⛱️ Seasons in Indonesia: when to go to Bali, Lombok and Gili

In Indonesia, the weather, prices, and pace of your vacation depend on the island. Bali buzzes with surfing and clubs, Gili Meno lulls you with silence, and the Mentawai Islands still live almost without tourists. We've put together nine destinations across the archipelago and broken down when to visit each one and what to do there.

Bali has a tourist levy: 150,000 IDR per person (as of 09/2026, Love Bali). After that, you choose the island that fits your kind of vacation.

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1. Bali: surfing, temples, and Nusa Dua

💡 In short:

Plan your trip for the dry season from May to October; rains come from November to April (according to The Indonesia Guide, 09/2026).
For nightlife, head to Kuta; for a quiet stay, go to Nusa Dua; with kids, Jimbaran is more convenient.
Look for surfing in the south and east of the island, rafting on the Ayung and Telaga Waja rivers.

Sunrise at Nusa Dua Beach, fishermen on the breakwater

Bali has long been the country's most hyped island. It's easy to combine beaches, surfing, and trips to waterfalls and temples here. Different parts of the island suit different travelers. For nightclubs and dancing until dawn, you go to Kuta. For a quiet stay in upscale hotels, Nusa Dua. Families with kids find Jimbaran more convenient.

Bali is most comfortable from May to October, when the weather is clear. From November to April it rains, but the island still welcomes guests. Keep one detail in mind. During the rainy season, currents wash plastic onto the southern beaches, and the water near the shore loses its clarity. The north and west of the island boast mostly black sand rather than white. White beaches do exist, but you have to seek them out.

The island's main activities are surfing, diving, and rafting. Surfers choose the south and east, where you can also rent gear and take lessons. For diving, connoisseurs head to the east and to Bali Barat National Park in the west, where coral reefs stretch out. Rafting enthusiasts paddle down the Ayung and Telaga Waja rivers. In the rainy season there's more water, and the run becomes more exciting.

At Sanur resort you'll find kiteboarders and windsurfers. You can also take a cycling tour, go fishing, kayak, descend into a canyon, or climb a volcano.

When to go: dry season from May to October, rains from November to April.
Who it's for: surfers, couples, and families who need developed infrastructure.
The catch: during the rainy season, currents wash plastic onto the southern beaches.

Hotels in Bali on Trip.com

2. Lombok: Mount Rinjani and waterfalls

Rinjani volcano caldera with lake and cone

Lombok is made for those who want peace and quiet. It draws you in with lakes and waterfalls, and nearby lie small coral islands, some of them uninhabited. Here you restore your inner balance. Endless beaches, white sand, shady palms, and mountains all help with that.

The best time to visit Lombok is from May to September. The weather then favors both the beach and the mountains. Torrential rains are rare. Keep in mind that temperature and humidity vary noticeably across different parts of the island, so plan around your specific area.

Those who don't like lying around idle will love Lombok. From May to October, the climb up Mount Rinjani is open, Indonesia's second-highest volcano at 3,726 m (according to the official national park website, 09/2026). The ascent takes at least a full day, and you must go with a guide. You can hire a porter. From the summit you get a view of the volcano's actual crater.

The second place worth seeing is Narmada Park. Clear lakes, fountains, and a pool give you new energy. Revitalizing streams cascade down the mountain and fill the reservoirs. Nearby lies the village of Sukarare, where artisans hand-weave textiles of incredible beauty. You can step into a workshop and watch the entire process.

When to go: May to September, the dry season.
Who it's for: trekking enthusiasts, lovers of quiet and nature without crowds.
The catch: climbing Rinjani requires a guide and a full day.

Hotels in Lombok on Trip.com

3. Gili Meno: silence and snorkeling

Quiet Gili Meno beach with turquoise water

Gili Meno lies near Lombok and Bali. It is the smallest and quietest island of the trio. Gili Meno is quiet everywhere, so there are no parties here. Instead, the unhurried atmosphere appeals to honeymooners, older guests, and anyone tired of noisy city life.

It is best to come here from May to October. Rains begin in November, sometimes downpours all at once. The wet season is not a dealbreaker: most precipitation falls in winter, and the rest of the time rain comes in intervals. If it does start drizzling, the hotel pool will save you.

What is there to do on Gili Meno? Almost nothing, and that is the whole point. Everything that could add variety to a beach vacation is absent here. You either gaze at the water all day or lie around at the hotel. The only entertainment is bicycles and horses. Cafes with views of the waves and passing boats soften the boredom.

When to go: May to October, the dry season.
Who it's for: couples and those who want peace without entertainment.
The catch: there is little to do on the island, active recreation feels cramped here.

Hotels on Gili Meno on Trip.com

4. Gili Trawangan: parties and cafes

Sunrise over the beach with boats and Lombok mountains

Gili Trawangan is the direct opposite of Gili Meno. It is the longest and liveliest island of the trio. Endless cafes stretch along the waterfront, it is noisy and there is a lot of construction. But if you walk a few meters inland from the beach, you will find accommodation where you cannot hear other people's shouts and laughter.

The weather here is the same as on Gili Meno: the islands sit side by side. The period from May to October is the golden time for a trip. There is no transport on the island at all, and that will please you. People get around by bicycle and horse.

There is not much to do here, although the island is not for seclusion. Gili Trawangan is great for snorkeling. To keep mask swimming from turning into simply staring at the sea, study the local marine life beforehand. Then snorkeling will captivate even a beginner. Cafes stand by the sea where you can sit until sunset. Every sunset here is worth capturing on camera.

When to go: May to October, same as neighboring Gili Meno.
Who it's for: groups and couples who want cafes, snorkeling, and sunsets.
The catch: construction near the waterfront makes some spots noisy.

Hotels on Gili Trawangan on Trip.com

5. Mentawai Islands: surfing without crowds

Surfer in a barrel wave off the Mentawai Islands

The Mentawai Islands stand out for their wildness and lack of development. The locals were isolated from the rest of the world until the 19th century. The archipelago of dozens of islands is still rarely visited by tourists. Life here flows at an unhurried pace. You will find no youth parties, no familiar restaurants, no expensive hotels. The whole charm of the Mentawai lies in their isolation.

Getting here is not easy, but the trip is worth it. Once here, you feel as if you have stepped into a childhood dream of living like Robinson Crusoe. The best time to visit is May to June or September to October. During these periods the climate is at its most stable. In other months weather troubles are possible.

Surfers from different countries love coming to the islands, because the surfing conditions here are the best in the country. Almost all themed videos are filmed right here. The waves suit both pros and beginners. Plus there is a high chance that no one will disturb you while you conquer the watery heights.

An ordinary walk around the island is also engaging. Here you will encounter plenty of amazing animals and rare plants. Diving will not disappoint: fish are clearly visible in the clean water. Fishing brings pleasure from the process itself. Tribes still live on the islands, and their way of life will surprise even a seasoned traveler.

When heading to these islands, take care of mosquito protection. Bring mosquito nets and sprays or creams. Then your trip will go smoothly.

When to go: May to June or September to October.
Who it's for: surfers, divers, and those seeking true isolation.
The catch: logistics are complicated, and there is almost no infrastructure.

Hotels on the Mentawai Islands on Trip.com

6. Flores: Kelimutu volcano and waterfalls

The island got its flowery name from the Portuguese in the 16th century. Flores has about as many flowers as neighboring tropical regions. The island is developing mainly through tourism. The indigenous population works in agriculture and crafts.

Don't plan a trip from November to March: that's the rainy season. The rest of the year is ideal for a vacation.

Panorama of Kelimutu crater lake with tourists

Flores has villages where artisans live. They make quality textile products. In Kelimutu National Park there is a lake colored in different hues because of the volcano's mineral salts. Beautiful waterfalls attract almost all tourists. You can combine trekking to the lakes with visiting the villages.

When to go: April to October, the dry season.
Who it's for: lovers of volcanoes, trekking and artisan villages.
The catch: the road between villages is long and tiring.

Hotels in Flores on Trip.com

7. Nusa Lembongan: emerald water near Bali

White sand beach with palm trees on Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan lies near Bali, about half an hour by speedboat. It differs from its famous neighbor: the water here is emerald rather than sky blue. This piece of land has two large beaches. There are also plenty of small beaches, and they are almost empty.

The most suitable season is from April to late September. As everywhere in Indonesia, the island has two seasons, and the off-season brings a lot of rainfall. So book your trip for the dry months.

The best activities are surfing, diving and snorkeling. The island's beaches are close to each other. You can walk from one spot to another. Each beach has its own character, and it's worth seeing them all to get a full impression of this tropical island.

When to go: April to September, the dry season.
Who it's for: couples and families who want beaches near Bali.
The catch: on weekends and in high season, the beaches fill up with visitors from Bali.

Hotels in Nusa Lembongan on Trip.com

8. Sumatra: Lake Toba and Krakatoa

The name Sumatra is on everyone's lips, and no wonder. It is one of the largest islands in the world. It is densely populated and rich in attractions.

Lake Toba among the green hills of Sumatra

The island has high humidity and many rivers and lakes. The best time to go to Sumatra is from May to October, when there is less rainfall.

Sumatra offers many travel experiences. Few people manage to see all the sights in one trip. The Raya Mosque, Maimun Palace, the Military Museum, Lake Toba, national parks and the Krakatoa volcano make Sumatra one of the most fascinating islands in Indonesia. You definitely won't be bored if you set aside at least a week for it.

When to go: May to October, the dry season.
Who it's for: travelers who want culture and nature in one trip.
The catch: distances are large, and travel between cities takes a long time.

Hotels in Sumatra on Trip.com

9. Borneo: jungles and orangutans

Borneo belongs not only to Indonesia, but also to Malaysia and Brunei. The island has inspired many writers and scientists. Ancient tropical forests, impenetrable jungles and endless mountains will inspire even the most discerning traveler.

Orangutan in the foliage of the Borneo rainforest

Rain can fall on the island at any time. Rainfall usually comes at night and doesn't last long. Bad weather doesn't stop tourists: the island is worth the trip.

The island's size accommodates dozens of unusual attractions. The ethnographic museum, meeting indigenous people, nature reserves and a turtle farm are just part of the must-see list. In Tanjung Puting National Park you'll see orangutans in the tropical forest.

When to go: rain falls all year, with dry months from May to October.
Who it's for: lovers of jungles, wildlife and trekking.
The catch: humidity is high, mosquitoes are plentiful, and you can't do without repellent.

Hotels in Borneo on Trip.com

Indonesia on the map

If you're still choosing a route, take a look at the islands' locations. Bali and Nusa Lembongan lie close together, the Gilis sit between Bali and Lombok, while Sumatra, Borneo and Flores are scattered across the archipelago at great distances from one another.

Islands of Indonesia

Places on the map

1Bali Surfing, temples and clubs, dry season April-September
2Lombok Mount Rinjani and waterfalls, season May-September
3Gili Meno The quietest island of the trio, snorkeling and calm
4Gili Trawangan The liveliest island of the trio, cafes and snorkeling
5Mentawai Surfing without crowds, islands with almost no tourists
6Flores Mount Kelimutu and its multicolored lakes
7Nusa Lembongan Emerald water near Bali, surfing and diving
8Sumatra Lake Toba and Krakatoa volcano
9Borneo Jungle, orangutans and climbing Mount Kinabalu

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit the islands of Indonesia?

The dry season runs roughly from May to October, with rain from November to April (according to the Indonesia travel guide, 09/2026). For Bali and Lombok, aim for May, June, or September: less rain and fewer tourists. Peak season is July and August, when hotels cost more and beaches get crowded.

Do I need a visa to travel to Indonesia?

Most tourists can use the e-VOA visa on arrival. You apply online before the trip, and the fee is 500,000 IDR for 30 days (as of 09/2026, immigration service website). You can extend for another 30 days on the ground. Keep your return ticket and hotel booking handy, as they may be requested at the border.

How much is the tourist levy in Bali?

Every foreign tourist pays a one-time levy of 150,000 IDR (as of 09/2026, official Love Bali portal). You pay online before the trip or during your first days on the island. You receive a QR code and show it during checks.

Where is the best surfing in Indonesia?

The Mentawai Islands offer the most consistent waves, attracting both pros and beginners. In Bali, surfers stick to the south and east, where you can also rent a board and hire an instructor. On Nusa Lembongan, you can combine surfing with snorkeling and diving.

How to get to the Gili Islands from Bali?

Fast boats depart from Padangbai port, and the trip takes about two hours (according to Bali Ferries, 09/2026). Boats arrive at Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Lombok. In high season, book tickets in advance, as seats sell out quickly.

In short: what to book

We covered nine islands, and the choice comes down to your pace. Bali suits you for clubs and infrastructure, Lombok for the volcano and quiet, Gili Meno for peace as a couple. For surfing and diving, head to the Mentawai Islands and Nusa Lembongan.

If this is your first trip, start with Bali. If you want seclusion, look at Gili Meno. If you need waves and nature without crowds, go to the Mentawai Islands. If you want jungle, choose Borneo. Hotels in all destinations are easy to compare on Trip.com: choose a hotel.

Where to go in Indonesia: nine islands for beaches, surfing and jungles