Indonesia spans 5,000+ kilometers and straddles the equator — weather patterns vary dramatically by region and month. Choosing the wrong time can mean cancelled trips, rough seas, and missed wildlife. Here's the definitive month-by-month guide to planning your yacht charter.
The 30-Second Summary
| Destination | Best Months | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Komodo | April - November | January - February |
| Raja Ampat | October - April | June - August |
| Bali Waters | April - October | December - February |
| Banda Islands | September - November | June - August |
Understanding Indonesia's Seasons
Indonesia has two main seasons:
- Dry Season (April - October): Southeast monsoon brings calm seas to southern Indonesia (Bali, Komodo, Lombok)
- Wet Season (November - March): Northwest monsoon brings rain and calmer conditions to northern/eastern regions (Raja Ampat)
Key insight: When it's rough in Komodo, it's calm in Raja Ampat — and vice versa. Smart travelers follow the seasons.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
🗓️ January
| Region | Conditions | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Komodo | Wet, rough seas, some boats dry-docked | ⭐⭐ |
| Raja Ampat | Peak season! Calm seas, manta rays | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Bali | Wet season, afternoon storms | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Best choice: Raja Ampat — peak diving season with excellent visibility and manta encounters.
🗓️ February
| Region | Conditions | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Komodo | Peak wet, choppy conditions | ⭐⭐ |
| Raja Ampat | Excellent diving continues | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Bali | Wettest month, but mornings often clear | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Best choice: Still Raja Ampat. Komodo is best avoided.
🗓️ March
| Region | Conditions | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Komodo | Transition month, improving | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Raja Ampat | Still excellent, late season | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Bali | Rains easing, seas calming | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Best choice: Either works — Raja Ampat for diving, Komodo becoming viable.
🗓️ April
| Region | Conditions | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Komodo | Season opens! Calm seas, excellent visibility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Raja Ampat | End of season, boats heading out | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Bali | Dry season starting | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Best choice: Komodo season begins. April has fewer crowds than peak months.
🗓️ May
| Region | Conditions | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Komodo | Prime conditions | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Raja Ampat | Off-season, rough seas | ⭐⭐ |
| Bali | Perfect conditions | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Best choice: Anywhere in southern Indonesia — Komodo, Bali, Lombok, Lombok Strait fishing.
🗓️ June
| Region | Conditions | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Komodo | Excellent — mantas arriving | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Raja Ampat | Most boats dry-docked | ❌ |
| Bali | Peak dry season | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Best choice: Komodo — perfect weather, manta season starting at cleaning stations.
🗓️ July
| Region | Conditions | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Komodo | Peak but crowded (European holidays) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Raja Ampat | Off-season | ❌ |
| Bali | Busy season, great weather | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Note: Book 3-4 months ahead for July travel. Peak European vacation period.
🗓️ August
| Region | Conditions | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Komodo | Busiest month — book well ahead | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Raja Ampat | Off-season | ❌ |
| Bali | Crowded but excellent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Warning: August is the busiest month in Indonesia. Prices peak, boats sell out months ahead.
🗓️ September
| Region | Conditions | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Komodo | Sweet spot — great weather, fewer crowds | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Raja Ampat | Boats returning, season starting | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Banda Islands | Best month for Banda! | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Best choice: September is our favorite month for Komodo — peak conditions, post-August crowds.
🗓️ October
| Region | Conditions | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Komodo | Excellent, late season | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Raja Ampat | Season opens — prime time begins | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Bali | Transition, still good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Best choice: Both Komodo and Raja Ampat are excellent. A "crossover" month.
🗓️ November
| Region | Conditions | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Komodo | Late season, occasional rain | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Raja Ampat | Peak season — best visibility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Bali | Wet season starting | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Best choice: Raja Ampat — November often has the best visibility of the season.
🗓️ December
| Region | Conditions | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Komodo | Wet season, some boats running | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Raja Ampat | Excellent diving, holiday crowds | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Bali | Wet but festive | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Note: Christmas/New Year is peak booking period for Raja Ampat. Book 4-6 months ahead.
Wildlife Calendar
| What | Where | When |
|---|---|---|
| Manta Rays | Komodo (Manta Point) | April - October |
| Manta Rays | Raja Ampat (Manta Sandy) | November - April |
| Whale Sharks | Cenderawasih Bay | Year-round (peak August) |
| Hammerhead Sharks | Banda Sea | September - November |
| Mobula Rays | Alor/Flores | June - September |
Booking Windows
- Peak season (July-August, Christmas): Book 3-6 months ahead
- Shoulder season (April-June, September-October): Book 1-3 months ahead
- Off-season: Last-minute often available, but fewer boats operate
Budget Hack: Shoulder Season
The best value is April-May and September-October for Komodo, and November and March for Raja Ampat. Same excellent conditions, 20-30% lower prices, and fewer crowds.
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