Season by season
Dry season (May–October)
Dry, bright and breezy. The water is clearest from about May to October and the hills on the mainland fade from green to gold. This is also the season for Desert Point’s surf and for yachts passing through the Gili Gede anchorage. Even in August the islands are quiet on weekdays.
Wet season (November–April)
Short tropical downpours, usually in the afternoon, with calm, glassy mornings in between. Run-off can cloud the water near the mainland after heavy rain. A few resorts close for a spell early in the year — check before you travel.
Sea conditions & crossings
The bay around Nanggu, Sudak and Kedis is protected in most winds. The outer islands and the east-coast group are more exposed, especially on wet-season afternoons. Fast boats between Bali and Gili Gede cross open water and are subject to the same cancellations as other Bali boats.
Month by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C | 23°C | 250 mm | Quiet |
| February | 31°C | 23°C | 230 mm | Quiet |
| March | 31°C | 23°C | 200 mm | Quiet |
| April | 32°C | 23°C | 120 mm | Quiet |
| May | 31°C | 22°C | 80 mm | Quiet |
| June | 31°C | 21°C | 45 mm | Busy |
| July | 30°C | 21°C | 30 mm | Very busy |
| August | 30°C | 21°C | 15 mm | Very busy |
| September | 31°C | 22°C | 35 mm | Busy |
| October | 32°C | 23°C | 110 mm | Quiet |
| November | 32°C | 23°C | 200 mm | Quiet |
| December | 31°C | 23°C | 250 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
- Sundays and public holidays: local families picnic on Nanggu and Sudak — lively and friendly, but not secret.
- Eid al-Fitr (Lebaran): the busiest days of the year for domestic visitors; boats and warungs are stretched.
- Ramadan: island warungs may be closed in daylight; bring food and water and eat discreetly.
- Sailing season (roughly May to October): cruising yachts gather at Gili Gede on their way between Bali and Komodo.
- Desert Point season (roughly May to October): big swells bring expert surfers to Bangko-Bangko at the tip of the peninsula.
Our advice
Go on a weekday morning between May and October for flat water and empty beaches. In the wet season, start early and be back before the afternoon clouds build. See when to go for the region as a whole.
