Lombok in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Lombok

31°C (88°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather for this destination trekking - clearest skies of the year with visibility up to 50km (31 miles) from the crater rim
Ideal surf conditions on the south coast - consistent 4-6ft swells with offshore winds 70% of mornings
Sasak harvest festivals occur throughout August - witness traditional ceremonies unavailable other months
Lowest rainfall of the year means reliable boat schedules to Gili Islands and easy outdoor dining

Considerations

Peak tourist season pricing - accommodation costs 40-60% higher than shoulder months
Gili Islands crowded with 3x normal visitor numbers, especially Gili Trawangan
Dust levels high on unpaved roads due to extended dry period - problematic for respiratory sensitivities

Best Activities in August

Mount Rinjani Summit Trekking

August offers the clearest weather for Indonesia's second-highest volcano. Zero cloud cover on 80% of mornings means unobstructed sunrise views from 3,726m (12,224ft). Dry trails reduce slip hazards and camping conditions are optimal with minimal rain risk. The crater lake (Segara Anak) is most visible now.

Booking Tip: Book certified guides 3-4 weeks ahead as August slots fill completely. Expect to pay 2,000,000-3,500,000 IDR for 3D/2N packages. Look for operators with insurance and emergency communication equipment. Reference booking widget for current certified guide options.

South Coast Surf Lessons and Breaks

August brings consistent southeast trade winds creating perfect offshore conditions at breaks like Selong Belanak and Gerupuk. Morning sessions (6-9am) offer glassy 1-2m (3-6ft) waves ideal for beginners. Advanced surfers find 2-3m (6-10ft) barrels at Desert Point during afternoon sessions.

Booking Tip: Book surf guides locally for 300,000-500,000 IDR per day. Morning lessons fill fastest - arrange the evening before. Look for instructors certified by Indonesian Surfing Association. See current surf guide options in booking section below.

Traditional Sasak Village Cultural Tours

August coincides with post-harvest celebrations in villages like Sade and Ende. Witness traditional weaving demonstrations, rice wine ceremonies, and architecture tours of 300-year-old houses. The dry season makes village access roads passable by standard vehicles.

Booking Tip: Half-day village tours typically cost 400,000-600,000 IDR including transport from Mataram. Book through cultural tourism cooperatives rather than large operators for real feels. Villages prefer morning visits before 11am heat.

Gili Islands Island-Hopping Adventures

Calm seas and minimal rainfall make August perfect for multi-island exploration. Fast boats run 95% on schedule versus 60% in rainy season. Underwater visibility reaches 25-30m (82-98ft) for snorkeling. Each island offers distinct character - Trawangan for nightlife, Meno for tranquility, Air for local culture.

Booking Tip: Book fast boat tickets 1-2 weeks ahead as August demand is highest. Day trips cost 350,000-450,000 IDR including snorkeling gear. Avoid Friday-Sunday for better pricing and fewer crowds. Check current boat schedules in booking widget below.

Northern Waterfall Exploration

Waterfalls like Tiu Kelep and Sekumpul maintain good flow from mountain springs despite dry conditions. Hiking trails are dust-free after occasional brief showers, and river crossings are safely shallow. The 2km (1.2 mile) trek to Tiu Kelep takes 45 minutes versus 90 minutes in muddy season.

Booking Tip: Arrange local guides in Senaru village for 200,000-350,000 IDR per group. Start early (7am) to avoid midday heat and secure parking. Guides provide river crossing assistance and know current trail conditions. Reference local guide options in booking section.

Senggigi Beach Sunset and Night Market Tours

August evenings offer spectacular sunsets with minimal cloud interference. The beachfront comes alive with temporary food stalls from 5pm serving fresh grilled fish and local specialties. Dry conditions mean comfortable evening walks along the 10km (6.2 mile) coastal stretch.

Booking Tip: Evening food tours cost 250,000-400,000 IDR for 3-4 hours including transport and tastings. Book locally through hotel concierges or tourist information centers. Peak sunset viewing time is 6:15-6:45pm in August. See current evening tour options below.

August Events & Festivals

Mid to Late August (lunar calendar dependent)

Bau Nyale Festival

Annual sea worm harvesting celebration on southern beaches, particularly Seger Beach. Local Sasak people gather these protein-rich worms that appear only during specific lunar phases. Features traditional music, poetry competitions, and ceremonial fishing

Throughout August (varies by village)

Perang Ketupat Rice Festival

Post-harvest thanksgiving celebration in traditional villages. Locals throw rice cakes (ketupat) at Lingsar Temple complex in ritualized battles between Hindu and Islamic communities. Symbolizes unity and gratitude for successful harvests

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours - UV index reaches 8 with minimal cloud cover for protection

Lightweight long pants for temple visits and evening mosquito protection in 70% humidity

Sturdy hiking boots if trekking Rinjani - trails become dusty and rocky in dry conditions

Quick-dry clothing - brief afternoon showers occur on 10 days and humidity stays around 70%

Dust mask or bandana for motorbike travel on unpaved roads during extended dry period

Reef-safe sunscreen for marine activities - regular sunscreen damages coral ecosystems

Light rain jacket for brief afternoon showers lasting 20-30 minutes

Water purification tablets - staying hydrated is crucial in 31°C (88°F) daytime temperatures

Insect repellent with DEET for evening activities when mosquitoes are most active

Comfortable walking sandals with good grip for temple visits and beach activities

Insider Knowledge

August is 'musim kemarau' (dry season) - locals adjust daily schedules starting activities at 6am to avoid peak heat between 11am-2pm

Rice harvest festivals vary by village elevation - coastal areas harvest in early August, mountain villages in late August, offering multiple cultural experiences

Tourist police establish temporary posts at popular beaches during August - report any overcharging or scams directly to them for immediate resolution

Local 'warung' restaurants offer lunch discounts between 11am-2pm during August to attract customers during slow midday heat periods

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking Gili Islands accommodation upon arrival - August occupancy exceeds 90% and walk-in rates are 50% higher than advance bookings

Attempting Rinjani trek without proper acclimatization - spend 2 days at 500m+ elevation before summit attempt to avoid altitude issues

Wearing dark clothing during midday activities - black or navy fabrics become uncomfortably hot in direct 31°C (88°F) sunshine