Bali in December: Rain-Smart Guide to Weather, Crowds & What Still Works

Planning a trip to Bali in December? Expect brief showers and humid 24–31 °C. Use mornings for beaches and temples, then switch to indoor backups after lunch.

Last verified: 17 September 2025 (WITA)

Butuh versi Bahasa Indonesia? Baca panduannya di sini: Liburan Desember di Bali.

Quick Answers

• Weather: Wet season ~15–18 rainy days, 24–31 °C, humid. Mornings are your outdoor window.
• Crowds: Early Dec is easier, Dec 24–31 is the peak for traffic and prices.
• Plan: AM beaches/temples/water sports → PM spa, cooking, museums/malls.
• Food comfort: Halal & vegetarian options are easy in Nusa Dua, Seminyak/Legian, and Ubud. Plan main meals for midday or early evening.
• Events: 2025 DWP (12–14 Dec, GWK). Denpasar Festival is usually held in late December, around Catur Muka.

Is It a Good Time To Visit Bali in December?

Short answer: Yes, if you pace your day around mornings.

December is the wet season with ~15–18 rainy days. Meanwhile, showers often develop in the afternoons/evenings, leaving a usable morning window for outdoor plans.

Typical temperatures are 24–31 °C and humid. Highland areas such as Munduk, Bedugul, and Kintamani are cooler. Choose light fabrics, hydrate, and pace your walks.

At sea, mornings are usually calmer. The south and west coasts can be choppy, while sheltered bays and some east-side spots feel steadier. Underwater visibility is average in December but fine for casual snorkeling in protected places.

Plan: mornings outside, flexible afternoons.

What Still Works: AM/PM Feasibility + Packing

AM (better): short beach time sheltered bays (Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua) for steadier water, quick temple courtyards before heat/wind build.

PM (backup): spa or resort lounges, cooking classes in covered kitchens, galleries/museums, cafes with covered parking.

Heads-up: South-west beaches (Kuta–Canggu) can see monsoon “trash season” Dec–Mar, consider east-side bays or morning visits.

Weather in Bali in December

Expect ~15–18 rainy days (humid 24–31 °C). Above all, plan outdoors in the morning; showers are likelier in the afternoon/evening. See details → Is December Good?

Morning Outdoors

• Go early for calmer water: Tanjung Benoa and other sheltered bays are usually steadier (east-side bays tend to be friendlier in the wet season).
• Short beach time for swims and walks.
• Gentle coastal promenades or temple courtyards before the heat builds.

Afternoon Indoors

• Resort downtime (spa, lounges, covered terraces) while showers pass.
• Cooking classes in covered kitchens.
• Galleries and museums with air-conditioning.
• Indoor shopping: malls (cafes, play zones, cinemas) or covered art markets with sheltered aisles.
• Indoor photo studio session for creative portraits.
• Cosy cafe time with covered seating and easy parking.

Micro-pivots For Weather

• Start close to your base, extend plans if skies hold.
• Keep ideas flexible so you can switch to the nearest indoor option.
• Paths can be slick after showers (e.g., Ubud Monkey Forest). Wear secure footwear and keep snacks sealed.

Planning around school breaks? See Best Time To Visit Bali With Family & Kids: Seasonal Guide.

What to Wear in Bali in December (Quick Wins)

• Quick-dry clothing, compact rain jacket, spare T-shirt.
• Small foldable tote for wet items and towels.
• Phone pouch or zip bag to keep devices dry.
• Insect repellent for humid months.

Need full outfits by activity/area? See What To Wear In Bali – Clothes by Things To Do & Places

Where To Go Next

• Timing comparison.
• Best Areas to Stay in Bali.
• Transport in Bali.
• Weather safety & contingency
• Family Day Plans.

Early December vs New Year Week (overview)

This keeps only discovery-level context. For pricing details, reservations, and transport tactics, use the full compare in Where to go next below.

Early December

• Vibe: Calmer beaches, shorter queues, easier photos.
• Cost feel: Generally lighter than holiday week.
• Traffic: Usually manageable, occasional weekend spikes.
• Event load: Festive build-up starts, not yet at full peak.
• Good for: Honeymoon pace, young families, friends who prefer space.

24–31 December (New Year Week)

• Vibe & events: Festive crowds, island-wide programs, countdown nights.
• Cost feel: Highest of the month (stays and special dinners tend to be pricier).
• Traffic: Heaviest around sunsets and event zones.
• Who’s traveling: Indonesian school-holiday families and many Australian summer travelers.
• Road note: Late-December inflow from Java (many by car) increases congestion in southern corridors (Seminyak/Canggu and airport areas).
• Good for: Groups seeking energy and countdown experiences.
• Calendar hint: Demand is heaviest around ~20 December–1 January.
• Friends planning Christmas–New Year: focus outdoors before noon and allow extra sunset travel time to/from event zones.

Island-wide ideas → Things To Do In Bali: Top 38 – A 2025 Travel Guide.

Things To Do in Bali in December (rain-safe ideas)

This section shares discovery-level ideas for December.

The Gist

• For sightseeing, cluster nearby stops in one area (e.g., Tanah Lot coastal viewpoints, Bedugul–Ulun Danu Bratan lakeside temples and gardens), short hops work best on wet days.
• Favour places with shade, umbrellas, or lounges.
• After heavier bursts, traffic and queues often rise near popular spots.
• Crossing the island during showers can take longer, so base yourself near where you’ll spend the evening.
• These are idea starters, not full itineraries.

Couples

• Sunrise beach walk, then late-morning relaxation.
• Spa for two during midday showers.
• Fine dining indoors or on covered terraces.
• Photo ops: galleries and design cafes on clear mornings, quick Tanah Lot or Ulun Danu Bratan Temple stops work well.
• Half-day resort escape (spa + lounge) if clouds roll in.

Budgeting your trip? Read How Much Does a Honeymoon in Bali Cost? Full Breakdown.

Families

• Bali Safari in the morning covered vehicles suited to light rain.
• Kid-friendly cooking class in a covered kitchen.
• Aquariums or museums for midday rain breaks.
• Short canopy walk at Ubud Monkey Forest during light showers, keep snacks out of reach.
• Short souvenir stop at a covered art market between activities.
• Easy waterfalls with paved paths and nearby cafes.
• Cafe pit-stop with covered seating and restrooms.
• Paths can be slick after showers (e.g., Ubud Monkey Forest). Wear secure footwear and keep snacks sealed.

Friends

• Morning Tanjung Benoa water sports, if parasailing is off due to wind, switch to jet ski, banana boat, or Seawalker. Operators may reschedule after heavy rain. Details →Weather Glance.
• Whitewater rafting can run in December when river conditions are suitable.
• Diving in Bali in December: generally doable at sheltered east-side sites, check local operators and aim for morning conditions.
• Beach clubs with covered seating as showers pass.
• Design cafe hangout (covered seating) before evening plans.
• Quick browse at an indoor mall or covered craft market.
• Evening cultural shows or other indoor venues.
• Mall time: bowling, cinemas, arcades.

December in Bali: Events from Christmas to NYE

December in Bali feels festive and busy for couples, families, and friends. Sunset hours are most vibrant, and traffic often builds near major venues and resort hubs.

What To Expect

Christmas in Bali: Bali is predominantly Hindu (within Muslim-majority Indonesia), yet southern resort areas put up festive décor, offer seasonal menus, and sometimes host Christmas markets/services for visitors. Meanwhile, daily life and attractions run as usual.

Event Formats You Can Expect

• Beach club nights with DJs, countdowns, and covered lounges.
• Hotel gala dinners and sunset concerts under canopies.
• Cultural shows and temple performances with seating.
• City festivals in Denpasar and major resort areas.
• In 2025, Djakarta Warehouse Project (DWP) is scheduled from 12–14 Dec at GWK Cultural Park (Bali).
• Denpasar Festival (late Dec, 3 days): city-center stages around Catur Muka with dance/fashion/art performances, games, and food stalls, family-friendly.

December in Bali: Halal & Vegetarian Tips

This section helps you find food and prayer space easily in December, without long detours. Meanwhile, it doesn’t list restaurants; it gives quick, practical cues usable anywhere on the island.

Availability

• Strongest in the main hubs: Nusa Dua, Seminyak/Legian, and Ubud, with plenty of Indian and Middle Eastern options.
• Around malls and large resorts, you’ll often find clear signage.
• Above all, plan main meals for midday breaks or early evenings (see weather glance) to match the “outdoor AM, indoor PM” rhythm.

Prayer & Timing Cues

• Ask hotels for a quiet meeting room or designated space.
• Also, look for mosques near tourist areas or inside malls.

Ordering & Kitchen Cues

• Check for “halal” logos at the entrance or on menus.
• For strict needs, confirm no pork/no alcohol handling.
• Vegetarian markers vary; ask for “pure veg” or separate pans/oil.
• If required, request eggless or low-spice preparations.

Family comfort

Shortlist places with high chairs, clean restrooms, and indoor seating.

Learn more, Eat & Pray in December: planning guide.

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