Lombok in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Lombok

30°C (86°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

280mm (11 inches) Rainfall

82% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Dramatic landscapes at peak greenery - rice terraces are emerald green and waterfalls are at maximum flow, creating the most photogenic scenery of the year
Lowest accommodation prices of the year - beachfront hotels drop rates by 40-60% compared to dry season, making luxury stays surprisingly affordable
Fewer crowds at major attractions - you'll often have Sekotong beaches and traditional villages nearly to yourself, perfect for authentic cultural interactions
Prime surfing conditions on the south coast - consistent swells and offshore winds create ideal waves at Desert Point and Gerupuk Bay

Considerations

Heavy daily rainfall (18 rainy days) with intense 2-3 hour downpours that can flood roads and cancel boat trips to Gili Islands
High humidity (82%) makes outdoor activities exhausting - even short walks feel draining, and clothes never fully dry
Limited boat access to outer islands - rough seas frequently cancel trips to Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and snorkeling spots

Best Activities in January

Mount Rinjani Base Camp Trekking

January's cooler temperatures (24-30°C/75-86°F) make the challenging trek to Sembalun Rim more bearable than dry season heat. Cloud cover provides natural shade, though summit attempts are often cancelled due to storms. The lower altitude Senaru waterfall route remains accessible and spectacular with maximum water flow.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through certified mountain guides (typically Rp 1,500,000-2,500,000 for 2-day treks). Weather windows are short - be flexible with dates. See current certified guide options in the booking section below.

Traditional Sasak Village Cultural Tours

January is harvest preparation time in villages like Sade and Ende. You'll witness authentic agricultural activities and traditional weaving in cool, indoor settings. The wet season keeps tourists away, allowing genuine interactions with locals who have more time for cultural exchange.

Booking Tip: Half-day village tours cost Rp 400,000-600,000 including transport. Book morning tours (8am-12pm) to avoid afternoon storms. Look for guides who speak local Sasak language. Current cultural tour options available in booking widget below.

South Coast Surf Lessons

January delivers Lombok's most consistent surf conditions with 4-6ft swells and clean offshore winds. Water temperature is warm (27°C/81°F) requiring only rash guards. Beginners should focus on Gerupuk Bay's protected breaks, while experienced surfers can tackle Desert Point's legendary left-hand barrels.

Booking Tip: Surf lessons typically cost Rp 500,000-800,000 for 3-hour sessions including board rental. Book with local surf schools 2-3 days ahead as good weather windows fill quickly. Check current surf lesson availability in booking section below.

Cooking Classes and Food Market Tours

January brings seasonal tropical fruits (rambutan, durian, mangosteen) to Mataram markets. Cooking classes move indoors during rain, creating intimate sessions learning traditional Sasak dishes like ayam taliwang and plecing kangkung. The humid weather actually enhances spice flavors in local cuisine.

Booking Tip: Half-day cooking classes including market tour cost Rp 600,000-900,000. Morning classes (9am-1pm) work best before afternoon rains. Look for classes in traditional houses with covered outdoor kitchens. See current cooking class options in booking widget below.

Waterfall Photography Tours

January's heavy rains create spectacular waterfall displays at Tiu Kelep, Sendang Gile, and Benang Stokel. The 2-3km (1.2-1.8 mile) hiking trails are muddy but manageable with proper footwear. Overcast skies provide perfect natural lighting for photography without harsh shadows.

Booking Tip: Waterfall tours cost Rp 300,000-500,000 including transport and guide. Start early (7am) to complete hikes before heavy afternoon rains. Bring waterproof camera gear. Current waterfall tour options available in booking section below.

Pottery and Handicraft Workshops

Rainy afternoons are perfect for indoor cultural activities. Banyumulek village pottery workshops and Sukarara weaving demonstrations offer hands-on experiences with traditional Sasak crafts. The wet season is actually when artisans spend more time on their craft due to limited outdoor work.

Booking Tip: Workshop sessions cost Rp 200,000-400,000 for 2-3 hours including materials. No advance booking needed - these are ideal rainy day backup activities. Look for workshops with covered work areas. Current handicraft workshop information in booking widget below.

January Events & Festivals

Late January (preparation ceremonies)

Nyale Fishing Festival

Annual sea worm harvesting celebration that typically occurs in February/March based on lunar calendar, but preparation ceremonies begin in late January in coastal villages. Local Sasak communities perform traditional rituals and dances related to this unique maritime tradition.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking pants and shorts - regular cotton takes 2+ days to dry in 82% humidity

Lightweight rain jacket with pit zips - afternoon storms drop 20-40mm (0.8-1.6 inches) in 2-3 hours

Waterproof phone case and dry bag - essential for boat trips and waterfall hikes

Reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 9 even on cloudy days

Antimalarial medication - wet season increases mosquito activity, consult doctor 4-6 weeks before travel

Closed-toe hiking shoes with good grip - trails to waterfalls become muddy and slippery

Moisture-wicking synthetic shirts - avoid cotton which stays damp and causes chafing

Flip-flops for wet floors - accommodation bathrooms and restaurant floors are constantly damp

Electrolyte supplements - high humidity increases dehydration risk during outdoor activities

Ziplock bags for electronics - humidity can damage cameras and phones even indoors

Insider Knowledge

Local warung owners often close for 1-2 week family visits during January school holidays - stick to hotel restaurants or ask locals about 'warung buka' (open food stalls) for reliable meal options

Boat captains check weather at 6am daily - if you're planning Gili Islands trips, get their WhatsApp numbers and confirm by 7am each morning rather than booking fixed schedules

January is 'gotong royong' season when communities work together on village repairs after rains - respectfully observe but don't interfere with these important social activities in traditional villages

Motorcycle taxis (ojek) charge 50% more during rain and often refuse longer trips - budget extra for car transport (Rp 150,000-300,000 for full-day hire) rather than relying on motorbikes

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking rigid itineraries with fixed boat trips - January weather requires flexible planning with 2-3 backup indoor activities per day

Packing only sundresses and light clothing - you'll need pants and closed shoes for muddy temple visits and village walks

Staying only in beachfront areas - inland cultural sites and mountain activities are more reliable when coastal boat trips get cancelled