The short answer
When to go to Labuan Bajo
June to September is the most reliable window: little rain, clear skies, calmer seas and cooler nights. July and August are busiest, so book boats and hotels early. The land is green in April and May and turns brown by September, when the sun is hard on shadeless trails. December to March is the wet season, with heavy rain, rough crossings and cancelled trips. Older travellers should avoid midday walks in any season and start island visits early.
Month by month
Labuan Bajo weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C | 21°C | 291 mm | Peak wet season; heavy downpours and rough seas. | |
| February | 30°C | 21°C | 274 mm | Very wet; boat trips are often delayed or cancelled. | |
| March | 31°C | 21°C | 196 mm | Rain easing; hills are green but showers are still frequent. | |
| April | 31°C | 21°C | 103 mm | Wet season ending; greener land and fewer boats. | |
| May | 31°C | 20°C | 80 mm | Mostly dry, with the land still fairly green. | |
| June | 30°C | 19°C | 42 mm | Dry, clear skies and calmer days for island trips. | |
| July | 30°C | 18°C | 25 mm | Driest and coolest nights; busy, so book boats early. | |
| August | 31°C | 18°C | 24 mm | Dry and sunny; hills turn brown and the sun is strong. | |
| September | 32°C | 19°C | 21 mm | Very dry and hot on shadeless trails; carry water. | |
| October | 32°C | 20°C | 46 mm | Hottest month with little rain; good visibility at sea. | |
| November | 32°C | 22°C | 118 mm | First rains arrive; showers mostly short but increasing. | |
| December | 31°C | 21°C | 205 mm | Wet season sets in; rough crossings and muddy trails. |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Labuan Bajo seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: June, July, August and September
- June: Dry, clear skies and calmer days for island trips.
- July: Driest and coolest nights; busy, so book boats early.
- August: Dry and sunny; hills turn brown and the sun is strong.
- September: Very dry and hot on shadeless trails; carry water.
Good, with small trade-offs: April, May and October
- April: Wet season ending; greener land and fewer boats.
- May: Mostly dry, with the land still fairly green.
- October: Hottest month with little rain; good visibility at sea.
Possible, with planning: March and November
- March: Rain easing; hills are green but showers are still frequent.
- November: First rains arrive; showers mostly short but increasing.
Best avoided with parents or children: January, February and December
- January: Peak wet season; heavy downpours and rough seas.
- February: Very wet; boat trips are often delayed or cancelled.
- December: Wet season sets in; rough crossings and muddy trails.
Useful answers
Best time to visit Labuan Bajo: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Labuan Bajo?
June, July, August and September are the best months to visit Labuan Bajo, with April, May and October also good. June to September is the most reliable window: little rain, clear skies, calmer seas and cooler nights. July and August are busiest, so book boats and hotels early. The land is green in April and May and turns brown by September, when the sun is hard on shadeless trails. December to March is the wet season, with heavy rain, rough crossings and cancelled trips. Older travellers should avoid midday walks in any season and start island visits early.
Which months should I avoid in Labuan Bajo with elderly parents?
January, February and December are the months to avoid with older travellers. Peak wet season; heavy downpours and rough seas. Very wet; boat trips are often delayed or cancelled.
When does it rain most in Labuan Bajo?
January is the wettest month, with about 291 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is October, with average highs around 32°C.