Visiting Indonesia in February — Weather, Events & Travel Tips

February is the wettest month of the year across much of Java and Bali, yet it is also one of the most culturally interesting times to visit. Chinese New Year brings spectacular street celebrations to Jakarta, Medan, and Singkawang. Prices remain low outside of the Chinese New Year holiday window, and Raja Ampat continues its prime diving season.

Weather in February

Destination	Avg High °C	Rainfall	Humidity	Sea Conditions
Bali	29	Very high (320mm)	87%	Choppy on south and west coasts
Yogyakarta	30	Very high (300mm)	86%	Inland — N/A
Jakarta	31	Very high (400mm+)	88%	Rough in Java Sea
Lombok	29	High (270mm)	85%	Choppy on south coast
Raja Ampat	31	Moderate (190mm)	79%	Calm — excellent diving

Wet vs Dry: Regional Overview

Wet season regions: Bali, Java, Lombok, and most of Sumatra are at peak rainfall. Jakarta in particular can experience flooding in low-lying areas — if you plan to visit, choose accommodation away from the Ciliwung River flood zones. Afternoon showers typically clear by evening.

Dry conditions: Raja Ampat, the Banda Sea, and eastern parts of Maluku remain calm and clear. February sits in the middle of the best dive window for these regions.

Komodo: Weather is manageable but rainy — Komodo dragon sightings are reliable year-round regardless of rain.

Events in February

Chinese New Year (date varies, late Jan–mid Feb): The three largest celebrations in Indonesia are in Jakarta’s Glodok district (the historic Chinatown), Singkawang in West Kalimantan, and Medan in North Sumatra. Singkawang is widely considered the most spectacular — the Tatung parade features spirit mediums and enormous dragon floats. Free to attend street events; some temple access may require a small donation. Verify exact dates at calendar.co.id as Chinese New Year shifts each year.

Cap Go Meh (15 days after Chinese New Year): The closing night of Chinese New Year festivities. Singkawang’s Cap Go Meh parade draws tens of thousands of visitors; book accommodation in Singkawang six to eight weeks ahead.

Valentine’s Day (14 Feb): Not a public holiday, but beach resorts in Bali and Lombok run promotions. Prices briefly spike at romantic resort properties.

Where to Stay

Jakarta (Glodok / Chinatown area for CNY)

• The Hermitage Jakarta: heritage hotel near Menteng, from approximately USD 180/night as of 2026
• Hotel Borobudur Jakarta: large colonial-era hotel, central, from approximately USD 120/night as of 2026
• OYO Townhouse properties in Glodok: budget options, from approximately USD 30/night as of 2026

Singkawang (West Kalimantan — for CNY parade)

• Hotel Mahkota Singkawang: best option in town, from approximately IDR 600,000/night as of 2026
• Hotel Parama: mid-range, central location, from approximately IDR 400,000/night as of 2026

Bali (Seminyak — low-season deals)

• The Layar: private villa complex, from approximately USD 400/night as of 2026
• Katamama: boutique Seminyak hotel, from approximately USD 200/night as of 2026
• Artotel Sanur: design hotel, quieter beach, from approximately USD 70/night as of 2026

Where to Eat

Jakarta:

• Sate Khas Senayan: classic Jakarta satay institution, approximately IDR 80,000–150,000 per person as of 2026
• Hakkasan Jakarta: upscale Cantonese — packed during CNY, approximately IDR 300,000–600,000 per person as of 2026
• Warung Betawi Mpok Nani: local Betawi food, approximately IDR 40,000–70,000 as of 2026

Bali:

• Sarong Bali (Seminyak): contemporary Indonesian-Asian, approximately IDR 300,000–500,000 per person as of 2026
• Warung Sulawesi (Seminyak): neighbourhood warung, excellent babi guling, approximately IDR 60,000–90,000 as of 2026

February Packing List

• Compact umbrella — packs smaller than a rain jacket
• Quick-dry fabrics throughout; avoid jeans
• Waterproof phone case or pouch
• Formal temple sash (sarong) — required at most Hindu temples in Bali; can be borrowed at entrance
• Electrolyte sachets — heat plus humidity is draining
• Red envelope (angpao) if joining Chinese New Year celebrations — optional but appreciated
• Anti-malarial advice: consult a travel health clinic before visiting Kalimantan or remote Maluku

Best For / Avoid If

Best for:

• Chinese New Year travellers — some of the best CNY events outside China
• Divers heading to Raja Ampat
• Budget Bali stays — February is the cheapest month of the year
• Cultural photographers — Singkawang parade is extraordinary material

Avoid if:

• You want guaranteed beach weather in Bali — south coast is at its roughest
• You need to drive through Jakarta during CNY week — traffic is extreme
• Flooding concerns apply to anyone with mobility issues in low-lying Jakarta areas

Practical Notes

All prices are approximate as of 2026. Chinese New Year dates shift each year — always verify with the official Indonesian government calendar at indonesia.go.id. BMKG (bmkg.go.id) provides daily weather forecasts including flood alerts for Jakarta.