fantastic month to discover Indonesia’s vibrant marine life, especially in the Komodo National Park – along with its most famous inhabitants, the Komodo dragons – and around the Gili Islands. You can find diving and snorkelling across Lombok and Flores too, along with island-hopping cruises. It’s not too hot or humid there this month either, although if you’re looking for somewhere a little cooler, head into the hills of Tetebatu or trek Mount Rinjani.

There’s more diving and snorkelling to be found on Bali, including at Pemuteran, Nusa Lembongan, Amed and Candidasa. And with sun, sun, and more sun, plus blue skies and pleasant temperatures of around 27C, it’s also a perfect time to relax on the sands at Sanur, Lovina, Jimbaran and Paradise Beach before the crowds of high season, or walk through the rice paddies of Ubud and Sidemen.

Festivals: The Bali Arts Festival takes place every year from mid-June to mid-July, with a string of performances and exhibitions, plus artwork on display and other cultural experiences to enjoy.

June sees the Summer Festival of Samosir taking place, on the island in Toba Lake, with concerts, food festivals and boxing matches among the events.

Best for: The Dieng plateau, trekking and climbing, beaches, diving and snorkelling, wildlife spotting, exploring without the crowds

This is the start of peak season in Indonesia, with the sun shining across almost the whole country (except Raja Ampat and the central Moluccas) and school holidays underway for family trips, it’s also one of the busiest months of the year. Be prepared to book well ahead, and to share the beaches and popular attractions with more people – the quietest times are at the beginning of the month.

If you want to escape the crowds, be prepared to venture further off the beaten track. In Nusa Tenggara, you could cruise to less accessible coves, or head off to discover the more remote parts of Flores as well as hitting the beach at Maumere. Get a taste of authentic Lombok up in the hills of Tetebatu, or escape to the heights of Mount Rinjani. Crowds or not, the islands are just as tempting as ever this month, from the white sands of Senggigi on Lombok to the gorgeous Gili Islands and the chance to see Komodo dragons.

Bali

It’s busy too on Bali with popular resorts like Sanur, Lovina and Jimbaran, while the water can be choppier along the east coast this month with rising wind, so consider Pemuteran for some calmer seas. You can expect Ubud and Sidemen to be more crowded this month as well. And it’s peak season for diving off Sulawesi, with one of the driest months across the whole island but also one of its busiest.

Java

On Java, the weather makes it an ideal time to climb Mount Bromo, the Ijen Plateau and the Dieng Plateau, although if you’re hoping to see the sunrise, you’ll be sharing the view with more people this month – the same goes for Borobudur at sunset. Escape some of the crowds with a visit to Kalibaru village where you can learn about daily life while walking among the spice plantations.

The beach at Pangandaran is usually popular with domestic visitors, but can sometimes be a quieter option this month – a great option to escape after visiting Bandung – or head up instead of down, with a visit to the remote active Papandayan volcano.
It’s peak season too in Sumatra, but also one of the best months to see the orangutans if you’re exploring the jungle at Bukit Luwang. You can escape some of the heat in the highlands at Berastagi, with the opportunity to climb the Sibayak volcano, or head to one of the lakes – stay on Samosir Island in Lake Toba or Lake Maninjau to learn more about Minangkabau culture.
The weather is also getting more humid in Kalimantan this month, which can make exploring feel more uncomfortable. Consider finding a few welcome breezes on a river cruise to see orangutans in the trees at Bapallas Island, although the chance to see orangutans in the rainforest makes every hot, sticky step worthwhile.

Festivals: The Bali Kite Festival usually takes place this month (or August) in Padang Galak where the strong summer winds are perfect for flying kites. Once a way to thank the Hindu gods for the harvest, the festival now features a string of competitions and attracts visitors from around the world, making it one of Indonesia’s biggest festivals.

Best for: Heading off the beaten track, sunny weather, beaches, wildlife spotting, climbing and trekking

Peak season continues across Indonesia, with even more visitors to the country during August than July – be prepared to book ahead and for crowds, unless you’re venturing well off the beaten path. Between great weather on the beaches, fantastic wildlife-spotting opportunities and people flocking to national parks, coast, temples and volcanoes for family holidays, it’s one of the busiest times to explore the country.

Java

Humidity is rising in Yogyakarta, but it’s one of the driest months to explore Java. You’ll get some of the best views of the perfect cone of Mount Bromo as well as the ideal conditions to climb it, the Ijen Plateau and the Dieng Plateau. Escape some of the crowds with a visit to Kalibaru village where you can learn about daily life while walking among the spice plantations, although be prepared for  Borobudur to be busy – the later in the month you can visit, the better. The same goes for Bandung, although you can get a taste of some of Java’s highlights by teaming the city with the beach at Pangandaran and a trip to the active Papandayan volcano.

The weather is still blissfully good at Nusa Tenggara. Escape some of the crowds on a cruise to less accessible coves, or head off to discover the more remote parts of Flores before hitting the beach at Maumere. Away from the coast, you could head into the hills of Tetebatu for a taste of authentic Lombok, or climb Mount Rinjani, although the islands’ attractions are tempting however crowded, including the white sands of Senggigi, the gorgeous Gili Islands and the chance to see Komodo dragons.

Bali

Temperatures are dropping slightly in Bali’s central region around Ubud and Sidemen if you’re looking for a slightly cooler escape. Otherwise you’ll find around 10 hours of sunshine per day at the beaches, tempting plenty of visitors to hotspots like Sanur, Lovina and Jimbaran. The waters off the east coast can be choppier again this month thanks to the trade winds, so consider Pemuteran for some calmer seas.

And there’s still dry weather at Kalimantan and Sumatra if you’re hoping to spot wildlife. August is one of the hottest months on Kalimantan with temperatures hitting 33C, if you’re planning a river cruise or to head into the rainforest to see orangutans. Sumatra is equally hot and dry, if you’re heading to Bukit Luwang for the chance to see the orangutans in the jungle. Head up into the highlands at Berastagi to escape some of the heat, or discover more about local culture and life at the lakes – Samosir Island in Lake Toba or Lake Maninjau are both tempting.

Festivals: Independence Day is celebrated on August 17 with a public holiday, marking the anniversary of Indonesia gaining its independence from the Dutch in 1945. There are celebrations across the country to commemorate the occasion.

The Bali Kite Festival usually takes place this month (or July) in Padang Galak where the strong summer winds are perfect for flying kites. Once a way to thank the Hindu gods for the harvest, the festival now features a string of competitions and attracts visitors from around the world, making it one of Indonesia’s biggest festivals.

Best for: Heading off the beaten track, sunny weather, beaches, wildlife spotting, climbing and trekking.

If you’re looking for the best time to visit Indonesia, September is easily among the top months to explore the country with the great weather conditions of the summer but without the crowds of peak season. The number of visitors drops dramatically so the popular western and central islands, including Java, Bali and Lombok will be much quieter this month, although still sunny and dry. In the eastern islands things are improving too, including in the Banda Islands, while Raja Ampat also sees drier days by the end of the month.

Java

Make the most of the lower visitor numbers to explore the popular spots, such as Borobudur on Java, as well as Yogyakarta and Bandung. It’s coming to the end of the tourist season at Pangandaran if you’re hoping to hit the beach, while the weather is still good if you’re hoping to go climbing and trekking too. Discover the hundreds of temples on the Dieng Plateau, or climb Mount Bromo before the weather turns again. The volcanic landscapes of the Ijen Plateau are another alternative, with a chance to explore the spice plantations around Kalibaru village too. For another volcanic experience, the remote Papandayan volcano is still active. Or it’s a good month to spot wildlife in the savannah of Baluran National Park, in one of the last dry months of the year.

Bali

On Bali, visit the famous water palace and explore the hills around Tirtagangga, or enjoy walking by the rice paddies of Ubud and Sidemen, or in the hills at Munduk. You’ll have plenty of space to stretch out on the beaches again, whether that’s around Sanur, Lovina, Jimbaran or the surf at Paradise Beach. And the trade winds on the east coast usually drop during September, so it’s also a good month to dive and snorkel at Nusa Lembongan, Amed and Candidasa, along with Pemuteran.

It’s getting hotter in Nusa Tenggara, but you can always escape into the hills of Tetebatu or trek Mount Rinjani for cooler weather. Or simply soak up the sun on the islands’ beautiful beaches, with some more good snorkelling and diving around the Gili Islands, Lombok and Flores, with island-hopping cruises which also take you to see Komodo dragons in Komodo National Park.

Sumatra

Temperatures are dropping slightly in Sumatra just as visitor numbers fall, so it’s the perfect time to visit Bukit Luwang to try to spot orangutans in the jungle. And while it’s hot on Kalimantan, you’ll find plenty of wildlife here, whether you choose to cruise along the river or look for orangutans in the rainforest. For another side to Indonesian Borneo, head Samosir Island in Lake Toba for a taste of local life and culture. Sulawesi is also sunny and dry across the south, with just a few showers across the north..

Best for: Exploring without the crowds, wildlife spotting, beaches, climbing and trekking, visiting the whole country

The wet weather is on the horizon again this month, so while most places across Indonesia are still warm and sunny, you can expect more regular showers in many places as the months go on. Northern Sumatra is particularly wet, with heavy rainfall affecting some of the roads, so while it’s often hot and dry in the south, it’s not the best time to visit this corner of the country.

Nature

If you’re hoping to see orangutans in the rainforest, look towards Kalimantan instead. It’s often humid and temperatures can reach 32C but the weather is still mostly dry – you can also plan a river cruise if you prefer to explore from the water. It’s starting to get rainier around Samosir Island in Lake Toba if you’re planning to explore more of Kalimantan’s sights.

If you’re planning to climb one of Indonesia’s volcanoes, such as Mount Rinjani in Lombok, Mount Bromo or the Ijen Plateau in Java, this is the last month to go before the rain makes it too dangerous – the best time to see the Dieng Peninsula is already past. Elsewhere in Java, it’s still a good month to visit Borobudur and Bandung before the worst of the rains.

It’s also the last month for a holiday in Indonesia if you’re hoping to dive in Nusa Tenggara, with good conditions off Lombok, the Gili Islands and in the Komodo National Park, as well as a chance to see Komodo dragons or relax on the white sand beaches of Flores. Away from the beach, it’s still a good month to head into the hills of Tetebatu on Lombok before the rains arrive.

Bali

The best of the diving is over in Bali, but visit towards the beginning of the month and you can still enjoy sunny beach days around Sanur, Lovina, Jimbaran and Paradise Beach – any rain tends to be short downpours rather than day-long monsoon rainfall. Inland, Ubud and the hills are cooler and rainier than the coast this month though. Why not discover another side to Bali by eating with a local family for a taste of authentic daily life, great whatever the weather.

As wet weather looms on the horizon for the central and western parts of Indonesia, the eastern islands are starting to enjoy some of their best weather again after the rainy months. The central Moluccas and the Banda Islands are sunny and dry, although it’s rainy across the southern and northern Moluccas, while Raja Ampat is enjoying sun again too. It’s also the hottest month of the year in Sulawesi.

Festivals: Kuta Karnival takes place on Kuta beach in Bali during October, with Balinese arts and a food festival during the event, along with a sand sculpture and surf competitions.

Best for: Escaping the crowds, orangutans in Kalimantan, diving in Nusa Tenggara, beaches

The rainy season has returned to central and western Indonesia, although you can still find some sunny days between the showers, especially in Bali. However humidity is high in most areas and the heavy rainfall can make some roads inaccessible or harder to travel on.

The best place for sun is Raja Ampat and the Moluccas, with the best weather in the central Molucca Islands and some great diving in the Banda Islands. If you’re happy to risk the rain, it’s still warm on Bali and sunny days aren’t impossible if you head to the coast at around Sanur, Lovina, Jimbaran and Paradise Beach, although the dive season is over for the year. Trekking and walking in the hills isn’t advised though, with paths becoming slippery, muddy and sometimes dangerous.

November is usually the wettest month of the year across the Nusa Tenggara islands, with roads sometimes flooding, especially in parts of Sumba, and inter-island ferries not running. It’s also the rainiest month in North Sumatra, and you’re far less likely to spot orangutans if you do visit, along with high humidity and heavy rain in the south of the island. In Sulawesi, monsoon season has begun with heavier rain across the whole island, while November is one of the wettest months on Kalimantan.

The dry season has ended on Java too, with intense downpours lasting a couple of hours most days, although you can sometimes find drier weather in the east. Trekking and climbing is also off the cards here too.

Best for: Raja Ampat, Central Molucca islands, Low season beaches in Bali

As the rainy season continues across most of Indonesia, the wet weather and high humidity is combined with higher prices at Christmas, so if you are visiting, try to travel earlier in the month. The best places for sun are Raja Ampat, which has some great diving this month, and the central Moluccas – the Banda Islands, and northern and southern Moluccas are all rainy however.

Bali

Despite the rainy season being in full swing in Bali, you’ll still find plenty of people hoping to spend Christmas on the beach. It’s windy around the south coast beaches, including Sanur, Jimbaran and Seminyak, while the sea is too rough to dive, and while there are often clear sunny spells, there’s also plenty of intense downpours.

The white sand beaches of Nusa Tenggara are equally wet, although you can find periods of sunshine here too. Humidity levels are high on Lombok as well, and the inter-island ferries are often cancelled during bad weather, so it’s not as easy to get around.

December is one of the wettest months of the year in Java, with frequent flooding in Jakarta, as well as one of the wettest months in Sulawesi, rainy throughout Kalimantan, and across southern Sumatra. While the worst of the rainfall is past in northern Sumatra, it’s still not the best time to visit, with roads still badly affected after the rainy season.

Festivals: Although most people in Indonesia are Muslim, there are still millions of Christians across the country who celebrate Christmas with trees and nativity scenes on display, presents for children from Sinterklaas (known here by his Dutch name) and lots of food, including special cookies eaten.

Best for: Raja Ampat, the central Molucca Islands