Indonesia weather & when to go: August

NB: the westernmost point of Indonesia is a full 3200 miles from the eastern most tip, so it should come as no surprise that summarising the weather is not straightforward. The tables above split the ‘country’ (made up of 17,508 islands) into two regions - the western & central islands and the eastern islands (that sit to the east of the Wallace Line), however we encourage you to read the more detailed summaries below as there can be significant variations in conditions between the islands within each group.

Java

Peak season continues throughout August as visitors make the most of hot, dry, sunny weather conditions, so we would suggest booking in advance if you plan to travel to Java during this time. August is in fact one of the driest months of the year across the island, especially so in Surabaya and East Java. Temperatures remain high in August (avg temp: 30°C), although slightly lower humidity levels make travelling more comfortable and less sticky in the cities of Jakarta and Yogyakarta.

Nusa Tenggara

Lombok, Flores, Komodo National Park, Sumba

The good news and excellent weather conditions continue across Lombok, Flores and Sumba in August. It’s the driest month of the year across the Nusa Tenggara islands with little other than sunshine and clear blue skies to distract you. Rainfall is unlikely, humidity levels are low and average temperatures are a comfortable 26-27°C. What's not to like?!

Bali

August is the sunniest month of the year on Bali, with an average of 10 hours of sunshine a day. It's another dry month, with temperatures averaging 27°C. The island is enjoying perfect beach conditions, making the south coast resorts of Jimbaran, Sanur and Seminyak particularly busy, so early booking is recommended. The central region around Ubud and Munduk experiences slightly cooler, more comfortable temperatures in August.

Kalimantan

August is one of the driest months of the year in Kalimantan which makes travelling across the island much easier. August days are characterised by plenty of sunshine, high humidity and hot temperatures which can reach 33°C – it tends to be one of the hottest months of the year.

Sumatra

The peak season continues throughout August as Sumatra enjoys favourable weather conditions. August is one of the driest months of the year, especially in Palembang and South Sumatra, although the odd intense rain shower is possible on occasion in Medan and northern Sumatra. Temperatures typically hover around 27-28°C, with highs of 32°C and 33°C to be expected. 

Sulawesi

August is one of the driest months of the year across the island of Sulawesi, although showers should still be expected if you’re visiting Manado and northern Sulawesi. Days are predominantly sunny, with blue skies, especially in Toraja and the southern regions. The combination of minimal rainfall, with lower humidity levels and comfortable temperatures (avg temp: 27°C), make August a particularly good month to visit Sulawesi. 

The Moluccas

August is the last wet month of the year across the central Molucca islands of Ambon and Seram; high winds and rainfall affect boat transfers in the Banda Islands. However, average temperatures of 28-30°C and dry, sunny days can be enjoyed across the southern islands of Kei and Aru, and the northern islands of Ternate and Tidore. August is an excellent time of year for spotting the Greater Birds of Paradise on the island of Aru.

West Papua & Raja Ampat

The southeast monsoon continues across the islands of Raja Ampat during August. Expect short, sharp showers and strong winds. In Wamena and the Baliem Valley there is less chance of rainfall and more sunshine during August. The three-day Baliem Valley Festival which is usually held in the second week of August, when tribespeople from across the highlands don traditional clothing and gather together to feast, dance, take part in spear throwing competitions and mock battles.