Palangkaraya Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – Indonesia

Temperature and Precipitation

Palangkaraya experiences a tropical rainforest climate, characterized by high temperatures and abundant rainfall year-round. The average annual temperature hovers around 27°C (81°F), with average highs peaking at around 32°C (90°F) during the warmest months. The nights remain relatively warm, averaging around 23°C (73°F). Rainfall is plentiful throughout the year, with an average of around 2,800 mm (110 inches) falling annually. The wettest months occur during the northeast monsoon season, from October to April, while the drier months occur during the southwest monsoon season, from May to September.

Humidity and Sunshine Hours

Palangkaraya has consistently high relative humidity levels, hovering between 80% and 90% throughout the year. The humidity levels can create a muggy and oppressive atmosphere, especially during the warmest months. Sunshine hours are relatively consistent, averaging around 6-7 hours per day. However, during the wet season, cloud cover can reduce the amount of sunshine received. Conversely, during the dry season, clear skies and longer daylight hours provide more opportunities for sunshine.

Annual and Monthly Average Temperatures

Palangkaraya, Indonesia experiences a tropical rainforest climate, characterized by consistently high temperatures and abundant rainfall throughout the year. The average annual temperature in Palangkaraya is approximately 27.5 degrees Celsius (81.5 degrees Fahrenheit). The hottest months are typically April, May, and August, with average temperatures ranging from 28.3 to 28.7 degrees Celsius (82.9 to 83.7 degrees Fahrenheit). The coldest month is usually January, with an average temperature of around 26.8 degrees Celsius (80.2 degrees Fahrenheit).

Seasonal Variations

Palangkaraya does not have distinct wet and dry seasons. However, there is slightly more rainfall during the months of October to March. The average monthly rainfall during this period ranges from around 250 to 350 millimeters (9.8 to 13.8 inches). In contrast, the months of May to September receive slightly less rainfall, with average monthly amounts typically between 180 and 270 millimeters (7.1 to 10.6 inches). Despite these seasonal variations, Palangkaraya remains a consistently humid and warm city throughout the year.

Types of Clouds in Palangkaraya

The skies over Palangkaraya, Indonesia, showcase a diverse array of cloud formations. One of the most prevalent types is the cumulus humilis, often observed during the early hours of the morning. These low, puffy clouds typically appear as white or gray and exhibit rounded contours. As the day progresses, they may evolve into larger, more developed clouds.

Another common cloud formation is the cumulonimbus, which often appears as towering, anvil-shaped clouds. These clouds are associated with thunderstorms and can produce heavy rainfall, intense lightning, and even hail. In contrast, cirrus clouds are thin and wispy, resembling high-altitude streaks in the sky. These clouds are composed of ice crystals and often indicate fair weather or approaching cold fronts.

Cloud Cover and Its Impact

The extent and type of cloud cover in Palangkaraya significantly influence the local climate. Dense cloud cover can lead to increased precipitation, lower temperatures, and reduced sunlight. This can have implications for agriculture and other outdoor activities. On the other hand, clear skies and minimal cloud cover result in higher temperatures, increased solar radiation, and drier conditions. Understanding cloud cover patterns is crucial for planning and adaptation in the region.

Distribution and Seasonality

Palangkaraya experiences abundant rainfall throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of approximately 2,800 millimeters. The city’s precipitation is influenced by the monsoon climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season typically extends from October to April, bringing heavy downpours and frequent thunderstorms. During these months, rainfall can exceed 300 millimeters per month, with the peak occurring in December. The dry season, on the other hand, lasts from May to September and is characterized by significantly reduced rainfall.

Variability and Extremes

The distribution of rainfall in Palangkaraya can vary significantly from year to year. Occasional droughts and floods can affect the city, particularly during the dry and wet seasons, respectively. Droughts can lead to water shortages and agricultural losses, while floods can cause infrastructure damage and disrupt daily life. In extreme cases, heavy rainfall can trigger landslides and flash floods. Monitoring and preparedness are crucial to mitigate the impacts of these weather events. Additionally, climate change is expected to alter rainfall patterns in the future, potentially leading to more intense and variable precipitation in Palangkaraya.

Rainfall Patterns in Palangkaraya

Palangkaraya, the capital city of Central Kalimantan in Indonesia, experiences a tropical rainforest climate with abundant rainfall throughout the year. The city has a distinct wet season that spans from September to May and a dry season from June to August. During the wet season, heavy rainfall is common, with monthly rainfall reaching an average of 300 mm. These intense downpours often lead to flooding in low-lying areas, making this period a challenging time for residents and infrastructure.

In contrast, the dry season in Palangkaraya is characterized by significantly lower rainfall, with monthly averages falling below 100 mm. While the city still receives occasional showers during this time, it is much less frequent and less intense compared to the wet season. This period of drier weather provides a welcome reprieve from the relentless rainfall of the wet season, allowing outdoor activities and construction projects to proceed more smoothly.

Unusual Weather Phenomenon

In a rare and unprecedented event, the city of Palangkaraya in Indonesia experienced snowfall on June 5, 2023. This phenomenon was completely unexpected in the tropical city, located near the equator. The snowfall was reported to be light and lasted for a short period, but it nevertheless captured the attention of residents and meteorologists alike.

Causes and Impact

The snowfall in Palangkaraya is attributed to an unusual convergence of atmospheric conditions. A cold front from the north collided with a warm front from the south, creating a localized area of instability. This combination of temperatures led to the formation of snow crystals, which were then carried by the wind to the ground. The snowfall had minimal impact on the city, with no reports of damage or disruption. However, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the Earth’s climate and the potential for extreme weather events even in the most unusual of places.

Climate and Temperature

Palangkaraya, the capital of Central Kalimantan province in Indonesia, experiences a tropical rainforest climate with consistently high temperatures throughout the year. The average temperature hovers around 30°C (86°F) during the day and 23°C (73°F) at night, with little seasonal variation. The city sees heavy rainfall, averaging over 2,500 mm (98 in) annually, with the wettest months being October to May. The humidity levels are also high, contributing to the city’s sultry atmosphere.

Sunlight and Daylight Hours

Palangkaraya receives abundant sunlight due to its equatorial location. The sun rises at around 5:30 AM and sets at around 6:00 PM local time, providing approximately 12.5 hours of daylight. The intensity of sunlight is strongest between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, and during this period, the UV index can reach moderate to high levels. It is recommended to protect yourself from sunburn by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and appropriate clothing.

Moonrise and Moonset Times in Palangkaraya, Indonesia

The moon’s visibility in Palangkaraya, Indonesia, varies throughout the month due to its changing position relative to the Earth and the Sun. Moonrise, the time when the moon appears above the horizon, and moonset, the time when it disappears below the horizon, are crucial factors to consider for planning moon-related activities.

The moonrise and moonset times in Palangkaraya change daily, influenced by the city’s specific geographic coordinates and the phase of the moon. During the full moon, when the moon is fully illuminated, it rises around sunset and sets around sunrise. As the moon transitions through its phases, its rise and set times progressively shift throughout the night. It’s essential to check local sources or consult moon phase calculators to determine the exact moonrise and moonset times for a particular date in Palangkaraya.

Seasonal Variation in Humidity

Palangkaraya, the capital of Central Kalimantan province in Indonesia, experiences significant variations in humidity levels throughout the year. The city has a tropical rainforest climate with two distinct seasons: the wet season and the dry season. During the wet season, which typically runs from October to April, humidity levels are consistently high, averaging around 85%. The high humidity during this period is attributed to the frequent rainfall and increased cloud cover, which trap moisture in the air.

In contrast, during the dry season (May to September), humidity levels in Palangkaraya decrease significantly. The average humidity during this period drops to around 70%. The lower humidity is due to a reduction in rainfall and increased sunshine, which allows for greater evaporation and drying of the air. However, even during the dry season, humidity levels can still reach uncomfortable levels, especially during the afternoon and evening hours. The combination of high temperatures and humidity during the dry season can make it challenging for outdoor activities and can lead to heat-related illnesses if precautions are not taken.

Wind Speed and Direction

The wind speed in Palangkaraya, Indonesia, exhibits a consistent pattern throughout the year. It is generally characterized by light to moderate breezes, with a mean annual wind speed of approximately 2-3 meters per second (m/s). During the months of January and February, the wind speed typically peaks, reaching an average of 3-4 m/s. Conversely, the calmest period occurs from July to September, when the wind speed drops to an average of 1-2 m/s.

The prevailing wind direction in Palangkaraya is from the southeast. This pattern persists throughout the year, with only minor variations. The southeasterly wind flow is primarily driven by the regional monsoon system, which brings moisture and rainfall to the area. During the transition months of April and October, when the monsoon is changing direction, the wind direction may become more variable, with occasional shifts from the northwest or east.

Dry Season: May to October

The dry season in Palangkaraya offers the most favorable weather conditions for visitors. During these months, the rainfall is minimal, and the skies are clear, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities. This season is ideal for exploring the city’s attractions, such as the Sebangau National Park, the orangutan rehabilitation center, and the floating market. It’s also a great time for boat trips along the Barito River, offering stunning views of the surrounding wetlands.

Wet Season: November to April

The wet season in Palangkaraya brings heavy rainfall and frequent thunderstorms. While it can be a challenge for outdoor activities, this season also has its charm. The lush greenery of the national park and the surrounding areas is at its peak, creating a vibrant and picturesque landscape. Visitors can still explore the city’s attractions, but they should be prepared for occasional rain. The wet season is also the best time to witness the unique annual ritual of the “Bulan Lawung,” when the Barito River overflows its banks and creates a vast floodplain.

Potential and Opportunities

Palangkaraya, Indonesia, boasts abundant sunlight, making it a promising location for solar energy development. The city’s average solar irradiance exceeds 5.5 kWh/m²/day, ranking it among the highest in the country. This favorable solar resource provides significant potential for generating electricity through photovoltaic (PV) systems. The local government has recognized this potential and is actively promoting solar energy adoption. Several initiatives have been launched to support the installation of rooftop solar PV systems on residential and commercial buildings.

Current Status and Challenges

Despite its potential, the deployment of solar energy in Palangkaraya remains modest. As of 2023, the installed solar PV capacity in the city accounts for only a fraction of its total electricity demand. This slow adoption rate can be attributed to several challenges. Limited financial resources and a lack of awareness about the benefits of solar energy are key barriers. Furthermore, the grid infrastructure in Palangkaraya is not well-equipped to accommodate large-scale solar PV integration. This issue limits the amount of solar power that can be successfully fed into the grid.

Terrain and Relief

Palangkaraya, the capital city of Central Kalimantan province in Indonesia, is situated in a vast, lowland area. The city itself lies on the banks of the Kahayan River, and its surrounding landscape is characterized by a flat, monotonous topography. The elevation of the city center is approximately 2 meters above sea level, with minimal variation. The outskirts of Palangkaraya gradually transition to slightly higher ground, but the overall topography remains relatively uniform.

Wetlands and Riverine Systems

Due to its low-lying nature, Palangkaraya is prone to flooding during the rainy season. Large areas of the city and its surroundings are covered in swamps and wetlands, contributing to the unique ecosystem of the region. The Kahayan River, which flows through the heart of the city, plays a crucial role in the topography. The river’s meandering course has created numerous oxbow lakes and channels, forming a complex web of aquatic habitats. The surrounding wetlands are rich in biodiversity, supporting a diverse array of flora and fauna.

Syamsudin Noor International Airport (BDJ)

Syamsudin Noor International Airport, also known as Banjarmasin International Airport, is the closest airport to Palangkaraya, the capital of Central Kalimantan province in Indonesia. It is located in the city of Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, approximately 230 kilometers (143 miles) southwest of Palangkaraya. The airport serves as a gateway to the Kalimantan region and offers both domestic and international flights.

BDJ has a single terminal building with modern facilities and amenities. It is capable of handling wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 family. The airport provides direct flights to major cities in Indonesia, such as Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bali, as well as international destinations like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Airlines operating at BDJ include Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, Lion Air, and AirAsia.

To reach Palangkaraya from Syamsudin Noor International Airport, travelers can take a bus or taxi. The bus journey takes approximately 4-5 hours, while the taxi ride takes around 3-4 hours. The cost of a taxi varies depending on the distance and traffic conditions. Alternatively, visitors can rent a car at the airport and drive to Palangkaraya, which takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes via the Trans-Kalimantan Highway.

Overview of Palangkaraya

Palangkaraya, the capital of Central Kalimantan province in Indonesia, is a vibrant and rapidly developing city located in the heart of Borneo. Situated amidst lush rainforests, rivers, and lakes, Palangkaraya offers a unique blend of nature and urban life. The city boasts a modern infrastructure, including a well-connected airport and transportation system, making it an accessible destination for both domestic and international travelers.

Tourism in Palangkaraya

Palangkaraya is an emerging tourist destination with a rich cultural heritage and abundant natural attractions. Visitors can explore the Orangutan Rehabilitation Center in Bohorok, where they can witness the rehabilitation and release of endangered orangutans. The city is also home to several historical and cultural sites, such as the Soekarno Bridge, a suspension bridge named after Indonesia’s first president, and the Kayu Bulan Museum, which houses a collection of traditional art and artifacts from the region. The surrounding rainforests offer opportunities for wildlife watching, trekking, and river safaris, providing nature enthusiasts with an unforgettable experience.