Hidden in the heart of Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands, Komodo National Park is a paradise of rugged hills, turquoise seas, and ancient creatures that seem straight out of prehistory. But before you pack your bags and head to this legendary land of dragons, there’s one question every traveler should ask — When is the best time to visit Komodo?
Whether you’re chasing crystal-clear waters, calm sailing conditions, or peaceful beaches away from the crowds, the right season can make all the difference. Let’s break it down month by month so you can plan your Komodo trip from Lombok (or even the reverse, from Flores to Lombok) like a pro.
Komodo National Park lies in eastern Indonesia, where the weather is warm year-round but split into two main seasons:
Average daytime temperatures range between 26–32°C (79–90°F), and even during the rainy season, the rain usually comes in short bursts.
Still, each period offers a different kind of beauty. From the golden savannas of Padar Island in the dry months to the emerald greens of Komodo Island after the rains — nature paints a new scene with every season.
If you’re looking for the absolute best time to visit Komodo, April to June is hard to beat.
The monsoon rains have just ended, the islands are lush and green, and visibility underwater is phenomenal — up to 30 meters in some spots.
This is also when sea conditions are calm, making it ideal for sailing trips from Lombok to Komodo. Dolphins are often spotted along the crossing, manta rays return to the area, and the air feels fresh after months of rain.
It’s not yet peak tourist season either, so you’ll enjoy quieter anchorages and more personal moments with the dragons on Rinca or Komodo Island.
✨ Tip: This is the best window if you love photography or are joining a liveaboard trip that includes snorkeling and island trekking. The landscapes are at their most photogenic.
These months mark Komodo’s high season, and for good reason.
The weather is dry, skies are blue every day, and the winds are steady enough for smooth sailing — perfect for multi-day trips.
Expect lively energy around popular stops like Padar Viewpoint, Pink Beach, and Manta Point.
Boats fill the bays, travelers from all over the world mingle on deck, and sunsets over Komodo’s jagged hills are pure magic.
However, because this is the busiest time of year, it’s wise to book your sailing trip well in advance.
If you prefer a quieter experience, choose early July or late August instead of mid-season.
After the peak season fades, September to November bring a golden period of calm seas, clear skies, and vibrant marine activity.
The islands begin to dry out, turning from green to golden brown — a photographer’s dream.
This shoulder season is also one of the best times to spot Komodo dragons in the wild. They’re more active in the slightly cooler mornings, and with fewer tourists around, the experience feels intimate and authentic.For divers and snorkelers, this is heaven: plankton levels rise just enough to attract manta rays and other large pelagic creatures.
It’s also the favorite season for many Lombok to Flores boat trips, offering a perfect balance of weather, wildlife, and peace.
The rainy season may sound like a time to avoid, but it has its own charm — especially for travelers who love solitude and lush landscapes.
Rains usually come in short, heavy bursts followed by sunshine, so it’s rarely gloomy all day.
The vegetation bursts into brilliant green, waterfalls flow again, and you can often have entire islands to yourself.
That said, strong winds and rougher seas can sometimes cause trip delays or cancellations.
For those planning the iconic Lombok to Komodo liveaboard adventure, the ideal window is from April to November — when seas are calm, skies are clear, and visibility is perfect.
During this period, you can enjoy the full experience: island trekking, snorkeling with mantas, and stargazing from the boat deck under the Milky Way.
And if you’re traveling the other way — Flores to Lombok, the same months apply.
Many travelers choose to start in Labuan Bajo and sail westward, extending their journey to the Gilis or Lombok’s beaches afterward.
Both directions offer the same breathtaking route — it’s only a matter of which way the wind blows for your adventure.
No matter when you choose to visit, Komodo National Park promises an experience unlike anywhere else — a living prehistoric world surrounded by the endless blue of the Indonesian archipelago.
But timing truly matters.
Traveling in the right season can turn a good trip into an unforgettable one.
If you’re ready to plan your journey, check out the Lombok to Flores 4D3N sailing trip by Sail Komodo — a curated island-hopping experience designed for travelers who want to see Komodo at its very best.
Because every great adventure starts not just with where you go — but when you go.