Good Time to Visit
Weather
Indonesia has a tropical climate with two distinct monsoonal wet (December to March) and dry (June-September) seasons. Average annual rainfall in the lowlands varies from 178 to 318 cm (70 to 125 inches), and up to 610 cm (240 inches) in mountainous regions. The mountainous west coast of Sumatra western Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Papua receive the highest rainfall. Humidity is generally high, averaging about 80%. Temperatures vary little over the year; the average daily temperature range of Jakarta is 21 to 33°C (69 to 92°F).
Visitors are advised to bring lightweight clothing with rainwear all year round. Warmer clothes are needed for upland areas and cool evenings. Women should also bear in mind that the Muslim dress code requires shoulders and legs to be kept covered; it is regarded inappropriate to wear brief clothes anywhere other than the beach or at sports facilities.
More information on the Indonesian weather can be found in Climate in Indonesia.
Festivals
Numerous festivals occur, their dates varying with the Islamic, Hindu or Buddhist calendars. The Bali Arts Festival in June-July 2005 is a month of dance and musical performances and craft exhibitions.
Public Holidays
The following table shows the public holidays celebrated in Indonesia:
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| January/February (variable) | Chinese New Year |
| 1 January | New Year's Day |
| March (variable) | Nyepi (Hindu New Year) |
| March/April (variable) | Good Friday |
| March/April (variable) | Easter |
| May/June (variable) | Ascension |
| May/June (variable) | Waisak Day (Buddha's Birthday) |
| 17 August | Indonesian Independence Day |
| 25 December | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Boxing Day |
| Variable* | Muharram (Islamic New Year) |
| Variable* | Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet) |
| Variable* | Lailat al Miraj (Ascension of the Prophet) |
| Variable* | Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) |
| Variable* | Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) |