Bali In December: Weather, Crowds & What To Expect
TRAVEL
December might just be one of the most exciting times to experience Bali. Yes, it's technically rainy season, and yes, it's one of the busiest times of year, but neither of those things has to get in the way of a great trip. The island has a unique energy during this time, with lively beach clubs, packed restaurants, special events, and spectacular New Year's Eve celebrations bringing people together from all over the world.
From my own experience living in Bali for four years, I only experienced one rainy New Year's Eve. Even then, the rain was mostly limited to the evening, while the days were sunny and perfect for enjoying the island. So don't let the rainy season put you off. A bit of rain doesn't mean your whole day will be washed out or that you can't enjoy everything Bali has to offer.
In this guide to Bali in December, I'll walk you through what to expect from the weather, crowds, prices, and events, along with the best things to do and practical tips to help you plan your trip. If you're still deciding where to stay in Bali, check out my detailed guide, and if you're looking for inspiration, don't miss my guide to the best things to do in Bali.
Things to Do in Bali in December
Even with the odd shower here and there, December is packed with things to fill your days (and nights):
Christmas and New Year's Eve parties: Bali's beach clubs and resorts go all out this time of year, with festive dinners, fireworks displays over the water, and headline DJs flying in for NYE. Spots like Uluwatu, Seminyak, and Canggu turn into one big countdown celebration.
Surfing: Warm water and generally consistent swell make December a great month to surf at Uluwatu and Canggu.
Rice terrace and waterfall visits: December's showers keep Bali's landscapes at their most vivid. Think electric-green rice paddies in Tegalalang and thundering waterfalls like Tegenungan and Sekumpul.
Spa days and yoga retreats: If a shower does roll through, it's the perfect excuse to book a spa treatment or join a yoga class.
Temple visits and cultural tours: Sites like Tanah Lot and Uluwatu Temple are beautiful year-round, and mornings, typically the sunniest part of the day, are an ideal window to explore them.
Island hopping: Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan see slightly less rain than the mainland highlands, making them a solid day-trip option if you want a change of scenery.
Weather in December
December is officially Bali's rainy season, but don't let the name fool you. It doesn't mean rain all day, every day. In my experience over the past few years, showers come and go quickly, and most days still have plenty of sunshine built in. In fact, out of several Decembers spent there, I only had one New Year's Eve where rain showed up in the evening and even then, the day itself had been completely sunny, so it never got in the way of enjoying the day or the celebrations that followed.
Temperature: Daytime highs generally run from around 26-31°C (79-88°F), with nights staying warm at roughly 24-25°C (75-77°F).
Rainfall: Showers do roll through on many days, but they tend to be short and intense rather than lasting all day, typically arriving in the afternoon or evening after a sunny morning.
Sea temperature: Warm year-round, sitting around 28-30°C (82-86°F) in December, which makes swimming and surfing comfortable even without a wetsuit.
Sunshine: Still plenty of it. Mornings are consistently the clearest part of the day, so outdoor plans tend to work best when scheduled early, leaving the rest of the day open regardless of what the afternoon brings.
Weather also varies a bit by region. The Bukit Peninsula (Uluwatu, Nusa Dua, Pecatu) tends to see shorter, lighter showers thanks to its limestone terrain, while the highlands around Ubud, Sidemen, and Kintamani get cooler temperatures and slightly heavier rain. The Nusa Islands (Nusa Penida, Lembongan, Ceningan) generally track close to the Bukit Peninsula's milder pattern.
Crowds in December
There's no getting around it. December is peak season in Bali, and it builds fast, spiking hard from around December 23rd through early January as Christmas and New Year's Eve travelers pour in from Indonesia and abroad. Popular sunset spots like Canggu and Uluwatu fill up, beach clubs run at capacity, and well-known restaurants require reservations well in advance.
Here's the thing though: busy doesn't mean bad. From my own time there, the crowds are honestly part of the fun. Packed beach clubs mean better parties, popular restaurants are busy because the food is great, and there's a shared, celebratory energy in the air that you just don't get during the quieter months.
If you'd rather escape the crowds, though, Bali still has plenty of peaceful options. Head to places like Amed or Sidemen for a slower pace, beautiful scenery, and a more relaxed side of the island, even during the busy December period.
Prices in December
Because it overlaps with the holiday travel season, December is also one of the more expensive months to visit Bali. Flights and accommodation, especially over the Christmas-to-New-Year stretch, can carry a significant premium compared to the shoulder months, and popular villas and hotels often sell out weeks or even months ahead. Booking early is the single best way to avoid both inflated prices and limited availability.
That said, even during peak season, Bali can still offer great value for accommodation compared to many other popular destinations. From stylish boutique hotels to villas and resorts, you can find a wide range of options at different price points, especially if you book outside the busiest areas or travel earlier in December.
Ready to plan your Bali trip? Find your perfect Bali stay and book early!
What to Expect Day to Day
A typical December day in Bali often follows a predictable rhythm: sunny or partly cloudy mornings, building clouds by midday, and on many but not all days, a burst of rain sometime in the afternoon or evening that usually clears within an hour or two. Most visitors simply plan around it: sightseeing, beach time, and outdoor activities in the morning while the skies are clearest, with evenings reserved for dinner, bars, or nightlife once any showers have passed.
Surfing remains excellent in December at spots like Uluwatu, Canggu, and Padang Padang, since the swell and warm water hold up well even in the wet season. Rice terraces and waterfalls are also at their most dramatic this time of year, with lush, vivid greenery fed by the regular rainfall.
Tips for Traveling to Bali in December
Book your accommodation early: December is peak season, especially from around December 23rd through early January. Popular hotels and villas can sell out quickly.
Expect some rain: December is part of Bali's rainy season, but showers are often short and followed by sunshine. Don't let the forecast put you off planning outdoor activities.
Pack for both sun and rain: Bring lightweight clothes, flexible footwear, swimwear, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket or compact umbrella.
Book restaurants and beach clubs ahead: Popular spots can get very busy around New Year's Eve, so make reservations in advance when possible.
Allow extra travel time: Traffic can be particularly heavy in areas like Canggu, Seminyak, and Uluwatu during the holiday season. Avoid packing too many activities into one day.
Plan around the weather: Keep your itinerary flexible. If rain affects your beach or sightseeing plans, use the opportunity to explore cafés, spas, temples, restaurants, or other indoor activities.
Get travel insurance: Medical care in Bali can be expensive, especially at private hospitals and clinics, so having travel insurance can help cover unexpected medical expenses and other travel-related issues.
FAQ
Is it worth going to Bali in December? Yes, Bali in December is definitely worth visiting if you don't mind crowds and occasional rain. It's peak season, so prices can be higher, but you'll still have plenty of sunny days to enjoy the beaches, surfing, exploring, and outdoor activities.
Does it rain every day in Bali in December? No, rain is common, but it's not an all-day, every-day thing. Showers tend to be short and pass quickly, and mornings are consistently the sunniest part of the day, so it's rare for rain to take over an entire day.
Is it worth visiting Bali during the wet season? Yes, for many travelers. Rain tends to arrive in short bursts rather than ruining the whole day, hotel and villa rates outside the holiday surge can be lower than dry-season prices, and the island's landscapes are especially lush and green.
What is the weather like in Bali in December? December is part of Bali's rainy season, so you can expect warm, humid weather with occasional heavy showers. However, rain usually doesn't last all day, and it's common to have plenty of sunshine between showers. Temperatures typically stay around 25-31°C (77-88°F), making it warm enough for beach days, surfing, and exploring the island.
Can you still surf in Bali in December? Yes. Spots like Uluwatu, Canggu, and Padang Padang remain surfable throughout December, with warm water and generally consistent conditions, though wind and rain can occasionally affect specific sessions.
Is Bali a good place to spend Christmas? Yes, Bali can be a great place to spend Christmas, especially if you enjoy warm weather, beaches, good food, and a lively atmosphere.
Is everything open in Bali on Christmas Day? Yes, most restaurants, cafés, beach clubs, shops, and tourist attractions remain open on Christmas Day, especially in popular areas
Final Thoughts
Overall, Bali in December can be a fantastic experience if you know what to expect. Yes, it’s busy, prices can be higher, and you’ll probably get some rain, but the island also has an incredible energy during this time of year. With a little planning, you can still enjoy plenty of sunshine, beautiful beaches, great food, and everything that makes Bali special. And if you prefer a quieter experience, there are always less crowded corners of the island to escape to. Having lived in Bali for four years, I wouldn’t hesitate to visit Bali in December.