Gili Islands Weather by Month: Rain, Sea Conditions and the Best Time to Go

27 October 202631 October 2026

Which month gives you sunshine on the Gili Islands? Do the boats still run in the rainy season? How busy does it get in July, August and over Christmas and New Year? Once you start planning a trip to the Gilis (Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno), weather and season are usually the first questions. The short answer: like the rest of Lombok, the Gilis have a dry season from April to October and a rainy season from November to March, and the dry season is when rain is light and the water is most often clear. Temperatures barely change through the year.

If you weigh both weather and crowds, June and September are the easiest months to pick within the dry season. July and August are the driest but also the peak of the tourist season, while December brings the heaviest rain together with the year-end holidays.

This article draws on the monthly climate averages published by weather-and-climate.com, news reports of announcements by Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the travel guide Lonely Planet, and the official information of fast boat operators and a dive shop. It includes only what we could confirm as of October 2026.

The monthly figures are long-term averages compiled by a climate data company, not measurements taken on the islands. Where we could not find official statistics, such as monthly cancellation rates for fast boats, we say so.

It is written for travellers thinking about the Gilis, often via Bali, and especially for those whose holiday dates are already fixed and who want to know what the islands will be like at that time.

As of October 2026

What this article covers

✓Temperatures on the Gilis, and rainfall and rainy days month by month
✓When the 2026–2027 rainy season is expected to start (BMKG forecast)
✓Water visibility, waves, and how to think about fast boat cancellations
✓The busy periods: July and August, Christmas and New Year, and Easter
✓How to choose a month for what you want to do, and what to wear in each season

In short

The dry season on the Gili Islands runs from April to October and the rainy season from November to March. Daytime highs stay around 29–30°C all year, so the seasons differ mainly in rainfall and sea conditions. Monthly rainfall is lowest in August at about 14 mm and highest in January at about 284 mm (averages from weather-and-climate.com). Weighing weather against crowds, June and September are the easiest months; July and August are drier but the busiest. If you travel in the rainy season or over Christmas and New Year, high waves can stop the boats on some days, so leave one spare day before your flight home.

Contents

How warm are the Gili Islands through the year?

Temperatures on the Gilis hardly change with the seasons. The climate site weather-and-climate.com (which cites 1991–2020 averages from sources including the climate data company Foreca) gives Gili Trawangan a daytime high of 29°C in January to March, July to September and December, and 30°C in April to June, October and November. Lonely Planet describes the temperature as fairly constant between 27 and 32°C all year.

Our guide to the best time to visit Lombok, based on averages from several climate sites, puts Lombok’s daytime highs at roughly 29–32°C. Sources differ by 1–2°C.

Night-time lows on the same site appear as anything from 22 to 26°C depending on the section, so we do not list monthly values. Our Lombok best season guide gives about 24°C for mornings and evenings and about 23°C as the typical low from June to September. Either way, it is hot-summer weather, and you will be preparing for heat and sun rather than cold.

When are the rainy and dry seasons? Rainfall and rainy days by month

On this site we treat the seasons on Lombok and the Gilis as dry from April to October and rainy from November to March. The Gilis are small islands just off Lombok’s northwest coast, so their seasons follow the main island. Lonely Planet, however, gives the dry season as April to September and the rainy season as October to March, describing October as the start of the wet and the low season. Think of October as a changeover month that sources treat differently.

The monthly averages from weather-and-climate.com give the following rainfall and rainy days. The wettest month is January at about 284 mm (21 days), followed by February at about 278 mm (19 days) and December at about 271 mm (18 days). The driest is August at about 14 mm (2 days), with September close behind at about 20 mm (2 days). The yearly total is about 1,582 mm.

These are averages from a climate data company, not readings taken on the islands (the site notes that its sunshine hours come from Mataram, about 27 km away). Lonely Planet writes that the Gilis have their own small microclimate and get less rain than mainland Lombok, so the islands themselves may be slightly drier than these figures.

Figure: Monthly rainfall and rainy days on the Gili Islands (averages)

Figure: Averages from the Gili Trawangan monthly pages of weather-and-climate.com (climate data company values, not measured on the islands). Seasons as used on this site (rainy November to March, dry April to October).

Rainy season does not mean rain all day, every day. For March, weather-and-climate.com notes that the rain often holds off until the afternoon or evening, and most days start dry and sunny. Lonely Planet likewise says December, at the height of the wet season, is rainy and cloudy, with rain usually starting in the afternoon. If you travel in the rainy season, plan your time on the water for the morning.

Compared with our Lombok best season guide (a rough guide built from averages on several climate sites), the January rainfall there (around 250–330 mm) and the point that dry-season months get only a few tens of millimetres both match the figures here (about 284 mm in January, 14–41 mm from June to September).

That guide’s table also reflects the weather-and-climate.com figures showing February (about 278 mm) almost level with January, and October (about 49 mm) below May (about 59 mm). Still, sources show the month-to-month differences in different ways, so allow some margin for the changeover months.

When is the 2026–2027 rainy season expected to start?

Averages aside, the start of the rainy season shifts from year to year. According to the business daily Bisnis Indonesia (25 September 2026), reporting a BMKG forecast, the 2026–2027 rainy season is expected to begin in November 2026 in parts of West Nusa Tenggara province (NTB) and in December 2026 across most of NTB. The peak of the rainy season is forecast for January 2027 in western NTB and February 2027 in parts of NTB. Lombok is the western island of NTB, and the Gilis are also part of the province.

In the same article, the head of BMKG said that nationally the rainy season would “come late and be short” because El Niño and the Indian Ocean Dipole are overlapping. If you are heading to the Gilis in November 2026, take this to mean the rains may arrive later than usual, nothing more. Forecasts are updated, so the safest course is to check BMKG’s latest announcement one to two weeks before you leave.

When is the water clearest and the sea calmest?

If snorkelling or diving is the reason for your trip, the water is more often clear in the dry season. Manta Dive, a dive shop on Gili Trawangan, wrote in a 2019 article that visibility averages 25–30 m in the dry season and can reach 35 m, while in the rainy season it is usually 10–25 m. It explains that plankton increases in the rainy season and lowers visibility, but that this can also bring in large animals such as whale sharks and manta rays that feed on it.

The shop’s FAQ says April to October is the best time for diving on the Gilis but that you can dive all year. Water temperature is 26–30°C.

The waters around the Gilis are also known for strong currents. Manta Dive writes that the current can be unpredictable even on calm days and that most dives are drift dives. Whatever the season, if you are not a confident swimmer, choose a guided trip.

The dry season does not guarantee calm seas. A report on 14 July 2026, at the height of the dry season (Metro TV, citing BMKG’s NTB weather office), said very high waves of 4–6 m were expected in the southern Lombok Strait, while the northern Lombok Strait was forecast to have low waves of 0.5–1.25 m.

A report on 25 March 2026, near the end of the rainy season (ANTARA Bali, citing BMKG Denpasar), forecast waves of up to 2.5 m in the northern Lombok Strait and up to 4 m in the south for 26–29 March. Conditions vary a lot by place and day even within the same strait, so do not judge by season alone; check the forecast the day before you cross.

← Scroll the table sideways

Item	Dry season (Apr–Oct)	Rainy season (Nov–Mar)	Source
Daytime high	29–30°C	29–30°C	weather-and-climate.com
Monthly rainfall	About 14–163 mm (highest in April, lowest in August)	About 150–284 mm (highest in January)	weather-and-climate.com
Water visibility	Average 25–30 m	Usually 10–25 m	Manta Dive (2019)
Water temperature	26–30°C all year		Manta Dive
Crowds	Peak season in July and August; quieter from September	Low season from October; busy in December and over New Year	Lonely Planet (updated July 2026)

Note: Temperature and rainfall are averages from weather-and-climate.com (not measured on the islands). Visibility changes with the day, the site and the current. Checked as of October 2026.

When are fast boats and island boats most likely to be cancelled?

Since you normally reach the Gilis by boat, the biggest weather problem is a cancelled crossing. We could not find official statistics on the number or rate of cancellations by month. What we could confirm are actual cases of stoppages in bad weather and the operators’ terms and conditions.

detikBali (26 December 2022) reported that fast boats from Padang Bai port on Bali to Gili Trawangan had been suspended since the evening of 24 December because of strong winds and high waves, and had not resumed at the time of writing. The head of the Padang Bai port authority (KSOP) explained that the measure was for passenger safety. This happened at the height of the rainy season, just as the year-end holidays began.

Operators’ terms are also written on the assumption that cancellations happen. Eka Jaya Fast Ferry, which runs fast boats between Bali and the Gilis, states in its terms that “sea conditions can be unpredictable”, reserves the right to cancel, delay or reschedule departures, and says any resulting costs or losses are borne by the passenger. It recommends allowing at least 24 hours before your next onward connection. For an overview of the islands and how to reach them, see our complete guide to the Gili Islands.

The thresholds used in BMKG forecasts are also a useful guide. The ANTARA Bali article above lists warning levels of winds over 15 knots and waves of 1.25 m for fishing boats, winds of 16 knots and waves of 1.5 m for barges, and winds of 21 knots and waves of 2.5 m for ferries. The public boats and small fast boats that cross from Bangsal harbour on Lombok to the Gilis are smaller than large ferries. On days when waves above the fishing boat threshold (1.25 m) are forecast, expect a rough or delayed crossing, and be ready to decide not to go.

Caution

Leave a day before your flight home: In the rainy season (November to March) and over Christmas and New Year, keep one spare day between leaving the Gilis and your international flight from Bali. Operators themselves recommend a 24-hour margin.
Windy days happen in the dry season too: As the July 2026 report shows, high waves can be forecast for parts of the strait even in the dry season. Do not rely on the season alone; check the forecast the day before.
Costs of a cancellation: Some operators state in their terms that they do not cover hotel or flight costs caused by a cancellation. Check what your travel insurance covers as well.

When is it busy?

Lonely Planet (updated 13 July 2026) names July and August as the Gilis’ peak tourist season. It coincides with the height of the dry season; bars and restaurants are harder to get into, dive and snorkel sites are crowded, and room rates go up. December is also busy, with Australians on their summer holidays. The two weeks around Easter (March or April) tend to be busy too, while crowds start to thin in September and the low season begins in October.

The fast boat operator Wahana Gili Ocean defines 1 June to 30 September and 20 December to 5 January as high season in its terms, and during these periods the deadline for changing your date moves to 7 days before departure (48 hours in normal periods). If you travel then, check the booking and change conditions for your boat early.

If your dates are tied to holidays, here is how the main periods line up. Late April to early May is the start of the dry season: rain is easing and it comes before high season. August is the driest month but sits in the middle of the Gilis’ peak season. The Christmas and New Year period combines the height of the rainy season, the Australian summer holidays and the boat operators’ high season, so it is hard to get good conditions for both weather and crowds.

Lonely Planet also notes that on Bali everything closes and people may not go out on Nyepi (the Balinese Hindu day of silence, usually in the first or second week of March). If you are travelling via Bali in March, check the date of Nyepi first.

So when should you go? Choosing by what matters to you

Here are the figures above, rearranged by purpose. Every period has pros and cons, and there is no month that is guaranteed to be right.

For a balance of weather and crowds, go in June or September. Both are in the dry season, with little rain (about 41 mm over 6 days in June and about 20 mm over 2 days in September), and they are not as busy as July and August. Note, though, that both fall within Wahana Gili Ocean’s high season under its terms (1 June to 30 September).

If the least rain matters most, go in July or August. July gets about 27 mm (4 days) and August about 14 mm (2 days). In exchange, you have to accept higher room rates and crowded popular sites and restaurants. Book your accommodation and boats early.

To avoid crowds, go in April, May or October. All three are outside Wahana Gili Ocean’s high season. April is still fairly wet at about 163 mm (13 days), and the two weeks around Easter are busy. May drops to about 59 mm (8 days). October is fairly dry at about 49 mm (4 days) and, according to Lonely Planet, marks the start of the low season.

The rainy season (November to March) suits travellers who want to save money and have flexible dates. Lonely Planet says room rates drop and day tours are often discounted in the wet season. On the other hand, rainfall exceeds 270 mm a month from December to February, visibility tends to drop, and some days the boats may not run. We cover how to spend the wet months in Lombok in the rainy season.

Figure: Choosing when to visit the Gili Islands

Figure: Rainfall from weather-and-climate.com averages. Crowds and room rates according to Lonely Planet (updated July 2026).

What to wear and pack in each season

Because the temperature is almost the same all year, the basics do not change with the season: light, breathable clothes and sandals, as you would wear on a hot summer day. With less rain in the dry season, the sun feels stronger, so bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a rash guard to cover your skin. Getting around the islands is mostly by bicycle or on foot, so you tend to spend a lot of the day outdoors.

In the rainy season, a folding umbrella or raincoat, a waterproof bag for your phone and wallet, and quick-drying clothes will save you trouble. weather-and-climate.com also advises bringing rain gear and waterproofing your belongings in February.

Whatever the season, you need footwear that can get wet. The fast boat operator Wahana Gili Ocean explains that on the Gilis your feet get wet getting on and off small boats, especially at low tide when boats cannot come right up to the shore, and recommends sandals and shorts. It also asks travellers to wear a sarong and sash at temples and ceremonies on Bali. When you leave the beach to walk through villages or near places of worship, it helps to carry one layer that covers your shoulders and knees.

A note from Sekotong

On a day you plan to take a boat, checking BMKG’s marine forecast the night before makes the decision quicker. BMKG publishes forecasts on its marine weather site (maritim.bmkg.go.id) and in the Info BMKG app. Wave forecasts in the news are split by sea area (northern and southern Lombok Strait, for example), so look at the figure for the stretch of water you will cross. In the rainy season, plan to move between islands in the morning and keep your afternoons near your accommodation, so a sudden downpour does not upset your plans.

The weather downsides of the Gilis, who they suit, and where to find quieter water

The Gilis’ weak point when it comes to weather is that getting there and back depends on boats. In the rainy season and over Christmas and New Year, high waves can stop the boats on some days, affecting that day’s plans and your journey home. The driest months, July and August, are also peak season, with crowds and higher room rates. The best conditions draw the most people, and there is no way around that. The monthly figures are averages, and any given year can differ. If you are on a short trip with fixed dates and do not want to be at the mercy of the weather, a destination that does not involve a boat crossing may suit you better.

On the other hand, if you can spend two nights or more in the dry season and want to enjoy snorkelling, sunsets and cycling around the islands, the Gilis are a good fit. Choosing June or September makes it easier to balance little rain against manageable crowds.

How many nights to plan, working back from the boat times, with sample itineraries for one, two and three nights, is covered in How many nights on the Gili Islands?

If you are looking for water with fewer people than the three main Gilis, there is also a group of small islands off Sekotong in southwest Lombok, known as the South Gilis or Secret Gilis. They are on Lombok, so the rainy and dry seasons are the same. You normally arrange a boat from the Sekotong side to reach them, and there are far fewer places to stay and eat than on the three main Gilis. Sekotong is about 1 hour 10 minutes by car from Lombok International Airport and about 40 minutes from Lembar Port. We compare them with the three main Gilis in Gili Islands vs the Secret Gilis, and describe each island in our guide to the South Gili islands.

Frequently asked questions

Q. What is the best time to visit the Gili Islands?

Rain is lightest and the water is most often clear in the dry season (April to October). Within it, June and September are the easiest months if you weigh both weather and crowds. July and August have the least rain but are peak season, with crowds and higher room rates.

Q. How hot is it on the Gili Islands?

Daytime highs are around 29–30°C all year (weather-and-climate.com averages; Lonely Planet gives 27–32°C). The temperature barely changes with the seasons; the differences show in rainfall and sea conditions.

Q. Is the rainy season still worth it?

Yes, but conditions are harder than in the dry season. Rain often falls in the afternoon, so plan to be on the water in the morning. Visibility is usually 10–25 m in the rainy season, against an average of 25–30 m in the dry season (Manta Dive). Room rates are lower, but some days the boats may not run, so leave a spare day before your flight home.

Q. What are the Gilis like over Christmas and New Year?

It is the height of the rainy season, with about 271 mm of rain over 18 days in December. The islands are busy with Australians on summer holiday, and it falls within the fast boat operators’ high season (20 December to 5 January). In December 2022, strong winds and high waves stopped fast boats from Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan. Check your boat’s booking and change conditions early and build some slack into your dates.

Q. I am going in November 2026. Will it already be the rainy season?

According to a report of BMKG’s forecast (25 September 2026), the 2026–2027 rainy season is expected to start in November in parts of NTB and in December across most of the province. The head of BMKG said the rainy season would come late and be short nationwide. Even on average, November gets about 150 mm of rain, less than December to February. Check BMKG’s latest announcement before you leave.

Summary

The Gili Islands have a dry season from April to October and a rainy season from November to March. Daytime highs stay around 29–30°C all year, and the seasons show mainly in rainfall and sea conditions. Monthly rainfall is lowest in August at about 14 mm and highest in January at about 284 mm (weather-and-climate.com averages). Visibility averages 25–30 m in the dry season and is usually 10–25 m in the rainy season.

If you want both good weather and fewer crowds, go in June or September; if the least rain matters most, go in July or August and accept the crowds; if you want to keep costs down, go in the rainy season. At any time of year the boats can be cancelled on some days, so leave one spare day between leaving the Gilis and your flight home, and check the BMKG forecast the day before a crossing. The 2026–2027 rainy season is expected to start late, but check the latest announcement before you leave.