Lombok in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Lombok

32°C (90°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

95mm (3.7 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect surf conditions at desert point breaks - April brings consistent 4-6 foot (1.2-1.8m) swells with offshore winds from 6-10am
Dry season's last month means crystal-clear water visibility of 25-30m (82-98 feet) for snorkeling and diving around Gili Islands
Waterfalls are still flowing strong from wet season but accessible - Tiu Kelep falls at full power with manageable 45-minute (2.8km) trek
Tourist crowds thin out significantly after Easter holidays - accommodation prices drop 20-30% compared to peak July-August rates

Considerations

Humidity climbs to uncomfortable 75-85% by mid-afternoon - outdoor activities become challenging between 11am-3pm
Occasional rain showers (6 days average) can disrupt boat schedules to Gili Islands with 2-4 hour delays
Water temperatures reach 29°C (84°F) making some snorkeling spots uncomfortably warm for extended periods

Best Activities in April

Gili Islands Day Trips and Island Hopping

April offers the clearest water visibility of the year at 25-30m (82-98 feet) before May's plankton blooms. Sea conditions are calmest in early morning with minimal swell. Perfect for snorkeling with sea turtles at Gili Meno's turtle sanctuary. Water temperature is ideal at 27-28°C (81-82°F) - warm but not uncomfortably hot like later dry season months.

Booking Tip: Book fast boat transfers 3-5 days ahead during April as schedules reduce slightly post-Easter. Typical day trips cost 450,000-650,000 IDR including snorkeling gear. Depart by 8am to avoid afternoon heat and return by 4pm before potential late-day showers. Look for operators with safety certifications and life jackets.

Mount Rinjani Trekking and Volcano Tours

April is the absolute best month for Rinjani - dry trails from the ending wet season but not yet scorching hot like June-August. Clear morning visibility up to 2,000m (6,562 feet) before afternoon clouds roll in. Trail conditions are firm but not dusty. Sunrise views are spectacular with minimal haze - you can see Bali, Sumbawa, and Flores on clear days.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead as April is peak trekking season. 2-day/1-night packages typically cost 1,200,000-1,800,000 IDR per person. Choose operators with certified mountain guides and proper camping equipment. Start climbs by 6am latest to reach viewpoints before afternoon cloud cover.

South Coast Surfing and Beach Activities

April delivers consistent surf with 4-6 foot (1.2-1.8m) swells and favorable wind patterns. Mawi, Selong Belanak, and Gerupuk offer different skill levels. Early morning sessions from 6-9am have glassy conditions with offshore winds. Beach temperatures are perfect for post-surf relaxation without the scorching heat of later dry season.

Booking Tip: Surf lessons and board rentals typically cost 200,000-400,000 IDR per day. Book local surf guides through beachside warungs - they know daily conditions and tide timing. Best surf typically 2 hours before to 2 hours after high tide. Transport to remote breaks costs 150,000-250,000 IDR return.

Waterfall Trekking Tours

April is the last month to see waterfalls at full power before they diminish in dry season. Tiu Kelep and Sekumpul falls roar with wet season runoff but trails have dried enough for safe hiking. Trek difficulty is moderate - muddy patches from recent rains but no dangerous river crossings. Swimming pools below falls are refreshingly cool at 22-24°C (72-75°F).

Booking Tip: Guided waterfall tours cost 300,000-500,000 IDR including transport and local guide. Book through registered guides who know safe swimming spots. Treks take 3-4 hours total including swimming time. Start by 7am to complete before afternoon heat peaks. Bring quick-dry clothing and waterproof phone protection.

Traditional Village and Cultural Tours

April weather is ideal for exploring Sasak villages like Sade and Ende - warm but not uncomfortably hot for walking tours. Rice paddies are lush green from recent wet season creating photogenic landscapes. Village activities are in full swing as farmers prepare for dry season harvest. Cultural demonstrations and traditional weaving happen in cooler morning hours.

Booking Tip: Village tours typically cost 250,000-450,000 IDR for half-day experiences including transport and guide. Book through cultural tourism cooperatives for real feels. Morning tours 8am-12pm avoid peak heat. Modest dress required - bring sarong or long pants. Small donations expected for village development projects.

Snorkeling and Diving Day Trips

April offers peak underwater visibility before seasonal plankton blooms reduce clarity in May. Water temperature perfect at 27-28°C (81-82°F) - warm enough for comfort but cool enough to prevent overheating during long sessions. Coral spawning season creates active marine life. Calm seas most days with minimal current - perfect for beginner divers.

Booking Tip: Full-day snorkeling trips cost 400,000-700,000 IDR including equipment and lunch. Diving packages for certified divers range 800,000-1,200,000 IDR for 2-tank dives. Book 5-7 days ahead through PADI-certified operators. Check weather conditions as occasional April showers can affect visibility and boat schedules.

April Events & Festivals

Mid to Late April (dates vary by lunar calendar)

Nyale Festival (Sea Worm Harvesting Ceremony)

Ancient Sasak tradition where locals gather sea worms that emerge during specific lunar cycles in April. Celebrated at Kuta Beach with traditional music, dancing, and communal feasting. The worms are considered a delicacy and symbol of fertility. Experience includes traditional Sasak songs, local food stalls, and ceremonial rituals at dawn.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight, breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester which becomes unbearable in 75% humidity

Quick-dry shorts and pants - afternoon humidity makes regular fabrics take hours to dry

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 9 and you'll spend long hours on boats and beaches

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - brief afternoon showers happen 6 days on average but pass quickly

Waterproof phone case - essential for boat trips and waterfall swimming

Sturdy hiking sandals with good grip - wet rocks around waterfalls are extremely slippery

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes are more active during humid April evenings

Electrolyte tablets or powder - dehydration happens quickly in high humidity even when not feeling hot

Waterproof day pack - protects electronics and documents during boat trips and sudden showers

Cooling towel or bandana - helps manage heat during midday activities when temperature feels like 36°C (97°F)

Insider Knowledge

Local warungs close their beachside locations for renovations in April before May tourist season - eat at village warungs inland for authentic food and better prices

Book accommodations on Gili Islands for mid-week stays - weekend prices spike as Jakarta residents take long weekends during school holidays

Rent motorbikes early morning or evening - metal seats become scorching hot during midday sun and uncomfortable even through clothing

Carry small denominations of Indonesian Rupiah - many village vendors and traditional markets don't have change for large notes during slower April season

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities during 11am-3pm peak heat when humidity makes temperature feel 4-5°C (7-9°F) hotter than actual temperature

Bringing only swimwear for Gili Islands boat trips - strong morning winds and occasional spray make warm layers essential for comfortable crossing

Expecting restaurants and tour operators to maintain high season hours - many reduce operating hours in April and some close one day per week