The best time to visit Jakarta

If you’re looking for the sweet spot when Jakarta truly shines, the dry season is where it's at. From May to October, the city sees significantly less rain, making it the ideal time for sightseeing. Expect plenty of sunshine and humidity, but nothing a cold es teler (Jakarta’s quintessential icy treat) can’t fix. 

Why visit: With more predictable weather, this is the time to fully experience Jakarta's diverse neighbourhoods from the cafes in Kemang to the rich history of Kota Tua. Outdoor attractions like Taman Mini Indonesia Indah and Ancol Beach will be much more enjoyable when you're not dodging downpours.

Highlights: The Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival usually happens in the middle of the year and is one of the world’s largest jazz festivals, pulling international artistes and big names from the scene – think acts like Stevie Wonder, Laura Fygi, Chaka Khan and more. August brings the grand Independence Day. 

Don’t let the rain dampen your plans! Jakarta’s unpredictable weather during the monsoon season just adds some vibes to your trip. Plus there are fewer tourists and lower prices too. Be ready for the weather though, the torrential downpours can mean sudden flash floods causing certain major roads to be congested, plus immense humidity after the rain. Plan cosy and indoorsy activities like massages, spas or all-day shopping trips in air-conditioned malls. 

Why Visit: This is the time to immerse yourself in Jakarta’s indoor attractions – like vibrant museums, luxury malls, and booming café scene. Fewer tourists mean more space for you to explore hotspots like the contemporary art museum MACAN or hit the designer outlets in Senayan City without the crowds.

Highlights: If you’re a fan of shopping, December and January are a shopper's paradise thanks to massive end-of-year sales. And for the foodies, street food culture never stops, rain or shine. In fact, the cooler weather makes slurping down bowls of soto Betawi and chomping sticks of sate Padang on Jalan Sabang – Jakarta’s main street food stretch – even more satisfying. We The Fest (WTF) & Djakarta Warehouse Project (DWP) are mega music festivals happening later in the year too. Whether you’re into indie or dance music, these gigs are for you.

Jakarta loves to celebrate, and you’ll find festivals and events year-round. Ramadan, followed by Idul Fitri (Eid), brings a whole new side to the city. Things get quieter as most locals return to their own cities and towns in the suburbs and beyond to celebrate with their family. During Chinese New Year, parts of the city – mainly Glodok, its Chinatown – is where you’ll see the city light up with vibrant celebrations filled with lion dances and firecrackers. 

On Sundays the major stretch of road at the Thamrin and Sudirman avenue from Monas the National Monument to Senayan area is closed to cars from 6 am until 12pm every Sunday for Car Free Sundays. 

Look out for the huge masked puppets ondel-ondel and its entourage who will perform a little song and dance for you for a small donation.

If you’re after perfect weather and bustling energy, aim for Jakarta’s dry season between May and October. But if you prefer lower prices and fewer tourists, don’t shy away from the rainy months – just pack an umbrella! Whether you’re splurging on Jakarta’s chic hotel scene or immersing yourself in its vibrant street culture, every season has something unique to offer.