The unique and diverse Indonesia is considered the largest island state in the world and one of the oldest on the planet. The country deserves many more epithets that emphasize its uniqueness, beauty and diversity. The number of islands it consists of exceeds 17 thousand. They stretch between two completely different continents, Australia and Asia, surround the equator, and are washed by two oceans. You can visit these tropical islands at any time of the year - warm weather allows. And yet there are seasons in which it is best to come to Indonesia on vacation.
Types of tourist seasons
A single climatic space allows you to travel around the islands all year round. In the dry season, rest is preferable, therefore, prices for tourist services are high. You can choose another time for the trip. It will still be warm and interesting.
High season
This is the period from May to October, when there is a minimum of rain and gentle heat. The high season coincides with school and student holidays, and summer vacations. Bali, Lombok, Flores and other islands are filled with tourists, although the holidays in Indonesia cannot be called budgetary. Advance booking is required. Not to save money, just in the high season you may not find normal accommodation options. The cost of services in the high season is also very high. But the splendor of beaches with the finest purest sand, on different islands of various shades, warm clear water, the beauty of the tropics and the friendliness of local residents justify the high cost of recreation. It is varied - from luxury beachfront to diving, surfing and fishing.
Fishing season
Indonesia is a mecca for both fishing and spearfishing. You can fish all year round, but the rainy season is not the best time to go to the open sea, because fishing in Indonesia is ocean fishing. Amateur anglers come from April to October to Sumatra, Java and, of course, Bali. The latter has the most fish - there the sea area intersects with the Indian Ocean. You can go to the open sea, fish in the coastal mangrove forests. An interesting night fishing, where fish are lured by a searchlight.
The assortment of trophies is varied:
- marlin;
- various types of tuna - blue, big-eyed, etc.;
- mackerel;
- mahi mahi, a fish like a dolphin;
- horse mackerel in size from large to giant;
- barracuda;
- slope.
You don't have to take tackle with you. Fishing companies provide everything you need for it. An additional bonus to the fishing process is the incredibly beautiful landscapes, sunsets and flocks of dolphins accompanying the fishing boats.
Diving season
The island state has the richest underwater world. Over 20% of the world's coral reefs are located in Indonesia. The diversity of the ecosystem of the aquatic archipelago amazes scientists and attracts divers. The best diving season is from May to October, when there are no strong underwater currents and the water is clear in the absence of winds.
There are many centers in Bali not only for experienced divers, but also for those who, having come here, wanted to see with their own eyes exotic fish, shipwrecks and other underwater exotic. Experienced instructors will provide beginners with equipment, teach and insure their first dives.
Surfing season
In Bali, surfing is as popular as beach vacations. The dry season is considered the safest for surfing. It is practiced all over the island, but most of the clubs are located in the southwest, in Kuta and Uluwatu.
The season usually opens in July. At this time, world renowned surfers come to the famous Padang Padang beach. And also fans of big waves and just tourists in anticipation of a spectacular competition, or rather a cup. The event has no exact date. All those gathered are waiting for waves with a height of at least three meters. Padang Beach has a reef bottom. And, since a real wave happens at low tide, then real skill is required from the participants in the competition. They say that the spectators of the cup are so breathtaking that they are ready for weeks, together with surfers, to wait for a wave.
In winter, you can also ride the waves in Bali, but this time on the east coast.
Low season
It begins in October, although the peak is in November. At this time, beach lovers are replaced by curious tourists. Precipitation during the rainy season occurs mainly at night. And in the afternoon, you can get acquainted with the customs and rituals of the inhabitants of different islands, with their rich history and sights.
On the island of Java, in addition to visiting the capital, Jakarta, it is interesting to get acquainted with the Prambanan and Borobudur temple complexes, which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Bintan Island offers excursions to the elephant park and pineapple farm.
In Sumatra, it is worth visiting Lake Toba, the Krakatoa volcano, the Paradise Mosque, the Maimun Palace, and magnificent national parks.
On the island of Sulawesi it is interesting to get acquainted with the Toraja people, famous for their unusual way of life.
In Borneo (Kalimantan), famous for its tropical forests, you should definitely visit an excellent ethnographic museum, a turtle farm, and reserves. One of them, Gunung Mulu, has a cable car that hangs from the trees. Walking along it is a real extreme, but those who dare to see stunning landscapes from above.
Anytime in Indonesia, you can find great relaxation, active entertainment, exotic attractions and exciting events.
Climate of Indonesia
The island state is located on both sides of the equator. The equatorial climate on different islands differs mainly in oceanic winds. These monsoons form wet, November to March, and dry, April to October, periods. Seasonality is exactly the opposite in the Moluccas and North Sumatra.
The average annual temperature on the plains of most of the islands is + 25 + 26 ° С, in the foothills + 20 ° С, frosts are even possible in the mountains.
Spring in Indonesia
The rainy season ends in March, they still go on some islands for an average of five to seven days a month. At this time, a humid heat sets in in Bali - up to + 34 ° С, the water is heated to + 28 ° С.
In April, the rainy season is over, the weather is stable, sunny and dry. In Bali, it is still hot and stuffy in April, the temperatures in March remain the same.
There is often fog on islands with mountains in May. Comfortable sunny weather comes to Bali, the water temperature remains at around + 28 ° C. The high season has not yet begun, and you can have an inexpensive vacation when the weather is great.
Summer in Indonesia
In June, a hot summer is established on the islands. The temperature of both air and water does not drop below + 30 ° С even at night. At the same time, the humidity is reduced, which makes it easy to tolerate high temperatures. This marks the start of the high season. The exception is the Moluccas. There the period of winds begins.
In July, the weather is dry and warm, the resorts are crowded, the prices are high. Tourists tired of hot sea water go on excursions to the mountains.
In August, the weather in Bali does not change, but the long-awaited coolness often comes in the evening. Jeans are good for boat trips, and surfers wear wetsuits.
Autumn in Indonesia
In September, the weather remains summer: warm air, warm water, no rain. In anticipation of the wet season, there may be slight precipitation on the east coast, and the air humidity increases on the Indian Ocean coast. On the islands, it is low tide month, which should be taken into account by fans of diving and surfing.
In October, the humidity reaches one hundred percent, amid high temperatures. This marks the end of the dry season in nature and the high season in tourism. Prices for vouchers are low, but only healthy people who are not afraid of the humid stuffiness can take advantage of this.
Since November, it has rained every night on almost all islands. It is still warm, but cloudy. The sea is restless. Divers are leaving, there are surfers who conquer high waves.
Winter in Indonesia
In December, the air and water temperatures are the same - on average + 26 ° С. It is comfortable enough and helps to tolerate excessive moisture both on beaches and on excursions. There are few divers due to the December low tide, surfers can still catch the wave, but the sea is already quite calm. The number of tourists is growing for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
The rainy season begins in January. They can go every day. Due to the high temperatures, moisture evaporates quickly, making the air as stuffy as in a sauna. In January, you can find several days of good weather, if not on one island, then on another.
February is considered the wettest period. Showers are accompanied by thunderstorms, especially in Java. Air humidity one hundred percent.
