Good to know
Good to Know
- Raja Ampat's weather is influenced by the islands' microclimates a lot, making it hard to predict. Noticeably in the evenings, clouds can build up over the larger islands often leading to localized rainstorms.
- The ocean stays warm throughout the year, with sea surface temperatures averaging 28–29°C (84°F), making it ideal for diving and snorkeling without thick wetsuits.
- Rainfall is usually short, localized, and intermittent, rather than all-day downpours.
- April and May as well as September and October are quieter months for visitors while still offering good weather conditions if you prefer fewer crowds.
Seasons
Dry Season
- Months
- October–April
- Characteristics
- Rainfall is lower on average, around 108–150 mm per month, with January being the driest month in Raja Ampat. While there are still monthly variations, most days remain dry, making outdoor activities much more comfortable. October to April is generally considered the best overall window, with the most stable seas and the easiest inter-island travel after arriving in Sorong and Waisai. Mid-October to mid-December often delivers the most balanced conditions: calmer seas, good visibility, and fewer logistical challenges.
Wet Season
- Months
- May–September
- Characteristics
- The southeast monsoon months between May and September deliver the bulk of Raja Ampat's annual rainfall. June and July are historically the wettest months. Even in the wet season though, it doesn't rain all day, every day – rainfall is often shortlived and localised.
Second Wet Period
- Months
- December–January
- Characteristics
- Although this season sees the least rainfall, Raja Ampat's heaviest rain usually falls in December and January, leading to those months often being referred to as a second wet season.
Overview
Located on the equator, Raja Ampat is hot and humid throughout the year. Although there are seasonal changes in Raja Ampat, they are far less dramatic than in other Monsoon-regions.
Rainfall
- Driest Months
- August
- Wettest Months
- June–July
- Note
- Raja Ampat sees significant variations throughout the year. April tends to be the wettest, receiving 319 mm of rain, while August is much drier with just 191 mm.
Snowfall
Not applicable. Raja Ampat is a tropical equatorial archipelago with no snowfall.
Temperature
- Peak
- During the days temperatures typically reach 31°C (88°F) and rarely drop beneath 24°C (75°F) at night.
- Sea Temperature
- With an average surface temperature of 29°C (84°F), the sea is warm year-round.
- Humidity Note
- Relative humidity is on average above 80%, which can make it feel hotter.
Range Celsius
- Low
- 24
- High
- 31
Range Fahrenheit
- Low
- 75
- High
- 88
Year Round Note
Climate and underwater conditions are good all year round – there isn't really an "off-season".
Best And Worst Periods
- Best For Travel
- If you want the smoothest logistics and widest exploration options, aim for October to April.
- Shoulder Season
- If you prefer a time with little visitors, we can recommend April and May as well as September and October. These shoulder-seasons usually see less tourists than the rest of the year, while still offering good weather conditions.
- Worst For Sea Travel
- Sea travel in smaller boats can be problematic in June, July and August, so if you plan on covering a lot of ocean it would probably be best to pick a different time of year.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this climate & weather research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Raja Ampat
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.