Jakarta Weather in November

Rain shapes your plans

November feels hot, sticky and often grey. You'll get rain on most days, and there's little sunshine, so don't count on a long dry stretch for sightseeing outdoors. Sudden downpours can snarl traffic and leave low-lying streets flooded, so build some slack into your plans.

The good news is that you can still see plenty indoors. The National Museum and the covered halls of Grand Indonesia are easy choices on a wet afternoon. If the sky clears, walk around Kota Tua, but stay flexible. And a long day at Ancol Beach is less appealing when rain clouds hang overhead.

A quieter month, with one observance

November falls in Jakarta's rainy season, which is why it rates poorly at 2.4 out of 10. Visitor numbers are generally lower than in August and September, the city's best months, so you may find hotel rates less pressured. Prices vary by hotel and dates, though, and the trade-off is wetter journeys across the city. October is a little drier at 141 mm of rain, while December is wetter still at 254 mm, so November sits in the middle of a damp stretch rather than being the worst of it.

Indonesia marks Heroes' Day on November 10. In Jakarta, it honours the country's struggle for independence, and ceremonies may take place at sites such as the National Monument. It isn't a major festival month, though, and you won't find citywide street celebrations. If crowds bother you, November can suit you, as long as you leave extra time for trips across town.

Working around the showers

When rain snarls the roads, the MRT is your best bet. From Bundaran HI, you can ride south to Blok M, where cafés and food stalls give you somewhere to wait out a shower. For a local meal, try soto Betawi, a Jakarta beef soup, at a sit-down spot rather than eating outdoors.

If you're heading to Kota Tua, take the commuter train to Jakarta Kota station, which is close to the old square. Keep your plans nearby instead of crossing the city between showers. The rain can arrive at awkward times, but indoor museums, malls and cafés make it easy to adjust your day.