Best and Worst Months to Visit Balikpapan: Weather and Seasonal Guide

Quick Weather Answer: Best and Worst Time to Visit Balikpapan

The best time to visit Balikpapan for weather is usually September, when average daytime temperatures are around 82F (28C) and nights are near 80F (27C). The worst time to visit Balikpapan is usually December, because the weather is less comfortable for long walks, outdoor sightseeing, and casual transit-heavy days.

  • Best month for weather: September
  • Worst month for weather: December
  • Most comfortable season: Fall
  • Hottest month: April, with average highs near 83F (28C)
  • Coldest month: August, with average lows near 80F (26C)
  • Rainiest month: December, with about 10.4 inches of rain
  • Driest month: September, with about 5.8 inches of precipitation
  • Most unpredictable weather period: spring and early fall
  • Best weather for a first-time trip: August, September, and October

What Is the Weather Like in Balikpapan?

Balikpapan has a warm climate all year, so the main difference between months is not cold versus warm. The real question is rain, humidity, storms, cloud cover, and how heavy the air feels during the wettest part of the year. The Balikpapan climate by month shows average highs from about 82F (28C) in the coolest part of the year to about 83F (28C) in the hottest part. Annual precipitation averages roughly 98.5 inches.

Weather in Balikpapan changes the feel of the city because this is a place where comfort depends on more than the number on a forecast. A mild month can make metro transfers, neighborhood walks, outdoor meals, and photography feel easy. A difficult month can make the same itinerary feel slower, sweatier, colder, wetter, or more dependent on indoor breaks.

Best Month to Visit Balikpapan for Weather

September is the best month to visit Balikpapan for weather in a typical year. Average daytime highs are near 82F (28C), while nights are around 80F (27C). Precipitation averages 5.8 inches, so the month is usually more comfortable than the wetter, hotter, or colder parts of the year.

What makes September stand out is balance. It is not necessarily perfect every day, but it usually gives travelers the best combination of outdoor comfort, manageable weather risk, and enough flexibility for a first-time trip. If hotel prices or crowds rise during this period, that popularity is at least partly weather-driven.

Worst Month to Visit Balikpapan for Weather

December is the worst month to visit Balikpapan from a pure weather perspective. Average highs are around 83F (28C), and nights are near 80F (27C). The month also brings heavy rain, averaging about 10.4 inches, which can make long outdoor days less comfortable.

Rain is the main problem. The month is not impossible, but showers and damp conditions can interrupt outdoor plans and make transit transfers less pleasant. Lower hotel prices or fewer visitors can make December acceptable for flexible travelers, but it is not the month I would choose for the best weather in Balikpapan.

Balikpapan Weather by Season

Spring Weather in Balikpapan

In Balikpapan, spring is less distinct than in a four-season climate, but March, April, and May still have their own weather pattern. Daytime highs typically run from 82F (28C) to 83F (28C), with nights from about 80F (27C) to 81F (27C). Across the season, precipitation averages around 26.4 inches. Rain and humidity shape the season, so outdoor plans need more flexibility than the temperature alone suggests. The best spring month for weather is usually May, while April is the least comfortable part of the season.

Summer Weather in Balikpapan

In Balikpapan, summer is less distinct than in a four-season climate, but June, July, and August still have their own weather pattern. Daytime highs typically run from 82F (28C) to 82F (28C), with nights from about 80F (26C) to 80F (27C). Across the season, precipitation averages around 22.6 inches. Rain and humidity shape the season, so outdoor plans need more flexibility than the temperature alone suggests. The best summer month for weather is usually August, while June is the least comfortable part of the season.

Fall Weather in Balikpapan

In Balikpapan, fall is less distinct than in a four-season climate, but September, October, and November still have their own weather pattern. Daytime highs typically run from 82F (28C) to 83F (28C), with nights from about 80F (27C) to 81F (27C). Across the season, precipitation averages around 21.1 inches. Rain and humidity shape the season, so outdoor plans need more flexibility than the temperature alone suggests. The best fall month for weather is usually September, while November is the least comfortable part of the season.

Winter Weather in Balikpapan

In Balikpapan, winter is less distinct than in a four-season climate, but December, January, and February still have their own weather pattern. Daytime highs typically run from 82F (28C) to 83F (28C), with nights from about 80F (26C) to 80F (27C). Across the season, precipitation averages around 28.5 inches. Rain and humidity shape the season, so outdoor plans need more flexibility than the temperature alone suggests. The best winter month for weather is usually February, while December is the least comfortable part of the season.

Balikpapan Weather by Month: What to Expect

January in Balikpapan

January in Balikpapan typically brings daytime highs around 82F (28C) and nighttime lows near 80F (27C). Expect heavy rain, averaging about 9.4 inches, and average winds near 5 mph. In real life, the month feels usable but changeable, with enough mild weather for outdoor plans and enough cool or wet spells to require backup layers.

Outdoor comfort is rainy and less reliable for most travelers. Pack light clothing, sunglasses, a light layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or rain shell. Verdict: January is possible, but it is not one of the easier weather months in Balikpapan.

February in Balikpapan

February in Balikpapan typically brings daytime highs around 82F (28C) and nighttime lows near 80F (26C). Expect heavy rain, averaging about 8.6 inches, and average winds near 5 mph. In real life, the month feels usable but changeable, with enough mild weather for outdoor plans and enough cool or wet spells to require backup layers.

Outdoor comfort is rainy and less reliable for most travelers. Pack light clothing, sunglasses, a light layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or rain shell. Verdict: February is possible, but it is not one of the easier weather months in Balikpapan.

March in Balikpapan

March in Balikpapan typically brings daytime highs around 82F (28C) and nighttime lows near 80F (27C). Expect heavy rain, averaging about 9.1 inches, and average winds near 5 mph. In real life, the month feels usable but changeable, with enough mild weather for outdoor plans and enough cool or wet spells to require backup layers.

Outdoor comfort is rainy and less reliable for most travelers. Pack light clothing, sunglasses, a light layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or rain shell. Verdict: March is possible, but it is not one of the easier weather months in Balikpapan.

April in Balikpapan

April in Balikpapan typically brings daytime highs around 83F (28C) and nighttime lows near 81F (27C). Expect heavy rain, averaging about 8.8 inches, and average winds near 4 mph. In real life, the month feels usable but changeable, with enough mild weather for outdoor plans and enough cool or wet spells to require backup layers.

Outdoor comfort is rainy and less reliable for most travelers. Pack light clothing, sunglasses, a light layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or rain shell. Verdict: April is possible, but it is not one of the easier weather months in Balikpapan.

May in Balikpapan

May in Balikpapan typically brings daytime highs around 83F (28C) and nighttime lows near 81F (27C). Expect heavy rain, averaging about 8.5 inches, and average winds near 5 mph. In real life, the month feels usable but changeable, with enough mild weather for outdoor plans and enough cool or wet spells to require backup layers.

Outdoor comfort is rainy and less reliable for most travelers. Pack light clothing, sunglasses, a light layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or rain shell. Verdict: May is possible, but it is not one of the easier weather months in Balikpapan.

June in Balikpapan

June in Balikpapan typically brings daytime highs around 82F (28C) and nighttime lows near 80F (27C). Expect heavy rain, averaging about 8.9 inches, and average winds near 5 mph. In real life, the month feels usable but changeable, with enough mild weather for outdoor plans and enough cool or wet spells to require backup layers.

Outdoor comfort is rainy and less reliable for most travelers. Pack light clothing, sunglasses, a light layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or rain shell. Verdict: June is possible, but it is not one of the easier weather months in Balikpapan.

July in Balikpapan

July in Balikpapan typically brings daytime highs around 82F (28C) and nighttime lows near 80F (26C). Expect heavy rain, averaging about 7.3 inches, and average winds near 6 mph. In real life, the month feels usable but changeable, with enough mild weather for outdoor plans and enough cool or wet spells to require backup layers.

Outdoor comfort is rainy and less reliable for most travelers. Pack light clothing, sunglasses, a light layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or rain shell. Verdict: July is possible, but it is not one of the easier weather months in Balikpapan.

August in Balikpapan

August in Balikpapan typically brings daytime highs around 82F (28C) and nighttime lows near 80F (26C). Expect heavy rain, averaging about 6.3 inches, and average winds near 7 mph. In real life, the month feels usable but changeable, with enough mild weather for outdoor plans and enough cool or wet spells to require backup layers.

Outdoor comfort is rainy and less reliable for most travelers. Pack light clothing, sunglasses, a light layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or rain shell. Verdict: August is possible, but it is not one of the easier weather months in Balikpapan.

September in Balikpapan

September in Balikpapan typically brings daytime highs around 82F (28C) and nighttime lows near 80F (27C). Expect moderate rain, averaging about 5.8 inches, and average winds near 6 mph. In real life, the month feels usable but changeable, with enough mild weather for outdoor plans and enough cool or wet spells to require backup layers.

Outdoor comfort is the best of the year for most travelers. Pack light clothing, sunglasses, a light layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or rain shell. Verdict: September is one of the best weather months in Balikpapan.

October in Balikpapan

October in Balikpapan typically brings daytime highs around 83F (28C) and nighttime lows near 80F (27C). Expect heavy rain, averaging about 6.7 inches, and average winds near 5 mph. In real life, the month feels usable but changeable, with enough mild weather for outdoor plans and enough cool or wet spells to require backup layers.

Outdoor comfort is rainy and less reliable for most travelers. Pack light clothing, sunglasses, a light layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or rain shell. Verdict: October is possible, but it is not one of the easier weather months in Balikpapan.

November in Balikpapan

November in Balikpapan typically brings daytime highs around 83F (28C) and nighttime lows near 81F (27C). Expect heavy rain, averaging about 8.6 inches, and average winds near 4 mph. In real life, the month feels usable but changeable, with enough mild weather for outdoor plans and enough cool or wet spells to require backup layers.

Outdoor comfort is rainy and less reliable for most travelers. Pack light clothing, sunglasses, a light layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or rain shell. Verdict: November is possible, but it is not one of the easier weather months in Balikpapan.

December in Balikpapan

December in Balikpapan typically brings daytime highs around 83F (28C) and nighttime lows near 80F (27C). Expect heavy rain, averaging about 10.4 inches, and average winds near 4 mph. In real life, the month feels usable but changeable, with enough mild weather for outdoor plans and enough cool or wet spells to require backup layers.

Outdoor comfort is one of the least comfortable periods of the year for most travelers. Pack light clothing, sunglasses, a light layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or rain shell. Verdict: December is the weakest weather month in Balikpapan, even if prepared travelers can still make it work.

Month-by-Month Weather Table for Balikpapan

Month Temperature Rain/Snow Weather Comfort What to Pack Weather Verdict
January 82F (28C) / 80F (27C) 9.4 in precip. Rainy and humid light clothing, sunglasses, a light layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or rain shell Rainy and humid
February 82F (28C) / 80F (26C) 8.6 in precip. Rainy and humid light clothing, sunglasses, a light layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or rain shell Rainy and humid
March 82F (28C) / 80F (27C) 9.1 in precip. Rainy and humid light clothing, sunglasses, a light layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or rain shell Rainy and humid
April 83F (28C) / 81F (27C) 8.8 in precip. Rainy and humid light clothing, sunglasses, a light layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or rain shell Rainy and humid
May 83F (28C) / 81F (27C) 8.5 in precip. Rainy and humid light clothing, sunglasses, a light layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or rain shell Rainy and humid
June 82F (28C) / 80F (27C) 8.9 in precip. Rainy and humid light clothing, sunglasses, a light layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or rain shell Rainy and humid
July 82F (28C) / 80F (26C) 7.3 in precip. Rainy and humid light clothing, sunglasses, a light layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or rain shell Rainy and humid
August 82F (28C) / 80F (26C) 6.3 in precip. Rainy and humid light clothing, sunglasses, a light layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or rain shell Rainy and humid
September 82F (28C) / 80F (27C) 5.8 in precip. Best weather of the year light clothing, sunglasses, a light layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or rain shell Best weather of the year
October 83F (28C) / 80F (27C) 6.7 in precip. Rainy and humid light clothing, sunglasses, a light layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or rain shell Rainy and humid
November 83F (28C) / 81F (27C) 8.6 in precip. Rainy and humid light clothing, sunglasses, a light layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or rain shell Rainy and humid
December 83F (28C) / 80F (27C) 10.4 in precip. Worst weather of the year light clothing, sunglasses, a light layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or rain shell Worst weather of the year

Hottest Time of Year in Balikpapan

The hottest time of year in Balikpapan is usually January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December. The hottest month in Balikpapan is April, with average highs near 83F (28C) and nights around 81F (27C). If humidity or strong sun is present, the heat can feel more demanding than the average high suggests.

Early mornings and evenings are usually better than midafternoon during this period. If the hot months overlap with summer vacation or peak travel, the city may still be busy, but from a weather perspective this is not automatically the most comfortable time to visit.

Coldest Time of Year in Balikpapan

The coldest time of year in Balikpapan is usually January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December. The coldest month in Balikpapan is August, with average lows near 80F (26C) and daytime highs around 82F (28C). Snow is not the main issue, but cool mornings, wind, rain, or shorter daylight can still affect comfort.

Rainiest, Snowiest, or Most Humid Months in Balikpapan

The rainiest month is usually December, with about 10.4 inches of rain. This is the month when showers, humidity, storms, or wet pavement are most likely to shape the trip. It can still be possible, but it is less reliable for outdoor-heavy plans.

Driest and Clearest Months in Balikpapan

The driest month in Balikpapan is usually September, with about 5.8 inches of precipitation. The broader dry-weather window often includes August, September, and October. These months are generally better for walking, photos, outdoor meals, and day trips because the odds of weather interruptions are lower.

Most Unpredictable Weather Period in Balikpapan

The most unpredictable weather period in Balikpapan is usually spring and early fall. During this stretch, travelers should expect the forecast to matter more than the calendar. Pack flexible layers, check conditions before long walks, and avoid building a trip around only one kind of weather.

Best Weather for First-Time Visitors

For a first-time trip, the best weather window is usually August, September, and October. This period gives the strongest balance of mild temperatures, manageable rain, outdoor comfort, and enough daylight for a relaxed city schedule. It is also the period most likely to answer the question of when is the weather best in Balikpapan without asking travelers to tolerate the year’s worst heat, cold, or wet weather.

When to Avoid Balikpapan Because of Weather

Consider avoiding January, February, March, April, May if your trip depends on comfortable walking weather. These months are more likely to be too hot, too cold, too wet, too snowy, or simply less pleasant than the better parts of the year.

Families with kids, older travelers, photographers, and visitors who want to walk a lot should be especially careful with the worst weather months. Travelers who dislike heat should avoid the hottest stretch around January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December; travelers who dislike cold should avoid the coldest stretch around January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December; travelers who dislike rain should be cautious around December.

Final Weather Verdict: When Should You Visit Balikpapan?

The best month to visit Balikpapan for weather is September. The worst month to visit Balikpapan is December. The best season overall is usually Fall, while the best mild-weather period for a first-time visitor is August, September, and October.

If you want the best month to visit Balikpapan, choose the month that gives you comfortable daytime temperatures and the lowest risk of weather disrupting outdoor plans. If you are comparing Balikpapan weather by month, do not look only at the hottest month in Balikpapan or the coldest month in Balikpapan. Rain, snow, wind, humidity, and daylight can matter just as much.

For most travelers, the practical answer is simple: visit during the comfortable middle of the Balikpapan seasons, avoid the most extreme month if you can, and pack for the specific weather pattern of your chosen dates.