The best time to visit Lombok is the dry season, from May to October: sunshine exceeds 200 hours a month, days without sun become very rare and it is the usual opening period for treks on the Rinjani volcano. From November to March, the rainy season brings showers and thunderstorms, and December–January are the least sunny months.
Lombok, Bali’s neighbor to the east, has a tropical climate that is hot all year. As in the rest of Indonesia south of the equator, it is not temperature that makes the difference, but the alternation between a dry season, from about May to October, and a rainy season, from about November to March. When choosing your dates, the opening of Rinjani National Park, sea conditions for crossings to the Gili Islands, swell for surfing in the south and the July–August crowds also matter.
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When to go to Lombok at a glance
- Best time May to October (dry season)
- Sunniest month August, with nearly 230 hours of sunshine
- Least sunny months December, February and January (about 140 to 146 hours)
- Rinjani volcano treks in the dry season; usually closed for part of the rainy season, so check with the national park
- High season July–August, especially on the Gili Islands
- Good compromise May–June and September, dry and less crowded
- Ramadan most residents are Muslim; its dates change every year
When to go to Lombok by priority
- Best weather: May to October, in the dry season; August is the sunniest month (230 hours)
- Cheapest: November to April, outside the year-end holidays
- Fewest crowds: May, June and September, dry and less busy than July–August
- Events: Bau Nyale in February or March depending on the Sasak calendar; Ramadan and Idul Fitri on variable dates; Rinjani trek depending on the park’s opening dates
Lombok: the calendar at a glance
✅ Best months: April, may, June, July, August, September, October
Climate and weather in Lombok month by month
The World Meteorological Organization’s public normals for the Lombok International Airport station, near Praya in the south-center of the island, include neither monthly temperatures nor monthly precipitation. We therefore publish the two official indicators that are available: sunshine duration and the number of days without sunshine. We show no temperature or rainfall figure that we could not verify.
| Month | Sunshine (hours) | Days without sun | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 146 | 2.2 | Medium (holidays) | Medium | ⚠️ Rainy season, frequent showers |
| February | 140 | 1.8 | Low | Low | ⚠️ Rainy, sea sometimes rough |
| March | 166 | 1.3 | Low | Low | ⚠️ End of the rains, green landscapes |
| April | 182 | 0.4 | Low to medium | Medium | ✅ Transition, often fine |
| May | 211 | 0.9 | Medium | Medium | ✅ Dry season, a very good month |
| June | 205 | 0.4 | Medium to high | Medium | ✅ Dry, a good month for Rinjani |
| July | 214 | 0.2 | High | High | ✅ Dry, but high season |
| August | 230 | 0 | Very high | Very high | ✅ Sunniest and busiest |
| September | 210 | 0.3 | Medium | Medium | ✅ Excellent, crowds easing |
| October | 214 | 0.4 | Medium | Medium | ✅ Still dry, heat building |
| November | 182 | 0.4 | Low | Low | ⚠️ Rains gradually return |
| December | 141 | 2.6 | Medium (holidays) | Medium → high | ⚠️ Rainy, the least sunny month |
The sunshine figures show the two seasons clearly: more than 200 hours a month from May to October, against 140 to 146 hours in December, January and February. The number of days entirely without sun stays low all year, even in the rainy season: showers often fall late in the day or at night, between bright spells. Temperature varies little from month to month at sea level; it does drop noticeably at altitude, on the slopes of Rinjani.
Lombok’s seasons: pros and cons
Dry season (May to October): the ideal period
This is the sunniest season, peaking in August. Trails are passable, crossings to the Gili Islands are more regular and Rinjani National Park usually opens its trails. Nights are cooler at altitude: at the summit of Rinjani it is cold at sunrise. July and August are the busiest months, with European and Australian school holidays.
- Pros: sunshine, hiking possible, the southern beaches at their best, good visibility for diving around the Gilis
- Cons: higher crowds and prices in July–August on the Gilis and in Kuta Lombok, drier landscapes late in the season
- Our tip: May, June and September offer the best balance of weather, crowds and prices
Rainy season (November to March): the green season
Showers and thunderstorms become frequent, especially from December to February, the least sunny months. The rice fields and forests are then very green. The Rinjani trek is usually closed for part of this season, and the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 18 September 2026) warns that flash floods and landslides can occur across Indonesia. The sea can be rough, which sometimes disrupts the fast boats.
- Pros: low prices (outside the year-end holidays), few people, green landscapes, abundant waterfalls
- Cons: rain, difficult country roads, crossings canceled in a strong sea, treks closed
- Who is it for? Travelers who want peace and quiet and accept changeable weather
The shoulder months (April and November)
April marks the end of the rains: sunshine climbs back above 180 hours, the vegetation is still green and crowds are moderate. November is the mirror image, with showers gradually returning. These are two good months for a stay on the coast at gentle prices, as long as you stay a little flexible.
When to go to Lombok by area
The island is small, but its areas do not offer the same activities. All follow the same seasonal rhythm; the north, dominated by Rinjani, generally gets more cloud and rain than the south coast.
| Area | What for? | Best time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gili Islands (northwest) | Beach, snorkeling, diving | May to October | Crossings disrupted in a strong sea; crowds in July–August |
| Senggigi (west coast) | Beach, sunsets, a practical base | April to October | Well connected to Mataram and Bangsal harbor |
| Kuta Lombok and the south | Sandy bays, surf, Mandalika circuit | May to October | Bigger swell in the dry season, popular with surfers |
| Rinjani, Senaru and Sembalun (north) | Trekking, waterfalls, villages | May to October, depending on park opening | Cold at the summit at night; hike with a guide |
The Gili Islands
Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air can be reached by boat from Bangsal harbor or by fast boat from Bali. From May to October the sea is generally calmer and the water clearer for spotting turtles. In the rainy season, crossings can be rough or canceled. In July–August, book your accommodation early.
Senggigi and the west coast
The island’s first beach resort, Senggigi is convenient for reaching Mataram, the temples of Lingsar and Narmada, and the departure harbor for the Gilis. Its beaches are suitable for swimming for most of the year, with showers mainly from December to February.
Kuta Lombok and the south
The south offers a string of large bays (Tanjung Aan, Selong Belanak, Mawun) and surf spots. The dry season is also when the swell is most regular, which suits surfers but makes some beaches dangerous for swimming. The Mandalika circuit hosts international races: on race days, accommodation in the area is snapped up.
Rinjani and the north
Rinjani rises to 3,726 meters (12,224 ft). The climb, via Senaru or Sembalun, takes two to four days with a guide and porters. The national park usually closes the trails for part of the rainy season and may also close them in the event of volcanic activity: check the dates with the park before booking. The Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls, near Senaru, are more spectacular at the end of the rainy season.
When to go to Lombok depending on your plans
| Plans | Best time | Where? |
|---|---|---|
| Rinjani trek | May to October, depending on park opening | Senaru, Sembalun |
| Beach and relaxation | May to October | Gili, Senggigi, Selong Belanak |
| Surfing | May to October | Kuta Lombok, Gerupuk, Selong Belanak |
| Diving and snorkeling | May to October | Gili Islands |
| Rice fields and villages | March–April, November | Tetebatu, Sade, Sukarara |
| Small budget | November to April, outside the holidays | Everywhere |
| Bali–Lombok combination | May to October | Bali, Gili, Lombok |
Major events in Lombok
| When | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| February or March (Sasak calendar) | Bau Nyale: night-time harvest of sea worms linked to the legend of Princess Mandalika | Southern beaches, around Kuta Lombok |
| Variable dates | Ramadan and Idul Fitri (the end of Ramadan), a major celebration for Muslim Sasak | Whole island |
| According to the annual calendar | International races at the Mandalika circuit | Mandalika, south of the island |
| Variable dates | Balinese Hindu ceremonies in the temples of the west | Lingsar, Narmada, Mataram |
Lombok month by month
Lombok in January: Rainy season, about 146 hours of sunshine. Frequent showers and thunderstorms, Rinjani trek usually closed. Quiet after the holidays.
Lombok in February: The least sunny month along with December (140 hours). Sea sometimes rough. Bau Nyale some years in the south.
Lombok in March: The rains ease and the countryside is very green. A good month for rice fields and waterfalls, at low prices.
Lombok in April: Transition to the dry season, more than 180 hours of sunshine. Few people: a good month for the coast.
Lombok in May: Dry season settled, more than 210 hours of sunshine. Treks usually reopen: one of the best months.
Lombok in June: Dry and sunny. Cool nights at altitude. Excellent for combining Rinjani, the Gilis and the southern beaches.
Lombok in July: Dry, but the start of high season. Book early for the Gilis and Rinjani.
Lombok in August: The sunniest month (230 hours) and the busiest. Prices at their highest.
Lombok in September: Still dry, crowds easing. One of the best months for doing everything.
Lombok in October: Still sunny (214 hours), dry landscapes. Usual end of the best season for trekking.
Lombok in November: Showers gradually return. Prices fall and the island is quiet.
Lombok in December: Rainy season, the least sunny month along with February. Crowds rise for the year-end holidays.
When to book your trip to Lombok
For July, August and the year-end holidays, book your accommodation on the Gili Islands and in Kuta Lombok 2 to 3 months ahead. The Rinjani trek is booked through licensed agencies and guides: do it a few weeks before, and check that the park is open on your dates. In the low season, a few days is generally enough.
Most visitors reach Lombok International Airport, in the south-center of the island, on a domestic or regional flight, for example from Bali, Jakarta or other Southeast Asian hubs, depending on the airline and the period. From Bali, you can also cross by fast boat to the Gilis and Lombok, or by public ferry.
Planning your trip to Lombok
- Entry requirements: rules for visas, passport validity and online forms change regularly; see our page on the entry requirements for Indonesia.
- Time difference: Lombok is on Central Indonesia Time, UTC+8, with no daylight saving time (the same time as Bali): 8 hours ahead of London in winter and 7 in summer; 13 hours ahead of New York in winter and 12 in summer.
- Currency: the Indonesian rupiah (IDR). Use our currency converter.
- Health: malaria and dengue are among the health risks listed for Indonesia (UK FCDO, GOV.UK, updated 18 September 2026), and the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated July 9, 2026) says mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent. See a doctor or travel clinic before departure and protect yourself from mosquito bites.
To plan your visit, see our Lombok guide. To combine the island with its neighbor, read when to go to Bali and our Indonesia travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to go to Lombok?
The dry season, from May to October. According to the 1991–2020 normals for the Lombok airport station, sunshine then exceeds 200 hours a month, peaking in August. May, June and September avoid the summer crowds.
When should you do the Rinjani trek?
In the dry season, from about May to October. The national park usually closes the trails for part of the rainy season and may close them in the event of volcanic activity: check the opening dates before booking.
Can you go to Lombok in the rainy season?
Yes. Showers are frequent, especially from December to February, but days entirely without sun remain rare. Prices are lower; in return, treks are often closed and boat crossings sometimes canceled.
What is the sunniest month in Lombok?
August, with nearly 230 hours of sunshine according to the World Meteorological Organization’s normals. It is also the busiest month.
When should you go to the Gili Islands?
From May to October, when the sea is generally calmer and the water clearer. In July–August, book early: accommodation is limited.
Does Lombok have the same climate as Bali?
The two islands follow the same rhythm: dry season from about May to October, rainy season from about November to March. For Bali, see our dedicated page.
What is the weather like in Lombok in August?
It is the sunniest month, with about 230 hours of sunshine and no days without sun on average at the airport station. It is also the busiest: book early, especially on the Gilis. To compare destinations, see where to go in August.
What is the weather like in Lombok in January?
It is the rainy season: about 146 hours of sunshine over the month and 2.2 days without sun on average. The countryside is green and prices are moderate, but the sea can be rough. For other ideas, see where to go in January.
Our sources
- World Meteorological Organization, 1991–2020 climate normals (NOAA NCEI archive): Zainuddin Abdul Madjid Lombok airport station (WMO 97240), sunshine duration and days without sunshine
- Health and safety information read on 26 October 2026: UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Indonesia (GOV.UK, updated 18 September 2026), and U.S. Department of State, Indonesia country information (travel.state.gov, last updated July 9, 2026)
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
