Weather in Balikpapan

Planning your day in Balikpapan? Check out the latest weather information and detailed forecasts below to ensure your trip is as comfortable as possible.

The climate of Balikpapan can be described as typical equatorial tropical, characterised by high humidity and consistently warm weather throughout the year. Due to its location in Indonesia, there are no sharp temperature fluctuations here: average figures confidently hold at around +27°C, and during the day, the air usually warms up to +30°C. This makes the city an attractive destination for heat lovers, regardless of the month chosen for the trip.

There is no distinct change of seasons here, as is common in temperate latitudes. Precipitation falls quite evenly throughout the year, and even in the nominally "dry" season (from July to September), the number of rainy days remains high — from 20 to 25 per month. In other periods, rain can occur almost daily; however, it often takes the form of short and intense tropical downpours that are quickly replaced by sunshine.

Travellers should expect very stable weather conditions without extreme heat or cold. The main feature of the local climate is consistency: the night temperature rarely drops below +24°C, creating comfortable conditions for evening walks. Nevertheless, considering the statistics on rainy days, having an umbrella or a light raincoat in your luggage would be useful at any time of year.

Balikpapan is distinguished by a stable, hot equatorial climate where temperature readings remain practically unchanged throughout the year. It is difficult to identify distinct seasons here: the average air temperature consistently stays in the range of 26.8°C to 27.6°C. The "hottest" months can tentatively be called April and May, when daily maximums reach 30.5°C, while July and August bring a barely noticeable drop in average temperature to 26.8°C.

The usual concepts of winter and summer do not apply here as they do in temperate latitudes. In the winter months (December–February), the weather remains truly summer-like: during the day, the air warms up to 30°C and above, making this period an excellent time for those wishing to escape the cold. The summer period (June–August) is characterised by similar conditions, although maximum daytime temperatures may be slightly lower, around 29°C, but high humidity and frequent rains create a sensation of constant tropical heat.

Daily temperature fluctuations in the city are moderate, averaging about 5–6 degrees. After the midday heat, when the thermometer exceeds the 30-degree mark, nights bring relative coolness. The temperature after dark drops to a comfortable 24.5°C – 25°C; however, due to high humidity, the night freshness may not feel as significant as expected.

The climate of Balikpapan is typical of the tropical latitudes of Indonesia: it is warm and humid all year round, and precipitation falls with remarkable regularity. Unlike many other regions, it is difficult to highlight a distinct dry season here. It rains almost constantly, so travellers should always have an umbrella or a light raincoat with them, regardless of the month chosen for the trip.

The highest amount of precipitation and rainy days occurs at the beginning and end of the year, as well as in spring. In January, March, November, and December, up to 29 rainy days per month are recorded, making these periods the wettest. Precipitation here falls exclusively as rain, often in the form of short but intense tropical downpours, after which the sun quickly emerges.

A relatively "dry" period can be tentatively identified from July to September. During this time, the intensity of precipitation decreases slightly, and the number of rainy days drops to 20–25 per month. Statistically, the driest month is September; however, even then, the sky is often overcast, and the probability of getting caught in the rain remains high.

When packing for Balikpapan, you should prepare for the warm and humid tropical climate that prevails here year-round. The basis of your luggage should be light clothing made from natural, breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen, which will help you comfortably endure the high humidity. Since the average daytime temperature consistently holds around 30°C, shorts, T-shirts, and loose dresses will be the most practical choice. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes for long walks around the city and sandals for relaxing.

Given the high probability of precipitation in any month (rain is possible on more than 20 days per month), a light raincoat or a compact umbrella will be indispensable items in your backpack. Do not forget protection against the active equatorial sun: high SPF sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are mandatory. Additionally, for visiting shopping centres or transport where powerful air conditioners often operate, we recommend bringing a light cardigan or windbreaker to avoid feeling cold due to the temperature contrast.