Season by season
Dry season (May–October)
Sunny, breezy and dry, with cool-ish nights in July and August and superb views of Rinjani at sunrise. Under water, visibility is at its best. The island is full in July and August, and rooms on the east coast book out weeks ahead; May, June and September are the sweet spot.
Wet season (November–April)
Warm, humid and showery. Rain tends to come in short, heavy bursts in the afternoon or at night, with longer grey spells possible in January and February. The interior turns lush, prices fall and there is space everywhere except over Christmas and New Year.
Sea conditions & crossings
The crossing to Bangsal is short and sheltered and runs in almost all weather, which makes Air the safest Gili to be on when you have a flight to catch from Lombok. Fast boats to and from Bali are cancelled most often from December to February and on the windiest days of July and August.
Month by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C | 24°C | 230 mm | Quiet |
| February | 31°C | 24°C | 210 mm | Quiet |
| March | 31°C | 24°C | 170 mm | Quiet |
| April | 32°C | 24°C | 100 mm | Quiet |
| May | 31°C | 23°C | 70 mm | Busy |
| June | 31°C | 23°C | 40 mm | Busy |
| July | 30°C | 22°C | 25 mm | Very busy |
| August | 30°C | 22°C | 15 mm | Very busy |
| September | 31°C | 23°C | 30 mm | Busy |
| October | 32°C | 24°C | 90 mm | Quiet |
| November | 32°C | 24°C | 170 mm | Quiet |
| December | 31°C | 24°C | 220 mm | Busy |
Temperatures and rainfall are approximate long-term averages for the area, rounded; individual years vary and the islands themselves have no long-running weather station.
Festivals & events
- Ramadan: the island runs normally for visitors; music is quieter and many local warungs open only after sunset.
- Eid al-Fitr (Lebaran): family celebrations in the village, domestic visitors and fuller boats for several days.
- Nyepi (usually March): Bali shuts down for 24 hours and no boats sail from there; the Gilis are open as usual and busier just before.
- Independence Day (17 August): village games, boat races and flag-raising.
- Christmas and New Year: peak rates, beach dinners and fireworks on the sand.
Our advice
May, June and September are the months we would choose: dry-season weather without peak-season prices. In the wet months, consider flying to Lombok rather than relying on the Bali fast boat — the short hop from Bangsal almost always runs. Month-by-month detail for the whole region is in when to go.
