Weather in Pontianak

Planning your visit to Pontianak? Check out the current weather situation, detailed forecasts, and useful charts presented below.

Pontianak, located directly on the equator line, possesses a classic tropical climate characterised by heat and high humidity throughout the year. The weather here is distinguished by remarkable stability: temperature fluctuations are minimal, and the concept of changing seasons in the traditional sense is practically absent. The average air temperature holds steady around +27°C, and during the day the thermometer regularly rises to +30°C, regardless of the month.

Instead of winter and summer, the year here is divided into periods of higher or lower rainfall intensity. Rain in Pontianak is a frequent and familiar occurrence. The wettest period is considered to be from October to January, when the number of rainy days reaches its maximum (up to 29 days per month). Even in relatively "dry" months, such as July or August, precipitation occurs quite regularly, so an umbrella will be necessary for the traveller at any time of year.

Tourists should expect steady, warm weather without sudden cold snaps. Thanks to the equatorial location, daylight hours also remain practically unchanged throughout the year. When planning a trip to Indonesia and specifically to this region, it is worth focusing not on the temperature, which is always comfortable for heat lovers, but on being prepared for high humidity and tropical downpours.

Pontianak, situated right on the equator, is distinguished by a surprisingly stable temperature regime throughout the year. Here, seasonal variations familiar to many regions are practically absent: the difference between the "coldest" and hottest month is only one degree. The average air temperature stays in the range of +26.7°C in January and December to +27.7°C in May. This makes the city a realm of eternal summer, where the weather is predictably warm regardless of the date on the calendar.

The concepts of "winter" and "summer" are quite nominal here. During the calendar summer (from June to August), daytime highs reach +30...30.4°C, creating an atmosphere of humid tropical heat. The winter months do not bring significant cooling: even in January and February, the air warms up to +29.3...29.8°C during the day. Travellers should be prepared for the fact that heat in Pontianak is a constant phenomenon, and clothing should be selected accordingly, made from light natural fabrics.

Diurnal temperature fluctuations are slightly more pronounced than seasonal ones, but still remain moderate. After the daytime heat, when the thermometer storms the +30°C mark, nights bring relative freshness, cooling down on average to +24°C. Such a drop of 5–6 degrees allows one to catch their breath a little, however, nights still remain very warm and, as a rule, stuffy due to the high humidity of the region.

The location of Pontianak right on the equator determines its climatic features: eternal summer reigns here with high humidity, and precipitation falls evenly throughout the year. The city has no clearly defined dry season, so travellers should be prepared for rain in any month. Precipitation here always falls in the form of warm tropical downpours, which are often short but intense, bringing only temporary coolness amidst a stable air temperature of around 27°C.

The rainiest period falls at the end of the year. From October to December, as well as in January and May, the number of days with precipitation reaches its peak — rain can fall from 27 to 29 days per month. Statistically, the "wettest" month is November, when the highest number of rainy days and maximum rainfall levels (about 12 mm) are recorded, so having a reliable raincoat or umbrella at this time is mandatory.

A relative decrease in precipitation is observed in the middle of the year and at the end of winter. The driest month is considered to be July, when the number of rainy days decreases to 18, and the volume of precipitation falls to a minimum (6 mm). Slightly drier weather is also characteristic of February and August. However, even in these months, rains remain a frequent occurrence; the intervals between them simply become a little longer, giving tourists more opportunities for walks in the open air.

Since Pontianak is located right on the equator, the weather here remains hot and humid year-round with an average temperature of about +27°C. The basis of your luggage should consist of items made from light natural fabrics, such as cotton or linen, which are breathable. T-shirts, shorts, loose trousers, and light dresses will be the ideal choice for walks under the tropical sun. Be sure to take a wide-brimmed hat and quality sunglasses to protect against bright rays.

Precipitation in this region is a frequent and abundant occurrence: even in the "driest" months, rains occur for more than two weeks, and in November and December, the number of rainy days reaches a maximum. Therefore, a reliable umbrella or a quality raincoat are items of first necessity that should always be at hand. Footwear should be comfortable, non-slip, and preferably quick-drying or waterproof, as puddles after tropical downpours can be deep.

Do not forget about small things that will make the trip more comfortable. Sunscreen with a high SPF factor is mandatory, even if the sky is clouded over. It is also recommended to bring a light cardigan or a long-sleeved shirt: despite the outdoor heat, powerful air conditioners often operate in shopping centres and hotels in Indonesia, and the temperature difference can be palpable.