Bali is a favourite among globetrotters visiting Asia, and is preferred for its lush, green rice terraces and sweeping seashore panoramas. The food, the local vibes, and the affordability all work in favour of this destination being an all-time favourite for beach-goers, nature-lovers, family holidaymakers, and adventurers.
In December, although the whole world is gearing up to enjoy the holiday spirit and welcome the New Year, Bali waits for its yearly monsoons. So, is Bali a right fit for you for a December holiday? Let us find out!
Is December A Good Time To Visit Bali
Bali should definitely be on your travel bucket list if you are a cost-conscious traveller. Come December, and you find that the destination is well under the wet spell of tropical monsoons. This also implies fewer crowds and lower costs in the first few weeks of December before the holiday season starts. But be ready to embrace the rainy weather in December. On the other hand, Bali feels greener and refreshing during December’s monsoon spells.
To sum it up, you will have mixed feelings about visiting Bali in December. If you are planning a laid-back getaway where lazily lounging, staying indoors, and cosying up to the drizzling ambience with good Balinese coffee, enjoying a peaceful break, tops your experience, then Bali has some amazing resorts and attractions for you. However, if it is beaches and underwater adventures you are seeking, give December a miss and plan your holiday in drier months.
Nevertheless, Bali looks incredibly lush and picture-postcard perfect during monsoons and also offers travel amenities at lower prices during early December days, so that’s something you should certainly take advantage of. However, do understand that Bali also goes steeper in price during the Christmas holidays and as the New Year approaches.
Weather in Bali in December
If you take a look at the Bali weather December forecast, usually the mornings are clear and mildly warm. Rains are expected in the afternoons and evenings. There are frequent showers, but in short bursts during early December days. The intensity of rain increases as the month progresses, as January brings in heavy rainfall, being the wettest month in Bali. You can expect around twenty days of rain in Bali in December. So, plan outdoors during the sunny mornings and unwind with massages or exploring indoor attractions during afternoons and evenings.
Coastal regions like Kuta, Canggu, and Seminyak are warmer and have fewer spells of rain showers compared to highlands like Ubud, which is cooler and receives prolonged rains. Then again, seashores in Bali are more prone to winds, strong currents, and thunderstorms in December.
Temperature
- Low: 24 degrees Celsius, High: 31 degrees Celsius
- Humidity: 80 %
- Chance of Rain (%): 60%
- Daylight (Hrs): 12 hours
- Sunrise: 06.00 am
- Sunset: 07:00 pm
Things to do in Bali in December
Pamper yourself in luxury spas
Book Bali packages with stays at a resort and spa, so that you can just revel in the beauty of verdant Bali and indulge in some soul-soothing spa wellness. Canggu and Nusa Dua are the best places to visit in Bali for couples seeking spa relaxation. The wet, monsoon season is secretly the best time to experience a spa holiday in Bali. The whole island is verdant throughout the year, but in the rains, the intense green hues instantly touch a chord of peace within you. The wet, earthy smell melding with aromatic oils, the pitter-patter of raindrops adding a soothing rhythm to the harmony played in the backdrop of the spa, all elevate this experience further to the most rejuvenating spa experience you’ve ever had.
Go for early morning nature hikes
Many may caution you against outdoor adventures, but on early December days, do put on your hiking shoes and explore the verdant sceneries of Bali. Early morning nature hiking is one of the fascinating things to do in Bali in December. Just for once, don’t give in to the cosy ambience and sleep in. Instead, wake up before dawn and head out for a breezy trek to some of the best sunrise spots in Bali. Since early mornings hardly see any rain in December, might as well make the most of it and walk through Campuhan Ridge Walk, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, or Pinggan Village and get awestruck by the vivid splashes of colours on the horizon as dawn breaks, giving you the chance to view the most mesmerising sunrise in your life.
Visit Bali Temples
Some attractions simply cannot be missed, even if the weather plays a spoilsport in Bali. Temples are among the best places to visit in Bali in December. Bali is fondly called the ‘Island of the Gods’ as it is dotted with over 20,000 temples and shrines. Not just for spiritual reasons, the dramatic settings, such as those of Lempuyang Temple and Tanah Lot, add a picturesque angle to your visit. With fewer crowds, you can explore at your own pace without elbowing through throngs of tourists huddled together to get that perfect, Instagram-worthy click to post later. However, respecting the Balinese culture is mandatory while visiting shrines and temples. Make sure you dress in attires that cover your shoulders and knees.
Explore Nusa Dua and Uluwatu
The Bukit Peninsula comparatively receives less rainfall than other regions of Bali in December. Nusa Dua and Uluwatu are home to some of the best beaches in Bali, which are calm and scenic enough to forget your daily grind and just unwind in their beauty. The waters at these beaches are shallow and safer to swim in December. But always look for lifeguards and follow instructions to be safe and avoid complications in your breezy Balinese holiday.
Bali Festivals and Events in December
Christmas and New Year’s Eve
The island gets wrapped in festive decor and celebrations as Christmas and New Year approach, especially in Canggu and Seminyak. The medley of tropical monsoon vibes and festive spirit forms an ambience utterly unique from the chilly, white Christmas or chaotic New Year’s Eve you experience in Western European or American destinations.
When: 25th and 31st December 2025
Location: Throughout the island
Denpasar Festival
Join the locals in the annual celebration, where Bali’s prominent township of Denpasar is decked up in vibrant decor and showcases cultural events, local art shows, parades, and live entertainment to honour the cultural richness of Bali.
When: End of December (dates to be announced).
Location: Denpasar
Pandawa Beach Festival
Be a part of the biggest, most happening beach festival in Bali. Step into a world where fun is the only mood allowed and all you have to do is have a great time amid cultural dances, music, food, and art within the pristine settings of white, sandy shores, the azure sea, and majestic limestone cliffs.
When: 25th December 2025 to 1st January 2026.
Location: Pandawa Beach
Travel Tips to Visit Bali in December
Follow the locals. Every land has its own laws, and when you are visiting, it automatically becomes a default, unsaid rule that you have to honour and follow the norms and customs of the locals. When in doubt, look at locals and follow their lead.
The term ‘Bali belly’ is commonly used to indicate stomach issues for tourists that can be caused by having Balinese warung or food stall foods. It can increase during the rains, so avoid grabbing a bite from outside eateries and food stalls and stick to reputed restaurants for your hunger pangs. Just stand in line where you find crowded stalls, which is an indication that the food is well-reputed, hygienic and doesn’t compromise on the flavours.
Things to Know Before Visiting Bali in December
- Before finalising Bali packages, make sure you apply for the right visa and that your passport has a validity of more than six months.
- Book your stays and flights in advance to take advantage of lower pricing and availability.
- Carry Indonesian Rupiah as loose cash for local purchases. International forex and banking cards only work in high-end hotels, well-established shops, and cafes.
- Take the help of a reputable and comprehensive Bali travel guide so that you can get acquainted with other elements of your travel, such as how to get around Bali, where to stay, and what to eat on a Bali vacation in December.
What to Pack for Bali in December
- Choose light, airy clothes to combat tropical humidity and warm temperatures. Opt for quick-drying materials like light cotton or linen attire.
- Don’t forget to bring your swimwear, as some days are perfect for swimming out in the sea, or you can use it for pools at hotels and resorts.
- While packing, gear up to brace the rains as well, so carry umbrellas, waterproof coats and shoes.
- Sunscreen is non-negotiable, even if you are planning an outing on a cloudy day, so carry one with more than SPF 50. Pests like mosquitoes can be bothersome due to the heavy rains, so include insect repellents as well in your packing list.
Conclusion
So, is December a good time to visit Bali? That totally depends on your budget and the type of holiday you are seeking. For nature-lovers and budget-conscious travellers, December is the best time to visit Bali as this is when you feel the island breathe freshness into every nook and cranny of its scenery and lets you enjoy a blissful time in its verdant, gorgeous splendours.
