Bali in December sits right in the middle of wet season, and the island’s holiday energy makes it one of the busiest months of the year. Expect warm, humid days, short but heavy afternoon showers, and a noticeable buzz as international and domestic travelers arrive for Christmas and New Year.
That combination puts off some travelers, yet plenty of visitors still love December in Bali. Mornings are usually bright and clear, waterfalls and rice terraces look their greenest, and the festive atmosphere in the south brings beach parties, cultural festivals, and holiday markets. Here’s what to actually expect before you book.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Bali?
Yes, with a few trade-offs. Because December falls in the wet season, you should plan around rain rather than expect none of it. Still, the showers usually arrive in short, intense bursts and clear up quickly, so they rarely ruin a full day of sightseeing.
The first half of the month tends to be quiet and good value, with lower hotel rates and thinner crowds at popular spots. Once Christmas week begins, however, Bali becomes one of its busiest and most expensive periods of the year. If you want warm weather, festive energy, and green scenery, and you don’t mind occasional rain, December works well. If your trip is once-in-a-lifetime and you want the driest, least crowded conditions, the dry season from May to October is a safer bet.
Weather in Bali in December
Temperature and humidity
Temperatures stay warm across the island, generally between 26°C and 28°C along the coast and slightly cooler inland around Ubud. Up in the highlands, such as Munduk, Bedugul, and Kintamani, average temperatures drop to around 19°C to 20°C, so pack a light jacket if you’re heading up there.
Humidity is the bigger factor. It regularly climbs to 85% or higher, which pushes the “feels like” temperature into the low 30s°C during the afternoon. Because of the extra moisture, mosquito activity also increases, so bug spray is worth packing alongside your sunscreen.
Rainfall and rainy days
December is one of Bali’s wetter months, typically ranking as the third wettest after January and February. Coastal areas like Seminyak see rain on roughly 16 out of 31 days, while inland Ubud sees around 17, and the highlands around Munduk see closer to 20. Even so, most showers are short, heavy downpours in the afternoon or overnight that clear into sunshine within an hour or two.
| Region | Avg. Temperature | Avg. Rainy Days in December |
| Coast (Seminyak) | 26-28°C | ~16 days |
| Inland (Ubud) | 25-27°C | ~17 days |
| Highlands (Munduk/Bedugul) | 19-20°C | ~20 days |
Because rain is unpredictable year to year, it’s smart to build flexibility into your itinerary. Keep a rain jacket handy and have a backup indoor activity, such as a spa treatment or a museum visit, ready for the rare longer downpour.
Crowds and Prices in December
Early December: quiet and affordable
Through the first two or three weeks of December, Bali stays relatively calm. Flights and hotels are often available at a discount compared to peak dry-season pricing, and popular attractions feel noticeably less crowded. This is a good window for travelers who want warm weather without the Christmas rush.
Christmas and New Year: Bali’s busiest weeks
From roughly a week before Christmas through mid-January, Bali fills up fast. International tourists arrive for the holidays, and domestic travelers from Java and other islands come over as well, some bringing their own cars, which adds noticeably to traffic in Canggu, Seminyak, and around the airport. Flight prices climb, hotels sell out, and popular beach clubs require advance bookings. If you’re traveling during this window, book your accommodation and any tours several months ahead.
Best Things to Do in Bali in December
Chase Bali’s waterfalls at full flow
The wet season is actually the best time to see Bali’s waterfalls, since the extra rain fills them out and makes the scenery more dramatic. Tegenungan Waterfall and Tukad Cepung, with its dramatic cave-like rock walls, are both easy day-trip options from Ubud.
Visit Ulun Danu Beratan and Uluwatu temples
Ulun Danu Beratan sits right on the edge of Lake Beratan in the cool highlands, and the surrounding hills look especially green after December’s rain. Our Ulun Danu Beratan temple tour guide covers ticket prices and the best times to visit if you want to plan the stop in detail. On the opposite end of the island, Uluwatu Temple offers dramatic clifftop ocean views and hosts the traditional Kecak fire dance around sunset, a memorable way to end a day of sightseeing.
Take a day trip to Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida’s dramatic cliffs, including the famous Kelingking Beach viewpoint, remain a highlight of any December visit. Sea conditions can be rougher during wet season, so it’s worth checking with your operator on the day and choosing a private tour that can adjust the itinerary if the crossing looks rough. Our Bali tour packages include flexible Nusa Penida day trips with an experienced local driver who monitors conditions closely, and our guide to Nusa Penida’s best attractions is a good starting point for planning your stops.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at a beach club
Bali is one of Asia’s top spots to ring in the new year. Beach clubs across the south, including well-known venues in Canggu, Seminyak, and Uluwatu, host countdown parties with fireworks and international DJ lineups. Tickets to the biggest events sell out weeks in advance, so lock in your spot early if New Year’s Eve is a priority for your trip.
Catch Denpasar Festival and Djakarta Warehouse Project
Denpasar Festival is a multi-day cultural celebration held in the capital at the end of December, featuring traditional dance performances, art displays, and food stalls. Electronic music fans should also look out for the Djakarta Warehouse Project (DWP), a major festival that alternates between Jakarta and Bali’s GWK Cultural Park and draws international headline acts each December.
What to Pack for Bali in December
Light, breathable clothing works best given the heat and humidity. Bring a sarong or a wrap for temple visits, since covered shoulders and knees are required at most sites. A compact umbrella or lightweight rain jacket is essential, along with a waterproof pouch to protect your phone during sudden downpours. Since clothes take longer to dry in the humidity, packing a couple of extra swimsuits also helps.
Travel Tips for Visiting Bali in December
Start sightseeing early in the morning, since skies are usually clearest before midday and roads are quieter. Book your accommodation, tours, and any New Year’s Eve tickets well in advance if you’re traveling around the holidays, as availability tightens quickly. Because roads get slick and traffic gets heavier during December’s rain and holiday crowds, riding with a private driver is generally safer and more comfortable than self-riding a scooter.
Since roads get busier and rain complicates group schedules this month, booking one of our private tours in Bali gives you a dedicated driver who can adjust the day around the weather.
Plan Your Bali December Trip with Bali Touristic
Whether you want a flexible day tour around the rain, a smooth Nusa Penida crossing, or a reliable ride to your Christmas or New Year celebration, our local drivers know how to work around December’s weather and crowds. Explore our Bali tour packages or arrange a comfortable airport transfer to start your trip off smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bali in December
Is December a good month to visit Bali?
Yes, as long as you’re comfortable with occasional rain. Days are warm, mornings are usually clear, and the island feels festive, though December falls within wet season.
Is Bali expensive in December?
Early December is generally affordable, with lower hotel and flight prices. From Christmas week through New Year, prices rise significantly and availability gets tight, so booking ahead pays off.
Does it rain every day in Bali in December?
No. Coastal areas typically see rain on about half the days in the month, usually as short, heavy afternoon or overnight showers that clear up quickly rather than all-day rain.
Is Christmas celebrated in Bali?
Bali is predominantly Hindu, so Christmas isn’t a traditional local holiday. That said, tourist areas in the south have Christmas decorations, festive menus, and holiday markets thanks to the large number of visitors and expats. Our Christmas in Bali guide covers the best dinners and holiday tours if you’re spending the 25th on the island.
Do I need to book accommodation in advance for December?
It’s recommended, especially if you’re visiting between mid-December and mid-January. Hotels and flights fill up quickly around Christmas and New Year, and prices climb as the dates approach.
What should I pack for Bali in December?
Light, breathable clothing, a sarong for temple visits, a rain jacket or umbrella, a waterproof phone pouch, and mosquito repellent, since humidity brings out more insects than the dry season.
