December in Bali means rain. That's the headline. You're arriving at the heart of the wet season, with roughly 268mm of rainfall spread across 26 of the month's 31 days. Not all-day downpours, mind you — more like heavy afternoon bursts that roll in around 2 or 3 PM, dump water for an hour or two, then clear out. But some days the sky just doesn't cooperate, and you'll get grey, soggy stretches that last well into the evening. Temperatures sit around 29.5°C (85°F) during the day and drop to a still-warm 24.1°C (75°F) at night, with humidity hovering near 84%. The air feels thick. Constantly.
That said, December is also when Bali fills up with holiday travelers — Christmas and New Year bring a genuine increase of visitors, to Seminyak, Canggu, and the Kuta-Legian strip. Hotel rates climb sharply in the second half of the month, and popular restaurants in Ubud start requiring reservations where they normally wouldn't. You'll find a festive atmosphere at many of the beach clubs and upscale resorts, with DJ lineups and special menus everywhere you look. The island does Christmas in its own way — it's not a Hindu holiday, obviously, but Bali's tourism infrastructure goes all in on it.
So here's the honest trade-off: you get warm water, green rice terraces at their most lush, and a party atmosphere for the holidays, but you pay peak-season prices and deal with unpredictable rain that can wash out beach days and make roads in less-developed areas treacherous. If you're flexible about your daily plans and you specifically want to be in Bali for New Year's Eve, December works. If you want reliable weather for outdoor exploring, you're picking the wrong month.
Why visit in December
- Rice terraces around Tegallalang and Jatiluwih are at their greenest and most photogenic — the wet season does wonders for the landscape
- New Year's Eve celebrations across Seminyak beach clubs and Uluwatu cliff venues rank among Southeast Asia's most scenic countdown parties
- Tropical fruits hit peak season — mangosteen, rambutan, and salak are cheap and at their best from market vendors
- Water temples like Tirta Empul and Tirta Gangga are atmospheric with overflowing springs and heavier water flow
- Surf breaks on the east coast (Keramas, Sanur reef) pick up consistent swells that are less crowded than the west coast dry-season spots
Worth knowing
- 268mm of rainfall across 26 rainy days — you will get rained on, likely daily, and some days are simply a wash
- Peak holiday pricing from roughly December 20 onward means hotel rates can double compared to shoulder months like October
- Humidity at 84% means clothes take forever to dry, camera lenses fog constantly, and the heat feels more oppressive than the thermometer suggests
- Roads in areas like Ubud, Sidemen, and the north coast become slippery and sometimes flood — motorbike accidents spike noticeably in the wet season
Best for
Think twice if
Full wet season. Expect daily temperatures around 29.5°C (85°F) dropping to 24.1°C (75°F) at night. Rain falls on roughly 26 of 31 days, typically in heavy afternoon bursts rather than all-day drizzle, though multi-hour grey stretches happen too. Humidity stays pinned near 84%, which makes the heat feel stickier than the numbers suggest. Mornings tend to be the driest window — plan outdoor activities before noon if you can. The ocean stays warm at around 28-29°C (82-84°F), so swimming and surfing remain comfortable despite the grey skies.
Seasonal caution
- Heavy monsoon rainfall averaging 268mm across 26 rainy days — flash flooding occurs in low-lying areas of Kuta, parts of Denpasar, and river valleys near Ubud
- Rip currents strengthen significantly along west coast beaches (Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu) during wet season swells — swim only at patrolled sections and heed the red flags
- Mountain trails on Agung and Batur become hazardous with slippery volcanic scree and reduced visibility from low cloud cover — summit hikes are frequently cancelled by guides
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29 | 24 | 310 |
| Feb | 29 | 24 | 285 |
| Mar | 30 | 24 | 222 |
| Apr | 30 | 24 | 141 |
| May | 29 | 24 | 132 |
| Jun | 29 | 24 | 115 |
| Jul | 27 | 23 | 90 |
| Aug | 28 | 23 | 58 |
| Sep | 28 | 23 | 112 |
| Oct | 30 | 23 | 107 |
| Nov | 30 | 24 | 213 |
| Dec | 30 | 24 | 268 |
Headline events
New Year's Eve Beach Celebrations
December 31
Bali's coastline from Seminyak to Jimbaran lights up for one of Southeast Asia's most popular New Year's countdowns. Beach clubs like Potato Head, Ku De Ta, and single-fin spots along the Bukit peninsula host ticketed parties with international DJs, fireworks over the Indian Ocean, and Balinese blessing ceremonies at midnight. The energy along the Seminyak-Petitenget strip is something else entirely — thousands of people spill onto the sand as fireworks launch from multiple venues simultaneously.
Best things to do in December
White Water Rafting on the Ayung River
adventureThe Ayung River near Ubud runs at its highest and most thrilling during the December rains. The route cuts through a gorge draped in jungle, with carved stone faces peeking out from the canyon walls. The water is warmer than you'd expect, and the rapids — Class II to III — are fun without being terrifying. You'll get soaked regardless, so the rain barely matters.
Wet season rainfall raises the Ayung's water levels to their peak, making the rapids faster and the ride more exhilarating than dry season runs.Booking tipBook through a reputable operator directly rather than through hotel tour desks, which tend to mark up the price significantly. Morning departures avoid the heaviest afternoon rain.
Ubud Spa and Wellness Retreats
wellnessWhen the rain hammers down after lunch, there's something satisfying about being horizontal on a massage table listening to it hit the roof. Ubud's wellness scene is enormous — from traditional Balinese boreh body scrubs using turmeric and rice powder to multi-day yoga and meditation retreats in the rice field outskirts. The smell of lemongrass oil and frangipani is everywhere.
Rainy afternoons make spa time feel less like indulgence and more like the obvious plan. December's humidity also means your skin absorbs oils and treatments more readily.Booking tipBook retreat programs well ahead for the holiday period — popular centers fill up by mid-November. Walk-in spa treatments are still easy to find at smaller places.
Tegallalang and Jatiluwih Rice Terrace Walks
sightseeingThe terraces are flooded and luminously green in December, reflecting the overcast sky in the standing water between the young rice shoots. Tegallalang north of Ubud is the famous one — steep, photogenic, packed with visitors by midday. Jatiluwih to the west is the UNESCO-listed alternative: wider, quieter, and arguably more beautiful. The ground is muddy, so bring shoes you don't mind ruining.
Peak wet season means the terraces are freshly planted and flooded — the most visually striking phase of the rice growing cycle.Booking tipVisit Tegallalang right at opening to beat the crowds. Jatiluwih requires no booking but has a small entry fee at the gate.
Snorkeling and Diving at Menjangan Island
water sportsThe northwest corner of Bali stays drier than the south in December, and Menjangan Island's wall diving remains accessible on most days. Visibility can drop to 15-20 meters versus the dry season's 30+, but the coral walls are still spectacular and you'll likely have the dive sites more to yourself. The boat ride from Pemuteran takes about 30 minutes across calm water.
Fewer divers mean less crowded sites, and the northwest coast receives notably less rainfall than Kuta or Ubud, making this a reliable wet-season escape.Booking tipBook through dive shops in Pemuteran village — they know the daily conditions and will tell you honestly if visibility is poor enough to postpone.
Cooking Classes in Ubud
food and drinkA Balinese cooking class is one of the best rainy-day activities on the island. Most start with a morning market visit in Ubud — the smell of fresh turmeric, galangal, and shrimp paste hits you before you even see the stalls. Then you spend a few hours in an open-air kitchen learning to make babi guling spice paste, lawar, and sate lilit. You eat everything you cook, which tends to be a lot.
Rain makes indoor activities practical rather than disappointing, and the wet season market stalls overflow with fresh herbs, chilies, and seasonal fruit to work with.Booking tipClasses fill quickly during the holiday weeks — book at least a few days ahead. Some classes include the market tour, which is worth prioritizing.
Waterfall Chasing in Central and North Bali
natureBali's waterfalls are at full thunder in December. Sekumpul in the north — often called the island's most beautiful — drops through a split cascade surrounded by dense tropical foliage. Tukad Cepung near Bangli sits inside a cave where light filters through the rock above. Git Git is the easiest to reach but feels it. The access trails are slippery, sometimes hazardous, so wear proper shoes and take your time on the stone steps.
Maximum water flow transforms these falls from gentle trickles into roaring cascades — visually dramatic, though the trade-off is muddier trails.Booking tipHire a local guide for Sekumpul — the trail is steep and confusing, and guides know which river crossings are safe after heavy rain.
What to eat in December
In season: fruit
Mangosteen
December is peak mangosteen season in Bali. The dark purple shells crack open to reveal white segments that taste like some cross between lychee and peach — sweet with a gentle sourness. Market vendors in Ubud and Denpasar sell them by the kilo for next to nothing.
Rambutan
Those hairy red fruits piled high at every roadside stand are at their juiciest right now. The flesh is translucent, sweet, and slightly floral. Look for the ones with bright red spines — browning means they've been sitting too long.
Salak (Snake Fruit)
Bali's signature fruit, with its brown scaly skin that feels like reptile hide. Peel it back and you get a crunchy, slightly tannic flesh that tastes like a dry apple mixed with pineapple. The Balinese variety from the village of Sibetan near Karangasem is widely considered the best — sweeter and less astringent than versions you'll find elsewhere in Indonesia.
On menus now
Lawar
A traditional Balinese mix of finely chopped meat, grated coconut, and spices that tends to appear more frequently during temple ceremonies in the wet season. The texture is somewhere between a rough pâté and a salad — earthy, coconut-rich, with a kick from raw chilies and shallots. You'll find it at warung stalls near any active temple.
Regular events in December
Christmas Celebrations at Bali Resorts
Major resorts and beach clubs host Christmas Eve dinners, brunches, and events with both Western and Balinese touches. Not a local holiday, but the tourism industry embraces it fully with decorations, special menus, and holiday entertainment.
December 24-25Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (Off-Season Events)Free
While the main festival runs in October, the Ubud literary scene hosts smaller readings, workshops, and salon-style events through December that draw a thoughtful crowd to cafes and galleries around Jalan Raya Ubud.
Various dates throughout DecemberFull Moon Ceremony (Purnama)Free
Balinese Hindus celebrate purnama at temples across the island — processions of women carrying towering offerings on their heads, the smell of incense and frangipani thick in the humid air. Visitors can observe respectfully from outside temple walls at most locations. The exact date shifts with the lunar calendar.
Mid-December (varies by lunar calendar)Best places this December
Sekumpul Waterfall
natureBali's most dramatic waterfall reaches peak flow in December. The twin cascades pour through a jungle amphitheater that feels primordial. The hike down is steep and muddy — budget an hour each way and wear shoes with grip.
Singaraja / North BaliTirta Empul Temple
templeThe holy spring temple near Tampaksiring is powerful in the wet season, with the purification pools running fuller and the springs gushing. Balinese worshippers come to ritually bathe here — visitors can participate respectfully with a sarong and sash.
TampaksiringJatiluwih Rice Terraces
sightseeingThe UNESCO-listed terraces spread across the slopes of Mount Batukaru, and in December they're a sea of luminous green with standing water reflecting the sky. Quieter than Tegallalang, more expansive, and arguably more photogenic when the clouds roll low across the mountain.
TabananSeminyak Beach Club Strip
nightlifeThe Petitenget-Seminyak stretch comes alive for the holiday season. Beach clubs stack their lineups with international DJs, and the sunset views from the beanbag chairs — if you can get one — still deliver even when the sky is hazy. The vibe is louder and more crowded than any other month.
SeminyakSidemen Valley
scenicA quieter alternative to Ubud with its own rice terraces, Mount Agung views, and far fewer tourists. December turns the valley almost impossibly green. The roads can get rough after heavy rain, mind you, but that's part of what keeps it peaceful.
KarangasemTukad Cepung Waterfall
natureTucked inside a narrow cave near Bangli, this waterfall is otherworldly when the morning light hits the water through gaps in the rock above. December's high water volume means the cave interior gets wet — bring a waterproof bag for your phone.
BangliPemuteran and Menjangan Island
diving and snorkelingThe northwest coast stays noticeably drier than the south in December. Pemuteran village is quiet, the coral reef restoration project along the shore is worth a snorkel, and Menjangan Island's wall diving remains accessible on calmer days.
Buleleng / Northwest Bali
Your packing checklist
Tick items off as you pack. Your progress saves in this browser.
Insider tips
The first two weeks of December are noticeably cheaper and less crowded than the holiday rush — if you can skip Christmas and New Year, you get most of the wet season greenery at a fraction of the cost and hassle
Morning is everything in December Bali — plan your outdoor activities before noon, because the rain typically rolls in between 2-4 PM and can linger into evening
Grab a Grab rather than renting a scooter if you're not experienced with wet-road riding — the combination of rain, oil slicks on temple approach roads, and unfamiliar left-side driving makes December the highest-risk month for tourist motorbike accidents
The northwest coast around Pemuteran stays significantly drier than the south — if you're desperate for sun, head north for a couple of days
Ask your hotel about ceremony schedules — December often coincides with temple celebrations, and watching a procession of offerings wind through a village at dawn is one of Bali's most striking experiences
Market fruit in December is exceptional — mangosteen, rambutan, salak, and durian are all in season. Buy from local markets rather than tourist shops near the terraces, where the same fruit costs several times more
Avoid these mistakes
- Booking a villa without checking for pool heating — wet season overcast days can make unheated pools surprisingly chilly, despite the tropical latitude
- Planning a packed outdoor itinerary with no rain contingency — you need backup indoor activities or the flexibility to shift plans daily based on the morning sky
- Underestimating the roads between Ubud and the north coast in heavy rain — what Google Maps says is a 90-minute drive can turn into three hours on flooded, single-lane mountain roads
- Arriving without travel insurance that covers weather cancellations — summit treks, boat trips to Nusa Penida, and some dive excursions cancel frequently in December, and rebooking isn't always free
- Assuming the beach will be swimmable every day — rip currents along the west coast intensify during wet season swells, and red flags at Kuta and Canggu beaches are not suggestions
Practical tips for December
Book accommodation well before December if you're traveling over the holidays — popular villas and boutique hotels in Seminyak and Ubud fill up weeks in advance, and last-minute availability tends to be limited to either very budget or very expensive options. For restaurants, make dinner reservations at places you care about, in Ubud's central dining strip and Seminyak's Petitenget area, where walk-in waits of an hour or more become normal after December 20.
Transport-wise, consider hiring a private driver for full-day excursions rather than relying on ride-hailing apps in remote areas where coverage can be spotty. If you do rent a scooter, stick to main roads and avoid riding after dark — street lighting outside major towns is minimal and the rain makes visibility poor.
Pack a power bank and keep it charged — rain sometimes knocks out power in less-developed areas, and your phone becomes your flashlight, map, and entertainment during downpours. Most mid-range accommodations have generators, but brownouts still happen.
For health, bring your own basic pharmacy supplies — stomach remedies, rehydration salts, antihistamines. December's humidity and heat can amplify minor ailments, and pharmacy availability outside Denpasar and Ubud is inconsistent. Drink bottled water exclusively and be cautious with ice at smaller warungs away from tourist centers.
FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Bali?
It depends on what you're after. December is wet season — expect rain on most days, typically heavy afternoon bursts rather than all-day drizzle. The landscape is gorgeous and green, the holiday atmosphere is festive, and the ocean is warm. But you're paying peak prices, dealing with crowds, and gambling on weather for outdoor plans. If you want reliable sunshine, April through October is a safer bet.
How bad is the rain in Bali in December?
Rain falls on roughly 26 of 31 days, but that number is misleading. Most days start sunny, with rain arriving in the mid-afternoon for an hour or two before clearing. Some days, though, you'll get extended grey stretches. The trick is to front-load outdoor activities in the morning and keep afternoons flexible for indoor options like spas, cooking classes, or cafe-hopping.
Can you still surf in Bali in December?
Yes, though the best breaks shift. The west coast spots (Canggu, Echo Beach) get messy and the currents are stronger. East coast breaks like Keramas and Sanur reef pick up consistent swells and tend to be less crowded. If you're an experienced surfer, December offers good waves — beginners should stick to sheltered spots and listen to local instructors about conditions.
What should I wear in Bali in December?
Light, moisture-wicking fabrics are your friend. Cotton is miserable in 84% humidity — it soaks through and never dries. Bring a compact rain jacket, waterproof sandals with grip for temple visits, and at least one sarong for ceremonies. Evenings are still warm enough for shorts and a t-shirt, though you might want a light layer if you're dining in an air-conditioned restaurant.
Is it worth visiting Bali for New Year's Eve?
If you enjoy beach club parties, fireworks, and a big crowd energy — yes, Bali does New Year's Eve well. The Seminyak and Canggu beach club scene goes all out with international DJs and ocean-front countdowns. That said, expect peak pricing on everything, packed venues, and the need to book well in advance. The atmosphere is electric, but it comes at a cost.
Are the rice terraces worth visiting in December?
They're arguably at their most beautiful. The wet season means freshly planted, flooded paddies that glow green and reflect the sky. Tegallalang near Ubud is the famous one — arrive early to beat crowds. Jatiluwih is wider, quieter, and UNESCO-listed. Just be prepared for muddy trails and wear shoes with decent tread.
Last verified by automated review (v1.7.1) on May 26, 2026. What is automated review?