Lombok Month by Month
Twelve months on Lombok, seen from a stay in Sekotong. Tap a month on the ring to see its temperature and rain, the sea, events, what to pack, what you can do in Sekotong and what is not so good.
Wet season Nov–Mar Dry season Apr–Oct Inner bars: monthly rain (estimate) This month
Find the months that suit you
Months that meet every option you choose are tinted. A lighter tint means “yes, with a caveat”.
How the tint is worked out
- Calm sea: the dry-season months (April to October), leaving out July, which the best-season article’s table describes as “winds somewhat strong”.
- Fewer people: the wet season (November to March) and the shoulder months (April, May, October), which the articles describe as having fewer travellers, plus June and September (“if quiet matters, June or September”). July and August, the worldwide peak, are left out. March (the Lebaran holiday) and December (more foreign visitors at year-end) are shown lighter.
- Lower prices: the wet season, when the articles say room rates tend to fall, and the shoulder months, when flight and hotel prices tend to be calmer. March (prices rise around Lebaran) and December (more visitors at year-end) are shown lighter. The articles give no amounts, so none are shown.
- Less rain: months with an estimated rainfall under 60 mm (figures from the rainy-season article).
- An event: months with a public holiday, event or village plan given with a date or period in an article or on the front page.
January
Peak of the wet season. Frequent squalls
- Temperature
- 24–30°C
- Rain
- about 240 mm, 18 days
The sea
Wet season: cancelled boats to the islands become more likely. On light-wind days you can snorkel close to shore, but the day after heavy rain, river water clouds the sea and brings driftwood and rubbish.
Events and plans
- 1 January: New Year’s Day (public holiday) Holidays
- Mount Rinjani is closed (1 January to 31 March in 2026) Rainy season
- 1 January 2027 is a Friday. There are no joint leave days around it, so 1–3 January is a three-day weekend Holidays
What it means for a trip
Rain mostly comes as squalls from afternoon into the evening, and mornings are often sunny. Put sea and outdoor plans in the morning, and finish any travel that connects to your flight home early.
What to wear and pack
A folding umbrella or raincoat, spare shoes, waterproof zip bags, quick-drying towel and clothes. Insect repellent in the daytime too.
What you can do in Sekotong
- Waterfalls (fuller in the wet season), and time under a roof: traditional villages, cooking
- Snorkelling close to shore on a light-wind morning
- The Southern Cross is highest at about 5:00, before dawn (calculated)
What is not so good
The most rain and the most rainy days of the year (estimate). On the night of 13 January 2026 a river overflowed in Sekotong District and one person died. Cloud cover is 89% of the time, so you see few stars.
Sources: Best time to visit, Rainy season, Holidays, Packing list, Stargazing
February
Wet season continues. Bau Nyale festival season
- Temperature
- 24–30°C
- Rain
- about 231 mm, 16 days
The sea
A wet-season sea: island trips and snorkelling can be cancelled at short notice because of sea conditions.
Events and plans
- Bau Nyale festival (usually around February to March; 7–8 February in 2026; 2027 dates not announced as of September 2026) Bau Nyale
- Ramadan 2027 begins on 8 February (Muhammadiyah’s announcement; the government date is set shortly before) Ramadan and Nyepi
- Mount Rinjani is closed Rainy season
What it means for a trip
The festival is at Seger Beach in Kuta Mandalika, and the main event starts around 4am. Sekotong is roughly 1.5 hours away by car (an estimate from local sites), so staying nearby the night before is the realistic plan. During Ramadan, local eateries may close by day or keep shorter hours.
What to wear and pack
A folding umbrella or raincoat, spare shoes, waterproof zip bags, quick-drying towel and clothes. Insect repellent in the daytime too. For the festival: rain gear and a change of clothes, a torch, modest clothing and small notes.
What you can do in Sekotong
- See the Bau Nyale festival (a night on the Kuta side)
- During Ramadan, the busy stalls and markets after sunset
- The Milky Way core only before dawn (February to April, calculated)
What is not so good
The festival site is very crowded, and in 2026 heavy rain cancelled part of the ceremony. Being the wet season, boats are easily cancelled too.
Sources: Best time to visit, Rainy season, Bau Nyale, Ramadan and Nyepi, Packing list, Stargazing
March
End of the wet season. Nyepi and Lebaran in 2027
- Temperature
- 24–31°C
- Rain
- about 158 mm, 14 days
The sea
In March 2026, waves in the Lombok Strait reached 4 m and 27 fast boats to and from Padang Bai were suspended. Smaller fast boats are more affected.
Events and plans
- 8 March 2027: Nyepi, Bali’s Day of Silence Ramadan and Nyepi
- 10–11 March 2027: Lebaran, the end of Ramadan (the government’s plan; Muhammadiyah: 9 March). 6–15 March is a ten-day run of holidays Ramadan and Nyepi
- About a week after Lebaran comes Lebaran Topat (28 March in 2026) Ramadan and Nyepi
- Mount Rinjani closed until 31 March (2026) Rainy season
What it means for a trip
During the Lebaran holiday many local shops and warungs close, and flights and ferries get crowded around it. Bali’s airport closes on Nyepi, so avoid Bali–Lombok travel in the 2–3 days around it.
What to wear and pack
A folding umbrella or raincoat, spare shoes, waterproof zip bags, quick-drying towel and clothes. Insect repellent in the daytime too. Modest clothing in villages and near mosques.
What you can do in Sekotong
- During Ramadan before the Lebaran holiday, beaches can be quieter, with fewer domestic tourists
- In Sekotong in March 2026, the meal breaking the fast began all at once around 6:30pm
- The Southern Cross is highest around 1:00 (calculated)
What is not so good
Exact dates are fixed only shortly beforehand, so check the latest calendar. Rinjani is still closed.
Sources: Best time to visit, Rainy season, Ramadan and Nyepi, Packing list, Stargazing
April
Start of the dry season. Rinjani usually reopens
- Temperature
- 24–31°C
- Rain
- about 101 mm, 10 days
The sea
The month the wet season turns dry. Sunny days are the norm, but sudden squalls are more likely than at the peak of the dry season.
Events and plans
- Mount Rinjani usually reopens (reopened 1 April in 2026) Packing list
What it means for a trip
Fewer travellers than at the dry-season peak, and flight and hotel prices tend to be calmer. In 2026, tourist sites picked up again from late March into April.
What to wear and pack
Spare sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, moisturiser. One thin long-sleeved top for mornings and evenings.
What you can do in Sekotong
- Island-hopping and snorkelling in the South Gilis
- The Southern Cross is highest around 23:00; April to July is easiest early in the evening (calculated)
What is not so good
The change of season shifts from year to year. The Milky Way core is still a before-dawn sight.
Sources: Best time to visit, Rainy season, Packing list, Ramadan and Nyepi, South Gili islands, Stargazing
May
More settled sunny weather
- Temperature
- 24–31°C
- Rain
- about 58 mm, 6 days
The sea
The dry season: Sekotong’s calm sea suits snorkelling and boat trips to the South Gili islands.
Events and plans
- New moon: 6 May 2027 (Lombok time) Stargazing
What it means for a trip
A shoulder month: fewer travellers and calmer prices tend to go together.
What to wear and pack
Spare sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, moisturiser. One thin long-sleeved top for mornings and evenings.
What you can do in Sekotong
- Southern Cross from about 19:20 to 02:00, Milky Way core from about 21:45 until dawn (calculated)
- Island-hopping in the South Gilis
- Boat fishing (leaves early, back around 4pm; examples of about US$60–150 per person, September 2026)
What is not so good
Even in the dry season not every night is clear. If stars are the aim, allow two nights or more.
Sources: Best time to visit, Rainy season, Stargazing, Packing list, South Gili islands, Fishing
June
Dry season proper. Comfortable
- Temperature
- 23–30°C
- Rain
- about 31 mm, 3 days
The sea
The highest share of sunny days, and sea visibility tends to improve: good for snorkelling and diving.
Events and plans
- New moon: 5 June 2027 (Lombok time) Stargazing
What it means for a trip
If quiet matters to you, June or September is the time to aim for.
What to wear and pack
Spare sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, moisturiser. One thin long-sleeved top for mornings and evenings.
What you can do in Sekotong
- Southern Cross from about 19:30 to midnight, Milky Way core from about 19:45 until dawn (calculated)
- Snorkelling
- Boat fishing
What is not so good
With few clouds, UV is strong. Reapply sunscreen often and keep drinking water.
Sources: Best time to visit, Rainy season, Stargazing, Packing list, Snorkelling, Fishing
July
Driest month of the year. Winds somewhat strong
- Temperature
- 23–29°C
- Rain
- about 22 mm, 2 days
The sea
Hardly any rain, but some days are a little windy.
Events and plans
- Best season for Rinjani treks (around July to September) Best time to visit
- New moon: 4 July 2027 (Lombok time) Stargazing
What it means for a trip
The worldwide peak season, with the summer school holidays. In popular areas hotel rates can rise and boats to the southern Gili Islands can get crowded.
What to wear and pack
Spare sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, moisturiser. One thin long-sleeved top for mornings and evenings. A hairband or large scarf against wind and sand.
What you can do in Sekotong
- Southern Cross until about 22:00, Milky Way core until about 03:00 (calculated)
- Island-hopping in the South Gilis
What is not so good
One of the busiest and priciest times of the year.
Sources: Best time to visit, Rainy season, Stargazing, Packing list, South Gili islands
August
Peak of the dry season. Strong UV
- Temperature
- 23–29°C
- Rain
- about 11 mm, 1 day
The sea
The driest month of the year (an estimated 11 mm and 1 day). A month of very clear water, recorded on site in August 2026.
Events and plans
- 17 August: Independence Day (public holiday; banks and offices close, tourist businesses open) Independence Day
- Mid-August: village “lomba” games such as tug-of-war and sack races Independence Day
- New moon: 2 August 2027 (Lombok time) Stargazing
What it means for a trip
It coincides with summer holidays in Europe and Australia, making it one of the busiest times of year. Popular villas and restaurants fill up early and prices tend to rise. Avoid money changing and paperwork on the 17th.
What to wear and pack
Spare sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, moisturiser. One thin long-sleeved top for mornings and evenings.
What you can do in Sekotong
- The Milky Way core from early in the evening (June to September, calculated)
- Watch a village tug-of-war or sack race if you pass one
- Snorkelling and island-hopping
What is not so good
Crowds and prices. The Southern Cross is up only briefly after dark, and even in August, the clearest month, the sky is clear to partly cloudy only 50% of the time.
Sources: Best time to visit, Rainy season, Front page, Independence Day, Stargazing, Packing list, South Gili islands
September
Dry season continues. Comfortable
- Temperature
- 23–30°C
- Rain
- about 29 mm, 3 days
The sea
The calm dry-season sea continues.
Events and plans
- Best season for Rinjani treks (around July to September) Best time to visit
What it means for a trip
After the July–August peak, one of the two quietest good months, with June.
What to wear and pack
Spare sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, moisturiser. One thin long-sleeved top for mornings and evenings.
What you can do in Sekotong
What is not so good
The whole Southern Cross does not rise high during dark hours (September to November, calculated). UV stays strong.
Sources: Best time to visit, Rainy season, Packing list, Stargazing, Snorkelling, Fishing
October
End of the dry season. Showers start to increase
- Temperature
- 24–31°C
- Rain
- about 71 mm, 6 days
The sea
Rain is still low, about the same as in May, but it starts to increase. In BMKG’s 2025/2026 forecast, the wet season began between late October and late November.
Events and plans
- New moon: 29 October 2027 (Lombok time) Stargazing
What it means for a trip
A shoulder month: fewer travellers, and flight and hotel prices tend to be calmer.
What to wear and pack
Spare sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, moisturiser. One thin long-sleeved top for mornings and evenings.
What you can do in Sekotong
What is not so good
When the wet season starts shifts from year to year. The Southern Cross is hard to see.
Sources: Best time to visit, Rainy season, Stargazing, Packing list, South Gili islands
November
Start of the wet season
- Temperature
- 24–31°C
- Rain
- about 147 mm, 13 days
The sea
Once the wet season starts, many days have an afternoon squall, but mornings are generally clear (from our team’s video filmed in late October 2025). Cancelled boats to the islands start to increase.
Events and plans
- 7 November 2026: the village’s Bamboo Restaurant opens (planned) Front page
- 7 November 2026: kayaks start (planned) Front page
What it means for a trip
In the wet season there are fewer tourists and room rates tend to fall.
What to wear and pack
A folding umbrella or raincoat, spare shoes, waterproof zip bags, quick-drying towel and clothes. Insect repellent in the daytime too.
What you can do in Sekotong
- Kayaking in the morning (best around 7:00–11:00; starting 7 November 2026, planned)
- A meal at the Bamboo Restaurant, due to open on 7 November 2026
- Sit out the afternoon squall under a roof
What is not so good
More mosquitoes: watch out for dengue and use repellent in the daytime too. Neither the Southern Cross nor the Milky Way core rises high during dark hours (calculated).
Sources: Best time to visit, Rainy season, Front page, Packing list, Things to do, Stargazing
December
Wet season proper. The year-end holidays
- Temperature
- 24–31°C
- Rain
- about 217 mm, 17 days
The sea
December to February bring the most rain and rainy days; flooded roads and rough seas are more likely.
Events and plans
- 25 December: Christmas (public holiday) Holidays
- Mount Rinjani is usually open through December and closed from 1 January Best time to visit
What it means for a trip
At Christmas and the year-end, foreign visitor numbers tend to rise, although the impact on Lombok is limited.
What to wear and pack
A folding umbrella or raincoat, spare shoes, waterproof zip bags, quick-drying towel and clothes. Insect repellent in the daytime too.
What you can do in Sekotong
- The sea in the morning, indoors in the afternoon
- The island at its greenest
- The Southern Cross from late night to dawn (calculated)
What is not so good
For a trip built around the sea and island-hopping, the article recommends the dry season.
Sources: Best time to visit, Rainy season, Holidays, Packing list, Stargazing
The year at a glance
| Month | Season | Temp. | Rain (about) | Main events and plans |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Wet | 24–30°C | 240 mm 18 days | New Year’s Day |
| Feb | Wet | 24–30°C | 231 mm 16 days | Bau Nyale (7–8 in 2026) |
| Mar | Wet | 24–31°C | 158 mm 14 days | Nyepi 8, Lebaran 10–11 (2027) |
| Apr | Dry | 24–31°C | 101 mm 10 days | Rinjani usually reopens |
| May | Dry | 24–31°C | 58 mm 6 days | – |
| Jun | Dry | 23–30°C | 31 mm 3 days | – |
| Jul | Dry | 23–29°C | 22 mm 2 days | – |
| Aug | Dry | 23–29°C | 11 mm 1 day | Independence Day 17 |
| Sep | Dry | 23–30°C | 29 mm 3 days | – |
| Oct | Dry | 24–31°C | 71 mm 6 days | – |
| Nov | Wet | 24–31°C | 147 mm 13 days | Bamboo Restaurant opens 7 (2026) |
| Dec | Wet | 24–31°C | 217 mm 17 days | Christmas 25 |
Rain figures are private climate estimates (estimated averages for Mataram) given in the rainy-season article. Temperatures are the best-season article’s guide, based on long-term averages from several climate data sites. Rainy season, Best time to visit
Figures and dates on this page come from our articles as of August–September 2026 and the plans on our front page. They are long-term guides; nobody can promise the weather in a given year. Page made 11 October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Lombok?
The dry season, June to September, is best, followed by the shoulder months of April to May and October. In the wet season (November to March) mornings are often sunny, so choosing it for quiet and lower room rates is also an option. Best time to visit
Which months have the least and the most rain?
August has the least, about 11 mm and 1 rainy day; January has the most, about 240 mm and 18 days (private climate estimates for Mataram). Rainy season
Can I enjoy Lombok in the wet season?
Yes, if you want waterfalls, traditional villages and a quiet stay. Boats to the islands are cancelled more often, and Rinjani is closed from January to March, so for island-hopping or trekking the dry season suits better. Rainy season
When can I see both the Southern Cross and the Milky Way?
From May to July (calculated). Pick nights around the new moon and allow two or more nights in case of cloud. Stargazing
When is the Bau Nyale festival?
Usually around February to March; in 2026 it was held on 7–8 February. As of September 2026 the 2027 dates had not been announced. Bau Nyale
When is Lebaran in 2027?
Under the government’s plan, 10–11 March. With the joint leave days, Nyepi and the weekends, 6–15 March is a ten-day run of holidays. The exact dates are fixed shortly beforehand. Holidays
Does Nyepi affect a stay on Lombok?
Going out on Lombok itself is generally not restricted. But Bali’s airport closes on Nyepi, so flights via Bali and ferries can be affected; avoid Bali–Lombok travel in the 2–3 days around it. Ramadan and Nyepi
Once you know your month
The stay programme runs from 4 days / 3 nights to 6 days / 5 nights. You can ask even if your dates are not fixed. Choose a month first, and it will be filled in on the enquiry form.
