Visiting Gili Trawangan in the Rainy Season

The wet season has arrived in Indonesia with periods of showers almost every day. This season runs from around September or October through to March. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit the Gili Islands during this time. In fact, if you enjoy less crowded travel, cheaper hotel rates, and quieter beaches, the rainy season in Gili Trawangan could be the perfect place to be.

How much rain should you expect?

The rainiest months of the year are usually December and January. In these months there is an average monthly rainfall of 150mm-200mm. Yes, this is quite a lot of rain but it’s about half of what you can expect in Bali, and it will often fall during certain times of day. Days generally start off brighter and build to a storm in the afternoon, clearing again in the evening. It’s good to plan activities for the morning to make the most of the day.

Planning ahead

Traveling to Gili Trawangan in the wet season can take slightly more planning than it would in the dry season. In Gili Trawangan you will be walking or cycling most places so you may want to bring a waterproof jacket and a few extra pieces of clothing for those times getting stuck in the deluge is unavoidable. Ponchos are pretty easy to find at local shops but buying extra clothes can be a pain. Things can also get slippery, so a good pair of grippy sandals or quick-drying trainers are great to pack as well. The great thing is that when the sun comes out, everything dries really quickly.

Save some money

Traveling in the low season has other advantages. Airfares to Indonesia and within the country are generally lower when less people are traveling. Hotels offer good deals and you will find more availability at in-demand accommodation. You may even find the fast boats from Bali to the Gili Islands are cheaper in the wet season.

Enjoy the space

Gili Trawangan is a really popular holiday destination for Indonesians and foreign travelers. In the high season between June and August it can get really busy. If you prefer to have a bit more space and enjoy a slower pace of life, low season is a better time for you to visit. There will be more space on the boats to the island, more deck chairs to choose from and more attention from staff in your hotel, restaurants, and bars.

The rainy season in Gili Trawangan gets a bit of a bad reputation. In fact it’s really not so bad and can be a better time to visit for some people. Tropical rain can even be fun sometimes. Dance, swim, or just enjoy standing in the warm tropical rain.

Would you book a holiday to Gili Trawangan in the rainy season? Let us know why or why not in the comments box below.