As much of Indonesia experiences the dry season, the Dieng Highlands are once again putting on one of their most fascinating natural displays. The appearance of embun upas, a frost phenomenon in Dieng that rarely seen in most parts of the country, has returned to the highlands of Wonosobo Regency, Central Java. It draws visitors eager to witness the unusual sight of ice crystals covering the landscape.
The seasonal phenomenon is expected to continue for several more weeks. In fact, conditions may become even more favorable for thicker frost formation as the region approaches the peak of the dry season, which is forecast to occur between July and August.
Over the past few days, embun upas has once again blanketed grasslands and various plants in several parts of Dieng. The frost creates a striking scene as vegetation becomes coated with thin layers of ice crystals during the early morning hours.
The phenomenon is closely linked to extremely low temperatures that occur in the highland area during the dry season. Based on available information, air temperatures on the night of Monday, June 8, 2026, dropped to 0 degrees Celsius. Conditions became even colder before sunrise, with temperatures briefly reaching minus 1 degree Celsius.
Such temperatures allow moisture in the air to freeze after settling on grass and plant surfaces. As a result, water vapor transforms into small ice crystals that cover the surrounding vegetation.
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Embun upas typically forms under specific weather conditions. Clear skies and low humidity levels during the dry season create an environment that allows temperatures to fall significantly overnight, increasing the likelihood of frost formation.
Although the frost currently visible across parts of Dieng is already considered relatively thick, the phenomenon has not yet reached its seasonal peak. Cooler temperatures expected in the coming weeks could lead to even denser layers of ice crystals across the highlands.
With the peak dry season still approaching, visitors may continue to have opportunities to witness one of Dieng’s most distinctive natural attractions. The combination of freezing temperatures, clear weather, and the region’s high elevation is expected to keep the frost phenomenon active, potentially creating even more spectacular displays throughout the weeks ahead.
