Generally, you can visit Lombok all year round. The island, like other places in Indonesia, has two main seasons: the dry and wet seasons. However, there is a perfect time in between if you want to grab a chance to get a glimpse of Lombok’s richness.
Shoulder Season (April-May and September-October)
As the climate crisis worsens, it’s becoming increasingly difficult each year to predict when the dry and wet seasons begin in Lombok. Heavy rains can suddenly pour in the middle of August or September. And if you are not so lucky, a few days in November can feel even hotter than during the typical dry season.
However, there is this in-between period when you’re more likely to get mild rain or sunshine. April to May or September to October are typically safe for those who want to get the most of their time in Lombok. That is to say, if you want to go surfing, get a little hiking time, and soak in the beach throughout your trip, this is the best time to go to Lombok.
What to Do in Lombok During This Season
To give you a little tip of what to do during the best time to travel to Lombok, here’s a list of fun activities you can enjoy:
Under the Sun of Lombok’s Beaches
The beach is arguably one of the most favorite destinations in Lombok. This makes beaches like Selong Belanak, Tanjung Aan and Mawun Beach get crowded during the high season.
If you decide to take the trip during the shoulder season, you can expect fewer crowds at these spots. It’s so much nicer to be able to just lie down on the sand with your book and shades, without seeing too many people doing the same as you do. It almost feels like you own the beach, and it’s definitely such an amazing and calming experience.
A Visit to Mount Rinjani and Sembalun Village
April and November are considered the best times to enjoy trekking on Mount Rinjani with fewer crowds. You can choose either the start or near the end of the climbing season if you wish to have a quieter hike.
By April, the rain has usually subsided, and the trail begins to dry. You can enjoy views of Lombok’s iconic blue skies as a backdrop, along with a stunning sunrise over the crater lake.
Meanwhile, November marks the beginning of Lombok’s rainy season, and the landscape resumes its greenish mode. This is the best time to spend your holiday around Sembalun Village, where the contrast of blue skies and green hills makes the perfect companion to your morning coffee.
A Glimpse of Lombok People
One of the advantages of visiting Lombok during this season is the opportunity to join workshops that showcase the island’s rich cultural heritage. Learning how to make pottery and silver jewelry are just a few of the activities you can enjoy.
Lombok Pottery Studio offers workshops and even cooking classes which gets you an insight to Lombok cuisine. Here, you might be able to find out how Lombok people prepare some of their famous traditional dishes, such as Plecing Kangkung and Beberok.
Near Kuta Mandalika, Batik Silver Workshop offers limited classes for those interested in starting their own silver crafting journey. It’s honestly an interesting experience to discover the process of making silver jewelry. Rest assured, there’s no shortage of things to do in Lombok while you are here.
The truth is, there’s really no such thing as the worst time to visit Lombok. This island will welcome you no matter what, especially if you fall in love with its nature and culture, and also respect its beauty. In the end, you’ll find your own best time to visit if you decide to make Lombok your go-to holiday destination.
Editor: Widya