Winter in Indonesia: Tips for Wet Weather

Unlike many other countries, Indonesia does not experience four seasons but has two main ones: the wet season and the dry season. The former begins in November and ends in March, while the latter starts in April and ends in October. This means that the winter months, starting in late December and ending in late March, are part of the wet season.

In this period, you can expect lots of rain, but this should not discourage you from visiting this fantastic country. In fact, looking on the bright side, temperatures tend to be quite warm around this time, ranging from 26°C to 31°C.

Below you will find a table outlining the weather of Jakarta between December and March to give you a general idea of what to expect during your trip to Indonesia in winter:

	December	Janaury	February	March
Avg high	31°C (88°F)	30°C (86°F)	30°C (86°F)	31°C (88°F)
Avg low	26°C (79°F)	26°C (79°F)	26°C (79°F)	26°C (79°F)
Daylight hours	12	12	12	12
Rainy days	24	25	25	25
Precipitation	123 mm	127 mm	137 mm	144 mm

Check out our guide on the best time to visit Indonesia for a seasonal overview of the country.

Other related articles:
Indonesia in December
Indonesia in January
Indonesia in February
Indonesia in March

Despite the weather in Indonesia in winter, there are plenty of reasons why touring Indonesia in the winter season is a great idea. Here are some:

• Lower crowds: Indonesia receives most of its tourists during the dry season. This means that in the wet months, there will be way fewer crowds at popular attractions, allowing you to explore the sites without any sense of rush.
• Festivals and events: Indonesia abounds in events and festivities during the winter months. If you are coming here at the end of December, you cannot miss the new year celebrations held all over the country. You can also take part in Chinese new year celebrations, which take place between the 21st of January and the 20th of February. Another great option is the Maha Shivaratri, a Hindu festival in honor of the deity Shiva.
• Better fairs: Visiting Indonesia during the wet season is a great way to keep your travel costs down. As this is the off-peak tourism time in the country, travelers can find attractive discounts on hotel and travel fares.

If you are planning a trip to Indonesia during the rainy winter season, here are some of the destinations that you visit:

1. Bali

Of course, if you are coming to Indonesia, a Bali tour should be on your list. This island is known all over the world for its stunning landscapes, temples, and monuments.

Major attractions: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and Ulun Danu Beratan Temple.

Pros:

• Bali tends to have way fewer tourists during the wet season.
• You can explore one of the many secluded beaches in Bali, such as Blue Point Beach, without having to share your space with thousands of tourists.

Cons:

• Activities such as hiking and swimming could be disrupted by rainfall.

2. Raja Ampat Archipelago

Raja Ampat is one of the most stunning archipelagoes in Indonesia. Home to plenty of charming islands, this place is ideal for those wanting to see local wildlife and experience the authentic Indonesian lifestyle.

Major attractions: Arborek village, beaches, and coral islands.

Pros:

• The wet months are the low season, meaning that you will be able to enjoy the extraordinary landscapes at your own pace and in a crowd-free environment.
• This is the best period of the year to embark on a trip looking for whales.
• The period between December and March is the best time to see and experience the culture and daily lifestyle of Arborek villagers.

Cons:

• Sudden rainfall may create difficulty for you to enjoy water sports such as snorkeling.

3. Jakarta

The capital of Indonesia is the ideal spot for those wanting to explore the urban culture, nightlife and tourist attractions. Here you can spend your days at one of the many museums in the city, explore the city’s mosques, or enjoy the fanfare of the New Year's Eve celebrations. Here are our tours to Jakarta.

Major attractions: The National Monument, Istiqlal Mosque and Merdeka Square.

Pros:

• Low tourist crowds can be the perfect setting for you to see and experience the authentic side of Jakarta.
• If you are looking to ring in the new year during your Indonesia trip, then Jakarta is the place to be. On this day, the government also conducts a mass wedding ceremony for hundreds of couples.
• You can escape the rainy afternoon visiting the local museums and galleries. The National Museum of Indonesia and Basuki Abdullah Museum are popular indoor attractions that you can check out.

Cons:

• Outdoor sightseeing tours could be hampered by rainfall.

With these options, you are bound to have a great time in winter in Indonesia.

Here are some activities to consider if you are traveling to the country during winter:

• Explore the local culture: The winter months are ideal to get a real sense of the authentic Indonesian lifestyle due to the lack of tourists. Listen to gamelan music or visit one of the many temples in the country, like Borobudur Temple, Sewu Temple and Lumbung Temple, without having to wait for hours in a queue. Another great option is to head to small villages such as Wae Rebo village, Baduy village, and Kete Kesu village to explore the local culture away from tourist sites. Check out some of our local culture tours in Indonesia.
• Spot wild animals: Winter can also be ideal for those wanting to explore Indonesian wildlife. Head to the coral triangle to swim with sea turtles and manta rays or try your luck at whale watching. Alternatively, you can also volunteer at an orangutan conservation center, something that tends to be easier outside of the high season. And last but not least, make sure to head to Komodo Island to check out the biggest lizard in the world, the Komodo dragon. 
• Enjoy the beach: Despite what most people think, surfing in the rain is absolutely safe. Head towards Uluwatu, G Land, or Desert Point to find the best waves. If you are not into surfing, you can spend a day at sea snorkeling. The fascinating Raja Ampat archipelago is where you will find many water-based activities to enjoy. You can find our beach tours to Indonesia here.

Despite wet conditions, the winter months in Indonesia offer an amazing variety of activities for all types of travelers.

• As there is a high chance of heavy rain during this time, bring a good rain jacket.
• Most people associate rain with cold temperatures, but this is not the case in Indonesia. So make sure to bring light clothes and sunscreen with you.
• Most locals do not speak English, so try to learn a few Indonesian phrases to communicate with people.

If you can brave the rain, winter in Indonesia can surely offer an unforgettable holiday experience. Explore one of the many hiking trails, try your best to spot the local wildlife, and take part in local celebrations to get one of the most authentic experiences of your lifetime. With cheaper fares, fewer tourists, and plenty of sites to discover, the prospect is irresistible.

Contact our travel experts to book a customized trip to Indonesia.