When is the best time to visit?
Sumba has two seasons. The dry season runs roughly from April to November: sunny days, dusty roads and savanna that turns gold, especially in the east. The rainy season runs roughly from December to March, when the hills turn green and waterfalls are at their fullest, but some dirt roads become hard to drive.
Which month for what
Beaches and road trips: May to October. Waterfalls with water and passable roads: April to July. Green landscapes: January to April. Pasola festival: February or March, on dates set each year by Marapu elders.
East versus west
East Sumba is drier, with open savanna and a long dry season. The west and south-west are greener and get more rain. Plan waterfalls for the west and savanna sunsets for the east.
Rains can come late
In some years the rains arrive weeks late. Check our live forecast before you travel and read The Sumba Times for weather news.