We are often asked about the best time of year to schedule a trip to Bawah Reserve.
Which month has the best weather? And when is the rainy season?
Thanks to worldwide climate change, the weather is becoming increasingly less predictable. So, as much as we would love to be able to give you an exact guide to the weather at Bawah Reserve, that’s just not possible anymore. What we can do is share some statistics on Bawah’s weather since we opened in 2018, together with real-life, unfiltered photos captured by staff and guests, to help you make an informed decision.
Want to check the weather history for your intended travel month? Simply click here. Or find the weekly forecast for the Anambas Islands here or download our weather infographic here.
Here’s our monthly guide to help you plan the best timing for your trip:
Shot on an iPhone, no filter, 5th January 2023
Some guests love Bawah most from January to mid-February, when the lagoon is still and as clear as glass. Clouds tend to build in the mid-afternoons, often with tropical showers.
After the rain comes the extraordinarily vibrant sunsets. Due to the prevailing tides, a huge sand bar forms off Boathouse Beach, providing a spectacular location for a private dinner.
Shot on Samsung Galaxy Phone, no filter, 24th February 2023
Shot on an iPhone, no filter, 16th February 2020
Others prefer March, the month of the easterly winds. Breezes calm the water, allowing for excellent underwater visibility in the snorkelling and diving sites around the Reserve, including the wall at Tokong Island.
Our forests welcome lots of flying visitors in March, gently chirping at the break of dawn to greet morning hikers on our trails. Nights are magical too; if you look above Sanggah Island, you can easily see the Milky Way.
Shot on pilot Wolski's phone: no filter, 14th March 2023
Shot on iPhone, no filter, 8th March 2019
Shot on Iphone, no filter, 13th May 2022
According to worldweatheronline.com, April and May are the best months to holiday in Riau, with an average of 19 to 20 sunny days a month and temperatures averaging 30°C to 31°C. We agree, with so many activities included in the rate, you can spend your days snorkelling, sailing, hiking and enjoying our sunny shores.
Shot on Samsung Galaxy, no filter, 12th May 2022
From mid-July through September, the islands of Bawah are a sanctuary for the hawksbill and green turtles that come ashore to lay their eggs. Forty to 60 days later, the baby turtles hatch and then crawl into the ocean. It is a rare and magical experience to watch the little creatures instinctively make their way to the sea. It gets us teary-eyed every time it happens.
Filmed on Iphone September 2022
Shot on an iPhone, no filter, 11th August 2018
October is a popular month for family reunions and trips with friends. With the busy festive season quickly approaching, this is an opportunity to take a few days to relax together.
After a day full of recreational activities, guests come together to recount their adventures over dinner. Our chef excels at creating group dinner themes based on organic produce picked fresh from our gardens.
Shot on an iPhone, no filter, 29th September 2019
Shot on Samsung Galaxy, no filter, 24th December 2022
Shot on iPhone, no filter, 27th December 2019
The most joyful time at Bawah is December when we host our “12 Days of Bawah” festivities. We pull out all the stops to treat those who choose to celebrate Christmas and New Year with us, with specialty cocktails and meals, interactive classes, and spa activities.
Beach holidays are a perfect way to tie a bow around the end of a busy year and to prepare mind, body, and soul for a healthy, happy new year ahead.
But you don’t have to take our word for it! Here are some useful resources where you can check out the local weather for yourself:
Now that you know what time of year is best for you, make an enquiry about your Bawah Reserve holiday here: