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Is December a Good Time to Visit Bali?
Yes, December is a good time to visit Bali despite being the wet season. The rainfall makes the gardens and rice fields a vivid, lush green and the flowers blossom spectacularly. Water sports and adventurous activities like river rafting remain available throughout December, and the festive atmosphere adds a special energy to the island.
While you can expect afternoon rain showers, mornings in Bali in December are typically clear and warm — giving you plenty of time for sightseeing, beach visits, and outdoor adventures before the rains arrive. Hotels and attractions are also often less crowded than during the peak dry season, and prices can be more favourable.
Weather in Bali in December
December falls in Bali's wet season, which runs from November to March. The average daytime temperature hovers around 27°C, making it warm throughout. Humidity is noticeably higher during the wet season, and afternoon rain showers are common — particularly in the interior and highland areas like Ubud and Kintamani.
Coastal areas like Kuta, Seminyak, and Sanur generally receive less rain than the inland regions. Morning hours are typically dry and sunny, making them ideal for outdoor activities. Packing a light rain jacket and drying quickly in the warm tropical air is all that is needed.
Average 27°C
Afternoon showers
Lush green scenery
Fewer tourists
Things to Do in Bali in December
Take a Banana Boat Ride
Aboard a yellow banana-shaped inflatable boat attached to a rapid speedboat, the banana boat ride is one of Bali's most popular beach activities year-round. The boat travels in a series of sharp hops, twists, and turns — available on Bali's main beaches and throughout December.
Attend the Denpasar Festival
The Denpasar Festival is one of the most celebrated events in Bali in December. Held in the capital city of Denpasar, the festival showcases traditional Balinese art including dance performances, culinary exhibitions, handicraft displays, and cultural competitions. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience authentic Balinese culture up close.
Visit a Balinese Hindu Temple
December is an excellent time to visit Bali's famous temples, many of which host special ceremonies during the festive season. Tanah Lot, Besakih, Ulun Danu Bratan, and Tirta Empul are all worth visiting. Remember to wear a sarong when entering temple grounds.
White Water Rafting
The wet season actually makes river rafting in Bali more exciting — the Ayung River and Telaga Waja River have higher water levels and stronger rapids in December. Book river rafting in Bali for an adrenaline-fuelled adventure through lush jungle gorges.
Explore the Ubud Monkey Forest
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud is lush and beautifully atmospheric in the wet season. The forest feeds and protects over 1,059 monkeys within ancient temple ruins surrounded by towering rainforest trees. A must-visit for families and nature lovers in December.
Tumpek Kandang Festival
Tumpek Kandang is a traditional Balinese Hindu festival celebrated in December to honour and worship animals. Ceremonies take place across the island where animals are blessed and adorned with offerings — a unique cultural experience rarely seen by tourists outside of Bali.
Romantic Experiences in December
Bali in December is magical for couples. Seek blessings from Hindu temples together, enjoy a dinner date on a beach under the stars, stay overnight at a beachside villa, take a sunset cruise, or book a traditional Balinese couples spa treatment in Ubud or Seminyak.
What to Pack for Bali in December
- Light, comfortable cotton clothing — shorts, skirts, t-shirts, and breathable tops
- A light rain jacket or compact umbrella for afternoon showers
- Long-length dresses or sarongs for temple visits (many temples provide them for a small fee)
- Waterproof sandals or flip flops that dry quickly
- High-SPF sunscreen — the tropical sun is strong even on cloudy wet season days
- Insect repellent — humidity increases mosquito activity
- A small waterproof bag for day trips and beach outings
Getting Around Bali in December
The best way to explore Bali in December is by renting a scooter or hiring a private driver. A Bali bike rental gives you the flexibility to stop wherever you like, particularly for scenic wet-season rice terrace views. For longer trips or families, a Bali car rental provides comfort and protection from the rain.
Top Bali Attractions to Visit in December
All of Bali's major attractions remain open throughout December. Some of the best to visit during this time:
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Frequently Asked Questions — Bali in December
Yes, December is a good time to visit Bali despite the wet season. The island is lush and green, there are fewer tourists than the peak dry season, and adventurous activities like river rafting and beach sports remain fully available.
Top activities include attending the Denpasar Festival, taking a banana boat ride, visiting Balinese Hindu temples, white water rafting, exploring the Ubud Monkey Forest, and watching traditional Kecak dance performances.
Bali in December is warm and humid rather than extremely hot. The average daytime temperature is around 27°C. Afternoon showers are common but mornings are generally clear and sunny.
Wear comfortable, light cotton clothing. Shorts, skirts, t-shirts, and breathable tops are ideal. Pack a light rain jacket for afternoon showers and long-length clothing for temple visits.
The Denpasar Festival (traditional Balinese art showcase) and Tumpek Kandang (animal worship festival) are the main celebrations in Bali in December.
Couples can seek blessings at Hindu temples, enjoy a candlelit beach dinner under the stars, take a sunset cruise, stay at a beachside villa, or book a traditional Balinese couples spa in Ubud or Seminyak.
Popular water sports in Bali in December include surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, white water rafting on the Telaga Waja or Ayung River, and sea walking.
Yes, all major Bali attractions including Bali Zoo, Waterbom Bali, Bali Bird Park, Ubud Monkey Forest, and Mount Batur remain open throughout December.