Surabaya in July

July weather, activities, events & insider tips

July Weather in Surabaya

31°C (87°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

41mm (1.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season peak with minimal rainfall - only 41mm (1.6 inches) spread across 10 days, mostly brief afternoon showers lasting 20-30 minutes
Perfect temperatures for walking tours - morning temps around 25°C (77°F) ideal for exploring the old city and Arab Quarter before midday heat
Clear skies for photography at iconic spots like Heroes Monument and House of Sampoerna - visibility reaches 15+ km (9+ miles) on most days
Low tourist season means 40-60% fewer crowds at major attractions like Suramadu Bridge and significantly better prices on accommodations

Considerations

Afternoon heat peaks at 31°C (87°F) with 70% humidity making outdoor activities uncomfortable between 11am-3pm
Limited rainfall means dustier conditions around construction sites and busy streets like Jalan Pemuda
Some traditional markets reduce operating hours during peak heat, closing by 2pm instead of typical 4pm closing

Best Activities in July

Surabaya Old City Heritage Walking Tours

July's morning temperatures of 25°C (77°F) are perfect for exploring the historic Arab Quarter and Southeastasia. Dutch colonial architecture photography is ideal with clear skies and minimal haze. Start at 7am to avoid afternoon heat that makes walking uncomfortable after 11am.

Booking Tip: Book through licensed cultural guides 5-7 days ahead. Tours typically cost 150,000-250,000 IDR for 3-4 hours. Look for guides certified by Surabaya Tourism Board. See current heritage tour options in the booking section below.

House of Sampoerna Museum and Factory Tours

Indoor air-conditioned attraction perfect for escaping July's afternoon heat. The kretek cigarette factory demonstrates traditional hand-rolling techniques, and the museum showcases Surabaya's industrial heritage. Peak visiting time is 1-4pm when outdoor temperatures reach 31°C (87°F).

Booking Tip: No advance booking required, entry typically 25,000-50,000 IDR. Guided tours available hourly 9am-5pm. Factory demonstrations best viewed weekdays when production is active.

Suramadu Bridge Evening Photography Tours

July's clear skies and low humidity create excellent visibility for sunset photography. The bridge illumination starts at 6:30pm, perfectly timed with cooler evening temperatures of 27°C (81°F). Minimal haze allows shots from Kenjeran Park extending 5+ km (3+ miles) to Madura Island.

Booking Tip: Photography tours typically cost 200,000-350,000 IDR including transport from city center. Book 3-5 days ahead during weekends. Tours include multiple viewpoints and golden hour timing guidance.

Tunjungan Plaza and Modern Surabaya Shopping Tours

Air-conditioned shopping complexes provide relief during July's peak afternoon temperatures. Local fashion, batik workshops, and contemporary Indonesian brands showcase modern Surabaya culture. Connected underground walkways allow exploration without heat exposure.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration free, shopping tours with local fashion focus typically 100,000-200,000 IDR for 2-3 hours. Best scheduled 12-5pm during peak heat periods.

Mangrove Ecotourism at Wonorejo

Early morning boat tours at 6am take advantage of cooler temperatures and active wildlife before daily heat. July's minimal rainfall means clear water conditions for bird watching and photography. Wooden boardwalks remain dry and accessible throughout the month.

Booking Tip: Boat tours typically cost 75,000-125,000 IDR per person including guide. Book day before through Wonorejo visitor center. Tours run 6am-10am and 4pm-6pm to avoid midday heat.

Traditional Market Food Tours

Early morning market visits at Pasar Genteng and Pasar Keputran showcase authentic Surabaya cuisine before vendors close due to afternoon heat. July's dry conditions mean cleaner walking surfaces and fresher produce displays. Local specialties like rujak cingur and lontong balap available 5am-11am.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost 150,000-300,000 IDR including tastings at 5-7 stalls. Start by 6am for best selection and coolest temperatures. Licensed food guides recommended for safety and translation.

July Events & Festivals

Throughout July

Surabaya Shopping Festival

Annual month-long shopping festival featuring discounts at major malls and traditional markets. Cultural performances, fashion shows, and local artisan exhibitions complement retail promotions. Air-conditioned venues provide comfortable July browsing.

Early to Mid July

Hari Ulang Tahun Surabaya Preparation Activities

Pre-celebration cultural events leading up to Surabaya's birthday on May 31st often extend through July with community festivals, traditional dance performances, and historical exhibitions at various venues across the city.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight cotton or bamboo fiber shirts - avoid polyester which traps heat in 70% humidity conditions

Compact umbrella for brief afternoon showers lasting 20-30 minutes on 10 rainy days

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 with minimal cloud cover

Comfortable walking shoes with breathable mesh - expect 5-8 km (3-5 miles) daily on concrete surfaces

Light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces - malls and museums maintain 20-22°C (68-72°F)

Portable fan or cooling towel for outdoor attractions between 11am-3pm peak heat

Quick-dry shorts and pants - morning dew and brief showers require fast-drying fabrics

Insect repellent for early morning mangrove tours and evening outdoor dining

Reusable water bottle - stay hydrated in dry conditions with limited public fountains

Power bank for phone photography - clear skies create ideal conditions for extensive photo sessions

Insider Knowledge

Local office workers take extended lunch breaks 12-2pm during July heat - restaurants offer special midday promotions and air conditioning becomes priority over ambiance

Angkot (local minibuses) run modified schedules in July, with more frequent service 6-10am and 4-7pm to accommodate heat avoidance patterns of locals

Many traditional warung reduce operating hours in July, closing kitchen service by 2pm - plan authentic local meals before 1pm or after 5pm

Surabaya's famous rujak (fruit salad) vendors add extra ice and switch to covered locations during July - look for blue tarps indicating heat-adapted setups

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor sightseeing between 11am-3pm when temperatures reach 31°C (87°F) and concrete surfaces become uncomfortable for extended walking

Expecting traditional markets to operate full hours - many close by 2pm during July heat instead of typical 4-5pm closing times

Underestimating dehydration risk in dry conditions - locals consume 3-4 liters daily but tourists often drink half that amount