Season by season
Dry season (May–October)
Dry, sunny and breezy, with the best underwater visibility and reliably clear sunsets from June to September. Even in July and August the island never feels crowded on land, though the statues get very busy with boats in the middle of the day. Book the handful of top resorts early.
Wet season (November–April)
Humid, with short heavy downpours and the occasional grey spell in January and February. Some small places close for a few weeks for repairs. Mosquitoes around the lake are at their worst after rain. Rates are at their lowest and you may share the beach with nobody.
Sea conditions & crossings
The hop from Trawangan, Air or Bangsal is short and usually runs unless the sea is really rough, but the public boats may be cancelled for lack of passengers in low season. The long crossing from Bali is the weak link: cancellations are most common between December and February.
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: resorts and beach restaurants operate normally; be discreet about eating and drinking in local areas in daylight.
- Eid al-Fitr (Lebaran): a few busy days of domestic holidaymakers and reduced local services.
- Nyepi (usually March): no boats leave Bali for 24 hours; arrive before or after.
- Turtle nesting and hatchling releases: turtles nest on Meno’s beaches at various times of year, and resorts or local groups sometimes organise releases. Watch from a distance and never handle hatchlings.
- Christmas and New Year: the only time Meno’s rooms sell out; expect peak prices and minimum stays.
Our advice
Come between May and October for the best snorkelling, and aim for May, June or September if you want the statues without a flotilla. Whenever you come, set an alarm once: Meno at 6.30 am, flat sea, turtles and no boats, is the island at its best. The wider picture is in when to go.
