Komodo National Park is a tropical area with two seasons, wet and dry. However, dry season has a much longer period than wet season. A long period of the dry season and extremely high temperature formed a large savanna which perfect for Komodo to live. If you have a plan to visit this Island, you need to know when the best time to visit Komodo Island. Going from April to December could be the best time to visit Komodo Island since you will get a sunny day all day long which gives you very nice time to snorkeling, diving, and trekking.
The dry season here might be hotter and drier than other parts of Indonesia, no wonder the local people often hardly get water on this season due to its radically arid condition. Moreover, if you contrive to go during the dry season, you should prepare more equipment to protect you from the bright sun and aware of the environment around you; especially the hot dry savanna. Below we categorize the best and worst months to visit Komodo:
1. January to March
It is rainy season during these months. At the end of January, the weather will start to get windy which turns strong current as well. Most tourists will not take any risk to do camping tour or other activities during this time. Also, on February, the rain will be getting more frequent and heavier followed by strong wind and current too. Few tour organizers will not operate during this period; the weather is still not conducive to do such tours. Tourists are not suggested to visit in these months if they want to see the best of the island.
2. April to June
The rainy season has finished. Still, sometimes little rain will pour at night, particularly on April. However, it is still considered as the best time to discover the marine life since the water will be calm and the underwater has clear visibility. Besides, you can also capture your best moment with the dragons. On May, the temperature starts to jump up but turning down slowly in the next month. It is also the best time to spend time with the mantas, dragons and other faunas on land or underwater before the high season which begins on July.
3. July to August
From July to August is the time for the dragons to mate. Thus, it is the best opportunity to get some photos of mating Komodo for your gallery. Additionally, the beach wind at night will chill you out, but it will be so refreshing and relaxing. The medium heat of the water temperature at afternoon as well with the medium strength of current is exceptional for snorkeling and diving.
As you already know that these months are the high season, so almost all areas of the island will be fulfilled by tourists, mainly the national park and some diving or snorkeling sites.
Moreover, do not be shocked when you find out that everything will be totally pricey because most hotels and tour organizers will increase their price. So, it is entirely recommended for you to book your hotels, tour packages, and other things in advance to avoid the fully booked condition and sky-high price.
4. September to December
It is not the high season, so you might not get stressful due to the crowd of tourists. The most import thing is the price will not as crazy as in the high season. On these three months, the island will be rain less with the greatest temperature of the year. Moreover, among these months, the best month is September due to its low frequency of rainy days, the water and air temperature are in the right spot, and it is mantas, whale, and shark season. Thus, you clearly know what to do. Move away from your bed and get yourself underwater!
Unfortunately, September is nesting moment for the dragons, so it might be a little bit hard to see them around. Whereas in the rest months, the water temperature and rain frequency will slightly increase while air temperature remains the same. Still a nice time to ‘hunt’ mantas and other faunas.
Luckily, the water serene and clear visibility will make it lot easier for you to ‘pursue’ them. Meanwhile in December, the air temperature starts to cool down with more frequent rain at night than the previous months, particularly at the end of December.
Even though Komodo National Park is known as one of the most parched islands in Indonesia, there are some months which are regarded as the best time to visit and witness the grandeur of it. However, do not let dehydration harm you when you explore the island, ‘capture’ these giant reptiles, and stalk the majesties of the ocean—make sure to drink a lot of water, guys.
