Indonesia in May: All You Need to Know
Good weather across Indonesia makes May one of the best times to visit the archipelago. And with the peak vacation period still a couple of months away, you will get to enjoy the country’s many attractions in a crowd-free environment and in your own sweet time. Learn about the fascinating island cultures; enjoy the heavenly beaches overlooking warm, inviting waters; or go on a jungle adventure to spot the elusive orangutan. Visit Indonesia and explore all there is in May.
Indonesia Weather in May
Broadly speaking, the weather in Indonesia in May is suitable for traveling the entire 3,000-mile breadth of the archipelago. Still, the best weather conditions can be found in the country’s western and central islands, which include the popular destinations of Java, Bali, Komodo, and the Gili Islands. Barring the occasional and quickly-passing tropical rain showers, these regions see plenty of clear and sunny skies, with an average temperature of 30°C. In eastern regions, such as Raja Ampat and West Papua, temperatures are similar, but they receive heavy rains as the southeast monsoon arrives.
With the weather playing ball, all our top places to visit in Indonesia can be on your list of potential destinations, meaning you will probably also want to check out our on the best time to visit Indonesia.
Weather in Indonesia in May - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 30 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 33 | 32 | 31 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 26 | 26 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 86 | 86 | 87.8 | 89.6 | 89.6 | 89.6 | 87.8 | 89.6 | 89.6 | 91.4 | 89.6 | 87.8 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 78.8 | 78.8 | 78.8 | 78.8 | 78.8 | 78.8 | 78.8 | 78.8 | 78.8 | 80.6 | 78.8 | 78.8 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 98 | 84 | 75 | 84 | 53 | 47 | 31 | 50 | 26 | 50 | 90 | 73 |
Why Visit Indonesia in May
Fine weather conditions of May mean no place is off-limits for travelers to explore Indonesia. But this is not the only reason why you should visit this gem of a country in May. In fact, there are several reasons, and here are some:
- Top outdoor conditions: May provides plenty of clear sunny days in Indonesia, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and climbing. Enjoy a jungle hike as the trails usually dry up by this time, or tackle the impressive range of peaks on offer. If hiking and climbing is not your thing, there is no shortage of pristine beaches and water activities.
- Special events: May is the month of one of the biggest Buddhist celebrations of the year, Waisak (or Buddha) Day in Indonesia. Head to Borobudur for the main celebrations, which see thousands of monks and devotees gather for the event.
- Good rates: Plenty of deals can be found on flights and accommodation if you are traveling to Indonesia in May. Budget travelers can usually get by at around $50 per day.
- Low crowds: The peak of the tourist season is still some way off, leaving even popular destinations such as Bali relatively calm and free of tourist crowds. So May can be the best month to visit Indonesia not just for budget travelers but also for those who do not like crowded destinations.
Where to go and what to do
Bali’s beaches are hard to resist and particularly so in the month of May. With plenty of sun and clear skies, the country offers many water activities like snorkeling and scuba diving. Away from the coast, hikers and climbers can look to Java, where Mount Ijen and Mount Bromo provide treks of various days. This is also the chance to go see the Komodo dragons on the island of Komodo. While you are there, also check out its stunning coral reef. Travelers will also not want to miss Kalimantan and Sumatra for their sheer natural beauty. These islands are also home to the world’s three orangutan species and May is a perfect time to embark on an orangutan-spotting trek. All these are only but some of the things to do in May.
For more information see things to do in Indonesia or how many days to spend in Indonesia.
Although not the peak tourist season, May is still one of the best times to visit Indonesia. This is the time when you can enjoy the country’s top attractions without having to contend with large tourist crowds. The weather conditions are also generally fine across the country to embark on tours of all kinds. Better yet, the low season rates will be easier on your travel budget.
Check out our pick of May Indonesia tours, or contact our local travel experts who can help you create a customized Indonesia trip for you.
