Lombok - Things to Do in Lombok in June

Lombok in June

June weather, activities, events & insider tips

June Weather in Lombok

31°C (88°F) High Temp
24°C (75°F) Low Temp
95mm (3.7 inches) Rainfall
72% Humidity

Is June Right for You?

Advantages

  • Perfect dry season weather with only 8 rainy days - ideal for Mount Rinjani trekking and Gili Islands activities before monsoon season starts in November
  • Sasak harvest festivals throughout June celebrate rice harvest season with traditional ceremonies like Bau Nyale and village-level Gendang Beleq performances
  • Lowest accommodation prices of peak season - June sits between Easter crowds and July-August European holidays, offering 20-30% savings on beachfront resorts
  • Optimal visibility for diving and snorkeling - dry season means clearest water conditions at dive sites around the Gili Islands with 25-30m (82-98ft) visibility

Considerations

  • Southeast trade winds peak in June bringing consistent 15-20 knot winds to south and east coasts - choppy conditions for boat transfers and beach activities at Kuta and Tanjung Aan
  • Dust from harvest activities creates hazy conditions inland, particularly affecting sunrise photography at Mount Rinjani viewpoints and reducing air quality in rural areas
  • Tourist infrastructure operates on shoulder season schedules - some beachfront restaurants close 1-2 days weekly and boat services to smaller islands run reduced schedules

Best Activities in June

Mount Rinjani Crater Rim Trekking

June offers the driest trail conditions before the challenging monsoon closure from December to March. Morning starts at 4am provide cool 18°C (64°F) temperatures for the steep 8-hour ascent to Senaru Crater Rim at 2,641m (8,665ft). Clear skies in June provide unobstructed sunrise views over Segara Anak Lake and Bali's Mount Agung 50km (31 miles) east.

Booking Tip: Book 14-21 days ahead through certified guides registered with Rinjani Trek Management Board. 2-day crater rim treks typically cost 1,800,000-2,200,000 IDR ($120-145 USD). All operators must use designated campsites - verify proper permits and emergency communication equipment.

Gili Islands Diving and Freediving

Peak visibility season with 25-30m (82-98ft) underwater visibility and water temperatures at comfortable 27-28°C (81-82°F). June's calm morning conditions before daily afternoon winds make it ideal for exploring deeper sites like Shark Point and Manta Point. Turtle nesting season overlaps with June, increasing marine life encounters.

Booking Tip: Morning departures (7-8am) avoid afternoon wind chop. PADI courses typically cost 4,500,000-5,500,000 IDR ($300-365 USD). Book through dive centers with hyperbaric chamber access in Bali. See current certified operators in booking section below.

Traditional Sasak Village Cultural Tours

June coincides with post-harvest cultural season when villages like Sade and Rambitan host traditional weaving demonstrations and Gendang Beleq percussion performances. Cooler morning temperatures make the 2-3 hour walking tours through rice terraces more comfortable, with harvest activities visible in traditional farming areas.

Booking Tip: Half-day village tours cost 450,000-650,000 IDR ($30-43 USD) including traditional lunch. Book through village-certified guides to ensure real feels and proper cultural protocols. Tours typically run 9am-1pm to avoid afternoon heat.

South Coast Surfing and Beach Exploration

June brings consistent 3-5ft (1-1.5m) swells to breaks like Desert Point and Gerupuk Bay. Offshore morning winds create clean wave faces before afternoon onshore winds. Lower tourist numbers mean uncrowded lineups at intermediate breaks, though advanced spots like Desert Point require experienced surfers due to shallow reef.

Booking Tip: Board rentals cost 150,000-200,000 IDR ($10-13 USD) daily. Surf guides for outer reef breaks typically charge 800,000-1,000,000 IDR ($53-66 USD) including boat transport. Book boat trips 2-3 days ahead through established surf camps in Kuta Lombok area.

Pink Beach Snorkeling and Island Hopping

June's dry conditions create optimal access to remote Pink Beach (Pantai Tangsi) via 45-minute boat ride from Tanjung Luar. Coral spawning season brings increased fish activity, while calm morning waters provide perfect snorkeling conditions before afternoon wind picks up. Unique pink sand created by red coral fragments is most visible during June's clear weather.

Booking Tip: Full-day island hopping tours including Pink Beach, Gili Petelu, and Gili Pasir cost 1,200,000-1,500,000 IDR ($80-100 USD) per boat (capacity 8-10 people). Depart by 8am to maximize calm water time. Book through registered boat operators in Tanjung Luar village.

Tetebatu Rice Terrace Trekking and Monkey Forest

Post-harvest period in June reveals intricate rice terrace architecture normally hidden by tall grain stalks. Cool mountain temperatures at 600m (1,968ft) elevation provide comfortable hiking conditions through traditional irrigation systems called 'subak'. Black leaf monkeys are most active in morning hours, making early treks rewarding for wildlife encounters.

Booking Tip: Guided treks through rice terraces and monkey forest cost 350,000-500,000 IDR ($23-33 USD) for half-day tours. Include traditional lunch with local families for cultural immersion. Book locally through guesthouses in Tetebatu village or see current tour options in booking section below.

June Events & Festivals

Mid to Late June (varies by lunar calendar - typically June 20-25)

Bau Nyale Festival

Annual sea worm harvesting celebration marking Sasak New Year based on lunar calendar. Thousands gather at Kuta Beach for traditional ceremonies, folk performances, and the harvesting of nyale sea worms considered a delicacy and fertility symbol. Features traditional Sasak poetry recitations and cultural competitions.

Throughout June (different villages on different dates)

Rice Harvest Celebrations (Gendang Beleq Performances)

Village-level celebrations throughout June featuring traditional Sasak drum ensembles and ceremonial dances thanking spirits for successful harvests. Multiple villages host these events on different dates, with Sade, Rambitan, and Sukarara villages offering the most elaborate performances including traditional weaving demonstrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in light colors - protects from UV index of 9 while staying cool in 72% humidity conditions
Quality trekking boots with ankle support - essential for Mount Rinjani's rocky volcanic terrain and provides grip on loose scree slopes
Compact rain jacket or poncho - afternoon showers last 30-45 minutes but can be intense with limited shelter on mountain trails
Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - Indonesian marine parks prohibit chemical sunscreens, and high UV requires strong protection
Quick-dry synthetic clothing - cotton stays damp in humid conditions and takes hours to dry after rain or water activities
Sarong or lightweight long pants - required for temple visits and respectful village interactions, also useful as beach towel
Waterproof phone case - essential for boat trips, snorkeling, and protection during sudden tropical downpours
Electrolyte tablets or powder - high activity levels in heat and humidity cause significant mineral loss through sweating
Comfortable walking sandals with straps - many temples require shoe removal, and sandy/rocky beach terrain needs secure footwear
Small daypack with rain cover - for carrying essentials during island hopping and trekking while protecting electronics from moisture

Insider Knowledge

Local boats (cidomo horse carts) charge 50,000-75,000 IDR ($3.30-5 USD) for short village trips - negotiate before boarding and pay exact fare as drivers rarely carry change during harvest season
Download offline maps before visiting remote areas - cellular coverage drops significantly in southern peninsula and mountainous regions, especially during weather transitions
Traditional markets (pasar) in Mataram and Cakranegara operate 5am-11am - arrive early for best selection of tropical fruits like salak and mangosteen at peak ripeness during harvest season
Gili Island boat schedules change based on wind conditions - morning departures (7-9am) are most reliable while afternoon returns may be delayed or rerouted due to increasing wave heights

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking afternoon boat transfers to Gili Islands - southeast trade winds create choppy conditions after 2pm, making trips uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous for inexperienced travelers
Underestimating Mount Rinjani trek difficulty - the 2,641m (8,665ft) altitude and steep volcanic terrain require good fitness levels, proper gear, and acclimatization time even in favorable June weather
Wearing bright colors or revealing clothing in traditional villages - conservative dress and earth tones show cultural respect and provide better acceptance from local communities during harvest celebrations

Activities in Lombok