The climate of Balikpapan
Balikpapan, located in
Indonesia, is designated an Af climate, according to Köppen climate classification. This refers to a tropical rainforest climate, a classification common for regions close to the equator. Therefore, the island city experiences high temperatures and considerable moisture content all year round.
Throughout the year, temperatures in Balikpapan hit high levels, often hovering around the 30°C (86°F) mark on average. A slightly cooler period is observed around
July with an average high temperature reaching 28.9°C (84°F). The lowest average temperatures fluctuate around the 25°C (77°F) threshold. Particularly,
June registers a low of 25.6°C (78.1°F), showing small variations in average temperatures during the year.
Relative humidity keeps mainly steady, varying between 77% and 81% through the months. Rainfall is another constant component of Balikpapan's weather, with distinctly higher fall in
December with 206mm (8.11"). The driest month, witnessed in
September, records a significantly lower quantity of 78mm (3.07"). A unique weather pattern is evident in rainfall days, which are in greatest number in
March and December, both topping 30 days.
The best time to visit Balikpapan
For visitors prioritizing sunshine, the best time to visit
Balikpapan is clearly from
September to
November. During this period, daily sunshine duration exceeds 10.4 hours and the count of sunshine days peaks at 6.2 in September. Moreover, this period reveals relatively lower rain volume between 78mm (3.07") and 150mm (5.91") and lesser rainfall days from 20.7 to 25.1 days.
The worst time to visit Balikpapan
For those looking to avoid the wettest conditions, steering clear of
Balikpapan in early and late parts of the year would be wise. More specifically,
March and
December present challenging weather conditions due to heavy rainfall of 197mm (7.76") and 206mm (8.11") respectively, coupled with the highest number of rainfall days approximating 30.
Spring weather in Balikpapan
In spring,
Balikpapan exhibits temperatures from 25.2°C (77.4°F) to 30.3°C (86.5°F). The rainfall measures from 148mm (5.83") to 181mm (7.13"), making this season a wet period. The relative humidity varies modestly from 79% to 80%, and the sea temperature remains mostly steady ranging from 28.7°C (83.7°F) to 29.2°C (84.6°F).
Summer weather in Balikpapan
Summer in
Balikpapan lasts from
June to
August. During this period, the temperature highs fluctuate from 28.9°C (84°F) to 29.4°C (84.9°F), while the lows range from 25.2°C (77.4°F) to 26°C (78.8°F). The quantity of rainfall shows a relative decrease, varying between 98mm (3.86") and 166mm (6.54"). The sea temperature swings between 28.5°C (83.3°F) and 29.3°C (84.7°F).
Autumn weather in Balikpapan
Autumn weather in
Balikpapan sees a rise in temperatures between 29.7°C (85.5°F) and 30.5°C (86.9°F), while the average lows are from 25.5°C (77.9°F) to 26°C (78.8°F). Reflecting the tropical rainforest climate, the rainfall escalates up to 150mm (5.91") in
October. The sea temperature slightly increases, fluctuating from 28.4°C (83.1°F) to 29.4°C (84.9°F) in this season.
Winter weather in Balikpapan
During the winter months,
Balikpapan experiences temperature highs from 30.3°C (86.5°F) to 30.5°C (86.9°F). The lows balance between 25.5°C (77.9°F) and 25.6°C (78.1°F), while significant rainfall is observed, reaching 206mm (8.11") in
December. Winter also corresponds to the comparatively cooler sea temperatures, fluctuating from 29.2°C (84.6°F) to 29.4°C (84.9°F).
Weather in January
Noticeable in the first month of the year in
Balikpapan,
Indonesia, is the substantial rainfall with an average of 189mm (7.44").
January sees a balmy climate with frequent showers, ushering in the peak monsoon season. The weather remains quite similar both during the day and night with minor fluctuation.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Comparing to the previous month,
February marks a decrease in rainfall and a slightly increased sunshine duration. The tropical climate of
Balikpapan remains, fostering a good amount of sea activity. While the skies are a bit clearer, rain is still a common feature of the month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Rainfall in
March margins up compared to
February, accumulating to about 197mm (7.76") over the course of the month. The increase in daily rainfall is accompanied by high humidity, transforming the cityscape into a tropical wonder.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Moving into
April, the temperature graph peaks at 30.3°C (86.5°F), a minor increase from the preceding month. The tropical ambience is retained, making it a delightful setting for outdoors. Abrupt showers that are so typical of the region continue.
Weather in April »Weather in May
Transferring to
May, significant is the sea temperature touching its yearly high at 29.6°C (85.3°F). As the region advances further into the year, the weather starts to steady into a rhythm of uniformity. With evening showers and high humidity maintaining the lush greenery all around.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Balikpapan highlights a slower rhythm, as the occurrence of rainfall decreases from
May. Humidity still retains its grip on the city, reminding everyone of its tropical lineage. The dip in rainfall makes way for more outdoor activities and adventures.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July boasts the highest wind speeds in
Balikpapan, averaging 11,5km/h (3.1mph). July carries on the
June rhythm, offering a comfortable climate for tourists and locals alike. Winds become a bit gusty, giving much needed relief from the humidity.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August marks a further spike in wind speeds, reaching up to 12.9km/h (8mph) on average. The strong winds coupled with slightly less humidity render a sense of freshness in the air. The city sees marginally less rainfall from the previous months, complimenting the windy weather.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Moving towards the end of the third quarter, rainfall in
September slinks to its annual low at 78mm (3.07"). September ushers in the contrast of fewer rain showers against the preceding
August. Daylight remains constant, allowing plenty of scope for sightseeing and exploration.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October witnesses a sharp rise in sunshine hours, reaching up to 10.5hours.
Balikpapan gets bathed in sunlight most of the day with daytime temperatures maintaining a steady figure. The city also starts to see a gradual increase in rainfall from this point forward.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November leans towards shortening sunshine duration despite being high at 10.4 hours. Maintaining a consistent degree of warmth,
Balikpapan in November perpetuates to be a magnificent tropical delight. More frequent rain showers forge a dramatic atmosphere against the backdrop of decreasing sunshine hours.
Weather in November » Weather in December
The year rounds off with
December charting the highest rainfall at 206mm (8.11"). As December rolls in,
Balikpapan embraces a more rainy ambiance, in line with the scenario of the year's start. Despite being the peak of monsoon, the city retains its charm with uniform temperatures.
Weather in December » [Resources]