Best Time to Dive Komodo National Park: The Complete 2026 Guide 📅
Komodo is a land of contrasts. From crystal clear drifts in July to nutrient-rich macro explosions in January, the park changes dramatically throughout the year. Whether you are hunting for Hammerheads or Pygmy Seahorses, here is your definitive guide to choosing the perfect dates for your 2025 adventure.
Komodo Diving at a Glance ⚡
(20m - 40m)
(All year in Central)
South: 22-26°C
Low: Jan - March
Dry Season vs Wet Season: The Deep Dive 🌊
Unlike other tropical destinations where "rainy season" means "bad diving," Komodo offers two distinct, world-class experiences depending on the wind direction.
The "Classic" Komodo Experience. Winds blow from the southeast (Australia), bringing dry air and clear water. This is the peak season for tourism.
- Visibility: Incredible (30m+). Perfect for wide-angle photography at sites like Batu Bolong.
- Marine Life: Big schools of Fusiliers, Trevallies, and Sharks patrolling the clear blue.
- Temperature: Warm in the North (27°C) but COLD in the South (can drop to 20°C).
- Sea Conditions: Generally calm flat seas in the North/Central areas.
The "Manta & Macro" Season. Winds switch from the northwest. Rain usually comes in short, refreshing afternoon bursts. The landscape turns lush green.
- Manta Rays: Plankton blooms attract huge numbers of Mantas, including courtship trains.
- Macro Life: The nutrient-rich water triggers an explosion of critters (Nudibranchs, Frogfish).
- Temperature: Warmer everywhere! Even the South warms up to 28°C.
- Crowds: Much quieter. You might have famous dive sites all to yourself.
Marine Life Calendar: Who is here? 🐙
Komodo is a year-round biodiversity hotspot, but some stars have their preferred schedule. Use this grid to plan your specific encounters.
Detailed Species Breakdown
Manta Rays: You can see Reef Mantas all year at cleaning stations like Mawan and Manta Point. However, the wet season brings plankton blooms that attract them in massive numbers, including the larger Oceanic Mantas occasionally.
Grey Reef Sharks: These predators love current. They are consistent residents at sites like Castle Rock and The Cauldron regardless of the month.
Macro Critters: During the cooler months of the dry season, macro life can be harder to spot. But once the water warms up in December, sites like Wainilu and Siaba Kecil explode with life: Rhinopias, Ghost Pipefish, and Nudibranchs galore.
Month-by-Month Planner 🗓️
Here is what to expect month by month. The "Sweet Spot" months are highlighted in green—these offer the best balance of weather, visibility, and fish life.
What are the "Sweet Spot" Months?
April to June and September to October are often considered the best months by professionals. During these windows, you avoid the strong winds of July/August and the heaviest rains of January/February. The sea is often flat like a lake, visibility is at its peak, and the park is slightly less crowded than during the European summer holidays.
Diving Conditions Overview
| Factor | Dry Season (Apr-Nov) | Wet Season (Dec-Mar) |
|---|---|---|
| Water Temp (North) | 27°C - 29°C | 28°C - 29°C |
| Water Temp (South) | 20°C - 25°C (Cold!) | 26°C - 28°C (Warm) |
| Visibility | 30m - 40m | 15m - 25m |
| Surface | Choppy in South (Wind) | Calm in South |
Common Questions
Yes! While Komodo is famous for currents, many sites like Siaba Besar, Pengah Kecil, and Mawan are suitable for Open Water divers. We always tailor the dive plan to your experience level.
In the North/Central (28°C), a 3mm shorty or long is perfect. However, if you plan to visit the South (Padar area) during the dry season, the water can drop to 21°C. A 5mm long suit is highly recommended for those trips.
Ready to book your 2025 trip?
Dragon Dive Komodo operates year-round. Check our schedule and book your spot!
