Lombok shares more or less similar climatic conditions with the neighboring island of Bali. Its tropical climate keeps the island hot and humid. Deciding when to visit Lombok islands will largely depend on the weather conditions, peak seasons, etc. Another factor that can influence a traveler’s decision of when to visit Lombok is its festivals and other key events of the year as while some might interest you, others can hinder your travel plans.

Best Time To Travel

Lombok’s weather stays beautiful all year round. It primarily has two seasons – the dry season and the wet season. Despite that, Lombok’s wet season is far drier than that of Bali’s.

1. May to September (Best time to visit)

The dry season takes up the months of May to September while the wet season usually runs from October to April.  As far as the weather of Lombok is concerned, visit Lombok during the dry season as it is considered the best time to see the island. Also like any other tourist destination, Lombok has its own peak season. The dry season or the months from May to September also see the highest tourist footfall just like in Bali.  Though the island remains beautiful all the year round, it can specifically be said that the best time to visit Lombok is the month of September out of all the dry months. This month particularly sees a blend of hot and humid climatic conditions while staying sunny and beautiful at the same time. Peak season, however, sees a rise in hotel prices, crowded beaches, waiting for queues in restaurants and an increase in the airfare. A key event of the dry season is Senggigi Festival. It is usually celebrated in the month of July and witnesses celebration of Lombok art and culture. The purpose behind celebrating this festival was basically a promotion of tourism industry in Lombok. Resultantly, it has become a great way to see and praise the unique culture of Lombok in one place and participate in parades and competitions.

2. October to April

The wet season extends from October to April and follows closely behind as it does not witness as much rainfall and is far less humid. The two months of December and January around the Christmas and New Year also see a sudden surge in the tourist influx compared to other months of the wet season. This is also the time when going on an organized trekking expedition becomes easier. For those of you looking to have quiet time by the turquoise waters of the beach under the teal blue sky, you must consider visiting Lombok during its wet season i.e. during the months from October to April. Some of the season’s key festivals are: -

Bau Nyale Festival is celebrated either in February or in March. The even sees catching of sea worms by crowds gathered at the Seger Beach, Kuta where traditional performances, boat races, and art performances dominated the night sky.

Ogoh Ogoh Parade takes place during the month of March or April mainly in Mataram and west Lombok. The parade takes the streets of Lombok before the Nyepi Day or the Hindu New Year.

Nyepi Day or the Hindu New Year marks the beginning of the Saka New Year and unlike Bali that observes a day of silence or meditation along with fasting, Lombok functions just like usual days.

Gendang Beleq Festival is celebrated in the month of April featuring local dance performances in colorful costumes on the thumping sounds of drums.

Lombok’s culture, tradition, and religion see the celebration of many other festivals like Ramadan, characterized by a month of fasting, Lebaran or Idul Fitri, marking the end of Ramadan, and Idul Adha or the Muslim Day of Sacrifice. While business function normally during the month of Ramadan, most of them remain shut on Idul Adha.