Cirebon
Kota Cirebon · Indonesia
Cirebon is a port city on the northern coast of the Indonesian island of Java. It is the only coastal city of West Java, located about 40 km west of the provincial border with Central Java, approximately 297 km (185 mi) east of Jakarta, at 6°43′S 108°34′E. It had a population of 296,389 at the 2010 census and 333,303 at the 2020 census; the official estimate as of mid 2025 was 347,537.
Read more — WikipediaThe best months to visit are July–August.
The sea is warmest in May, at about 30°C (86°F).
Swimming season (water ≥ 21 °C): January–December.
September is the hottest month, with highs around 34°C (92°F).
July is the coldest month, with lows around 22°C (72°F).
The wettest month is December, with rain on about 18 days.
August is the sunniest month, with about 9.5 hours of sunshine a day.
16-day forecast
- Feels like
- 31°
- Humidity
- 90%
- Wind
- 4 km/h SW
- Gusts
- 10 km/h
- Cloud cover
- 71%
- Pressure
- 1013 hPa
- UV index
- 0 (now)
- Sunrise / Sunset
- 05:19 / 17:39
Next 48 hours
Pollen forecasts are only available in Europe.
Best time to visit Cirebon
Average conditions for each month, from long-term climate normals (1961–2020).
Month by month
| Climate | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high | 31° | 31° | 32° | 32° | 33° | 32° | 32° | 33° | 34° | 34° | 33° | 32° |
| Average low | 23° | 23° | 23° | 23° | 23° | 23° | 22° | 22° | 23° | 23° | 23° | 23° |
| Sea temperature | 29° | 29° | 29° | 30° | 30° | 29° | 29° | 28° | 29° | 29° | 30° | 29° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 453 | 371 | 341 | 205 | 152 | 100 | 63 | 27 | 36 | 76 | 170 | 335 |
| Rain days | 18 | 15 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 16 | 18 |
| Sunshine per day (h) | 6 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 8.1 | 8.4 | 8.4 | 9.1 | 9.5 | 9 | 8.4 | 7.3 | 6.9 |
| Daylight (h) | 12.5 | 12.3 | 12.2 | 12 | 11.8 | 11.7 | 11.8 | 11.9 | 12.1 | 12.3 | 12.4 | 12.5 |
| Humidity (%) | 87 | 87 | 86 | 83 | 82 | 81 | 78 | 74 | 72 | 75 | 80 | 84 |
| Wind (km/h) | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| Go score | 64 | 70 | 68 | 69 | 72 | 79 | 87 | 84 | 78 | 70 | 63 | 62 |
The go score (0–100) favours daytime highs of 22–27 °C, mild nights, plenty of sunshine and few rainy days.
Climate normals: WorldClim 2.1 (1970–2000) · CRU CL 2.0 (1961–1990) About this data: Climate normals
What to do in Cirebon, month by month
When each activity is at its best, judged from the climate averages.
Rainy season: November–May Dry season: June–October (Based on average monthly rainfall)
| Activities | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beach & swimming | Poor | Poor | Poor | Poor | Poor | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Fair | Poor | Poor |
| Sightseeing & city walks | Poor | Poor | Poor | Poor | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Poor | Poor | Poor | Poor |
| Diving & snorkelling | Poor | Poor | Poor | Poor | Fair | Good | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Poor | Poor |
| Photography & sunsets | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair |
Good Fair Poor · Estimated from long-term averages of temperature, rain days, sunshine and sea temperature.
How each activity is rated
- Beach & swimming — Good: sea ≥ 24 °C, highs ≥ 26 °C and at most 6 rain days (or under 40 mm of rain in the month). Fair: sea ≥ 21 °C, highs ≥ 23 °C and at most 10 rain days (or under 80 mm).
- Sightseeing & city walks — Good: highs of 15–27 °C and few rain days. Fair: 11–33 °C.
- Diving & snorkelling — Good: sea ≥ 25 °C in a dry spell. Fair: ≥ 22 °C, or ≥ 20 °C near known dive sites.
- Photography & sunsets — Good: at least 7 hours of sunshine a day and few rain days. Fair: 5 hours or more.
Rainy season in Java: November–May · Wettest month: January Month by month
Cirebon: tourist crowds by month
How busy it gets through the year — and the months with good weather and fewer visitors.
Best value months
Good weather, fewer visitors, usually lower prices.
November–January and March
- Jan64
- Mar68
- Nov63
- Dec62
An estimate: months with a go score of 60 or more and below-average tourist numbers.
Updated: About this data: Crowds & prices
Cirebon: sea water temperature
Wave height: 0.2 m
Swimming seasonJanuary–December
Average sea temperature by month
Cirebon travel guide
What to see, do and eat, and where to stay — from an open, community-written travel guide.
Cirebon is a city in the North Coast region of West Java, not far from the border with Central Java.
Its name is often said to be derived from the Sundanese words of ci (water or river) and rebon (shrimp). Indeed, the city's main industry is fishery, including shrimp. An alternative Javanese explanation is that the city's name is from caruban, meaning "mixture", a reference to Cirebon's complex mix of Javanese, Malay, Sundanese, Chinese and Arabic cultural elements. While Indonesians from outside of Cirebon pronounce the name CHEE-reh-bon, locals say Cheer-BON (with rolling R). The city weather is hot and humid. Wear cotton clothes. You do not need long sleeves shirt, instead a T-shirt and knee-long trousers are comfortable. Some places like mosques and temples require polite dress such as long trousers/skirts. Hot pants/mini skirts may attract unwanted attention and might be considered impolite.
By car Cirebon is along the major west-east motorway connecting Jakarta and Central Java. If there are no traffic jams, Cirebon can be reached in about 2½ hours from Jakarta. However, traffic congestion is common and the trip usually takes up to 4 hours. During weekends and holidays, it may even take significantly longer. There are additional trunk roads to Cirebon from the northwest (Indramayu), southwest (Bandung and Sumedang) and south (Kuningan). By train The main station of the city is (also known as Kejaksan Station). There is on average about 1 train per hour to and from Jakarta (Gambir or Pasar Senen stations in Central Jakarta), both during daytime and at night. Almost all of these trains are business or executive class trains (one-way tickets about Rp150,000-250,000), but a few per day are economy class. Travel time between Jakarta and Cirebon is usually about 3 hours. In the other direction, there are also on average hourly trains to the east. The final destinations of these trains differ, with several trains per day terminating at Surabaya, Kediri, or Malang in East Java, and several others going to cities in Central Java, such as Tegal, Semarang, Cilacap, or Yogyakarta. Finally, there are three (executive/business) trains per day from Cirebon to Bandung via Cikampek. By bus The main bus terminal of Cirebon is . The terminal is served by frequent buses to and from various bus terminals in Jakarta, the port of Merak, Tegal and Semarang, Tasikmalaya, Kuningan, and Bandung, among other cities.
There are several ways of getting around the town of Cirebon. The most convenient way is by rented car. However, it is advisable to rent a car with a driver if you are not used to driving in Indonesia. Another way to get around is by angkot (public minivan). There are various angkot routes throughout the city. Angkots follow a fixed route, but there is no fixed schedule and there are no fixed stops. To get on, simply raise your hand. To get off, simply shout "Kiri!" to the driver, so he will pull over on the left (Indonesian: kiri) side of the road. The price of an angkot ride within the city is usually about Rp3,000. It is best to ask a local which angkot route to take, and how to recognise the location you want to get off. Other options to get around include hiring a becak (cycle rickshaw), ojek (motorcycle taxi) or a regular taxi. Not all taxi drivers are willing to use a taxi meter, so then the price depends on your negotiation skills. Two taxi companies in Cirebon that are known to usually use the official taxi meter are Central Taxi and Bhinneka Taxi. You can also get around by online ojek or taxi that is already available in the city. Install Gojek or Grab application on your phone, then you can order ojek or taxi from your phone almost anytime, to go anywhere in the city.
The oldest sultan's palace in Cirebon, built in 1447. The decoration on the inside is interesting, being a curious combination of styles. For example, apart from the Sundanese, Javanese, and Islamic decorations, you may find Dutch Delft blue-and-white tiles.
The second sultan's palace, established when there was a division in the Cirebon sultanate in the 17th century. This palace is not as well-maintained as the Kasepuhan palace.
The third sultan's palace, established when there was a division in the Kanoman sultanate in the 17th century. This palace is not as well-maintained and well known as the Kasepuhan palace and Kanoman palace.
The station building of Cirebon's main railway station was built during the colonial time, based on a design by Dutch architect Pieter Adriaan Jacobus Moojen. The building is a good example of New Indies Style, combining modern European architecture with local elements.
Sunan Gunungjati was one of the wali sanga, revered saints of Islam in Indonesia in the 15th century. He was the founder of both the Sultanate of Banten and the Sultanate of Cirebon. Just as the graves of the other wali sanga, his grave is a local pilgrimage site.
A former rest house for the sultanate family that was built out of coral and takes on the appearance of a cave.
City mosque and grassy parkway in front if you're into that sort of thing.
Pretty good beach if you like brackish water and trash. But you can take a 10-minute boat ride for Rp 5,000 or 10,000 and also view the sunrise here.
Marine-type theme park: sea-cottages, flagship, pools with slides, food stalls, etc.
Cirebon is a centre of batik cloth industry. The special 'Batik Cirebon' style can be bought in many places around the city.
Located at the heart of the city, this Toserba (toko serba ada meaning "shop that sells everything") has4 floors: 1st floor - shoes & bags department, 2nd floor - ladies wear & mens wear, 3rd floor - supermarket, 4th floor - Marina Restaurant.
Shopping centre with a wide range of shops and cafés, as well as a large supermarket and XXI cinema.
Local cuisines Cirebon is known for a few local dishes, often with fish and seafood products, but also other dishes that show the city's mixture of Sundanese and Javanese influences. Below is a list of some popular local eateries that serve these local dishes. Seafood
Local 'nasi jamblang' cuisine: a buffet with dishes such as tofu vegetables, liver or meat stews, potatoes, fried eggs, cooked chili, and stewed fish. Key characteristic is the use of teak tree leaves to pack the rice.
Nasi lengko consists of steamed rice, tempeh and tofu, and bean sprouts, covered with peanuts sauce, garlic chives, and sweet soysauce on top. It is usually served with mutton satay and tapioca starch crackers.
Sate kalong is Cirebon-style buffalo satay. The word 'kalong' means 'bat', which refers to that the buffalo satay is usually only sold after dark.
Tahu Gejrot is a spicy tofu dish. It is sold throughout the city at street food stalls, often for only about Rp5,000 per portion. A well-known seller is Tahu Gejrot Wardi at the corner of the Kanoman market, near the Kanoman palace.
Local spicy curry-like beef soup. H. Apud is a famous restaurant selling this dish.
Empal asam is the same as empal gentong, but a small star fruit is added, and no coconut is used, making the taste more sour.
Sell Cirebonese noodle dish, Mie koclok.
Local drink
Es cuing or cuwing is a kind of refreshing drink made from a gel that resembles jelly, the ingredients are made from cuwing leaves (Tiliacora triandra).
Less than Rp400,000 Rp400,000-800,000 More than Rp800,000 Budget Mid-range Splurge
Budget chain hotel walkable from railway station.
Budget chain hotel.
Facilities include swimming pool, fitness centre, and an outdoor breakfast area with Balinese garden.
Modern business hotel on the western side of the city. With large outdoor swimming pool.
Fitness centre, massage facilities, swimming pool.
Three-star hotel near the railway station. Facilities include a coffee lounge and garden restaurant.
4-star hotel with outdoor swimming pool, gym, and spa.
Near the main railway station. The hotel has a spa, fitness centre, swimming pool, and souvenir shop.
The telephone area code of Cirebon is 0231.
Mount Ciremai National Park — the highest mountain of West Java province, just south of Cirebon. Linggajati — point of entrance to Mount Ciremai, and also the location of the 1946 Linggajati Agreement (now a museum). Indramayu — to the northwest, Indramayu has various beaches along the Java Sea coast, as well as a few offshore islands. Kuningan — in the eastern part of West Java province, south of the city of Cirebon.
Landmarks nearby
Mountains, castles, museums, beaches and heritage sites within 25 km.
Great Mosque of Cirebon
mosque in Indonesia
At-Taqwa Mosque, Cirebon
mosque in Indonesia
Palace Kasepuhan
old palace in Cirebon, Java, Indonesia
Kraton Kanoman
palace in Indonesia
Red Mosque of Panjunan
mosque in Cirebon Regency, West Java, Indonesia
Kraton Kacirebonan
palace in Indonesia
Saint Joseph Church, Cirebon
cultural heritage buildings in Cirebon
Kejawanan Beach
Herang Lake
lake in Indonesia
Sumber Great Mosque
Mosque in Indonesia
Danau Karamas
lake in Indonesia
Telaga Wasiat
lake in Indonesia
Cirebon: practical information
Plugs, money, emergency numbers, safety and typical prices: what to know before you go.
- Voltage
- 127 V · 50 Hz
- Driving
- Drive on the left
Indonesian Rupiah
IDR · Rp
1 USD ≈ 18,143 IDR
- Languages
- Indonesian
- Calling code
- +62
- Meal, casual restaurantIDR 137,900≈ $7.60
- CappuccinoIDR 37,400≈ $2.10
- Beer (0.5 l)IDR 52,900≈ $2.90
- Bottled water (1.5 l)IDR 17,450≈ $1.00
- Taxi, 5 kmIDR 94,550≈ $5.20
- Public transport ticketIDR 18,200≈ $1.00
- Mid-range hotel, per nightIDR 1,309,750≈ $72.00
Estimated from Indonesia’s consumer price level — real prices vary by place and season. Prices are about 31% of US levels.
- Dec 25Christmas Day
- Jan 1New Year's Day
10 earthquakes of magnitude 5 or more within 100 km in the last 51 years.
Strongest: M6.5 (2017).
How to get to Cirebon
Nearest airports
- KJTKertajati International AirportKertajati44 km
- BDOHusein Sastranegara International AirportBandung110 km
- CJNNusawiru AirportCijulang113 km
- CXPTunggul Wulung AirportCilacap117 km
Distances
- Jakarta197 km 3 h 25
- Surabaya467 km 8 h 05 · 1 h 15
- Bekasi181 km 3 h 08
- Bandung108 km 1 h 52
- Medan1,586 km 27 h 29 · 2 h 41
estimate
Hotels in Cirebon
Hotels and holiday rentals with live nightly prices.
We may earn a commission when you book through this map, at no extra cost to you.
Places with a climate like Cirebon
Matched on temperature and rainfall across the whole year.
Dukuhturi
Tucuruí
Itaituba
Mahajanga
Riberalta
Puerto Maldonado
Wildlife around here
The species recorded most often within 25 km, and the months they’re seen.
Population history
2010–2022Climate in Cirebon
Add a free climate card for Cirebon to your website or blog. Copy the code below.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Cirebon?
Based on climate normals, the best time to visit Cirebon is July–August.
What is the weather like in Cirebon in October?
In October, Cirebon averages a high of 34°C (92°F) and a low of 23°C (73°F), with 76 mm of rain on about 10 days.
How warm is the sea in Cirebon?
The sea is warmest in May (about 30°C (86°F)). Swimming season: January–December.
What is the rainiest month in Cirebon?
December, with rain on about 18 days.
What is the nearest airport to Cirebon?
Kertajati International Airport (KJT), about 44 km away.
What power plugs are used in Indonesia?
Plug types C, F, at 127 V.
What currency is used in Indonesia?
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
What is the emergency number in Indonesia?
112.
Is Indonesia safe to visit?
US travel advisory: Exercise increased caution. UK travel advice: No travel warnings.
When is Cirebon most crowded?
The busiest months are July–August.
When is Cirebon least crowded?
The quietest months are November–January and March.
When is the best time to visit Cirebon without the crowds?
May–June and September: good weather with fewer visitors than in peak season.
What time zone is Cirebon in?
Asia/Jakarta (UTC+7).
What is the population of Cirebon?
About 344,851.