Can you get hypothermia on Mt. Rinjani?

Yes, hypothermia is a real risk on Mount Rinjani, and it’s one of the more serious dangers because it can sneak up on you. Hypothermia doesn’t require arctic conditions. It happens when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it, and at Rinjani’s summit in near-freezing temperatures with wind, that can happen surprisingly quickly. The risk is highest during the summit push, which starts at 2:00 or 3:00 AM when temperatures are lowest, and during unexpected weather changes at the crater rim camp. The most dangerous scenario is when trekkers get wet and then cold. Rain, sweat-soaked clothing, or fog can all compromise your insulation.

Cotton clothing is particularly dangerous because it retains moisture and loses insulating properties when wet. Once your core temperature starts dropping, your judgment becomes impaired, which makes bad decisions more likely, which makes the situation worse. It’s a downward spiral that starts subtly and progresses fast. Early signs include shivering, confusion, slurred speech, and impaired coordination. At Lombok-Indonesia.org, our guides are trained to recognize early hypothermia signs and take immediate action: getting the person warm, providing warm drinks, adding layers, and if necessary, initiating descent.

We also emphasize proper clothing in our pre-trek briefings. Synthetic or wool base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a proper windproof outer shell are essential. No cotton. No shortcuts. Hypothermia is preventable with the right gear and awareness, which is why we never let clients start the summit push underdressed.