Yogyakarta, which is also known as Jogja, is considered to be the cultural hub of Indonesia. This is due to the fact that the city is famous for its culture and traditions as well as its history, which can be observed from the ancient temples and other attractions. From seeing ancient and religious places such as Borobudur and Prambanan temples, savouring the indigenous cuisine from the local markets, to seeing ancient sites such as the Sultan's Palace, this is an engrossing destination in every possible way. To get the most out of your tour in this great city, the best time to visit Yogyakarta is between April and October during the dry months. Since this is the most environmentally favourable time to visit the city, it is also the peak tourist season, hence paving the way for a number of cultural events and performances.

Month, Season and Temperature Overview

Month	Season	Temperature
April to October	Dry season	24°C-32°C
November to March	Wet season	22°C-31°C

April to October: The dry season is the most popular time to visit Yogyakarta due to its warm climate with an abundance of sunshine and minimal to no rainfall. The clear skies and low humidity make it well-suited for outdoor activities and sightseeing like temple visits, hiking or even exploring the local markets. You can visit iconic landmarks like the Borobudur and Prambanan temples, experience a sunrise hike up Mount Merapi and admire the beautiful view. Moreover, you can also visit the historical landmark, Sultan’s Palace, where you get to learn about the royal Javanese history, or go shopping at the Malioboro market for souvenirs, handicrafts, batik and indulge in street food. The best part about travelling during the peak season is that you get to enjoy the cultural performances and events that take place at this time of the year. However, this season also experiences a surge in rates for accommodation and flight tickets, so be sure to plan ahead to get discounted prices.

November to March: These months mark the wet season, which is characterised by frequent and heavy rain showers, especially during the afternoons and evenings. Despite the fact that this season also experiences an increase in humidity, the rainfall brings out the lush greenery and makes it look fresh and vibrant. However, due to the frequent rainfall, there is little time to engage in outdoor activities, thus allowing tourists to take advantage of the number of indoor activities available. You can visit the art galleries and museums like Sonobudoyo and Ullen Sentalu or even catch traditional performances at Kraton. If you want to take advantage of the low tourist crowds, consider visiting popular landmarks and attractions during the morning when there is no rainfall, but make sure to plan your itinerary according to the climatic conditions. If you are travelling on a budget or do not want to travel when there is a lot of crowd, then this season is perfect for you, as you can find discounted fares on accommodation and flight bookings.

Pro Tips for Planning Your Yogyakarta Trip

April to October: The dry season is also accompanied by the peak tourist season. So if you are looking to make the most of the perfect weather conditions but also want to save up on cost, then ensure that you make your flight and accommodation bookings well in advance to help you secure discounted rates. Be sure to carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, and wear light clothing to help you combat the tropical weather. If you want to avoid crowds even in the peak season, then consider visiting in the mornings. There are a number of cultural performances like the Wayang Kulit shadow puppet show, so do not miss out on them.

November to March: Since the weather conditions are unpredictable, be flexible with your itinerary and plan your activities accordingly. Bring raincoats or umbrellas, a rainproof bag for your things and quick-dry garments to keep yourself safe from rains. November and March are ideal for budget travellers and those who like to escape the crowds, giving you sufficient time to visit popular destinations at fantastic rates.

Irrespective of what season you select to travel, the optimal time to travel to Yogyakarta is determined by your personal choice, where you are assured of having an enjoyable and memorable experience in either of the two seasons.