When to go · Indonesia
Indonesia in January
Mixed month. Wettest month in Bali and Java; Jakarta floods; Raja Ampat good.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Crowds
- Medium
- Indonesia
- Prices
- Medium
- Indonesia
Verdict
Wettest month in Bali and Java; Jakarta floods; Raja Ampat good.
Weather in January
- Bali, Lombok and Nusa Tenggara · Bali, Gili islands, Flores, Komodorainy
Dry season Apr–Oct; rainy season Nov–Mar brings afternoon downpours, rough seas to the Gilis and Komodo, and floods in south Bali.
- Java · Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bromo, Ijenrainy
Same rhythm as Bali; Jakarta floods in Jan–Feb; Bromo and Ijen nights near 5 °C.
- Sumatra · Medan, Lake Toba, Bukit Lawang, Padangfine
Wet most of the year, driest Jun–Aug in the north; haze from fires possible Aug–Oct.
- Sulawesi and Maluku · Toraja, Bunaken, Raja Ampat (Papua)fine
Patterns vary by island; Raja Ampat is best Oct–Apr, when the Bali side is wet.
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
New Year
1 Jan
Bali full; fireworks.
Chinese New Year (Imlek)
Jan–Feb (lunar — check)
Public holiday; busy in Chinese communities.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Indonesia
- Medium
- Prices · Indonesia
- Medium
What to pack
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast