|
Situated astride
the equator, Indonesia experiences a tropical climate.
Wet Season:
November - April
Dry Season: May - October
Temperatures
are hotter along the coast and more moderate at higher elevations.
Humidity remains high with a yearly average of 70-90%.
Rainfall can
occur at any time of the year but is higher in the mountainous
areas where there is very little distinction between the wet and
dry seasons.
Central Indonesia
is the driest area.
Due to its
southerly position, Indonesia is not prone to cyclones or typhoons
but thunderstorms are quite common.
Carry a
lightweight jumper as it can be chillingly cold inside air-conditioned
buildings.
HAZE
- In recent years Indonesia has suffered from the phenomena
known in Asia as "Haze". Caused in part by forest fires
and out of control "slash and burn" practices in both Indonesia
and Malaysia - late Summer/early Autumn have seen sunny
skies obscured for days and poor air quality. Haze is difficult
to predict, however efforts are being made to prevent a
recurrence of the severe hazes of 1996 and 1997. |
|
Western
Indonesia
| Padang
|
Average
temperature |
Average
rainfall |
Wet
Season
November-April |
22 - 31oC |
380mm |
Dry
Season
May - October |
23 - 31oC |
316mm |
|
Central Kalimantan,
Jakarta, Java, Sumatra
Primarily
due to the elevation of much of the land, this is the wettest
region of Indonesia. Rain is common year round with no real distinction
between the wet and dry seasons. Temperatures remain constant
throughout, although warmer clothes are required in the mountainous
regions where temperatures can drop well below the average.
Best time
to visit: Between June and September when rainfall
tends to be marginally lower.
Central
Indonesia
|
Bali
|
Average
temperature |
Average
rainfall |
Wet
Season
November - April |
23 - 30oC |
217mm |
Dry
Season
May - October |
23
- 31oC |
83mm |
|
Bali,
East Timor, East & South Kalimantan, Lombok, Sulawesi
This area
remains hot and humid year round, with temperatures holding at
around 30oC.
The western
monsoon brings the heaviest rain between December and March -
rain normally falls in intense showers for a short period only.
Moving closer
to the mountains, skies become cloudier and showers more frequent
but the climate is always pleasant. In the higher climes, temperatures
fall and visitors will definitely need either a sweater or jacket
after sunset.
Best time
to visit: April to September, as rainfall is much lighter
- although this is the busiest time for visitors.
Eastern
Indonesia
|
Iryan
Jaya
|
Average
temperature |
Average
rainfall |
Wet
Season
November - April |
24 - 31oC |
260mm |
Dry
Season
May - October
|
23 - 28oC |
147mm |
|
Iryan Jaya,
Maluka
Most of the
recorded rain falls in the mountainous regions, hence coastal
areas can actually be drier. An umbrella is always useful, as
are warmer clothes if intending to visit the mountains as temperatures
can drop - particularly during the night. Elsewhere, temperatures
remain hot and humid and lightweight clothing is advisable.
Best time
to visit: During the Dry Season when rainfall is lower.
|