Indonesia's sprawling capital of over 30 million people sits on the northwest coast of Java. Founded as Sunda Kelapa, a major port of the Hindu Sunda Kingdom in the 5th century, it became Batavia under Dutch colonial rule in 1619. The city is gradually sinking due to groundwater extraction, prompting Indonesia's decision to relocate the capital to Nusantara in Borneo.
Nights sit around 24°C and afternoons around 33°C.
Jakarta barely changes season: afternoons sit around 32°C and nights around 24°C most of the year.
There is a clear wet season from October – May, peaking in February with around 381 mm. The driest month is August, with about 52 mm.
Wind is rarely an issue; most months sit between calm and a light breeze. Air quality is worth watching: June averages an AQI of 170, while January clears to 108.
Daylight is steady all year, around 12.0 hours a day.
For what you're after, the best months in Jakarta are May – October. Expect fast internet (88 Mbps) and a low cost of living (about €800 a month).
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