Gunung Tambora

Volcano
Gunung Tambora Gili IslandsSenggigiMount RinjaniMount TamboraLakey BeachKomodoLabuan BajoBajawaKelimutuMaumereSumbaKupangAlorGunung Tambora
In this guide

Gunung Tambora essentials

Hours: Open year‑round; summit treks require permits from local authorities (Sumbawa Barat) and local guides
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About Gunung Tambora

Gunung Tambora is a large volcano on the island of Sumbawa in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Its 1815 eruption was among the most powerful volcanic events in recorded history and dramatically altered the mountain’s summit and landscape.

The volcano now features a broad caldera several kilometres across with steep rim cliffs and exposed inner walls; visitors commonly view the caldera from established rim viewpoints. Hikes to the rim and into parts of the caldera are the main visitor activities and provide expansive views of the volcanic landscape.

The 1815 eruption reduced the summit from an estimated height of roughly 4,300 metres to about 2,850 metres and caused major local destruction as well as global climatic effects known as the “Year Without a Summer.” Since then the mountain’s shape and ecology have changed markedly and it remains a key site for volcanology and tourism.

The volcano sits on northern Sumbawa; access for visitors is typically from coastal towns on Sumbawa followed by multi-day hikes to reach rim viewpoints.

  • Summit height change: Current summit elevation is about 2,850 metres after the massive 1815 eruption reduced the original height from roughly 4,300 metres.
  • Historic eruption: The 1815 eruption was one of the largest in recorded history and caused global climate impacts in the following years.

What to See#

  • Caldera rim: The collapsed summit caldera measures several kilometres across and exposes steep rim cliffs that are the primary viewpoint for visitors.
  • Crater and caldera interior: The inner caldera floor and rim trails provide access to panoramic views and the main areas visited by hikers and researchers.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Gunung Tambora

The drier months (April-October) are the preferred time to visit Mount Tambora for safer hiking and clearer views.

Dry season
April-October · 24-30°C (coastal/low areas); cooler toward the summit
Drier trails and more stable weather are best for trekking the volcano; summit areas remain markedly cooler than the base.
Wet season
November-March · 23-29°C (low areas); cooler at elevation
Heavy rains can make trails hazardous and access to some routes may be limited.

Weather & Climate near Gunung Tambora

Climate

Gunung Tambora's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 13°C to 27°C. Heavy rainfall (2344 mm/year), wettest in January with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 45 Good
Best Time to Visit
AugustJulySeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
23°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 15° - 24° 19° 470 mm overcast 84% 2.6 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.4h
February Good 15° - 23° 19° 403 mm overcast 84% 2.5 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.3h
March Good 15° - 24° 19° 365 mm overcast 82% 2.0 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.0h
April Very Good 15° - 24° 19° 193 mm partly cloudy 78% 2.1 m/s 2.4 extreme 11.8h
May Excellent 14° - 25° 20° 90 mm some cloud 77% 2.4 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.6h
June Excellent 13° - 24° 19° 42 mm some cloud 76% 3.2 m/s 1.9 very high 11.5h
July Ideal 13° - 24° 19° 23 mm some cloud 75% 3.0 m/s 1.9 very high 11.6h
August Ideal 13° - 25° 19° 24 mm mostly sunny 73% 3.4 m/s 2.3 extreme 11.7h
September Ideal 14° - 26° 20° 37 mm mostly sunny 73% 3.0 m/s 2.6 extreme 11.9h
October Excellent 14° - 27° 21° 81 mm some cloud 73% 2.6 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.2h
November Good 15° - 26° 20° 212 mm partly cloudy 74% 2.5 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.4h
December Good 15° - 25° 20° 404 mm overcast 81% 2.1 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.5h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Gunung Tambora

Gunung Tambora is on Sumbawa Island (West Nusa Tenggara). The usual approach is to reach Sumbawa by ferry or flight to nearby hubs (Sumbawa Besar or Bima) and then travel by road to the coastal villages that serve as trailhead/tour bases on Sumbawa’s north coast. From those base villages you typically hike into the caldera area; local operators in Sumbawa arrange 4x4 transfers and guides for the multi‑day trek.

Tips for Visiting Gunung Tambora

  • Plan the Tambora trek during the dry season (roughly May-October) when trails and the crater rim are safest and campsites driest.
  • Expect a multi‑day itinerary and arrange a local guide and permits in advance through Sumbawa‑based operators - guides are required and they know the established ascent routes and weather patterns.
  • If you want crater views and sunrise light, schedule an overnight at a rim campsite rather than trying a same‑day return; this also spreads the climb's effort across two days.