The Komodo archipelago has two distinct seasons, and choosing wrong can mean cancelled boats, poor visibility, and disappointed expectations. Dry season (April to November) is when the park delivers its best — calm seas, clear skies, and reliable boat schedules.
Rain ending, seas calming. Fewer tourists than peak months. Water visibility improving (15-25m). Good for both dragon trekking and diving. Temperatures 28-32°C.
Driest months, calmest seas, best visibility (20-30m). This is when dive liveaboards run at full capacity. Labuan Bajo fills up — book accommodation and flights ahead. Manta sightings begin increasing.
Still excellent conditions. September is arguably the best overall month — good diving, fewer tourists than July-August, dry weather. October sees the transition begin. November is unpredictable.
Komodo and Rinca islands are accessible year-round, but dry season means more comfortable hiking conditions and less mud. Early morning treks (starting 7-8AM) avoid the worst heat. Park entry IDR 350,000 plus IDR 100,000 ranger fee.
Dry season brings the best visibility and current conditions. Top sites:
Two-dive day trips: IDR 2-3 million ($130-190). Liveaboards (3-4 days): IDR 6-15 million ($400-950).
Pink Beach has the easiest snorkeling — healthy coral directly offshore. Kanawa Island (30 min from Labuan Bajo, IDR 50,000 entry) has excellent house reef. Wear reef shoes and a life jacket — currents can be strong.
Day trips from Labuan Bajo hit 3-4 spots (Padar, Pink Beach, Komodo/Rinca) for IDR 1-2 million/person (~$65-130) including lunch.
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fly to Labuan Bajo, Sylvia Hill sunset |
| 2 | Full-day boat trip: Padar sunrise, Rinca dragons, Pink Beach snorkeling |
| 3 | Two-dive trip (Batu Bolong + Manta Point) or Kanawa Island relaxation |
Dry season Komodo is Indonesia at its most dramatic — prehistoric lizards, pink beaches, and manta rays in waters so clear they don't feel real. The wet season has its own beauty, but if this is your one trip, come when the skies are clear.
Seasonal
Seasonal
Seasonal
