Western and central Indonesian islands, such as Bali, Komodo, Lombok, Flores, Java and the Gilis are now in peak season with sunshine and little if any rain is expected throughout July. Sulawesi is also expecting good weather. The islands further to the east - such as West Papua, Raja Ampat and the Moluccas - are wetter. Favourable diving conditions can be enjoyed across the Indonesian islands. Early stages of the month tend to be a little quieter, so those looking for more solitude on the sands should aim towards late June and early July to avoid the bigger crowds.
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.
July is characterised by dry, sunny days throughout the island of Java in July. Temperatures typically hover around 30 °C and can even reach as high as 33°C on occasion.
July sees a steep rise in visitor numbers heading to Java to take advantage of peak weather conditions. During these months, the limited availability at popular hotels and resorts in key destinations such as Yogyakarta means it is advisable to book early to avoid disappointment. If you plan on climbing Mt Bromo and visiting the Ijen Plateau expect to encounter more crowds on the peaks at sunrise; this is also the case when visiting Borobudur at sun set.
Dry season arrives into Bali, with only four days of rain this month on average. July is characterised by warm, sunny days and blue skies, with temperatures hovering around 27°C. Favourable diving conditions can be experienced around Menjangan and the West Bali National Park, and also off Bali's east coast.
Good weather combined with European summer holidays, means July is an extremely popular time of year to visit Bali. Beach hotels, particularly in the resorts of Jimbaran, Sanur and Seminyak, are busy so early booking is recommended.
July is one of the driest months of the year across the Nusa Tenggara islands, with an average of just five wet days over the month. Expect plenty of sunshine and blue skies, with average temperatures hovering around 25-27°C. The island of Sumba is slightly warmer than its northern neighbours of Lombok and Flores and can hit 31°C on occasion. It’s no surprise that July is one of the best months of the year to visit Lombok & the Gili Islands, Flores & Sumba.
Predominantly dry, sunny weather continues throughout Kalimantan in July, which makes travelling across the island much easier. Humidity levels remain high, especially in the rainforest regions where the odd short, sharp shower is not uncommon. Temperatures range from a warm 23-24°C at night to highs of 32°C during the day.
July is peak season across Indonesia (including Sumatra) as holiday makers take advantage of excellent weather conditions: predominantly dry and sunny days, with minimal rainfall. Expect average temperatures of 27-28°C across Sumatra.
July is one of the driest months of the year across the island of Sulawesi, characterised by sunny days and blue skies. Rainfall may still occur in Manado and the northern regions, but conditions for diving around Manado Bay are excellent. The average temperature drops slightly to 27°C, as does the humidity levels, but temperatures of 31-32°C are still possible. July is one of the best months of the year to visit Sulawesi.
Weather conditions across the Molucca islands during July are similar to conditions in June. The southern islands of Kei and Aru, and the northern islands of Ternate and Tidore are enjoying the best weather in the region; whilst rainfall and overcast skies can be expected across the central Moluccas. July is an excellent time of year for spotting the Greater Birds of Paradise on the island of Aru.
Weather conditions throughout Raja Ampat and the Baliem Valley in July are similar to weather conditions in June. It’s one of the wettest months of the year across the islands of Raja Ampat, with strong winds a possibility. Short, sharp downpours are also to be expected in the Baliem Valley during July. Choppy seas are not ideal for boat transfers; strong winds are not ideal for jungle walking.