Best Time to Trek Mount Rinjani (Month-by-Month Guide)

“When’s the best time to climb Rinjani?”

I hear this question at least three times a week. And honestly? The answer isn’t as simple as “July” or “dry season.” The best time depends on what you value most: clear summit views, fewer crowds, green landscapes, or budget-friendly prices.

After guiding treks year-round since 2012, I’ve seen Rinjani in every season and weather condition. This guide breaks down each month so you can choose the perfect time for YOUR trek.

The Two Seasons: Dry vs Wet

Dry Season (April – December)

Park Status: Open General Conditions: Lower rainfall, clearer skies, easier trekking

Wet Season/Monsoon (January – March)

Park Status: CLOSED Why: Heavy rainfall causes trail erosion, landslides, and dangerous conditions

Let’s be clear: You cannot officially trek Rinjani from January to March. The Rinjani National Park closes completely for safety and environmental protection.

Now, let’s dive into the trekking months:

April: The Green Awakening ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Weather: Transitioning from wet to dry Average Temperature: 20-25°C (day), 8-12°C (night) Rainfall: Decreasing but still possible Crowds: Very low Cost: Often discounted rates

Pros:

✓ Lush, green landscapes from monsoon rains ✓ Wildflowers blooming across savanna ✓ Very few other trekkers—sometimes you’ll have the summit to yourself ✓ Lower prices as operators encourage early bookings ✓ Waterfalls at full flow (if taking Senaru route) ✓ Cooler temperatures make daytime hiking comfortable

Cons:

✗ Rain still possible (bring quality rain gear) ✗ Some trails may be muddy ✗ Occasional cloud coverage can obscure views ✗ Not as predictably sunny as later months

Best for: Budget travelers, photographers seeking green landscapes, people who hate crowds

My take: April is secretly one of the best months. Yes, you might get a rain shower, but the trade-off is a green, vibrant mountain and potentially having the crater rim almost to yourself. I’ve guided April treks where we saw only two other groups the entire trip.

May: The Sweet Spot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Weather: Dry season beginning Temperature: 22-27°C (day), 10-14°C (night) Rainfall: Minimal Crowds: Low to moderate Cost: Moderate

Pros:

✓ Reliable weather with mostly clear skies ✓ Landscapes still green from April rains ✓ Still relatively uncrowded ✓ Warmer nighttime temperatures than peak season ✓ Excellent visibility for summit sunrises ✓ Good availability for all trek dates

Cons:

✗ Slightly less predictable than June-August ✗ Some trails drying but occasionally muddy patches

Best for: First-time trekkers, anyone wanting great conditions without peak-season crowds

My take: If I had to pick one “perfect” month for Rinjani, it’d be May. You get 90% of the reliability of peak season with maybe 40% of the crowds. The mountain is still lush, the weather is increasingly stable, and you won’t be fighting for campsite space.

June: Building Momentum ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Weather: Firmly in dry season Temperature: 23-28°C (day), 8-12°C (night) Rainfall: Rare Crowds: Moderate, increasing Cost: Standard rates

Pros:

✓ Very reliable weather ✓ Warm days, cool nights ✓ Excellent summit visibility ✓ All facilities fully operational ✓ Easy to find group treks ✓ Good community atmosphere on mountain

Cons:

✗ Savanna starting to brown from dryness ✗ Crowds increasing as European summer holidays begin ✗ Dust becomes more noticeable on trails

Best for: Families with school-age kids, groups, anyone prioritizing weather reliability

My take: June is when things really pick up. The weather is nearly perfect, but you’re starting to see more trekkers. Crater rim campsites can have 5-10 groups some nights. Still, it’s manageable and the atmosphere is usually fun.

July: Peak Season Begins ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Weather: Dry and clear Temperature: 24-30°C (day), 6-10°C (night) Rainfall: Almost none Crowds: HIGH Cost: Premium rates

Pros:

✓ Virtually guaranteed clear weather ✓ Crystal-clear night skies for stars ✓ Warmest daytime temperatures ✓ Meet trekkers from around the world ✓ All operators running full schedules

Cons:

✗ Very crowded—especially crater rim and summit ✗ Higher prices ✗ Need to book 4-6 weeks ahead ✗ Summit “traffic jams” possible at sunrise ✗ Landscape very dry and brown ✗ Dustier trails ✗ Coldest nighttime temperatures

Best for: Those with fixed July vacation dates, people who enjoy social trekking, groups

My take: July is Rinjani at its busiest. The weather is incredible, but you’ll share the summit with potentially 50-100 other trekkers watching the same sunrise. If you love meeting people and don’t mind crowds, it’s still a great experience. Just book EARLY.

August: The Rush Continues ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Weather: Peak dry season Temperature: 24-30°C (day), 6-10°C (night) Rainfall: Virtually none Crowds: VERY HIGH Cost: Highest rates of the year

Pros:

✓ Best weather of the year statistically ✓ Long string of sunny days ✓ Spectacular summit views ✓ Great for photography (if you can find clear shots)

Cons:

✗ Extremely crowded ✗ Most expensive month ✗ Book 2-3 months ahead or risk no availability ✗ Campsites at full capacity ✗ Very dry, brown landscapes ✗ Dusty conditions

Best for: People with August-only availability, Europeans on summer holidays

My take: August is July but more so. Everything that makes Rinjani special is still there, but you’re experiencing it alongside hundreds of others. The sunrise from the summit is still breathtaking—you’ll just be sharing it with a small crowd. If these are your only available dates, go for it. Just manage expectations about crowds.

September: The Golden Month ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Weather: Still excellent Temperature: 23-29°C (day), 8-12°C (night) Rainfall: Occasional but rare Crowds: Moderate, decreasing Cost: Standard rates returning

Pros:

✓ Weather nearly as good as July-August ✓ Significantly fewer crowds as European schools reopen ✓ Prices dropping ✓ Easier booking ✓ More intimate mountain experience ✓ Still dry and clear

Cons:

✗ Landscapes still quite dry ✗ Occasional surprise rain showers possible ✗ Slightly cooler than peak season

Best for: Flexible travelers, couples, people avoiding peak season but wanting reliable weather

My take: September is the insider’s choice. You get 95% of the weather reliability of August with maybe 50% of the crowds. I always recommend September to trekkers asking for the “best” time. Availability is better, prices are more reasonable, and the mountain feels like yours again.

October: Autumn Gold ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Weather: Excellent but transitioning Temperature: 22-28°C (day), 10-14°C (night) Rainfall: Increasing slightly but still uncommon Crowds: Low to moderate Cost: Often discounted

Pros:

✓ Beautiful weather most days ✓ Very few crowds ✓ Cheaper rates ✓ Easy booking ✓ Warmer nights than peak season ✓ First hints of greenery returning

Cons:

✗ Slightly less predictable than June-September ✗ Possible afternoon cloud buildup ✗ Occasional rain showers

Best for: Budget travelers, photographers, people who value solitude

My take: October is criminally underrated. The weather is still very good, you’ll often have campsites mostly to yourself, and the slight chance of rain is easily managed with proper gear. The mountain starts showing early signs of greening up, making for varied photography.

November: The Shoulder Season ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Weather: Transitioning toward wet season Temperature: 21-27°C (day), 12-16°C (night) Rainfall: Increasing, especially late month Crowds: Low Cost: Discounted

Pros:

✓ Quiet trails ✓ Good prices ✓ Landscapes greening up ✓ Warmer overnight temperatures ✓ Still many clear days

Cons:

✗ Increased rain probability (30-40%) ✗ More clouds possible ✗ Some operators winding down operations ✗ Less social atmosphere

Best for: Experienced trekkers comfortable with variable conditions, budget travelers

My take: November is a gamble that often pays off. Early November can still be excellent. Late November gets riskier. If you’re flexible and can adjust dates based on weather forecasts, November offers great value. Bring excellent rain gear and be mentally prepared to get wet.

December: Year-End Adventure ⭐⭐⭐

Weather: Pre-monsoon Temperature: 20-26°C (day), 14-18°C (night) Rainfall: Frequent but often afternoon/evening only Crowds: Very low Cost: Lowest of trekking season

Pros:

✓ Very cheap ✓ Almost empty mountain ✓ Lush, green landscapes ✓ Warm nights ✓ Possible to trek before park closure

Cons:

✗ High rain probability (50%+) ✗ Muddy trails common ✗ Clouds often obscure summit views ✗ Some operators close for the season ✗ Higher risk of lightning at altitude

Best for: Adventurous trekkers who don’t mind rain, extreme budget travelers

My take: December is for hardy souls only. I’ve done successful December treks with perfect weather, and I’ve done ones where we climbed through rain and clouds and saw exactly zero of the famous views. It’s a roll of the dice. If you’re only in Indonesia in December and willing to accept possible disappointment, go for it. Otherwise, wait for April.

Special Considerations by Month

Best Months for Photography

Clear skies: July, August, September Green landscapes: April, May, October Dramatic clouds: November, December Wildflowers: April, May

Best Months for Solitude

Quietest: April, October, December Moderate crowds: May, June, September Avoid for solitude: July, August

Best Months for Budget

Cheapest: April, November, December Best value: May, September, October Most expensive: July, August

Best Months for Beginners

Most forgiving conditions: May, June, September Avoid: November, December

Month-by-Month Summary Table

My Personal Recommendations

If you want the absolute best weather: June – September If you want the best overall experience: May or September If you want to save money: April or October If you want to avoid crowds: April, October, November If you only have July/August: Book 2-3 months ahead and embrace the crowds If you want green landscapes: April, May

How to Check Current Conditions

1. Weather forecasts: Use Weather.com or Yr.no for 7-10 day forecasts
2. Instagram hashtags: #mountrinjani #gunungrijani show recent conditions
3. Contact operators directly: We post weekly condition updates
4. Local Facebook groups: Lombok trekking groups share real-time info

Final Thoughts: There’s No “Perfect” Month

Here’s the truth: I’ve guided spectacular treks in every month from April to December. I’ve also guided challenging treks in supposedly “perfect” months when weather didn’t cooperate.

What matters more than the month is:

• Your preparation
• Your mindset
• Your willingness to adapt
• Your respect for the mountain

Rinjani is a wild, active volcano. Even in peak season, weather can surprise you. Even in April, you might get five perfect sunny days.

Choose your month based on YOUR priorities—weather reliability, budget, crowds, or availability. Then prepare well, stay flexible, and trust that whatever Rinjani shows you will be worth the journey.

Ready to Book Your Trek?

No matter which month you choose, we’re here to make your Rinjani experience unforgettable.

Contact us for availability: WhatsApp: +62 87777 425255 Email: info@okerinjani.com

Browse our treks:

• 2-Day Summit Trek on GetYourGuide
• 3-Day Summit & Lake Trek on GetYourGuide

See you on the mountain! 🏔️