Visiting Indonesia in December — Weather, Christmas & New Year Tips
December is Indonesia’s most expensive and most crowded month. Christmas and New Year brings a surge of international visitors to Bali while New Year’s Eve prices for beach-adjacent hotels spike to annual highs. The wet season is firmly established across Bali, Java, and Lombok — afternoon rains are frequent and can be heavy. For divers, Raja Ampat in December is exceptional. If you travel in December, book everything months in advance and prepare for peak prices.
Weather in December
| Destination | Avg High °C | Rainfall | Humidity | Sea Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bali | 29 | High (250mm) | 85% | Choppy on south coast |
| Yogyakarta | 30 | High (260mm) | 86% | Inland — N/A |
| Jakarta | 31 | Very high (330mm) | 87% | Rough in Java Sea |
| Lombok | 29 | High (240mm) | 84% | Choppy — wet season |
| Raja Ampat | 31 | Moderate (170mm) | 78% | Calm — excellent diving |
Wet vs Dry: Regional Overview
Bali: Peak wet season is building. Early December can still have good mornings, but by mid-to-late December rainfall is frequent and heavy. Flooding is rare in elevated areas (Ubud, Bedugul) but can occur on Kuta and Legian beach roads. The festive atmosphere is genuine — Bali’s Hindu majority observes Christmas as a broadly festive period, and the large Christian and expat communities add to the energy.
Java: Heavy wet season. Jakarta is prone to flooding in December — choose accommodation away from the Ciliwung flood zone. Yogyakarta is better elevated but temple visits can be disrupted by heavy rain. Borobudur sunrise is possible on clear mornings.
Lombok: Wet season in full swing. Gili Islands are accessible but exposed — crossings can be rough on heavy rain days. Rinjani trails are closed.
Raja Ampat: One of the best months for diving. December sits in the heart of the calm season. Visibility is often 25–35 metres. Mantas, whale sharks (sightings more likely here than almost anywhere), and the famously rich reef biodiversity are all accessible.
Events in December
Christmas (25 December — national public holiday): Observed nationwide. Churches across Flores, North Sulawesi, and parts of Kalimantan and Papua hold midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Larantuka on Flores is famous for its Catholic processions — book accommodation very early if attending. Bali’s Seminyak and Canggu run Christmas brunches at major hotels, from approximately IDR 350,000–700,000 per person as of 2026.
New Year’s Eve (31 December): The biggest single night of the year in Bali. Kuta Beach, Seminyak, and Canggu host large public parties — some ticketed, from approximately IDR 200,000–600,000 per person for beach club events as of 2026. Major hotels all hold ticketed dinners; prices surge significantly. Book tables and accommodation for New Year’s Eve by September if possible.
Boxing Day (26 December): Public holiday for Christian communities; significant domestic travel day.
Eid/Ramadan: In some years Ramadan begins in late December. Check indonesia.go.id for the current year’s Islamic calendar — this would affect food availability and atmosphere in Muslim-majority areas.
Where to Stay
Bali (Seminyak/Canggu — Christmas/New Year — BOOK EARLY)
- The Layar: private villas, from approximately USD 600/night as of 2026 in peak New Year period
- Katamama: boutique luxury, from approximately USD 350/night as of 2026
- The Surfer Girl Inn: budget guesthouse, from approximately USD 55/night as of 2026 in December peak
- W Bali Seminyak: beachfront luxury, from approximately USD 500/night as of 2026 in Christmas/New Year week
Raja Ampat (December dive season — book months ahead)
- Papua Paradise Eco Resort: from approximately USD 300/night as of 2026
- Kri Eco Resort: budget dive option, from approximately USD 95/night as of 2026
- Dewi Nusantara Liveaboard: from approximately USD 380/person/night as of 2026
Flores (Labuan Bajo — Christmas)
- Plataran Komodo Beach Resort: from approximately USD 340/night as of 2026
- Hotel Bintang Flores: from approximately USD 80/night as of 2026
Where to Eat
Bali (Seminyak — Christmas/New Year):
- Merah Putih: modern Indonesian cuisine, bamboo interior, approximately IDR 250,000–500,000 per person as of 2026; Christmas set menus run higher
- La Lucciola: beachside Italian with Bali-sunset views, approximately IDR 200,000–400,000 per person as of 2026
- Fat Gajah (Canggu): popular brunch and dinner, approximately IDR 100,000–200,000 per dish as of 2026
Bali (Ubud — quieter Christmas alternative):
- Locavore: tasting menu approximately IDR 900,000–1,300,000 per person as of 2026
- Bridges: riverfront fine dining, approximately IDR 300,000–500,000 per person as of 2026
Raja Ampat: Meals included at most dive resorts. In Waisai: basic warungs approximately IDR 30,000–60,000 as of 2026.
December Packing List
- Good rain jacket — afternoon rain is heavy and frequent
- Quick-dry clothing exclusively
- Reef-safe sunscreen (still needed on dry mornings)
- Formal dinner outfit if attending New Year’s Eve events
- All accommodation and restaurant bookings pre-confirmed in writing
- Cash in IDR — ATMs at popular Bali spots run dry on New Year’s Eve
- Insect repellent
- Dive log and certification card for Raja Ampat
- Waterproof bag for cameras and electronics
Best For / Avoid If
Best for:
- New Year’s Eve in Bali — genuinely festive atmosphere
- Raja Ampat diving — peak season conditions
- Christmas in Flores — authentic Catholic celebrations in a remote setting
- Those who don’t mind wet season in exchange for the festive period
Avoid if:
- Budget is a constraint — this is the most expensive month by far
- You haven’t booked months ahead — New Year’s Bali accommodation is sold out early
- You want guaranteed beach weather — wet season is fully underway
- Jakarta is on your itinerary in late December — flooding risk is real
Practical Notes
All prices are approximate as of 2026 and are at annual peak for December. New Year’s Eve hotel prices can be 2–3x their standard rate. Book flights to Bali for Christmas/New Year at least 4–5 months ahead. Ramadan and Eid dates vary — verify at indonesia.go.id. For BMKG flood alerts in Jakarta, check bmkg.go.id. Raja Ampat liveaboard availability in December fills fast — contact operators by August/September.
Book an experience
Top tours to book now
Already planning? These are the most popular experiences for this destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the weather like in Bali in December?
- December is peak wet season in Bali. Average rainfall exceeds 250mm for the month, humidity reaches around 85%, and afternoon rains are frequent and can be heavy. Mornings are often clear. Beach conditions on the south coast are choppy. Java and Lombok are similarly wet.
- Is December good for diving in Raja Ampat?
- December is one of the best months for Raja Ampat diving. It sits in the heart of the calm season (October through April) with visibility regularly reaching 25–35 metres. Mantas, whale sharks, and the full diversity of the reef are accessible. Liveaboard availability fills fast — book by August or September.
- How much does accommodation cost in Bali at New Year?
- New Year's Eve accommodation in Bali runs at annual peaks — some properties charge 2–3 times their standard rate for the 31 December night. Luxury villas on Petitenget start from approximately USD 500–600/night, boutique hotels from approximately USD 300/night. Budget guesthouses from approximately USD 55/night. Book by September for the best availability.
- What happens in Bali at Christmas and New Year?
- Christmas is a national public holiday in Indonesia. Bali's large expat and international visitor community makes it genuinely festive, with Christmas brunches at major hotels and active beach club scenes. New Year's Eve is the biggest night of the year in Bali — Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu host large public parties and ticketed beach club events from approximately IDR 200,000–600,000 per person.
- Should I avoid Jakarta in December?
- Jakarta in late December carries flooding risk — the city sits at sea level and its drainage system struggles with the very high rainfall (over 330mm in December). Accommodation in low-lying areas near the Ciliwung flood zone should be avoided. The risk is highest in late December and January.
- Is Christmas in Flores special?
- Yes. Flores has a large Catholic population and Christmas is genuinely significant there. Larantuka on Flores is famous for its Easter and Christmas Catholic processions — book accommodation very early if attending. It offers an authentic alternative to Bali's more commercial festive atmosphere.