Lake Poso

Lake Ancient Sulawesi lake with endemic freshwater species

Freshwater Lake Poso in Central Sulawesi is known for endemic fish species and steep shores; travelers come for fishing, snorkeling, local market towns and day trips to nearby waterfalls and villages.

Main image
(Rhyticeros cassidix) endemic to Sulawesi.jpg
COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Een Pamona geestenhuis ten zuiden van het Poso-meer TMnr 60028788.jpg
LANDSAT Poso (1994) (cropped).png
Poso Lake from Padamarari.jpg
Poso lake Tentena.jpg
Steppa near Lake Poso.jpg
Sulawesi hornbill (Rhyticeros cassidix) endemic to Sulawesi.jpg
Sulawesi hornbill (Rhyticeros cassidix).jpg
Sulawesi hornbill.jpg

Lake Poso is a freshwater lake on the island of Sulawesi in Central Sulawesi province, Indonesia, situated near the town of Poso. It occupies a basin surrounded by highlands and volcanic ridges of central Sulawesi.

The lake is used locally for fishing, transport and recreation and is noted for supporting local freshwater biodiversity, including species endemic to the lake and nearby waterways. Sandy and rocky shorelines provide launch points for boats and local villages host markets and small tourism services.

Lake Poso occupies an inland basin in central Sulawesi and is set within a mountainous island interior; the nearby town of Poso on the lake or its outlets acts as the principal access and service center for the area.

  • Access point: The town of Poso lies on the lake's shore and is the main settlement providing access and services to visitors.
Lake Poso
-1.9796, 120.6601

Best Time to Visit Lake Poso #

Lake Poso is warm year-round; the dry months (May-September) are best for water activities and clearer conditions.

Dry season
May-Sep · 24-30°C
Calmer weather and clearer water make this the best time for diving, snorkeling and boat trips.
Rainy season
Oct-Apr · 24-30°C
Frequent heavy showers and rougher water can limit some activities and make travel less predictable.

Weather & Climate near Lake Poso #

Climate

Lake Poso's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 29°C. Heavy rainfall (2210 mm/year), wettest in April.

Best Time to Visit
AugustSeptemberOctober
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
28°
Warmest Month
13°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (196 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

65 Good

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
20° 28°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

196 mm
Rainfall
0.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

February

February is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (182 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

65 Good

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
20° 28°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

182 mm
Rainfall
0.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

March

March is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (236 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

63 Good

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
20° 29°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

236 mm
Rainfall
0.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.5
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

April

April is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (335 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

65 Good

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
20° 29°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

335 mm
Rainfall
0.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

May

May is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (260 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

65 Good

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
20° 29°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

260 mm
Rainfall
0.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

June

June is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (172 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

67 Good

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
20° 28°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

172 mm
Rainfall
0.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.0
UV Index
Very High
11.9h daylight

July

July is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

69 Good

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
20° 28°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

133 mm
Rainfall
0.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.0
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

August

August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

77 Very Good

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
20° 28°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

82 mm
Rainfall
1.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

September

September is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

77 Very Good

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
20° 29°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.5
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

October

October is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

75 Very Good

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
21° 29°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

108 mm
Rainfall
1.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

November

November is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (208 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

65 Good

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
20° 29°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

208 mm
Rainfall
1.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

December

December is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (217 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

63 Good

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
20° 29°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

217 mm
Rainfall
0.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

Nearby Attractions to Lake Poso