Hiking Mount Rinjani in December – Every year, thousands of international travelers visit Lombok with one goal in mind: to hike Mount Rinjani. Most hikers come during the dry season—July, August, and September, when the skies are clear, the trails are dry, and the trekking conditions are at their best.
However, not everyone has the luxury of choosing those months. Many travelers plan their trips at the end of the year and naturally begin to wonder: Is Hiking Mount Rinjani in December still possible?
This question is not only reasonable but also very common among foreign travelers. December sits right in the middle of Indonesia’s rainy season, a time when heavy rainfall, sudden weather shifts, and slippery trails become part of the experience. For hikers unfamiliar with tropical mountain weather, this uncertainty can make planning more complicated. Still, December trekking offers its own charm, fewer crowds, a cooler atmosphere, and dramatic landscapes wrapped in mist and clouds.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into whether a December Rinjani trek is still doable, what the typical closure schedule looks like, and how to prepare yourself if you’re determined to go. As someone who has written extensively about mountain trekking and understands Indonesia’s seasonal challenges, I’ll help guide you through the realities so you can make the best decision for your trip.
Hiking Mount Rinjani in December, Is It Still Possible?
December is not the ideal season for Hiking Mount Rinjani, but the mountain does not shut down immediately on the first day of the month. To answer this clearly: yes, hiking Mount Rinjani in December is often still possible — but only until the end of the month, and you need to complete your registration before the closure begins.
For the 2025 schedule, the official announcement states:
- Rinjani’s annual closure begins on January 1 and lasts until April 2, 2025.
- The trekking routes officially reopen on April 3, 2025.
For the upcoming end-of-year period (late 2025 to early 2026), the Rinjani National Park Authority (BTNGR) has not yet released an official announcement. This means trekkers must stay updated through their trekking organizer, who typically receives final information earlier than the general public.
If your travel schedule only allows a December trek, the good news is that it can be done—provided you are aware of the risks. Rain can come suddenly, visibility on the route can drop quickly, and temperatures in the higher areas feel much colder than usual. These conditions make the hike more challenging but not necessarily impossible.
What you must understand is that December trekking comes with stricter monitoring and potentially sudden policy changes. Park authorities closely track rainfall intensity and landslide risks. If conditions become unsafe, the trails may be closed without prior notice.
Why Does Rinjani Close Every Year?
The annual closure happens during peak rainy season—typically January to March—to ensure:
- Safety for trekkers: Heavy rain increases the risk of landslides, slippery trails, falling rocks, and flash floods.
- Ecosystem recovery: The national park uses these months to restore damaged paths and allow vegetation to regrow.
Because these conditions can change from year to year, the official closure date is not always identical. That’s why the most reliable approach is to confirm with your chosen trekking organizer before finalizing your December plan.
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Read also: Best Rinjani Trekking Organizer, Packages, and Latest Prices for 2025
Mount Rinjani Trekking Season Closure Months
Like many tropical mountains in Indonesia, Mount Rinjani observes an annual closure during the rainy season. The official closure period generally spans from: January – April.
Rinjani’s trekking system is designed to close around January to April, but the exact starting week varies. Based on previous years:
- The mountain usually remains open through the end of December.
- The closure period typically starts in January, often in the second week, and stays in effect until April.
Interestingly, some trekkers have reported bookings on December 30, December 31, and even January 1–2. This suggests that the very beginning of January can still be hikeable, but only if your registration is completed in late December.
This is important:
You cannot make a new booking in early January. Registrations are usually closed at the end of December, even if trekking is still allowed for those who already secured their permits.
So if you want to hike in early January, you must register before December ends. And if you aim to hike specifically in December, your best strategy is to secure your slot well ahead of time.
For December hikers, this means planning ahead is non-negotiable. The best strategy is to secure your trekking slot early, especially if you’re targeting dates close to New Year’s Eve or hoping to catch one of those rare early-January openings. December is still doable, and for many, deeply rewarding. But only if you prepare your permits, schedule, and trekking team long before the month arrives.
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Read also: Is Mount Rinjani Safe to Hike? Here Are 3 Key Challenges to Know
Hiking Mount Rinjani in December Isn’t Easy, Prepare Yourself!
Although December is still open for trekking, it comes with one major challenge: December is part of the rainy season in Indonesia.
Rain in Lombok can be unpredictable, and conditions at higher altitude often intensify rapidly. You should be prepared for:
- Trails becoming muddy and slippery
- Lower visibility
- Temperature drops
- Strong winds at the crater rim
- Longer hiking time due to wet surfaces
Still, many trekkers successfully complete their December climbs every year. It remains safe as long as you prepare yourself physically, mentally, and with proper equipment—and most importantly, follow the guidance of licensed guides.
The most important step: Contact an official trekking organizer early. They will help you to confirm the latest closure information, organize permits before the deadline, prepare a realistic itinerary; provide safety gear and experienced guides, dan plan your logistics from Lombok Airport to your hotel and the trekking gate
If you need a trusted recommendation, we suggest hikingmountrinjani.com, a licensed trekking organizer with more than 15 years of experience arranging Rinjani expeditions. Their long track record is a strong indicator of professionalism and safety.
The team can assist you not only with the trek itself but also with your transfers, accommodation in Lombok, gear preparation, and full trekking coordination.
For detailed consultation, simply visit their official website or contact them via WhatsApp linked below.
Ready to hike Mount Rinjani in December? Contact your trekking organizer!
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