Indonesia is located in a vast tropical rainforest climate zone, where the dry and rainy seasons are clearly distinguished, while there are differences in precipitation patterns depending on the region. Below, I have summarized the climatic characteristics and major seasonal events and cultures across four periods.
Spring (March to May)
Climate Characteristics
- Transition from the dry season to the rainy season
- Daytime temperatures around 30°C, morning and evening temperatures around 25°C
- Precipitation gradually increases from late March to April
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description/Relation to Climate |
| March |
Nyepi (Silence Day) |
Hindu New Year in Bali, emphasizing silence before celebrations, taking advantage of mild climate. |
| April-May |
Ramadan |
Breaking the fast with family and friends after sunset, focusing events in the cooler evenings after the high daytime temperatures. |
| May |
Lebaran (Idul Fitri) |
Large migration for the holiday. Homecoming and celebrations utilize relatively dry roads before the rainy season. |
| May-June |
Jakarta Fair |
A major exhibition in the capital. Taking advantage of stable sunny weather at the end of the dry season to hold outdoor events. |
Summer (June to August)
Climate Characteristics
- Entering a full-fledged dry season with significantly reduced precipitation
- Daytime temperatures around 32°C, humidity around 50-60%
- Blue skies, peak tourist season
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description/Relation to Climate |
| June-July |
Bali Arts Festival |
Traditional dances and crafts exhibitions. Outdoor programs thrive in the stable climate of the dry season. |
| August 17 |
Independence Day |
Parades and ceremonies held nationwide. Celebrations are conducted under favorable weather with little chance of rain. |
| July |
Waisak (Buddhist Holiday) |
Buddhists carry out pilgrimages and lantern floating. Lights shine in the dry season night sky. |
Autumn (September to November)
Climate Characteristics
- Transition from the end of the dry season to the early rainy season
- Gradually increasing precipitation, entering the full rainy season after November
- Temperatures rise to 28-30°C with humidity around 70%
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description/Relation to Climate |
| October |
Ubud Writers and Readers Festival |
A literary festival with indoor and outdoor talks and workshops conducted in the cool climate before the rainy season. |
| October |
Jakarta Fashion Week |
Fashion shows. Venues are mainly indoors to prepare for sudden downpours. |
| October |
Tabot Festival (Aceh Province) |
A festival to honor ancestors. Held taking advantage of relatively stable weather just before the rainy season. |
Winter (December to February)
Climate Characteristics
- Peak of the rainy season. Heavy rains and influences from tropical depressions are prominent
- Temperatures around 26-28°C with humidity around 80%
- A period when floods and road inundations are likely to occur
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Description/Relation to Climate |
| December-January |
Christmas and New Year |
Illuminations and countdowns in urban areas. Many events are held indoors as rain precautions. |
| January-February |
Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year) |
Celebrations among Chinese communities, with traditional ceremonies and lion dances even during the rainy season. |
| February |
Pasola (East Nusa Tenggara) |
A horse-mounted spear-throwing competition. Dates may be adjusted depending on rainfall conditions. |
Summary of Seasonal Events and Climate Relationship
| Season |
Climate Characteristics |
Major Event Examples |
| Spring |
Transition from dry to rainy season, increasing rainfall |
Nyepi, Ramadan, Idul Fitri |
| Summer |
Full dry season, prevalent sunny weather |
Bali Arts Festival, Independence Day, Waisak |
| Autumn |
Transition from end of dry to early rainy season |
Ubud Festival, Jakarta FW, Tabot Festival |
| Winter |
Peak rainy season, high flood risk |
Christmas and New Year, Lunar New Year, Pasola |
Supplement
- Regional Differences: Due to Indonesia being an archipelago, there are areas that experience the rainy season year-round and regions with shorter dry seasons.
- Date Variations: Islamic and lunar calendar holidays differ yearly, so actual celebration months may vary.
- Travel Period: The dry season (May to September) is suitable for tourism, but to see traditional events, attention should also be paid to events around the rainy season.
The climate and culture of Indonesia are closely intertwined, with various festivals and traditional events passed down that capitalize on the weather conditions of each season.
Sunny