Weather in Makassar

To make your journey to Makassar as comfortable as possible, familiarise yourself with the meteorological conditions in advance. Below you will find up-to-date data, charts, and weather forecasts.

Makassar, located on the island of Sulawesi, welcomes travellers with a typical tropical climate featuring high humidity and warmth all year round. One of the main features of the local weather is the remarkable stability of temperatures: average figures fluctuate within a narrow range from +26°C to +28°C regardless of the month. An eternal summer reigns here, so you will hardly need warm clothing.

Two seasons are clearly distinguishable during the year: the wet season and the relatively dry season. The rainy season lasts approximately from November to April, reaching its peak in January and February, when precipitation occurs almost daily (up to 30 days a month). During this time, Indonesia demonstrates its vibrant tropical character with frequent and heavy downpours.

For those who prefer clearer weather, the ideal time to visit is the period from July to October. The driest months are considered to be August and September, when the number of rainy days drops to a minimum (about 8–10 days). This is the best time for city walks and beach holidays, as the sun shines more often, and the likelihood of prolonged rains is extremely low.

The climate of the city of Makassar is characterised by enviable stability: eternal summer prevails here, and sharp temperature fluctuations practically never occur. Throughout the year, average thermometer readings fluctuate within a very narrow range from +26.5°C to +27.8°C. Even in the nominal "winter" months (January and February) or in the middle of the calendar summer (July), the air is warmed to a comfortable +26.5°C, so the concept of cold is virtually absent here.

The hottest period can be considered October, when the average temperature reaches its peak at +27.8°C, and daytime maximums come close to the +30°C mark. May and September are also distinguished by increased warmth. Since Indonesia is located in equatorial latitudes, there is no usual division into four seasons here: "summer" is felt as a hot and humid time, while "winter" brings only a slight, barely perceptible drop in temperature, which practically does not affect the sensations of tourists.

A characteristic feature of the local climate is the minimal difference between day and night temperatures. The amplitude of fluctuations is only 3–4 degrees. Nights here are very warm and humid: even in August, when the lowest night figures are recorded, the temperature does not drop below +24.4°C. During the rest of the year, the night air is warmed to +25°C...+26°C, so warm clothes will unlikely be useful on your trip.

The climate in this region is characterised by a clear division into wet and dry seasons. When planning a trip to Makassar, it is important to consider that the greatest amount of precipitation falls from late autumn to mid-spring. The rainiest months are December and January, when rainfall can occur almost daily — statistics show up to 30 days with rain in January.

The dry season arrives in the middle of the year and lasts roughly from July to September. This is the most favourable time for those who prefer clear weather: the frequency of rains decreases noticeably. The driest month is considered to be August, when only about 8 days with precipitation and a minimal volume of moisture are recorded.

In transition periods, such as May and October, the intensity of precipitation is average (about 15–16 rainy days). Since the city is located in the tropics, precipitation here falls exclusively in the form of rain; often these can be warm but heavy downpours, typical for Indonesia.

Since the weather in Makassar remains hot and humid throughout the year with an average temperature of about +27°C, the foundation of your wardrobe should consist of light clothing made from natural, breathable fabrics. Cotton t-shirts, linen shirts, and shorts will be the best choice for comfortable walks. Be sure to bring headwear, sunglasses, and cream with a high SPF level, as the equatorial sun here is very active even on cloudy days.

When packing, it is important to consider the seasonality of rainfall. The period from November to April is considered the wet season, when rains can occur almost daily, so a high-quality raincoat or a compact umbrella will be simply essential. For this time of year, it is better to choose footwear that is water-resistant and dries quickly, for example, sandals or Crocs. In the dry season (from May to October), there is significantly less precipitation, but a light windbreaker still won't go amiss in case of a sudden tropical shower.

For long excursions around the city and surroundings, ensure you have comfortable walking shoes with good ventilation. Although it is always warm outside, it makes sense to pack one light long-sleeved cardigan or a shawl in your suitcase: they will come in handy in shopping malls and transport, where air conditioning is often very strong, and will also protect against insects during evening strolls.