If you’ve never been to Gili Air before, you might be wondering about what sort of climate the island has, typical weather conditions, the best time to visit Gili Air, and what you ought to pack in your suitcase.

You also might want to know more about the local environment of Gili Air and how it’s being cared for, including whether there’s anything you can do to help preserve the natural beauty of this little tropical paradise. That’s what this Gili Air ‘what to expect—climate & environment‘ guide is all about. Let’s get into it!

What’s the climate/weather on Gili Air?

The Gili Islands are very close to the equator—approximately 900 km south, so you should expect a tropical climate. That means there are no seasons like you might be used to in Europe, North America, or anywhere else in the world a good distance from the equator. It’s hot all year round on Gili Air, although the ‘coldest’ month is July with an average temperature of 25.5 °C and the hottest month is April with an average of 28 °C.

Gili Air does have ‘seasons’ in terms of rain—the rainy season runs from around November to March although it’s unpredictable, and there may be a lot of rain as early as October or it may not properly start until December and then run later into the next year. During the rainy season, it usually rains torrentially for an hour or so and then stops, but at the peak of the season it may rain for several hours. Again though, it’s really unpredictable. It’s also most humid during the rainy season.

Note: You may as well forget using weather apps to predict the weather in Gili Air as they are notoriously unreliable in tropical regions due to the spontaneity of clouds and rain.

What should I pack in my suitcase?

No matter what time of year you’re heading to Gili Air, you’ll want to pack lots of cool, light, and breathable clothes. Shorts, t-shirts, and dresses are all suitable. Try to stay away from synthetic materials like nylon and polyester since you’ll quickly turn into a puddle of sweat. Instead, pack clothes made of breathable cotton, linen, or bamboo fibre. The lighter the fabric the better.

Of course, packing a swimsuit is essential. A sunhat and sunglasses are also highly recommended. In terms of shoes, sandals are a great choice. Flip-flops work too but they may not be as comfortable for lots of walking. Leave the high-heels at home unless you want to sprain your ankle or get stuck in the sand.

Sunscreen is very expensive on Gili Air (and in general in Indonesia), so definitely pack some SPF 30 or above. It’s recommended you pack all the toiletries you’ll need as skincare products and other items can be hard to find and expensive too. Tampons are uncommon in Indonesia, although there is usually a small supply available at the Siti Store (Gili Air’s “supermarket”) and it can be surprising if you consistently find them anywhere in the Gili Islands.

You’ll most likely be riding a bike on Gili Air, so keep this in mind when thinking about wardrobe and footwear choices, also don’t forget to pack a headlamp or ensure your phone has a torch for navigating dark little roads at night when you’re riding home from dinner or the bar. Many bike rentals come with lights, but to be sure, we always recommend bringing your own illumination!

If you’re heading to Gili Air during the rainy season, it’s important you bring some kind of rain protection. If you get caught in the rain without it, you’ll be drenched in seconds. You could bring a high-quality rated waterproof jacket. A cheaper alternative is a simple plastic poncho. Bringing a collapsible wind-proof umbrella is also a good idea, but you’ll probably still get wet if you use an umbrella without rain clothes. And remember, it can still rain even when it’s dry season.

Which animals live on and around Gili Air?

Land animals native to the Gili Islands include a variety of birds and monitor lizards. Of course there are now farm animals living on Gili Air and a peculiarly large number of cats. Dogs are not permitted on Gili Air, so the hundreds of cats live life being the top predator. Many of the cats have owners, but many are strays. You might be interested in Cats of Gili—a charity that helps sterilise and care for the islands’ feline friends.

Of course, there are almost infinitely more animals native to Gili Air in its waters—like turtles, sting rays, reef sharks, and countless kinds of colourful fish (including Nemo and Dory!).

How’s the environment in and around Gili Air?

As with much of the world, Gili Air and its ecosystems are battling against problems like pollution, trash, and microplastic. One positive thing about the Gili Islands is that motorised vehicles are banned—the only vehicles you’ll see on Gili Air are bicycles, electric scooters and horses and carts!

However, the island still deals with pollution from boats and its most precarious problem which is trash and plastic. It’s quite heartbreaking to see the island’s beautiful beaches become littered with plastic bottles and other trash time and time again. This happens more so during the rainy season when Indonesia’s rivers flush out all the trash they’ve been filled with during the dry season and strong waves push trash towards the beaches, but it remains a problem throughout the year.

The biggest culprit of Gili Air’s trash problem is plastic—plastic bottles; single-use plastic like bags, instant noodle packets, and straws; fishing lines; cigarette butts; styrofoam, and even flip-flops. Plastic never decomposes. Instead, it breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces until it becomes ‘microplastic’. Animals frequently mistake plastic for food and swallow it, and plastic is incredibly detrimental to Gili Air’s beautiful coral reef too. 

How can I help?

Fortunately, things are being done to combat Gili Air’s environmental issues. And more and more tourists of Gili Air are starting to understand the importance of not adding to the island’s woes. There are many things you can do!

Don’t use single-use plastic

Say no to plastic bags, and ask for your drink without a straw. 

Don’t buy plastic water bottles

Refill your own water bottle instead. The organisation Gili Shark Conservation has banded together with dozens of businesses on Gili Air to create a network of water refill stations. 

Join a beach clean-up

Oceans 5 Dive Resort runs a weekly beach clean-up every Friday at 4 pm. Read more about it here.

Volunteer with Gili Shark Conservation

Gili Shark Conservation runs a paid (by you) diving volunteering programme that lasts between two and eight weeks. You don’t have to have previous diving experience as you can take your PADI Open Water Course as part of the programme. You’ll be responsible for data collection and other tasks for shark and turtle conservation in the Gilis. Learn how to apply here.

Use eco-friendly sunscreen

Conventional sunscreens contain chemicals that are harmful to coral and marine life. When you swim in the ocean, the sunscreen ends up in the water. Bringing sunscreen that doesn’t contain these harmful chemicals means you can swim guilt-free in Gili Air’s turquoise waters.