I visited Bali in December, during the wet season between Christmas and New Year, which is often referred to as the worst time to be on the Island of Gods.
Despite TikTok’s warnings, I still fell in love with its vivid green landscapes, which don’t need any filter, and authentic Balinese culture, especially when avoiding tourist hotspots.
In this blog post, you will find 10 reasons to love your time in Bali despite the rainy days. So, pack the right items and prepare for the rainy adventures ahead!
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If you need a little push to book that flight to Bali in December, I’m your person!
Let’s be honest: not everyone can pick their vacation days. If Bali is your dream, but the wet season is your only option, I’m here to say go for it! Bali will shower you with unforgettable experiences—literally.
- Bali’s Rainy Season: My Recent Experience
- Bali in December & Things to Know
- 10 Ways Bali in December Will Make You Fall in Love
- 1. Suggestive Atmosphere and Relaxing Tropical Rain Sounds
- 2. Vivid Green Nature That Don’t Need Any Filter
- 3. Waterfalls in Full Flow
- 4. Great Waves on The East Coast
- 5. Adventure Activities Like Rafting & Canyoning
- 6. Fewer Crowds if You Avoid the Christmas-New Year Peak Season
- 7. Enjoy Reduced Rates for Fabulous Hotels
- 8. Discover the Balinese Culture Through Indoor Activities
- 9. Experience Relaxing Spa Treatments and Balinese Massages
- 10. Festive Atmosphere in Balinese Style
Bali’s Rainy Season: My Recent Experience
Let me be honest: I doubted my decision to travel to Bali in December until the very last moment.
I’d been watching TikToks of expats talking about the worst monsoon season in years, and it was discouraging. But I had a dream about Bali and knew I had to go. So, I decided to embrace whatever weather Bali had in store for me.
As it turned out, I got lucky. It rained daily, but only while I was on the bus moving from one place to another—not the torrential downpours I’d feared. We even witnessed a couple of sunny days and clear skies!

My itinerary included fun activities like rafting, snorkeling, surfing, and a ferry trip to the Gili Islands. None of them were canceled due to rain, so luck was on my side.
That’s not to say I didn’t get wet—I was at Uluwatu Temple during the heaviest rainfall—but over a 10-day trip, only one day was a total rain disaster, and that was the day I left.
So, if you ask me, I’d still recommend going if it’s your only chance to visit Bali. Just be flexible and have a plan B in case of heavy rain.
Bali in December & Things to Know
Bali’s rainy season runs from November to March. The average daily temperature is around 84°F (29°C), with high humidity and occasional rain showers. It might rain daily, but it usually doesn’t last long.
In my experience, rain tends to arrive at night or early in the morning. And yes, mosquitoes love this weather, so pack some strong insect repellent.
I know what you may think now: “Where’s the but?“
Well, here it is: If you skip the last two weeks of December, you’ll likely avoid the tourist crowds that hit Bali during Christmas and New Year.

If you avoid Canggu, Seminyak, or Ubud, you won’t see many tourists elsewhere.
The rainy season is the best time to enjoy Bali’s natural beauty. The forests and rice paddies become vibrantly green thanks to the constant rain.
Even if it rains, there are plenty of activities to immerse yourself in Balinese culture, such as cooking, yoga, and jewelry-making classes. You can also relax with a spa day and an authentic Balinese massage.
And now, let’s dive deeper into why Bali is still worth visiting in December!
There will be fewer Gojek and Grab scooter drivers during rainy days. It will also be more difficult to have food delivered and it will require a tip. So, plan ahead for that!
10 Ways Bali in December Will Make You Fall in Love
1. Suggestive Atmosphere and Relaxing Tropical Rain Sounds
If you ask me, there’s nothing quite like waking up to the soft sound of a tropical thunderstorm, the rain tapping a soothing rhythm on your window as you enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
Or imagine falling asleep, wrapped in the cozy warmth of your bungalow surrounded by the jungle, with the sound of rain creating a natural lullaby.

These moments were magical for me, allowing me to deeply connect with the surrounding nature and reflect on my Bali adventure.
What they say about Bali is true. If you immerse yourself in nature rather than the tourist-filled bars, you’ll discover how the island speaks to you through its nature’s power, which still prevails despite the over-tourism.

Its spirituality is authentic, and the rain provides the perfect backdrop for introspection and meditation.
And there’s something truly special about watching the sky clear after heavy rainfall as the shy sun emerges from behind the clouds, revealing a fresh and “almost new” world.
2. Vivid Green Nature That Don’t Need Any Filter
According to Bali.com, visiting Bali in December allows you to see the most vibrant green landscapes imaginable with your own eyes. And I can back them up on that!
Picture yourself surrounded by the deep, intense greens of the jungle as you trek towards a hidden waterfall. The air is alive with the scent of rain.
Rice terraces of Jatiluwih and Ubud glow with vivid light green, creating a patchwork of green and rain-filled wells.

These breathtaking sights make you forget any inconvenience of traveling during the rainy season. We have to thank the pouring rain for this beauty, as it breathes life into the landscape.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces is the perfect rice terrace to visit if you want to avoid the crowds of the Tegalalang Rice Terraces in Ubud. Despite the high season, we only encountered a few people.

These terraces offer a unique opportunity to capture stunning views and the ingenuity and hard work of Balinese farmers cultivating rice here for thousands of years.
You might even spot locals taking a refreshing bath in the clear waters that flow directly from the jungle.
3. Waterfalls in Full Flow
The wet season is the perfect time to experience Bali’s waterfalls in their full flow.
Bathing under a waterfall, feeling its powerful cascade as it reminds you of nature’s strength, is a primal experience I’ll never forget.
I visited Leke Leke Waterfall, which is near Tabanan and not far from Ubud. This small yet mighty waterfall is tucked away in the heart of the jungle.

To my surprise, we had this natural wonder almost to ourselves, with only a couple of people nearby taking photos.
Wear sturdy flip-flops, as the path can be muddy and slippery.
The journey through the jungle, with the sound of the waterfall growing louder, is an adventure. But trust me, once you reach the waterfall, the view will make you forget all about your muddy feet.
4. Great Waves on The East Coast
If you’re a surf enthusiast or want to take some lessons, the rainy season is the perfect time to enjoy great waves without the crowds (except during the holiday season, of course).
While the weather can be unpredictable, there are still plenty of days to enjoy Bali’s stunning beaches and catch the perfect wave.
The East Coast of Bali is mainly known for its ideal waves during this season, so if you have to choose a spot, that’s the place to be.

I had a fantastic first-time surfing adventure in Uluwatu, a popular destination among surfers in Bali. We found a surf instructor on Padang Padang Beach, which was terrific.
Even though Uluwatu isn’t on the East Coast, the sea conditions were perfect. This side of Bali offers the ideal island-vibe experience with its beautiful beaches, stunning beach clubs, and plenty of fashionable boutiques.
5. Adventure Activities Like Rafting & Canyoning
The rainy season is the ideal time to experience thrilling outdoor activities and water sports like rafting and canyoning as the rivers swell with water, making your adventure even more exciting.
Imagine navigating a mid-level rafting course surrounded by the lush, untamed vegetation of Ubud.

Numerous rafting services offer a fun and rewarding experience on the Ayung River. The Indonesian guides are known for their lively spirit, adding extra fun to the experience.
Wear sturdy flip-flops and clothes you don’t mind getting soaked in because you will get wet!
We had a great time with Graha Adventure Rafting, and the service was excellent. After the rafting experience, you can shower, change, and have lunch included in the ticket at the company’s base.
6. Fewer Crowds if You Avoid the Christmas-New Year Peak Season
Visiting Bali in December has its perks. If you avoid the weeks from Christmas to New Year, you can experience Bali without the usual crowds that head to the Island of the Gods for its tropical climate during the dry season.
With this in mind, I’d be more than happy to keep visiting Bali during the rainy season, hoping for the same good luck I’ve enjoyed before
7. Enjoy Reduced Rates for Fabulous Hotels
If you’re looking to save money in the already affordable Bali, the rainy season is the ideal time to enjoy stunning villas with pools, luxury resorts, and bungalows nestled in nature for half the price you’d pay in the summer.

While this doesn’t apply during Christmas and New Year, planning your trip in November or from February to March can help you save big bucks.
8. Discover the Balinese Culture Through Indoor Activities
Some days, the rain may keep you indoors, but that doesn’t have to be a downside if you know how to make the most of it.
A rainy day is the perfect opportunity to engage in indoor cultural experiences that bring you closer to the vibrant and authentic Balinese culture.
Depending on your interests, you can attend a fun cooking class where a local will show you how to prepare one of Bali’s typical dishes. This is a good way to learn how much spice goes into the food you’ll be eating.

If you enjoy fitness and spirituality, a yoga and meditation class can help you connect more deeply to the ancient Balinese practices of these arts.
Alternatively, try your hand at a jewelry-making class. Guided by an expert, you’ll learn to craft beautiful pieces from silver or wax, creating a unique “souvenir” of your time in Bali.
So, even when the rain falls, plenty of activities may fill your day. Don’t let the weather keep you on your guesthouse’s couch, scrolling through Instagram!
9. Experience Relaxing Spa Treatments and Balinese Massages
Continuing with the theme of indoor and cultural activities in Bali, relaxation is part of the experience.
You won’t find a street without a spa, ranging from simple and affordable to the most luxurious and well-appointed.

Have you even been to Bali if you haven’t carved out an hour for a traditional Balinese massage? It’s incredibly easy to find, and for less than $10, you’ll be treated to an hour of relaxation.
If the day looks gloomy and the rain seems endless, why not book a spa day near your guesthouse? This is all part of the Bali experience, offering the tranquility needed after the most exciting outdoor explorations.
It’s the perfect way to recharge, ensuring you’ll be ready for the next adventure when the rain stops.
10. Festive Atmosphere in Balinese Style
Finally, if you’re brave enough to visit Bali between Christmas and New Year, you’ll experience how the Balinese embrace these holidays. While most Balinese are Hindu, they will make you feel at home!
Many Balinese people will wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Some hotels even display Christmas trees and gifts, adding a festive touch to your stay.
In places like Seminyak or Canggu, the already vibrant nightlife becomes even more exciting, with famous DJs flying in for New Year’s events.

If you’re seeking a unique NYE experience, head to Gili Trawangan. There, amidst the occasional heavy rain, you’ll find horses trotting along the streets, rusty bicycles, and plenty of people celebrating outdoors.
Adventure is the order of the day, making it a memorable way to ring in the New Year.
This blog post was all about the 10 reasons Bali is still worth visiting in December, even in the rain.
I can’t claim December is the best time to visit Bali—the dry season has perks and plenty of sunshine hours. However, if you’re considering giving up on your trip based on what you see online, don’t! You never know what surprises Bali has in store for you! 🌴

If You’re Planning A Trip to Bali in December, Make Sure to Check Out The Below
- 23 Bali Essentials: What to Pack for Bali’s Rainy Season To Enjoy Your Adventure
- The Only Guide You Need to Experience Bali On A Budget
- 7 Best Restaurants in Bali You Won’t Regret Trying in 2025!
DISCLAIMER: These suggestions are purely based on my experiences during my trips and are meant to provide helpful tips for your adventure. All information and instructions reflect my personal experiences and knowledge at the time of writing and may have changed since then. You must double-check all the details before your trip to ensure accuracy. The opinions and recommendations shared here are rooted in my unique journey through Asia.
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