Indonesia, Asia

Bali in December

Rain plus a paradox: the Christmas to New Year weeks are among the busiest and priciest of the year despite the weather.

TradeoffsHot, humid, and rainy, highs near 88F (31C)

Temple guardian statue at Tanah Lot, Bali — BaliPhoto: Anandajoti, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

December is a month of real tradeoffs in Bali. Rain plus a paradox: the Christmas to New Year weeks are among the busiest and priciest of the year despite the weather.

Weather: Hot, humid, and rainy, highs near 88F (31C)
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What December is like in Bali

December is hot, humid, and rainy, with highs near 88F (31C). The early part of the month is quiet. Then the Christmas to New Year weeks turn into one of the busiest and priciest times of the year, despite the weather. Boats can cancel in rough seas, and west-coast beaches can be messy.

It suits families and couples who want a warm holiday escape and accept rain. Book the holiday weeks as if it were high season. If you want better weather for less money, go in May or September, or come in early December before prices jump.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Bali this month.

Early-December value

The first half of the month is quiet and cheaper. You get the green, rainy-season island with few people.

A warm Christmas escape

Villas and resorts put on holiday events. A pool villa is an easy way to spend a rainy holiday with kids.

Ubud's culture on rainy days

Dance performances, cooking classes, and craft workshops keep the days full when the rain comes.

What to pack for December

A light rain jacket
Quick-dry clothing
Insect repellent
A dry bag for electronics

Our timing tip

If you want December, come in the first two weeks, or book the holiday fortnight many months ahead.

Book Bali for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Bali
Opens a hotel search for Bali in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Bali
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Bali
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Bali for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in December

Galungan and Kuningan

Dates shift on the 210-day Balinese calendar, occurring roughly twice a year

The island's great homecoming festival: streets line with penjor bamboo poles and temples fill. Dates move; if your trip coincides, you are lucky.

Things to do in Bali

Full guide

Uluwatu Temple at sunset

Clifftop temple, crashing surf, and the nightly kecak fire dance. Hold your sunglasses; the resident macaques are professional thieves.

Tickets and tours →

Ubud's rice terraces

Tegalalang is the famous one and crowded by 9am; the Campuhan Ridge walk and Sidemen valley deliver the same green with a fraction of the traffic.

Tickets and tours →

Nusa Penida day trip

The Kelingking clifftop view and manta-ray snorkeling. Fast boats run from Sanur; seas are calmest in the dry season.

Tickets and tours →

Mount Batur sunrise trek

A pre-dawn volcano hike rewarded with sunrise above the clouds. Dry season offers the most reliable views.

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Tirta Empul water temple

Balinese Hindus perform purification rituals in the spring-fed pools. Visitors may respectfully join; sarongs are provided.

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Canggu to Seminyak beach scene

Surf schools, beach bars, and Bali's famous sunsets. Wet season brings seasonal debris to these west-facing beaches; dry season is postcard clean.

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Beat the crowds

Split your stay: base in Ubud or the east (Sidemen, Amed) for the quiet half, then take the southern beaches in a shorter dose. Trying to day-trip everything from one southern base means hours in traffic.
Do famous photo spots (Tegalalang, Lempuyang's gates, Kelingking) at sunrise; by mid morning in high season the lines rival theme parks.
Travel in May, June, or September for peak-quality weather without July and August density.
Traffic is Bali's real crowd. Plan one area per day, use ride-hailing apps where allowed, and never schedule a tight airport run in evening traffic from Ubud or Canggu.

Know before you go

Nyepi shuts the entire island for 24 hours, usually in March with the date shifting yearly: the airport closes, streets empty by law, and hotels keep guests inside with lights low. Book flights around it deliberately.
Wet season (roughly November through March) closures are practical, not official: fast boats to Nusa Penida and the Gilis cancel in rough seas, sunrise treks lose their views, and some dive operations pause after storms.
The Christmas to New Year fortnight is a full-price, full-island peak despite falling in the rainy season. Book it like high season.
Galungan and Kuningan (dates shift on the 210-day calendar) close some family shops and warungs while ceremonies take precedence; tourist infrastructure largely carries on.

Bali in December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Bali?

December is a month of real tradeoffs in Bali. Rain plus a paradox: the Christmas to New Year weeks are among the busiest and priciest of the year despite the weather.

What is the weather like in Bali in December?

Hot, humid, and rainy, highs near 88F (31C).

Is Bali crowded in December?

Bali is busy in December, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in Bali in December?

Galungan and Kuningan (dates shift on the 210-day balinese calendar, occurring roughly twice a year).