The short answer
When to go to Gili Islands
The drier season runs roughly from May to October, and June to September is the most comfortable window for calm morning crossings and clear snorkelling. The wetter monsoon from November to April brings rougher seas, more cancelled boats and more rain. July and August can bring jellyfish. For older travellers, shoulder months such as May and September combine calmer weather with fewer crowds. We could not find a reliable published monthly climate table for the islands, so no temperature or rainfall figures are shown.
Month by month
Gili Islands weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | — | — | — | Wet monsoon; rougher seas, boats can be cancelled | |
| February | — | — | — | Wet season; plan flexible days | |
| March | — | — | — | Rains easing but seas still variable | |
| April | — | — | — | Transition month; fewer rains and calmer seas | |
| May | — | — | — | Start of the drier season; good snorkelling | |
| June | — | — | — | Dry season; calm mornings and clear water | |
| July | — | — | — | Dry season; jellyfish are reported in July and August | |
| August | — | — | — | Dry season; busy and a little breezy | |
| September | — | — | — | Dry and quieter; good diving | |
| October | — | — | — | Still dry; rains build late in the month | |
| November | — | — | — | Monsoon starts; rougher crossings | |
| December | — | — | — | Wet season; showers and swell likely |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Gili Islands seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: June, July, August and September
- June: Dry season; calm mornings and clear water
- July: Dry season; jellyfish are reported in July and August
- August: Dry season; busy and a little breezy
- September: Dry and quieter; good diving
Good, with small trade-offs: April, May and October
- April: Transition month; fewer rains and calmer seas
- May: Start of the drier season; good snorkelling
- October: Still dry; rains build late in the month
Possible, with planning: January, February, March, November and December
- January: Wet monsoon; rougher seas, boats can be cancelled
- February: Wet season; plan flexible days
- March: Rains easing but seas still variable
- November: Monsoon starts; rougher crossings
- December: Wet season; showers and swell likely
Useful answers
Best time to visit Gili Islands: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Gili Islands?
June, July, August and September are the best months to visit Gili Islands, with April, May and October also good. The drier season runs roughly from May to October, and June to September is the most comfortable window for calm morning crossings and clear snorkelling. The wetter monsoon from November to April brings rougher seas, more cancelled boats and more rain. July and August can bring jellyfish. For older travellers, shoulder months such as May and September combine calmer weather with fewer crowds. We could not find a reliable published monthly climate table for the islands, so no temperature or rainfall figures are shown.