Best Time to Visit Lombok — Weather & Seasons Guide 2026

## When should you visit Lombok? Lombok's tropical climate creates two distinct seasons that shape the travel experience in fundamentally different ways. Understanding the weather patterns, crowd levels, and seasonal activities will help you choose the perfect time for your trip. The short answer: dry season (April-October) for the most reliable weather, but every month has something to offer. ## What is Lombok's dry season like? The dry season runs from approximately April through October, with June to September being the driest and most popular months. During this period, you can expect: - **Temperatures:** 27-32°C (81-90°F) during the day, dropping to 22-25°C at night. The highlands around Tetebatu and Sembalun are noticeably cooler, especially at night (15-20°C). - **Rainfall:** Very little. You might get an occasional brief shower, but most days are entirely dry with blue skies. - **Humidity:** Lower than wet season but still tropical — expect 60-75%. - **Ocean conditions:** Calm on the west coast (Senggigi, Gili Islands). The south coast gets swell from the Indian Ocean, creating excellent surf conditions. Diving visibility peaks at 25-30 meters around the Gilis. ### Month-by-month dry season breakdown **April-May (Early dry / Shoulder season)** The rains taper off and the landscape is at its greenest and most photogenic. This is arguably the best time to visit — fewer tourists than peak season, lower prices, and beautiful conditions. Rice terraces in Tetebatu are lush. Some afternoon showers still possible but brief. **June-August (Peak dry / High season)** The driest months with the most reliable weather. This is peak tourist season: accommodation prices are at their highest, popular restaurants need reservations, Gili Trawangan is at its busiest, and Rinjani treks book out weeks ahead. The surf on the south coast is pumping. Diving visibility is excellent. Temperatures are hot but manageable with the dry air. **September-October (Late dry / Shoulder season)** The tail end of dry season offers excellent conditions with diminishing crowds. September is still reliably dry; October sees the first signs of returning moisture with occasional showers. Prices drop noticeably from August levels. An excellent time for budget-conscious travelers who want dry weather. ## What is Lombok's wet season like? The wet season runs from approximately November through March, with December to February being the wettest months. Wet season does not mean constant rain — it typically means: - **Morning:** Often clear and sunny - **Afternoon:** Heavy tropical downpours lasting 1-3 hours, usually between 2pm and 6pm - **Evening:** Often clears up for pleasant, cooler evenings - **Overnight:** Thunderstorms are common ### Is wet season a bad time to visit? Not necessarily. There are genuine advantages: - **Prices drop 30-50%** on accommodation across the island - **Crowds disappear** — popular spots that are busy in July are deserted in January - **Landscapes are spectacular** — waterfalls are at full power, rice terraces are emerald green, and the air feels fresh after rain - **Fruit season** — mangoes, mangosteens, rambutans, and durian are at their best - **Water temperature** is warmer (29-30°C vs 26-27°C in dry season) ### Wet season limitations - **Mount Rinjani is closed** for trekking from January to March (sometimes extending into April) due to dangerous trail conditions - **Gili Island boats** can be cancelled in rough weather - **South coast surf** can be blown out by onshore winds - **Diving visibility** drops to 10-15 meters around the Gilis - **Some dirt roads** in remote areas (East Lombok, Sekotong) become difficult or impassable - **Dengue mosquitoes** are more active during wet season — use repellent ## What are the best months for specific activities? | Activity | Best Months | Why | |----------|------------|-----| | Surfing (south coast) | May-September | Consistent Indian Ocean swell, offshore winds | | Diving (Gili Islands) | April-November | Best visibility 25-30m, calm conditions | | Rinjani trekking | April-November | Trail open, dry conditions, clear views | | Snorkeling | Year-round | Gili Islands are sheltered; visibility varies | | Waterfall visits | November-April | Maximum water flow, spectacular cascades | | Cultural festivals | July-August | Bau Nyale festival, Perang Topat | | Budget travel | November-March | 30-50% cheaper accommodation | | Photography | April-May | Green landscapes, clear skies, low crowds | ## What about special events and festivals? Lombok has several cultural events that might influence your timing: - **Bau Nyale Festival** (February/March) — Sasak sea worm harvesting festival on the south coast beaches. Colorful cultural celebration with traditional music, dance, and a pre-dawn seaworm hunt. Exact date follows the Sasak calendar. - **Perang Topat** (November/December) — A unique ceremony at Lingsar Temple where Hindus and Muslims throw rice cakes at each other as a symbol of peace and fertility. - **Lebaran/Eid al-Fitr** (date varies) — The end of Ramadan. Lombok goes quiet during Ramadan (Muslim fasting month), then erupts in celebration at Lebaran. Many businesses close for a week. Domestic tourism peaks — hotels are fully booked by Indonesian families. - **Nyepi** (March) — Balinese Day of Silence observed by Lombok's Hindu minority. The Gili Islands are not affected. ## How does Ramadan affect travel in Lombok? Lombok is predominantly Muslim, and Ramadan has a noticeable impact on daily life. During the fasting month (dates shift annually — check the Islamic calendar): - Many local restaurants and warungs close during daytime hours - Tourist-facing restaurants in Kuta, Senggigi, and the Gilis remain open but may have reduced hours - Alcohol availability may be limited in non-tourist areas - The call to prayer is more frequent and louder, especially pre-dawn - Local life slows down noticeably during the day - **Lebaran** (Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan) is essentially Indonesia's Christmas — expect fully booked hotels and transport for 1-2 weeks surrounding the holiday ## What should you pack for each season? ### Dry season essentials - Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+) — the tropical sun is intense - Light, breathable clothing - A light jacket for highland areas (Tetebatu, Sembalun) - Reef shoes for beach walking - Hat and sunglasses ### Wet season additions - Quick-dry clothing - Waterproof phone case - Light rain jacket or poncho - Mosquito repellent with DEET - Waterproof bag for electronics ## Summary — When to visit Lombok For most travelers, **May to September** offers the most reliable experience with dry weather, excellent diving, great surf, and open Rinjani trails. Within that window, **May and September** are the sweet spot — great weather with fewer crowds and lower prices than the June-August peak. If you are flexible and budget-conscious, **October to November** or **March to April** offer a gambling sweet spot where you might get dry weather at wet-season prices. Avoid **December to February** unless you specifically want the cheapest rates, the emptiest beaches, and do not mind afternoon rain. And plan around **Ramadan and Lebaran** regardless of season.