Indonesia Rainy Season Planner
Pick your travel month, interests and rain-tolerance. The planner ranks Indonesia's major regions by fit, flags realistic caveats, and points to the right itineraries.
Ranked regions for May
May: Dry — recommended
Sunny mornings even in wet season; heavy afternoon storms typical Nov-Mar.
May: Dry — recommended
Jakarta floods in worst-wet weeks. Borobudur sunrise often clouded in wet season.
May: Dry — recommended
Drier than western Indonesia. Diving visibility best Apr-Nov; some liveaboards close Jan-Mar.
Caveat: Many liveaboards close Jan-Mar.
May: Dry — recommended
Equatorial - rain possible any time. Aug-Oct can have haze from agricultural fires.
Caveat: Aug-Oct can have haze from agricultural fires.
May: Dry — recommended
Toraja funerals concentrate Jul-Sep. Bunaken diving visibility best Apr-Nov.
May: Wet — afternoon storms common
Inverted season from western Indonesia. Best diving Oct-Apr.
Caveat: Inverted season — best Oct-Apr (opposite to most of Indonesia).
Notes: Wet-season Indonesia typically means clear mornings + heavy afternoon storms, not constant rain. For specific weather, see BMKG forecasts. See our rainy season practical guide (where seeded) and disclaimer.
Frequently asked
When is Indonesia's rainy season?
Most of Indonesia is wet November to March. The peak is January and February. Raja Ampat and eastern Indonesia have an inverted season — their best months are October–April.
Can I still travel in the wet season?
Yes. Most days have a clear morning + heavy afternoon storm + clear evening. Hotels are 25–50% cheaper, crowds drop, and rice paddies are at their greenest. Skip volcanic treks, fast-boat-dependent outer islands, and tight onward flight connections.
Which Indonesian region is driest year-round?
Komodo / Flores has the most reliable dry season (May–November) and shorter, milder wet season than Bali. Raja Ampat is the opposite — driest October–April.