Lombok Weather & Climate Guide: Seasons, Rain & Trends

Lombok's climate is classic tropical monsoon, characterized by high temperatures, significant humidity, and two distinct seasons. While it shares many similarities with neighboring Bali, Lombok is notably drier, particularly in its southern and eastern regions, due to the rain-shadow effect of its massive volcanic peaks.

Seasonal Trends

The Dry Season (April – October)

This is the most stable time of year. Days are consistently sunny with clear blue skies, and the humidity drops to its annual low, making the 30°C (86°F) heat feel much more manageable. During the peak of the dry season (June to August), the southeast trade winds—known locally as the Musim Timur—bring cooler air from Australia. During these months, nighttime temperatures in coastal areas can dip to a refreshing 22°C (72°F), and the landscape takes on a golden-brown, arid appearance.

The Wet Season (November – March)

The wet season is driven by the northwest monsoon. Rainfall typically arrives in short, intense bursts rather than day-long drizzles. Most rain occurs in the late afternoon or evening, often accompanied by dramatic thunderstorms that temporarily cool the air. January and February are historically the wettest months. Despite the rain, the island transforms into a vibrant, lush emerald green, and waterfalls across the island reach their peak flow.

Diurnal Patterns: How the Day Behaves

In Lombok, the weather follows a predictable daily cycle. Mornings are almost always clear and calm, making them the best time for outdoor exploration. As the day progresses, the heat builds, peaking around 2:00 PM. In the wet season, cloud cover begins to increase in the early afternoon, culminating in a downpour before sunset. Evenings remain warm and humid, often lingering around 25°C (77°F), though the coastal breeze provides relief in the late hours.

Microclimates and Topography

Lombok’s geography creates extreme weather variations over short distances:

• Mount Rinjani & The Highlands: The central volcano, rising to 3,726 meters, creates its own weather. It is significantly cooler and rainier than the coast. At the summit crater, temperatures can plummet toward freezing (0°C to 5°C) at night, even during the dry season. Clouds often shroud the peaks by midday.
• The South Coast (Kuta & Sekotong): This region is significantly more arid. It receives less rain than the north, often remaining dry and sunny even when the mountainous interior is experiencing heavy storms.
• The Gili Islands: These tiny islands off the northwest coast exist in a unique microclimate. They are flatter than the mainland and often escape the rain clouds that get trapped by Lombok's mountains, making them one of the sunniest spots in the region.

Specific Weather Phenomena

• The Rain Shadow: Due to the height of Mount Rinjani, the northern slopes capture most of the moisture from the northwest monsoon, leaving the southern plains much drier. This makes the south of Lombok ideal for those seeking sun during the transition months.
• Swell Patterns: For surfers, the seasons dictate the water conditions. The dry season brings the most consistent, large swells to the south coast, while the wet season offers cleaner, glassy conditions on the east coast as wind directions shift.

Historical Context and Local Adaptation

Locals have traditionally lived by a "rice-paddy calendar," aligning their planting with the first heavy rains of November. However, in recent years, weather patterns have become more erratic, with the "monsoon shift" occasionally delaying the rainy season until December.

You will notice that local architecture often features high, thatched roofs (Alang-alang) designed specifically to vent tropical heat while remaining waterproof during torrential downpours. In rural areas, the sound of the Gamelan often accompanies ceremonies meant to either welcome the rains or ensure clear skies for a harvest, reflecting the deep cultural connection to these seasonal shifts.