Indonesia in December: A Rainy Aesthetic
December marks the start of the rainy season in Indonesia, but you can still explore the country’s ancient temples, rolling volcanic hills, and bustling cities. It is a low-season month, so there will be fewer tourist crowds if you are traveling to Indonesia in December, except around Christmas and New Year. Whether you choose to explore Jakarta’s bustling city scene, discover the isolated regions of Tana Toraja, or simply lose yourself in the tranquil paradise of Bali, you will have a great time.
- Reece Harrison-strati
- From England
Indonesia Weather in December
The monsoon starts in Indonesia in December, with a rainfall average of 244mm throughout the month. Although this may seem like a lot, it does not rain all day as it does in North America or Europe. Instead, the humidity will increase over the course of the morning and early afternoon before the heavens open and a deluge soaks the land for just a few hours at a time. Temperatures do not fluctuate too much, though. The countrywide temperature average is 27°C.
Get a seasonal outline of the country, by reading our travel guide on the best time to visit Indonesia.
Weather in Indonesia in December - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 30 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 33 | 32 | 31 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 26 | 26 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 86 | 86 | 88 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 90 | 90 | 92 | 90 | 88 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 79 | 79 | 79 | 79 | 79 | 79 | 79 | 79 | 79 | 81 | 79 | 79 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 98 | 84 | 75 | 84 | 53 | 47 | 31 | 50 | 26 | 50 | 90 | 73 |
| Nov | Dec | Jan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 32 | 31 | 30 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 26 | 26 | 26 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 90 | 88 | 86 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 79 | 79 | 79 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 90 | 73 | 98 |
Why Visit Indonesia in December
One of the upsides of visiting Indonesia in December is that the rainy weather keeps the tourist crowds away. The country’s popular sights and attractions are not packed, and accommodation rates are also a lot cheaper than during the peak tourist season. Here are some other reasons why visiting Indonesia in December is a good idea:
- Penglipuran village festival: Penglipuran Village Festival is held in mid-December and runs for 10 days. Every year, people in the village of Penglipuran in Bali hold this festival to celebrate, promote, and preserve the memories of their ancestors through a week of art and cultural performance.
- Christmas celebrations: Although Islam is the predominant religion in Indonesia, the country also has a small Christian population that celebrates Christmas. Many Christian Indonesians attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve and celebrate with their friends and families.
- Denpasar festival: The Denpasar festival is a great way to immerse yourself in authentic Indonesian culture. With its array of events, exhibitions, seminars, talk shows, and art and cultural entertainment, the festival introduces visitors to the authentic land of the North Market, Denpasar.
- Rambu Solo: The people of Tana Toraja, a remote, landlocked region of Indonesia, observe this unusual funeral tradition in December to honor the spirits of the dead. The event attracts visitors from all over the world.
Where to Go and What to Do
Indonesia is a budget-friendly destination, so if you are looking to maximize experiences on a shoestring, this island country is for you. Although December is part of the rainy season in Indonesia, you will still find plenty of things to see and do here.
The sprawling metropolis of Indonesia’s capital city, Jakarta, is worth taking time to explore. Located on Java Island’s northwest coast, this city is an excellent place to experience its nightlife, food, and culture. Head to Jakarta, home to some of the best museums, national parks, mosques, and cathedrals. Not far off from Jakarta are the Thousand Islands, where there are several snorkeling sites.
Renowned for its laid-back atmosphere and fabulous beaches, a vacation in Bali will make your trip more fun and exciting. Enjoy a surfing holiday on Seminyak Beach and explore the Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest.
For the history buff, Yogyakarta is one of the best places to visit in Indonesia. Spend a day taking in both the Borobudur and Prambanan Temples (the latter has been hailed as one of the most beautiful temples in the world). Take a sunrise tour and admire the intricate details of these ancient structures.
For nature lovers, the Komodo National Park is one of the most famous places in Indonesia to catch a glimpse of the Komodo Dragon. Also part of this national park is the Gili Islands, rich in marine life, including endangered dugongs and blue whales.
Add Tana Toraja to your bucket list if you want to discover and engage with Indonesia’s fascinating traditional cultures. This isolated region of Indonesia, also known as the “Land of Heavenly Kings," is a mysterious location tucked away behind the towering mountains and jagged cliffs of Sulawesi Island.
Indonesia is an exciting and unique destination to add to your travel bucket list. Though the weather will not always be on your side if you visit Indonesia in December, you will get to enjoy the country’s sights and attractions with fewer tourists around. Plus, you might also get good deals on airfare and accommodation.
Other Related Articles:
Indonesia in November
Indonesia in January
Indonesia Private Tours
Indonesia Group Tours
Winter in Indonesia
