Bali in December: ⚠️ possible, but in the middle of the rainy season. Denpasar gets an average of 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, over 22 rainy days according to the Indonesian meteorological agency’s normals, mostly in the form of storms. It is hot (33 °C, 91 °F, in the afternoon; 23.5 °C, 74 °F, at night). For Christmas and New Year, book early.
This page covers the weather in Bali in December, what changes between the start and the end of the month, and how to organise your days between showers. To compare with the dry season, see our page on the best time to visit Bali.
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Bali in December: key facts
- Verdict: ⚠️ rainy season; ✅ for culture, wellness and rice terraces, ❌ for a 100% beach trip
- Denpasar: 33.0 °C (91 °F) in the afternoon, 23.5 °C (74 °F) at night, 276 mm (10.9 in) and 22 rainy days
- Over a week: about 5 days with rain, rarely all day
- Time difference: in December, Bali (UTC+8) is 8 hours ahead of London (GMT) and 13 hours ahead of New York (EST)
- Entry: visa on arrival and the Bali tourist levy (GOV.UK, travel.state.gov)
Weather in Bali in December
| Month (Denpasar) | Max | Min | Rain | Rainy days | Per 7 days | Mean 1991-2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October | 33.6 °C (92 °F) | 23.7 °C (75 °F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 12 | 3 | – |
| November | 32.7 °C (91 °F) | 23.5 °C (74 °F) | 179 mm (7.0 in) | 16 | 4 | 28.0 °C (82 °F) |
| December | 33.0 °C (91 °F) | 23.5 °C (74 °F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) | 22 | 5 | 27.9 °C (82 °F) |
| January | 33.0 °C (91 °F) | 24.1 °C (75 °F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 27 | 6 | 27.8 °C (82 °F) |
Our calculation from these normals: December gets about 1.5 times more rain than November and more than 4 times more than October (63 mm, 2.5 in). January is wetter still (1.2 times December). Over a 7-day stay, expect on average 5 days with rain, against 4 in November and 6 in January. Temperature hardly changes: the mean stays close to 28 °C (82 °F) from November to January, and the gap between day and night is about 9.5 °C (17 °F).
Our page on the best time to visit Bali quotes another set of normals for December (30.8 °C, 87 °F, in the afternoon and 299 mm, 11.8 in): both sources describe the same very wet month, with differences due to the measurement period. These figures apply to the south coast; Ubud and the central highlands are cooler and cloudier.
By region in December
- South (Sanur, Nusa Dua, Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu): the climate in the table; the most practical area to stay, with plenty of activities under cover.
- Ubud and the centre: more frequent showers, but rice terraces at their greenest; ideal for a culture or wellness trip.
- Mountains (Mount Batur, Munduk): summits often in cloud; the sunrise on Batur is a gamble.
- Nusa Penida, Lombok, the Gilis: same rainy season; keep some margin for crossings. See the best time to visit Lombok.
Things to do in Bali in December
- Temples and Balinese culture: offerings, dances and ceremonies can be visited despite the rain; go in the morning, which is often drier.
- Rice terraces and waterfalls: very green and powerful; skip enclosed waterfalls after a heavy storm.
- Wellness: yoga, massages and cooking classes fill stormy afternoons well.
- Beaches: swimming is possible between showers, only where it is allowed and respecting the flags.
- New Year’s Eve: the south of the island (Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu) is where the 31 December action is.
What to avoid or plan around
- Riding a scooter in storms and at night: the UK FCDO notes a large increase in moped and motorbike accidents in Bali and advises wearing a helmet in good condition (GOV.UK, updated 18 September 2026); the U.S. Department of State calls traffic hazardous and says helmets are required by law (travel.state.gov).
- Isolated rural areas after heavy rain: the UK FCDO warns of flash floods and landslides, and says Bali can suffer severe localised flooding causing major traffic disruption (GOV.UK).
- Hiking on a volcano without checking conditions: strictly follow the instructions of the local authorities.
- A tight schedule around Christmas: keep some half-days free.
Festivals and ceremonies in December
The UK FCDO warns of bag-snatching in Bali, particularly in busy tourist areas (GOV.UK), and both governments warn of methanol-contaminated alcoholic drinks in Indonesia: stay vigilant over the festive season, especially at the end of December. For the dates of holidays, book flights and accommodation in advance.
As for Balinese ceremonies, Galungan and Kuningan follow the 210-day Pawukon calendar and can fall at any time of year: check the dates for your stay with the Bali tourist office.
What to pack for Bali in December
- Light, quick-drying clothing
- A poncho or light rain jacket
- Non-slip sandals
- A sarong or an outfit covering shoulders and knees for temples
- Mosquito repellent
- A waterproof pouch for your phone and documents
Before you go
According to the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated July 9, 2026), US citizens need a passport valid for at least six months beyond arrival with at least two blank pages; tourists can get a visa on arrival or apply in advance for an electronic visa on arrival (e-VOA), which costs IDR 500,000, is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for 30 days. According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 18 September 2026), UK citizens must have a visa: a 30-day, single-entry visa on arrival costs IDR 500,000 and can be extended once for 30 days; the passport must be valid for at least 6 months after arrival with at least 2 blank pages. You must also complete the free All Indonesia arrival card within 72 hours of arrival, and a tourist levy of IDR 150,000 (about £8) applies to all foreign tourists arriving in Bali (GOV.UK). On health, GOV.UK lists dengue among the health risks, notes that rabies exists in Bali (street dogs, monkeys around temples) and that tap water is not safe to drink. Details are on our page on entry requirements for Indonesia; rules change often, so check them again before you travel. For more on getting a visa, see our page on the Bali visa.
If December does not suit you
Neighbouring months: Bali in November marks the return of the rains, with fewer showers (179 mm, 7.0 in); Bali in October is still at the end of the dry season. For a really dry sky, aim for April or May. If you are torn with another country, read Bali or Thailand.
Other destinations in December: Thailand in December is in dry season on the Andaman side, and Cape Verde in December stays dry and sunny. All our ideas: where to go in December. To plan the trip: our Bali travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Bali in December?
Hot and humid: around 33 °C (91 °F) in the afternoon, 23.5 °C (74 °F) at night and 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain in Denpasar according to BMKG normals, with 22 rainy days on average.
Is December the rainy season in Bali?
Yes. The rainy season runs from November to March; December is one of the wettest months, just behind January.
Is it a good idea to go to Bali in December?
Yes for culture, rice terraces and wellness, if you accept the showers. For a dry beach trip, the dry season (May to September) is better.
Does it rain every day in Bali in December?
Almost, but rarely all day: expect about 5 days with rain per week, mostly as afternoon or night-time storms.
Do you need a visa for Bali?
Yes: US and UK citizens can get a paid visa on arrival for stays of up to 30 days, according to travel.state.gov and GOV.UK, and a tourist levy applies to foreign tourists arriving in Bali.
Our sources
- Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics (BMKG), via the WMO World Weather Information Service: 1961-1990 normals for Denpasar
- 1991-2020 climate normals from the World Meteorological Organization (NOAA NCEI archive): mean temperature at Ngurah Rai airport station (97230)
- Entry, health and safety information read on 24 October 2026: U.S. Department of State, Indonesia country information (travel.state.gov, last updated July 9, 2026), and UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Indonesia (GOV.UK, updated 18 September 2026)
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.