Indonesia in October: Getting Around Rainy Season Hassles
October marks the beginning of the monsoon season in Indonesia, but you can still plan your vacation around places that see low amounts of rainfall and have a wonderful time. If you wish to avoid the peak season tourist crowds and stretch your travel budget, this is one of the best times to visit Indonesia. The country’s tourist attractions are not as crowded, and the flights and accommodations are not as expensive if you travel to Indonesia in October.
Indonesia Weather in October
The rainy season in Indonesia starts in November, so expect the country to be fairly wet in October. Still, precipitation amounts vary from one place to another. Head to Sulawesi or the Moluccas for comparatively drier weather. Temperatures in these islands could reach the highs of 28°C and 34°C respectively. You can also explore Bali in October, when rainfall, though common, is usually brief. You will find plenty of fine weather windows for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The average temperature in Bali in October is 27°C.
Check out our seasonal overview for the best time to visit Indonesia.
Weather in Indonesia in October - 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 October
Blessed with incredible natural beauty and rich biodiversity, Indonesia can be a great holiday destination even during the low season. Below are some perks travelers can enjoy if they travel to Indonesia in October:
- Maulidur-Rasl: Maulidur-Rasl is the celebration of the birth anniversary of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, which is commemorated in Rabi’ al-awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar. Large street parades mark the event, and it is common practice for adherents to decorate their residences, places of business, and mosques.
- Last of the Summer sun: Even though October is part of the rainy season in Indonesia, there is still plenty of beach-worthy weather on offer across the country’s 17,000 islands, making it a fantastic place to soak up the sun.
- Better rates: Indonesia’s peak season does not stretch as far as October. Travelers can therefore find better airfare and hotel rates during this time than during the peak season.
- Fewer crowds: Although Indonesia’s top attractions are far from empty in October, reduced visitor numbers allow you to really take in the sights more closely and at your own leisure.
Where to Go and What to Do
There is a wide array of things to do and places to visit in Indonesia in October. For beach stays, Bali is still a great destination since it receives much less rainfall than its neighboring islands.
Surabaya and Lumpur on the island of Java make for a perfect introduction to today’s Indonesia, with its mix of ancient and modern. A visit to the island of Yogyakarta is recommended, where you will find the impressive Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple.
Head across to Sumatra or Kalimantan in Indonesian Borneo for your chance to see the critically endangered orangutans swinging through the canopy, or delve beneath the waters of the Coral Sea to experience the world of underwater life by joining diving and snorkeling excursions off the Banda Islands.
October is probably your last chance of the year to summit Indonesia’s volcanoes, whether that is Mount Bromo on Java or Mt Rinjani on Lombok. Checking the weather forecast in advance is advisable if you are planning to go volcano hiking in Indonesia in October.
Indonesia has more than enough attractions and activities to tempt visitors even during the low season. October is a rainy month in Indonesia, but you can still find places that are relatively dry and enjoy almost all the activities available during the high season.
Organizing a holiday can be stressful, so let our travel experts do the heavy lifting for you with our customizable trips to Indonesia. All you need to do is provide a couple of quick requirements and they will do the rest. You can also find our guide on how long to stay in Indonesia helpful.
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