Sawu is a small island located in the Flores Sea off the eastern coast of Indonesia. It is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands, an archipelago of over 17,000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago. The island is approximately 10 miles long and 5 miles wide, with a total land area of 16 square miles. It has a population of approximately 10,000 people, most of whom are subsistence farmers.
The island's economy is largely based on fishing, with many of the islanders relying on the sea for their livelihood. The island is also known for its traditional handicrafts, such as basket weaving, pottery and wood carving. Sawu is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, and is a popular destination for snorkelers and divers.
Sawu has a long history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the 13th century. The island was part of the Majapahit Empire, a powerful Hindu-Buddhist kingdom that ruled much of what is now Indonesia from 1293 to 1500. In the 16th century, the Portuguese arrived on the island, and it was later colonized by the Dutch in the 19th century. During the Japanese occupation of Indonesia during World War II, Sawu was the site of a major battle between the Japanese and the Allied forces.
Today, Sawu is a peaceful, rural island, with a strong sense of community and traditional values. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforest and abundant marine life, making it a popular tourist destination. It is also home to a number of unique species of plants and animals, making it a haven for nature lovers.
Experience Sawu with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Sawu. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.
The climate in Sawu in Indonesia is tropical and humid throughout the year, with hot and humid weather in the summer months and cooler temperatures in the winter months. Rainfall is abundant, with the wet season usually lasting from November to March, and the dry season from April to October. Temperatures range from an average of 24°C (75°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F), and humidity is usually between 70% and 90%. The months of June to August are the wettest, with precipitation reaching up to 250mm (9.8”).
Our weather forecast for Sawu helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.
| Date | Icon | Temperature | Wind speed/gusts | Cloudiness/Visibility | Air humidity/pressure | Sunrise/Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep. 7th 2026 Sep. 7th 2026 | max: 26.6 °C min: 21.1 °C |
13.2 m/s 13.7 m/s |
53.9 % 20.6 m |
84.4 % 1,016 hPa |
05:53:52 17:53:02 |
|
| Sep. 8th 2026 Sep. 8th 2026 | max: 26.3 °C min: 21.3 °C |
13.6 m/s 14.0 m/s |
62.8 % 21.6 m |
84.5 % 1,015 hPa |
05:53:17 17:52:56 |
|
| Sep. 9th 2026 Sep. 9th 2026 | max: 27.1 °C min: 20.8 °C |
15.1 m/s 13.3 m/s |
70.5 % 20.0 m |
82.4 % 1,014 hPa |
05:52:43 17:52:49 |
|
| Sep. 10th 2026 Sep. 10th 2026 | max: 27.5 °C min: 20.9 °C |
17.0 m/s 20.6 m/s |
65.7 % 21.7 m |
82.2 % 1,014 hPa |
05:52:08 17:52:43 |
|
| Sep. 11th 2026 Sep. 11th 2026 | max: 28.6 °C min: 21.2 °C |
10.7 m/s 13.4 m/s |
74.2 % 19.3 m |
79.3 % 1,015 hPa |
05:51:33 17:52:36 |
|
| Sep. 12th 2026 Sep. 12th 2026 | max: 28.5 °C min: 21 °C |
13.7 m/s 17.6 m/s |
85.9 % 23.9 m |
78.3 % 1,014 hPa |
05:50:57 17:52:29 |
|
| Sep. 13th 2026 Sep. 13th 2026 | max: 28.4 °C min: 19 °C |
12.8 m/s 16.2 m/s |
43.3 % 24.1 m |
75.2 % 1,014 hPa |
05:50:22 17:52:22 |
|
| Sep. 14th 2026 Sep. 14th 2026 | max: 28.8 °C min: 18.5 °C |
13.4 m/s 16.2 m/s |
30.3 % 24.1 m |
75.2 % 1,014 hPa |
05:49:46 17:52:15 |
|
| Sep. 15th 2026 Sep. 15th 2026 | max: 28.5 °C min: 18.2 °C |
13.9 m/s 18.0 m/s |
40.6 % 24.1 m |
76.9 % 1,014 hPa |
05:49:11 17:52:08 |
|
| Sep. 16th 2026 Sep. 16th 2026 | max: 28.6 °C min: 18.1 °C |
16.1 m/s 17.3 m/s |
53.5 % 24.1 m |
76.7 % 1,014 hPa |
05:48:35 17:52:01 |
|
| Sep. 17th 2026 Sep. 17th 2026 | max: 28.7 °C min: 18.1 °C |
14.6 m/s 11.9 m/s |
56.0 % 23.9 m |
76.7 % 1,015 hPa |
05:47:59 17:51:54 |
|
| Sep. 18th 2026 Sep. 18th 2026 | max: 29.2 °C min: 18.9 °C |
14.7 m/s 14.7 m/s |
50.5 % 24.1 m |
77.4 % 1,014 hPa |
05:47:23 17:51:47 |
|
| Sep. 19th 2026 Sep. 19th 2026 | max: 29.3 °C min: 18.5 °C |
13.5 m/s 13.1 m/s |
23.5 % 24.0 m |
76.8 % 1,015 hPa |
05:46:47 17:51:40 |
|
| Sep. 20th 2026 Sep. 20th 2026 | max: 29.2 °C min: 18.8 °C |
12.8 m/s 9.8 m/s |
30.0 % 24.0 m |
77.9 % 1,015 hPa |
05:46:11 17:51:33 |
Would you like to travel to Sawu on a cruise ship or would you just like to know when a certain ship will dock there? Here you will find an overview of the cruise ships that will be calling at the port of Sawu.
| Date | Ship | Passaengers (min - max) | Arrival | Departure | Details |
|---|
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.| Port | Distance |
|---|---|
| End in Indonesia | 49,01 km |
| Waingapu in Indonesia | 148,67 km |
| Pink Beach in Indonesia | 185,51 km |
| Komodo in Indonesia | 196,71 km |
| Waikelo in Indonesia | 225,97 km |
| Lamalera in Indonesia | 243,04 km |
| Kupang in Indonesia | 297,72 km |
