LembataAbout Lembata
Lembata is an island in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province, located in the Lesser Sunda chain east of Flores and west of Alor. The island is inhabited and connected to regional ferry and ferry/boat routes that link it with neighbouring islands.
The island’s coastal settlements rely on fishing, small-scale agriculture and boatbuilding, and the south coast village of Lamalera is particularly known for its long-established traditional whaling practice. Coastal reefs and dive sites around the island support marine recreation, and the island has a mix of lowland settlements and volcanic highlands inland.
Lembata is part of the archipelago of eastern Indonesia and has been integrated into regional trade and transport networks for centuries. The island’s communities maintain local maritime cultures that are distinctive within the Lesser Sunda Islands.
The island sits in the Savu Sea within East Nusa Tenggara province; its main port and administrative centre is Lewoleba on the western side, and it lies between the larger islands of Flores to the west and Alor to the east.
- Local livelihoods: The island forms part of East Nusa Tenggara and has active coastal communities engaged in fishing, boatbuilding and traditional marine practices.
- Traditional whaling at Lamalera: Lamalera’s traditional whaling is regionally well known; visitors should be aware it is a community practice with cultural significance.
What to See#
- Lewoleba (Larantuka) Harbour: Lewoleba is the island’s principal town and harbour, serving as the administrative centre and main transport link to Flores and neighbouring islands.
- Lamalera whaling village: Lamalera is a south-coast village known for a long-standing traditional whale and dolphin hunting practice that continues to attract anthropological and visitor interest.
Best Time to Visit Lembata
Dry season (May-October) is best for sea travel and outdoor activities.
Weather & Climate near Lembata
Lembata's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1297 mm/year), wettest in January with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 23° - 29° | 26° | 275 mm | overcast | 81% | 2.6 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.4h |
| February | Good | 22° - 29° | 26° | 242 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.7 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.3h |
| March | Very Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 208 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 1.6 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Excellent | 22° - 30° | 26° | 108 mm | some cloud | 76% | 1.6 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 11.8h |
| May | Excellent | 22° - 30° | 26° | 51 mm | mostly sunny | 74% | 2.1 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.6h |
| June | Ideal | 21° - 30° | 25° | 29 mm | mostly sunny | 72% | 2.4 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.5h |
| July | Ideal | 20° - 30° | 25° | 17 mm | mostly sunny | 70% | 4.0 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.6h |
| August | Ideal | 20° - 30° | 25° | 6 mm | clear | 67% | 2.5 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.7h |
| September | Ideal | 21° - 31° | 26° | 6 mm | clear | 68% | 2.9 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 11.9h |
| October | Ideal | 22° - 32° | 27° | 33 mm | mostly sunny | 69% | 2.1 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.2h |
| November | Excellent | 23° - 32° | 29° | 114 mm | some cloud | 71% | 2.2 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.4h |
| December | Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 208 mm | overcast | 77% | 1.9 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.5h |
How to Get to Lembata
Most visitors reach Lembata by flight to Lewoleba (Lembata’s small airport on neighbouring Adonara/Liae area) or by inter-island ferry from Flores; from Lewoleba arrange local transport to cross to Lembata island itself. Ferry timetables are irregular and weather-dependent.
Tips for Visiting Lembata
- If reaching by ferry, confirm schedules in advance - services are infrequent and weather-dependent.
- Visit during calm seas to see the island's volcanic hills clearly; the surf can be rough in the southwest monsoon.
- Hire a local driver for an island circuit - public transport is limited and distances can be longer than they appear.