Weather in Kawah Putih

About Kawah Putih

Kawah Putih's white crater lake steams with sulfurous activity at 2,400 meters, its turquoise waters and alien landscape creating an environment that feels extracted from another planet. This volcanic phenomenon sits within easy reach of Bandung yet feels completely isolated.

Country

Indonesia

Best months to visit

Year-round

Currency

IDR

Language

Indonesian, English

Things to do in Kawah Putih

Crater lake photography and exploration tours Sulfurous air hiking and breathing experiences Geothermal landscape documentation walks Hot spring bathing in natural pools Local strawberry farm visits and tastings Mountain viewpoint sunset photography

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

17C

Cool, with frequent heavy rain.

February

17C

Cool, with frequent heavy rain.

March

17C

Cool, with frequent heavy rain.

April

18C

Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.

May

18C

Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.

June

18C

Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.

July

18C

Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.

August

18C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

September

19C

Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.

October

19C

Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.

November

18C

Mild and comfortable, with frequent heavy rain.

December

17C

Cool, with frequent heavy rain.

Kawah Putih, the White Crater, sits high in the Ciwidey hills above Bandung, its sulphurous lake shifting between turquoise, jade, and milky white depending on the light and mineral concentration. Wisps of steam drift across the crater rim against a backdrop of dead, bleached trees, while the surrounding tea plantations and strawberry farms make the steep drive up from the city a destination in itself.

Best areas to stay in Kawah Putih

Kawah Putih Crater Rim

The main viewing area along the lake's edge, with boardwalks and viewpoints over the milky-coloured water and surrounding cliffs.

Ciwidey Town

The small hill town serving as the access point, with warungs, basic guesthouses, and the turn-off for the crater road.

Ciwidey Tea Plantations

Rolling green tea estates surrounding the road up to the crater, popular for photos and short walks among the bushes.

Cimanggu Hot Springs

A nearby hot spring resort with pools fed by volcanic water, a relaxing stop after the crater visit.

Getting to Kawah Putih

✈

Flights

Fly into Bandung's Husein Sastranegara Airport via Jakarta, or take the high-speed train from Jakarta to Bandung, then drive south to Ciwidey.

⏱

From London

~18-20 hours total from London including connections to Bandung

🚕

Getting around

Hired cars or ride-hailing apps cover the drive from Bandung; a shuttle bus or short walk covers the final stretch to the crater rim.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Kawah Putih?

Early morning is best, both to beat the crowds bussed up from Bandung and to catch the mist before it burns off; the dry season (April-October) gives the clearest views.

How do I get to Kawah Putih from Bandung?

It's around a 2-hour drive south through Ciwidey; hired cars, ride-hailing apps, or organised day tours are the easiest options as public transport is limited on the final stretch.

Is the sulphur smell strong at Kawah Putih?

Yes, expect a noticeable sulphur odour near the lake edge, and on windier days it can sting the eyes slightly — most visitors find a few minutes' walk along the rim avoids the worst of it.

What else is near Kawah Putih?

The Ciwidey area is dotted with strawberry-picking farms, hot spring resorts at Cimanggu and Walini, and rolling tea plantations ideal for a scenic drive afterwards.

Do I need to pay extra fees at Kawah Putih?

Beyond the entrance ticket, there's usually a small additional charge for the shuttle from the car park to the crater rim, as private vehicles are restricted on the final approach road.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Arrived just after sunrise and had the crater almost to ourselves before the tour buses turned up around 9am. The colour of the water is genuinely surreal in person.

Tom R. · June 2024

★★★★☆

Combine it with the strawberry farms on the way back to Bandung for a really nice day trip. Just be prepared for queues if you go later in the day.

Wulan A. · August 2023

★★★★☆

The sulphur smell was stronger than I expected but the views made up for it. Bring a jacket as it's noticeably cooler up in the hills than down in Bandung.

Ben C. · March 2024