Best time to visit Indonesia

September to March is the ideal season for visiting Papua and scuba-diving off the coasts of Banda or Kai. In addition to some heavenly beaches and incredible ocean life, the volcanoes of the Maluku Islands are another natural wonder to explore here. The advantage of travelling to this region during the low season is that flights and accommodation are considerably cheaper.

To visit Bali, the beloved destination of millions of tourists from all around the world, be sure to travel in either May or September. This is the best time to travel to Bali to enjoy its luscious beaches and incredible cultural sights. The peak season is between July and August, so you can expect crowds of Indonesians and foreign travellers alike during these months.

The months of May, June and July are best for travelling to Indonesia if you wish to visit Sumatra. July and August are also part of the dry season, but be prepared to pay higher prices for flights and accommodation during these months. A trip to Sumatra is the chance to enjoy pleasant temperatures and sunshine-filled days, perfect for exploring the island's jungles, villages and idyllic beaches.

If you’re a fan of scuba diving, Sulawesi is for you. Also known as Célebes, the island contains the Wakatobi Marine National Park, one of the most impressive underwater reserves in the world. Once again, the best time to visit Indonesia and this island is during the dry season: from May to September.

Another one of Indonesia’s most famous scuba-diving destinations is the Derawan Archipelago, home to the Komodo National Park. Sharks, dolphins and manta rays are all waiting to be discovered here! Experienced divers consider this region a true paradise on earth. Likewise, May to September are considered the best months to visit the Derawan Islands.

In terms of tourist seasons, the best time to travel to Indonesia is during the shoulder season, which includes the months of May, June and September. During these months the temperature is pleasant and it is less crowded.

The low season, which runs from October to April, also happens to be the rainy season. During these months you can find some great travel deals and you make the most of the perfect scuba-diving weather in Papua and the Maluku Islands. If you don’t mind the rain, the downpours tend to happen during the late afternoon, so there's still plenty of time to enjoy the beach and sightseeing.

During the high season, specifically the months of July and August, Indonesia receives the largest influx of tourists. For this reason, prices can rise up to fifty percent. As well as spending more on your trip, you will have to be prepared to share the popular tourist sites with other travellers.

Now that you know when to travel to Indonesia, discover this beautiful country of breathtaking tropical islands with Exoticca!