Home › Destinations › Samarinda
Weather in Samarinda
East Kalimantan capital on the Mahakam River
—
Loading live weather...
About Samarinda
Samarinda sprawls along the Mahakam River, Kalimantan's major waterway, where longboat travel penetrates upriver to traditional Dayak communities. This provincial capital functions as a river commerce hub connecting modernity to interior tribal lands.
Best months to visit
Year-round
Language
Indonesian, English
Things to do in Samarinda
Mahakam River longboat expeditions upriver
Dayak indigenous village cultural homestays
Orangutan wildlife research station visits
Fishing village explorations and market tours
Traditional handicraft workshops and purchasing
Local Kutai Kartanegara museum artifact visits
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
30C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
February
30C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
March
30C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
April
30C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
May
30C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
June
30C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
July
30C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
August
30C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
September
31C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
October
31C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
November
30C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
December
30C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
Samarinda, the capital of East Kalimantan, sits on the banks of the Mahakam, one of Borneo's great rivers, and serves as the launchpad for journeys upriver into Dayak territory — multi-day boat trips that pass riverside longhouses, rainforest, and the freshwater habitat of the critically endangered Mahakam (Irrawaddy) river dolphin. The city itself is a busy commercial hub, but its riverside markets and the grand Islamic Center mosque make it worth a day before heading upstream.
Best areas to stay in Samarinda
Islamic Center Samarinda
A vast, modern mosque complex on the riverbank, one of the largest in Southeast Asia and a striking landmark visible across the city.
Mahakam Riverfront
The city's commercial and social heart, with markets, ferry terminals, and the starting point for upriver boat trips.
Citra Niaga
A central market and shopping area known for handicrafts, including Dayak weaving and woodcarving from upriver communities.
Muara Muntai & Mancong (upriver)
Stilted river settlements reached by boat from Samarinda, gateways to Dayak longhouses and the Mahakam's freshwater dolphin habitat.
Getting to Samarinda
✈
Flights
Fly into Sepinggan International Airport (BPN) in Balikpapan via Jakarta, then transfer by road to Samarinda (around 2-3 hours).
⏱
From London
~18-20 hours total journey time from London via Jakarta and Balikpapan
🚕
Getting around
Riverboats (kapal) head upriver along the Mahakam from Samarinda's main port; taxis and ride-hailing apps cover the city itself.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Samarinda?
May to September is driest, which also tends to make upriver Mahakam boat trips more comfortable, though the river is navigable year-round.
How do I get to Samarinda?
Fly into Balikpapan's Sepinggan Airport (BPN) and take a road transfer of around 2-3 hours, or fly directly into Samarinda's smaller Temindung Airport on domestic routes.
What is there to do in Samarinda?
Visit the Islamic Center, one of Southeast Asia's largest mosques, browse the riverside markets, and arrange a multi-day boat trip up the Mahakam River to Dayak longhouses and dolphin-spotting areas around Muara Muntai and Mancong.
What food is Samarinda known for?
River fish dishes feature heavily, alongside Banjar and Kutai-influenced Indonesian cuisine, with sate Samarinda and a range of noodle dishes popular locally.
Is English widely spoken in Samarinda?
Limited — this is primarily a commercial and transit city, so basic Indonesian is useful, though river trip operators dealing with foreign visitors usually manage simple English.
Traveler reviews
★★★★☆
The Islamic Center is genuinely impressive up close, but the real draw was the multi-day Mahakam river trip we organised from here — staying in a Dayak longhouse and spotting freshwater dolphins was unlike anything else in Borneo.
Yusuf A. · May 2024
★★★★☆
Samarinda itself is a working city without huge sights, but as a launchpad for the Mahakam it's ideal. Loved the markets selling Dayak crafts before heading upriver.
Carla M. · August 2023
★★★☆☆
Spent one night here before our river trip — comfortable enough and the riverside mosque was worth seeing, but the real experience starts once you head upstream.
Brian T. · June 2024
Ready to visit Samarinda?
Find the best hotels and experiences for your trip.
More dream destinations
