Best months to visit
SeptemberOctober
May to October is the classic Lombok window — dry, sunny, sea calm. June-September is driest. April and November are shoulder months with occasional showers. December-February is the wettest, with daily afternoon storms; Mount Rinjani trekking is closed January-March for safety.
Best for
Beach
May-October — Kuta Lombok and Tanjung Aan in the south are bone-dry and bright. Senggigi and the Gili Islands have calm warm sea (27-29 °C).
Hiking
May-September — Mount Rinjani trekking season is officially open mostly during this window (closed January-March for safety and rest); waterfalls (Tiu Kelep, Sendang Gile) are accessible.
Sightseeing
May-October — south Lombok villages, surf coast and Gili Islands trips at their reliable best.
Climate notes
- Northwest monsoon wet season (November-March): warm humid air brings 150-260 mm of rain per month, with daily afternoon thunderstorms. December-February is the peak.
- Southeast monsoon dry season (April-October): cooler dry air from Australia; rainfall plummets to 25-90 mm/month — significantly drier than Bali in mid-summer.
- Mount Rinjani rain shadow: at 3726 m Indonesia's second-highest volcano blocks moisture, making south Lombok (Kuta Lombok) one of the driest places in the region during the dry season.
- Volcanic activity: Mount Rinjani is active — last major eruption September-October 2018 caused a rare multi-day airport closure and the 2018 earthquake series killed hundreds and triggered hundreds of aftershocks.
- Equatorial warmth: 26-29 °C all year on the coast; sea 28-30 °C.
- Cyclone-free: Lombok at 8°S sits below the typical cyclone tracks; tropical depressions occasionally affect rainfall but cyclones are not a direct threat.
Temperature (min / max °C)
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Sunshine hours per month
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Regional notes
- South Lombok (Kuta Lombok, Tanjung Aan, Mawi): pronounced rain shadow from Mount Rinjani — the driest part of the island, with classic surf coast (Desert Point, Mawi).
- Senggigi and west coast: similar timing to Bali but slightly drier in dry season; main mid-range tourism corridor.
- Gili Islands (Air, Meno, Trawangan): low-lying islets just NW — slightly drier than mainland Lombok in dry season; sea is glassy in May-October.
- Mount Rinjani (3726 m): cool to cold at altitude — summit can be 3-8 °C overnight in dry season, with frost at the crater rim.
- East Lombok: less developed, drier than west and central regions; coastal villages and Sumbawa ferry crossing.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Lombok?
May-October — the dry season. June-September is driest and brightest. May and October are slightly less crowded with similar weather. Mount Rinjani trekking opens from April-May depending on conditions.
When can I climb Mount Rinjani?
Officially April-December, with trail closures January-March for safety (heavy rain, instability). The most reliable months are May-September. Multi-day treks require porters and a permit through registered operators in Senaru or Sembalun.
Is Lombok drier than Bali?
Yes, in the dry season. Mount Rinjani's rain shadow makes south Lombok significantly drier than south Bali in July-August. Wet seasons are similar in both islands.
Are the Gili Islands a different climate from Lombok?
Slightly drier than mainland Lombok and the sea is calmer year-round thanks to their low-lying location. Same wet/dry timing — peak December-February for rain, May-October for dry.
Is Lombok safe from earthquakes?
Lombok sits in a seismically active zone; the 2018 earthquake series caused major damage and casualties. Travel insurance with natural-disaster coverage is recommended. Modern hotels and resorts on the Gilis and main island have rebuilt to higher standards since 2018.
Can I visit Lombok in February?
Yes — beaches still work between rain bursts, sea is warmest (29-30 °C), accommodation cheaper. Mount Rinjani is closed; Kuta Lombok still has dry corners thanks to the rain shadow. Expect 25 rainy days but most rain comes as afternoon storms.
What is the surf season in south Lombok?
Mawi, Desert Point and Gerupuk break year-round but are at their most reliable May-October when SE trade winds make them offshore. Wet season (November-April) brings bigger swells but also onshore winds.
Does Lombok get cyclones?
Essentially no. Lombok at 8°S sits below the usual SW Indian Ocean cyclone tracks. Tropical depressions can amplify wet-season rain but direct cyclone hits are not a meaningful risk.
Climate data: Open-Meteo · 2020–2025