December is when the rainy season really gets started in Bali. Although it’s called the rainy season, in reality it doesn’t actually rain for a full day most days. In coastal regions such as Kuta, Sanur and Nusa Dua, it usually only rains for a couple of hours (if that) a day.
Further inland, in places like Ubud and the more mountainous regions, the rain is likely to be more prolonged with downpours sometimes lasting half a day. Although this can be very romantic if you’re tucked away on your balcony with a good book, it does mean that some of the popular activities in Bali – such as white-water rafting – are off the cards. If you are an adventurous person looking to try some of the outdoor activities Bali has to offer, it may be better to visit the island in a drier month such as July.
Despite the slightly unpredictable weather, most activities in Bali continue throughout December as normal and although there are tourists visiting the island for Christmas, you are likely to be able to enjoy a little more peace and quiet during than you would during the summer season.
Surfers looking for good waves tend to head to the east side of the island in the months from December to March and a lot of the huge waves breaking off Nusa Dua work particularly well at this time of year. If you are looking for something a little smaller, the weather in December can make the breaks at Sanur and Ketewel work well, too.