Lombok in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Lombok

28°C (82°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

195mm (7.7 inches) Rainfall

78% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Waterfalls at peak flow - Sekumpul and Tiu Kelep are spectacular with 3x normal water volume from October rains
Lush green landscapes everywhere - rice terraces in Tetebatu and Senaru are emerald green, perfect for photography
Fewer crowds at major attractions - this destination permits are readily available, beaches have 40% fewer visitors than dry season
Lower accommodation prices - mid-range hotels offer 25-30% discounts compared to July-August peak season rates

Considerations

Daily afternoon thunderstorms - expect 2-3 hours of heavy rain between 2-5pm on 70% of days, disrupting outdoor plans
Humid conditions make hiking challenging - this destination treks feel significantly harder due to 78% humidity levels
Some boat services unreliable - rough seas cancel 20-30% of Gili Islands transfers, especially to Gili Nanggu and Gili Sudak

Best Activities in November

Waterfall Photography Tours

November is waterfall season on Lombok. Sekumpul, Tiu Kelep, and Benang Kelambu waterfalls are at maximum flow after weeks of rain. The 2-hour hike to Tiu Kelep through muddy trails is worth it for the thundering cascade. Morning visits (7-11am) avoid afternoon storms and provide the best lighting for photography.

Booking Tip: Book guided waterfall tours 3-5 days ahead through local operators. Tours typically cost IDR 400,000-600,000 ($25-38) per person including transport and guide. Look for operators who provide proper hiking boots and rain gear. Check current tour options in the booking section below.

Rice Terrace Cultural Walks

Tetebatu and Senaru rice terraces are impossibly green in November due to the rainy season. Local farmers are harvesting secondary crops, offering authentic cultural interactions. The Sasak traditional villages are most active during harvest time. Walking tours are best done 8-11am before the heat and afternoon rains arrive.

Booking Tip: Village walking tours cost IDR 200,000-350,000 ($12-22) per person. Book through village cooperatives rather than hotel concierges for real feels. Tours include traditional lunch and weaving demonstrations. See current cultural tour options in the booking widget below.

Traditional Cooking Classes

November brings harvest season vegetables and spices to Lombok markets. Cooking classes feature seasonal ingredients like young coconut, fresh turmeric, and newly harvested rice. Indoor classes are perfect for rainy afternoons. Learn to make Ayam Taliwang and Plecing Kangkung using traditional clay pots and wood fires.

Booking Tip: Half-day cooking classes cost IDR 300,000-500,000 ($19-31) including market visit and meal. Book morning classes that start with 7am market tours before afternoon rains. Look for classes in traditional Sasak homes rather than hotels for authenticity. Current cooking class options available in booking section.

Indoor Cultural Experiences

November's rainy afternoons are perfect for visiting Lombok's traditional weaving villages and pottery centers. Sukarara village women demonstrate ikat weaving techniques passed down for generations. Banyumulek pottery village offers hands-on ceramic workshops. These covered activities are ideal when outdoor plans get rained out.

Booking Tip: Village craft tours cost IDR 150,000-300,000 ($9-19) per person. Afternoon tours (1-5pm) work well as rain backup plans. Purchase directly from artisans - prices are 40-60% lower than hotel shops. Transport typically adds IDR 200,000-400,000 depending on distance from your accommodation.

Hot Spring Relaxation

Aik Kalak and Sebau hot springs near Rinjani are perfect for November's humid weather. The natural sulfur springs feel amazing after sweaty, humid days. Surrounded by tropical vegetation that's lush from recent rains, these springs offer therapeutic relief. Local warungs serve hot ginger tea - perfect for cooling rain showers.

Booking Tip: Entry to hot springs costs IDR 15,000-25,000 ($1-2) per person. Rent motorbikes for IDR 75,000-100,000 per day or hire drivers for IDR 400,000-600,000 full day. Bring waterproof bags for electronics. Visit late afternoon after main tourist groups leave around 3pm.

Traditional Market Tours

November markets overflow with seasonal tropical fruits - rambutan, mangosteen, and durian are at peak ripeness. Cakranegara traditional market and Mandalika morning markets showcase Lombok's agricultural abundance. Covered market areas provide shelter during sudden rain showers while you sample exotic fruits and local snacks.

Booking Tip: Self-guided market visits are free, guided food tours cost IDR 250,000-400,000 ($15-25) per person. Visit markets 6-9am for best selection and cooler temperatures. Bring small denomination rupiah notes - most vendors don't accept cards or large bills. Try seasonal specialties like young coconut ice and local coffee.

November Events & Festivals

Mid to Late November

Rice Harvest Festivals

Local Sasak communities celebrate rice harvests with traditional ceremonies called Bau Nyale preparation rituals. Villages in Tetebatu and Senaru hold thanksgiving ceremonies with gamelan music, traditional dances, and communal feasts. These authentic cultural experiences happen organically in farming communities.

Throughout November

Gendang Beleq Performances

Traditional large drum performances increase during harvest season. These ceremonial drum ensembles perform at village celebrations and temple ceremonies. The powerful rhythms echo through villages during evening celebrations, often coinciding with full moon dates in November.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots - trails to waterfalls are muddy and slippery from daily rains, regular sneakers won't provide adequate grip

Quick-dry clothing - cotton takes forever to dry in 78% humidity, synthetic fabrics dry within 2-3 hours

Waterproof phone case - sudden downpours can damage electronics, especially during motorbike rides

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 9 even on cloudy days, reapply every 90 minutes when sweating

Lightweight rain poncho - umbrellas are useless in tropical downpours with strong winds

Antifungal foot powder - constantly wet feet in humid conditions lead to athlete's foot and blisters

Waterproof daypack cover - protects cameras, documents, and spare clothes during unexpected storms

Insect repellent with 25% DEET - standing water from rains increases mosquito breeding significantly

Portable battery pack in waterproof case - humid conditions drain phone batteries 30% faster than normal

Merino wool socks - only material that doesn't smell terrible when constantly damp from humidity and rain

Insider Knowledge

Plan indoor backup activities for every day between 2-5pm - this is when 70% of thunderstorms hit. Locals use this time for afternoon naps or visiting covered markets

Book Gili Islands day trips for early morning departures (7-8am) - afternoon boats get cancelled more frequently due to rough seas from daily storms

Motorcycle taxis (ojek) charge 50% more during rain - negotiate fixed rates in advance or use covered angkot minibuses for short distances

Local warungs serve the best comfort food during rainy season - hot soup and fried snacks are specialties when it's humid and wet outside

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking this destination multi-day treks without checking recent weather - November storms can trap hikers for extra days, pack extra food and warm clothes

Scheduling beach activities for afternoon - morning beach visits (6-11am) avoid both afternoon storms and peak heat, waves are calmer too

Not bringing backup shoes - you'll need at least two pairs since nothing dries completely in November's humidity levels