Weather in Tarakan

Planning your day or a trip to the city of Tarakan? Here you will find the latest information on weather conditions, including current readings and detailed forecasts.

The city of Tarakan, located in Indonesia, welcomes travellers with a classic equatorial climate. Eternal summer reigns here: the weather is remarkably stable, whilst the average air temperature hovers around a comfortable 27°C throughout the year. Thanks to its proximity to the equator, there are no sharp seasonal fluctuations, and the thermometer rarely drops below 25°C or rises above 29°C.

A characteristic feature of the local climate is high humidity and the absence of a clearly defined dry season. Precipitation falls here with enviable consistency: the number of rainy days varies from 24 to 30 per month. This means that brief tropical downpours can refresh the city almost daily, regardless of the time of year, creating lush greenery all around.

For tourists, this means that you can choose travel dates without consulting the calendar, as the temperature regime remains favourable all year round. However, when packing, be sure to include light, breathable clothing and a reliable raincoat or umbrella in your suitcase so that the changeable weather does not hinder your plans to explore the island.

Tarakan, located in Indonesia, is distinguished by a remarkably stable equatorial climate where the concept of seasonality is extremely weak. Eternal summer prevails throughout the year: the temperature graph represents an almost straight line. Annual averages fluctuate within a very narrow range — from 26.7°C in January to 27.4°C in May. This means tourists need not worry about choosing a "warm" season: the weather here is predictably hot in any month.

Concepts familiar to us such as "winter" and "summer" are purely nominal here. The conditional "summer" peak occurs in May and October, when daytime highs reach 29.3°C. During this time, the weather feels hot and humid. "Winter" months, such as January and February, differ little: the average temperature holds at 26.7–26.8°C, and even during this period, it is never cool or frosty. This makes the city an excellent destination for those wishing to warm up in the midst of the calendar winter.

Daily temperature fluctuations in Tarakan are also minimal, creating an atmosphere of constant warmth. The difference between the daytime heat and the evening cool is only about 4 degrees. During the day, the air consistently warms up to 28–29°C, whilst at night the temperature rarely drops below 25°C. Such warm nights allow for comfortable time spent outdoors without the need to wear warm clothing, enjoying the mild tropical climate around the clock.

The climate in Tarakan is characterised by surprising stability: there is practically no distinct division into a dry season and a rainy season here. Precipitation falls evenly throughout the year, so travellers should be prepared for high humidity and frequent rains regardless of the chosen travel date. Naturally, there is no snow in this tropical region of Indonesia.

According to statistics, it rains exceptionally often here. In months such as May, November, and December, up to 30 rainy days are recorded, which implies a probability of precipitation almost daily. Even in the "driest" month of the year, February, the number of days with precipitation is about 24, whilst the volume of falling moisture drops to a minimum — about 7 mm.

Despite the high frequency of rains, the total volume of precipitation, judging by the data, remains small (on average 7–11 mm per month). This indicates that the rains in Tarakan are likely brief or drizzling in nature, typical of equatorial latitudes, when the sky clears quickly after a downpour. Nevertheless, an umbrella or raincoat will become your main companions during walks around the city.

Given the consistently hot and humid weather in Tarakan throughout the year, the basis of your luggage should be light items made from natural, breathable fabrics. The average air temperature holds at the +27°C mark, so give preference to clothing made of cotton, linen, or viscose with a loose fit. Light colours will help you heat up less in the sun. Be sure to take a head covering, high-quality sunglasses, and cream with a high protection factor (SPF 50+), as the equatorial sun in Indonesia is very active even through clouds.

Particular attention should be paid to protection from moisture: statistics show that rainy days happen here very often (up to 24–30 days a month), regardless of the season. A compact but sturdy umbrella or a light raincoat-poncho will become your best assistants. It is recommended to choose clothing that dries quickly and avoid heavy denim fabrics, which can remain damp for a long time in the tropical climate.

As for footwear, comfortable sandals with secure foot fixation or light "breathable" trainers are best suited for long walks. If you plan sea trips or excursions into nature, bring insect repellents and a light windbreaker to protect against the wind on the coast. The principle of layering is not as critical here due to the absence of sharp temperature changes, but a light long-sleeved top will be useful for protection against air conditioning in transport or hotels.