Bali in December – is it a good time to visit? Rainy season meets peak season in Bali in the last month of the year. And if it weren’t for Christmas, this would be off season in the Island of the Gods. While Indonesia is a predominately Muslim country. And Bali is a predominately Hindu society. Nonetheless, Christmas is an official holiday. Moreover, legions of foreign tourists descend on the island to spend their end-of-the-year holiday in a tropical paradise.
In This Post
Bali December Weather
So how is the weather in Bali in December? First of all, Bali has two seasons: wet and dry. Wet season runs from October to April. And dry season runs from May to September.
Because Bali is near the Equator, there is little variation in temperature from month to month. However, there is more chance of rain during wet season. And the humidity tends to higher, as well. On the other hand. the average temperature is slightly lower.
In fact, the weather in December in Bali is the second wettest month of the year. Only January has more rainy days and more rainfall.
More importantly, when it rains, it pours. While the heavy rainfall might only last a few minutes, it can sometimes continue for several days.
I addition, sea conditions in December can be rough. And trash tends to wash up on the beaches in Canggu, Kuta, and Seminyak in December. So it’s not the best time to go swimming in the sea.
| Ave. High | Ave. Low | Ave. Rainfall | Rainy Days | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canggu | 33 C / 91 F | 22 C / 71 F | 11 inches | 22 |
| Denpasar | 33 C / 91 F | 24 C / 74 F | 11 inches | 22 |
| Kuta | 33 C / 91 F | 24 C / 74 F | 11 inches | 22 |
| Sanur | 33 C / 91 F | 24 C / 74 F | 11 inches | 22 |
| Seminyak | 33 C / 91 F | 24 C / 74 F | 11 inches | 22 |
| Ubud | 30 C / 86 F | 22 C / 71 F | 6.9i nches | 22 |
If you would like to know what Bali is like in other months, check out the following link: Best Time to Visit Bali>>
Visiting Bali in December
Rainy season coincides with the peak tourist season in Bali in December. And the number of tourists continues to increase as the month of December progresses.
In fact, clubs fly in famous DJs from around the world to spin the discs. So the island’s clubs will be hopping, especially between just before Christmas until early January.
While you might not be able to spend a lot of time by the pool or at the beach in Bali in December, you can discover some of Bali’s other attractions.
For example, you can visit museums and temples. In addition, you can shop till you drop. Bali has some great shopping! More importantly, you can luxuriate at some of the island’s sumptuous spas.
And I highly recommend the following show, which I absolutely LOVED: Devdan, Treasure of the Archipelago!
What to Do in Bali in December
With the chance to celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year in a tropical paradise, it’s no surprise that December in Bali is peak tourist season in the Island of the Gods! And that is especially true towards the end of the month.
But another one of the highlights of visiting Bali is the chance to stumble upon an unexpected ceremony or festivity. However, they are far too many – and localized – to list.
But every month there is at least one island-wide Hindu celebration. And Bali in December in no exception. While they aren’t targeted at foreign tourists, they can be a feast for the eyes. So keep your eyes open. And have your camera ready!
Denpasar Festival – Ongoing
Denpasar, the capital and largest city in Bali, comes alive in November with the Denpasar Festival, which continues into December. And highlights include fashion shows, musical performances, a photo exhibition, a mask parade, live painting, a handicraft exhibition, and more.
Jalan Padang Galak No. Kesiman, Denpasar, Bali.
Djakarta Warehouse Project – 8 to 10 December 2023
Electronic dance music artists from around the world will perform at the Djakarta Warehouse Project. And they the lineup will include a lineup of world-class performers, with techno, trance, house, trap, hardstyle, and more.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park – Ungasan Village, South Kuta District, Bali.
Saraswati – 15 December 2023
On Saraswati, the Balinese pay homage to the goddess of knowledge and books by sprinkling water on images of her and on books. Children are an important part of the festival as they pray and make offerings to her at the temple of their school.
Future Saraswati Dates
- 13 July 2024
Pagerwesi – 20 December 2023
Pagerwesi is closely related to Saraswati, which is celebrated four days earlier. And its purpose is to protect the knowledge that was gained on Saraswati in the battle against evil.
In fact, it is one of the biggest festivals of the year in Bali. And it is celebrated at night, mostly at home and at the gravesites of deceased family members.
Future Pagerwesi Dates
- 17 July 2024
Christmas – 25 December 2023
Christmas is a national holiday in Indonesia. And Bali is no exception. But it is called Natal, the Portuguese word for Christmas.
According to Asia Exchange, there are a few Christian villages in Bali. Interestingly, Balinese Christians make Christmas trees from chicken feathers. In addition, they make street decorations from coconut leaves.
However, even non-Christian residents of the island celebrate Christmas. But they do it in a secular way. And you can expect Christmas decorations at shopping malls and Christmas dinners at hotels and better restaurants.
Tumpek Landep – 30 December 2023
Car adorned with Tumpek Landep offerings. Photo Credit: Christophe95.
On Tumpek Landep, Hindu believers hang handmade offerings from vehicles and other metal objects and pray to the God of Heirlooms to sharpen their minds.
Tumpek Landep is one of the six auspicious days on the Balinese Pawukon Calendar. In fact, it is the first day of the cycle.
These days occur when the fifth day of the five-day Balinese week falls on a Saturday. And this happens every 35 days. In fact, it takes 210 days to complete the cycle. To clarify, the Balinese Pawukon Year has 210 days.
Click here for more information: Tumpek Days Explained>>
Held Across Bali
Tumpek Landep Dates
- 2024 – 27 July
- 2025 – 22 February; 20 September
- 2026 – 18 April; 14 November
- 2027 – 12 June
New Year’s Eve – 31 December 2023
Bali’s best bars, beach clubs. and hotels put on all manner of New Year’s Eve celebrations, from elegant dinners at fine dining restaurants to spectacular fireworks displays at beach clubs. And the hottest hot spots are Canggu, Kuta, Legian, Nusa Dua, Sanur, Seminyak, and Uluwatu. Moreover, the fun continues through early January.
If You Are Visiting Bali
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- Bali: 700 Year Old Village Keeps Culture Alive While Welcoming Tourists>>
- Balinese New Year Demystified, or Why I’m Extending My Stay>>
