Best Time to Visit Komodo National Park (Month by Month)

The short answer

The dry season from April to November is the best time to visit, with sunshine, calm seas and excellent visibility. The sweet spots are April–June (green hills, fewer crowds) and September–October (great diving, quieter boats). July and August are the busiest months. December to March is the rainy season — hotter, greener and occasionally rough, but also prime manta season.

Seasons at a glance

Dry season

April – November

Sunny, low humidity, calm seas and the best conditions for boat trips, hiking and diving. Hills turn gold from July.

Rainy season

December – March

Short, heavy downpours, higher humidity and occasional rough seas that can cancel trips. Lush green scenery and plenty of mantas.

Peak crowds

July – August, Christmas

European and domestic holidays fill boats and hotels. Book weeks ahead and expect busy viewpoints.

Komodo month by month

Month	Weather	Sea	Notes
January	Rainy, hot (≈ 31 °C)	Can be rough	Manta season; some trips cancelled in storms
February	Rainy, humid	Can be rough	Quietest month; bargains on hotels
March	Rain easing	Improving	Green hills, few visitors
April	Mostly dry	Calm	Great month — lush scenery and clear water
May	Dry, sunny	Calm	One of the best months overall
June	Dry, pleasant	Calm	Busier from late June
July	Dry, breezy	Calm–moderate	Peak season; dragon mating season
August	Dry, breezy	Calm–moderate	Peak season; cooler water in the south
September	Dry, hot	Calm	Excellent diving, fewer crowds
October	Hot, dry	Calm	Great visibility; shoulder-season prices
November	Hot, first rains	Mostly calm	Quiet; rains start late in the month
December	Rainy	Variable	Busy over Christmas–New Year; mantas

When to see manta rays

Manta rays live in Komodo all year. At Manta Point (Karang Makassar) in the central park, numbers are often highest during the rainy season from December to March, while the dive sites of the cooler south peak in the dry season. Book a trip that includes Manta Point whenever you visit.

Komodo dragon seasons

Dragons can be seen year-round. July and August are mating season, when males are more active and some trails may be adjusted; females guard their nests from around September, and hatchlings emerge around March–April. The cooler mornings of the dry season are best for sightings.

Best time for diving

Visibility is generally best from April to November, especially September–October. Water in the north and centre is 27–29 °C; in the south, upwellings can drop it to 22–25 °C, so bring a thicker wetsuit. See our diving and snorkeling guide.

Best time for photos

For green hills on Padar, come from March to May, just after the rains. For the classic golden savanna look, visit from July to October. Sunrise hikes are best on an overnight trip.

When to visit Komodo: FAQs

What is the best month to visit Komodo?

May and September are hard to beat: dry, calm and less crowded than the peak months of July and August.

Can you visit Komodo in the rainy season?

Yes. Most days still have sunshine between showers, and boats run unless the harbour master closes the sea for storms. Keep your plans flexible and book tours with free cancellation.

When is Komodo busiest?

July, August and the Christmas–New Year holidays. Book boats and hotels several weeks ahead for these dates.