Lombok in July

July weather, activities, events & insider tips

July Weather in Lombok

30°C (86°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

65mm (2.6 inches) Rainfall

72% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season means 85% sunny days with minimal rainfall - perfect for Gili Islands hopping and outdoor adventures
Southeast trade winds (15-20 km/h or 9-12 mph) provide natural cooling, making 30°C (86°F) feel comfortable for hiking and beach activities
Crystal clear visibility underwater (25-30m or 82-98 ft) due to calm seas - ideal for snorkeling and diving around coral reefs
Sasak harvest festivals throughout the month feature traditional peresean (stick fighting) competitions and local rice wine ceremonies

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to wet season, book 6-8 weeks ahead
UV intensity reaches dangerous levels (index 9) between 10am-3pm, requiring frequent shade breaks and SPF 50+ reapplication
Strong easterly winds can make west coast beaches choppy for swimming, though east coast remains perfectly calm

Best Activities in July

Gili Islands Snorkeling and Diving Expeditions

July's calm seas and 28°C (82°F) water temperature create perfect conditions for underwater exploration. Visibility reaches 25-30m (82-98 ft), and sea turtles are most active during morning hours. The dry weather means reliable boat transfers and no cancelled trips.

Booking Tip: Book island hopping tours 7-10 days ahead through operators with safety certifications. Expect to pay 450,000-650,000 IDR ($30-43 USD) for full-day trips including snorkeling gear. Morning departures (8am) avoid afternoon crowds and offer best marine life viewing.

Mount Rinjani Crater Rim Trekking

July offers the most stable weather windows for Rinjani ascents. Clear morning visibility allows spectacular sunrise views over the crater lake, and minimal rainfall reduces trail erosion. Temperatures drop to 8°C (46°F) at the rim, creating comfortable trekking conditions.

Booking Tip: Multi-day treks require advance booking through certified guides with mountain rescue training. Budget 2,500,000-4,000,000 IDR ($170-270 USD) for 2-3 day packages including porter services. Book 2-3 weeks ahead as permits are limited to 150 trekkers daily.

Traditional Sasak Village Cultural Tours

July coincides with post-harvest celebrations in villages like Sukarare and Sade. Experience authentic weaving demonstrations, traditional architecture tours, and participate in local rice wine tastings. The dry weather makes rural road access reliable for village visits.

Booking Tip: Half-day cultural tours typically cost 300,000-500,000 IDR ($20-33 USD) including transport from Senggigi or Mataram. Local guides offer deeper cultural insights than large group tours. Book through community-based tourism initiatives for real feels.

South Coast Surfing Expeditions

Consistent southeast swells create 1.5-2.5m (5-8 ft) waves along beaches like Mawi and Selong Belanak. July's offshore winds groom wave faces perfectly, and warm 28°C (82°F) water requires no wetsuit. Beginner-friendly breaks receive consistent 1-1.5m (3-5 ft) waves.

Booking Tip: Surf lessons range from 250,000-400,000 IDR ($17-27 USD) for 2-hour sessions including board rental. Advanced surfers can rent boards for 150,000 IDR ($10 USD) daily. Book accommodations near surf breaks to avoid 1-hour+ drives from main tourist areas.

Mangsit Beach Sunset Horseback Riding

July's low tide periods in late afternoon create firm sand conditions perfect for beach horseback riding. Consistent clear skies guarantee spectacular sunset views over the Gili Islands. Cool evening temperatures make hour-long rides comfortable for beginners.

Booking Tip: Beach riding sessions cost 350,000-500,000 IDR ($23-33 USD) for 1-hour guided rides. Book sunset slots (5:30-6:30pm) 3-5 days ahead during peak season. Operators provide helmets and basic instruction for non-experienced riders.

Pink Beach Sekotong Peninsula Exploration

July's minimal rainfall keeps access roads to remote pink sand beaches navigable. Crystal clear waters and calm conditions make this ideal for photography and swimming. The unique coral fragments creating the pink sand are most busy in bright July sunshine.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours including Pink Beach, snorkeling stops, and lunch range from 600,000-900,000 IDR ($40-60 USD) per person. Private boat charters offer flexibility but cost 1,500,000-2,500,000 IDR ($100-170 USD) for groups of 4-6. Book through certified marine operators only.

July Events & Festivals

Mid July (dates follow lunar calendar)

Bau Nyale Festival

Annual sea worm harvesting celebration on Kuta Beach featuring traditional Sasak music, dance performances, and the legendary love story of Princess Mandalika. Thousands gather at dawn to collect nyale worms, considered a delicacy and symbol of prosperity.

Throughout July

Peresean Traditional Stick Fighting Championships

Post-harvest festival featuring ritual combat between Sasak warriors using rattan sticks and cowhide shields. Performances include gamelan orchestras, traditional costumes, and ceremonial blessings. Multiple villages host competitions throughout the month.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen and zinc stick - UV index 9 requires reapplication every 90 minutes, especially for water activities

Lightweight long-sleeve UV protection shirts - essential for boat trips and snorkeling to prevent severe sunburn

Quick-dry hiking pants - for this destination treks where temperatures drop to 8°C (46°F) at 2,000m (6,560 ft) elevation

Packable rain jacket - brief afternoon showers on 8 days, lasting 15-30 minutes but can be intense

Reef-safe snorkeling gear - rental quality varies, bring your own mask for better fit and hygiene

Sturdy water shoes - essential for rocky beach entries and coral protection around Gili Islands

Insect repellent with 20% DEET - evening mosquitoes active in village areas and beachfront restaurants

Portable power bank (10,000+ mAh) - limited charging options during island hopping and village visits

Cash in small denominations - many local operators and village experiences only accept Indonesian Rupiah

Dry bag (20L minimum) - protect electronics and documents during boat transfers and water activities

Insider Knowledge

Book Gili Island accommodations on Gili Trawangan's east side - west side gets choppy waves in July's southeast winds, affecting sleep and swimming

Start this destination treks on Tuesday or Wednesday - weekends see 3x more climbers, making campsites crowded and noisy

Visit local warungs between 11am-1pm for freshest seafood - fishermen return from morning catches, and restaurants haven't been sitting in heat

Exchange money in Mataram before heading to Gili Islands - island ATMs frequently run empty during peak season and charge 50,000 IDR fees

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating sun intensity - tourists frequently get severe burns on first day, especially on boat trips where ocean reflection doubles UV exposure

Booking same-day Gili Island trips - July's high demand means best snorkeling spots get overbooked, settle for crowded secondary sites

Packing only cotton clothing for Rinjani treks - cotton becomes dangerous when wet, synthetic moisture-wicking materials essential for safety