One day you are diving and the next you are trekking through the jungle along with a guide and a bunch of other thrill seekers, like yourself. And none of you are stopping until you've conquered a volcano. And on other days still, you may be frequenting temples, for there are many of them.
You have endless sunrises and sunsets to look forward to and be awe struck each and every time. Simply relaxing on the beach and watching it happen is what makes a tropical holiday sensational. And we just have to mention the candlelit dinner for two on the beach. It is as romantic as you can possibly get.
The hotter you like it, then arrive in Indonesia as early as April, or as late as September for the best of the sun. The mercury rises the furthest in September, October and November, hovering around about 92°F. Most people prefer to take their holiday vacation in May, June or July when it's cooler. Then it is about 86°F and beach activities, trekking and so on are more bearable. Yet anytime between June and October is a safe bet if you're unsure, or can't secure flights and hotels for precise dates.
In our experience there can be no worst time for traveling Indonesia. Because there are year-round favorable temperatures, despite the October to March rainy season. Temperatures from late November through to February are in their low 80's Fahrenheit. The rain never lasts long enough to put you off enjoying your Bali escape, the clear blue skies soon return.
One note to take is that Sumatra and Flores will be inaccessible. Volcano treks will also be inaccessible during the rainy, low season. At least you can enjoy the temples without pushing past the crowds.
As we said, from June until October is as good a time to pick as any: you won't be disappointed but take note that Indonesia's part of Borneo has rainfall all year round. Kalimantan has large sways of natural rainforest coverage, and coincidently the best time for visiting the Island (from Indonesia's perspective) is in fact from June until October, when there is the least rainfall. Top destinations for you include:
One of the world's most biodiverse places, Indonesia oozes cultural heritage, luxurious tropical escapes, with some of the best surfing and yoga retreats. We've long touted Bali but there's far, far more to this beautiful part of the world bar one Island only.
If you are looking for a really good holiday experience in late autumn then you'll do no worse than choosing Bali, Indonesia. It's out of the peak season for Bali, which actually isn't all that bad because the beaches will be less crowded, hotels and flights cheaper as well. Bargains galore therefore, and the rainy season isn't in full swing not until much later in the month. Expect sunshine temperatures to be in the region of 78°F or higher.
The rainy season is still in full swing, however depending on where you are it may only rain in the afternoons. In most Islands the rains will pass just as quickly as they arrived and the sunshine returns. But it's still warm in our opinion with it not being any lower than mid-80's Fahrenheit.
It's a more relaxed and laidback atmosphere in and around Bali and Java, elsewhere in Indonesia with budget travelers arriving on discounted flights and accommodation. It's still raining in a lot of places, daily but the sun prevails, and it warms up with clear skies.
As the rains begin to dissipate and the dry season beckons, thoughts of long days on the beach return and it becomes more practical to venture into the Island interior. The waterfalls continue to rage and their pool overflows. It's a wonderful time to be in Indonesia.
The show is back on. The beaches are welcoming tourists and bookings for the numerous volcano treks are filling up. Indonesian life is gearing up for another busy season. When the surfers arrive in their droves that's a sign this unbelievably huge archipelago is warming up nicely.
This is the best month for hiking and trekking in the jungle forests of Indonesia. The canopy provides shade from the beating sun and you have a real chance of seeing the native orangutans. Catching a glimpse of one eating fruit or swinging from tree to tree is really an amazing experience. They're timid creatures so you've got to be as quiet as possible. The best areas to sight them are in Sumatra.
It's a good continuation of May, before next month's peak in tourist numbers. There are many opportunities to witness Indonesia's wildlife. The beaches remain quieter, but everyone is readying themselves for the mass of humans in their hundreds of thousands.
The best conditions have been created to satisfy the hungry crowds seeking some of the best beaches and tropical Island experiences. Temperatures are likely to be touching the low 90's Fahrenheit early in the morning and the day can only get better.
Indonesia, and in particular Bali and Java, are brimming and overflowing with paying tourists. August can be the most expensive month for a holiday to Indonesia, it should be noted.
The crowds are thinning out and look like they were back in May before primetime. But the beach activities and water sports continue nonetheless as long as the sun shines and the mercury remain high. The fun must go on.
All of a sudden there are downpours. Most days there is some rain and most of it will be light and short lived. The cloud's part ways for the sun to return. Life goes on but it's obvious the best of the season is coming to its critical end. Still warm though, with long spells of bright sunshine.
With temperatures still in the region of 86°F day to day, the dry season is well and truly over. You may be lucky to get a stretch of sun and fair weather, but it does rain a lot ― every day but it's warm, nonetheless. So don't write off November altogether.
December still faces a full-on wet season, but the rains aren't as frequent as they can be in November. It could be there are more hours of sunshine but with increased humidity. Temperatures will on average fall a few degrees but where there is sunshine, they'll rise again.
The cheapest months to visit Indonesia in our estimate are between January and April as that's their lowest tourist turnover. If you are prepared to suffer a little rain then there are great bargains to enjoy. But all year round there is a steady influx of international tourists, your milage may vary: if you can grab a cheap return flight then take it. Domestic flights are relatively cheap anyway, Jakarta to Bali for roughly US$42 which is really good.
Overnight trains are even better. Anywhere on Lake Toba you can rent a motorbike for the day for US$9, fueled up. Indonesia is very accommodating for foreigners, like Cambodia, costs are much lower.
What is there not to love about Indonesia. The country has dozens ― and dozens more ― of tropical paradise Island escape destinations and you know what? Most people come and they have a smashing holiday vacation and very few are troubled by a change in weather. Indonesia is all about the Islands and beaches, the jungle interiors and expeditions to the volcanoes.
If you time it correctly, then you'll have all that and more. After reading this guide, hopefully it acts as a deterrent against holidaying at the wrong time and leaving with a sour taste of Indonesia. Because that would be a real shame, the Island archipelago is world renowned for being beautiful and amazing and a once in a lifetime experience. Never to be repeated.
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Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.