BROWSE RAJA AMPAT TRIPS
RAJA AMPAT
The Best Time to Visit Raja Ampat
When is the Best Season to Travel to Raja Ampat?
While much of Indonesia experiences more variable weather, Raja Ampat’s position near the equator means consistent conditions year-round. Expect daytime temperatures in the 80s and bright-blue skies marked by the occasional, localized rain shower no matter what the season. What makes Raja Ampat one of the best snorkeling destinations in the world—in addition to its spectacular marine diversity and health—is ideal water conditions for most of the year, with water temperatures that range from 83 to 86 degrees.
We schedule our epic snorkeling adventure to avoid Raja Ampat’s monsoon rains. In particular, fall, winter, and spring provide excellent visibility, calmer seas, and waters filled with manta rays. The archipelago’s size and remote location mean there is never an abundance of visitors, but our small boats and unique route allow us to take full advantage of the solitude these isles provide.
No matter the season, our decades of operating in Raja Ampat means that our Trip Leaders are especially adept at anticipating the local conditions, tides, and currents to make sure WT travelers are in the right place at the right time.
raja ampat in the fall: september, october & november
Why Visit Raja Ampat in the Fall?
Unlike western and central Indonesia, which experience a rainy season during the fall, Raja Ampat sees drier conditions, though isolated showers aren’t uncommon. During this season you have the best chance to spot bird-of-paradise, when these rare, endemic, and beautiful birds are looking for mates. Fall (September, October & November) makes for fabulous snorkeling conditions in Raja Ampat with crystal-clear visibility.
What to Expect on Our Fall Tours
We usually schedule multiple departures in October, when currents allow for excellent snorkeling excursions. It’s also one of the best times to see manta rays, who gather in large numbers at “cleaning stations,” or high-density reefs, to get their gills, teeth, and skin groomed by small fish. While our itineraries steer clear of the typical visitor period, the shoulder month of November sees even fewer travelers.
raja ampat in the winter: december, january & february
Why Visit Raja Ampat in the Winter?
For calm and clear waters, visit in the winter (December, January & February), when Raja Ampat experiences its dry season. With less rain and thus less runoff from the land, water visibility is exceptional at this time. Cooler winds blowing southwest from far northern Asia bring reduced humidity, resulting in fantastic air clarity as well.
What to Expect on Our Winter Tours
Excellent underwater conditions make for a busy winter season in Raja Ampat, but our insider track means you’ll be sure to have the archipelago’s shallow reefs to yourself. Book these departures early, as they’re very popular warm holiday escapes and usually the first to sell out.
raja ampat in the spring: march, april, may & june
Why Visit Raja Ampat in the Spring?
Those looking to have Raja Ampat to themselves will want to visit in the springtime (March, April, May & June), when visitors clear out ahead of the summer monsoon season and snorkeling conditions are still exceptional. While there are sometimes fewer manta rays in the waters in the spring, there are still plenty of ray-spotting opportunities. Spring typically offers the calmest waters, allowing for leisurely snorkels amid vibrant biodiversity.
What to Expect on Our Spring Tours
Nothing quite compares to waking up aboard our Indonesian schooner and seeing your remote-island dreams all around you. During this quiet season, we’ll have our pick of shallow reefs to explore, with only the weather, tides, and currents guiding us.
raja ampat in the Summer: july & august
Why Don’t We Visit Raja Ampat in the Summer?
The southeast monsoons kick off in early summer, but even during this season, showers are short and contained. In July and August, the winds shift, creating rain, rough waters, and poor visibility in Raja Ampat.
Where Can I Snorkel in the Summer?
Due to the heavier rainfall, we don’t host departures in July. Instead, WT travelers head to Cenderawasih Bay, a remote bay off the northern coast of Indonesia’s Papua province known as the “Galápagos of the East.” Our itinerary to this little known, pristine wilderness focuses on the star attraction: swimming with whale sharks.
