Bali in December: Weather, the 2026 Rainy-Season Forecast and Trip Planning

December is when Bali’s wet season begins. It’s still warm, the sea is warm, and the island is busy over Christmas and New Year, but you should expect rain, mostly in short heavy bursts. In 2026 the picture is a little different. A very strong El Niño is under way, and Indonesia’s weather agency, BMKG, forecasts that the rains will arrive later than usual and the season will be shorter. Here’s what the forecast says for Bali, area by area.

What BMKG forecasts for Bali in 2026-27

The Bali Climatology Station, part of BMKG’s regional office in Denpasar, gave its forecast at the end of September 2026. The main points:

• The start. Only about 15 percent of Bali, three of its 20 forecast zones, is expected to start the rainy season at the end of November 2026. They are the districts of Banjar, Sukasada, Baturiti, Pupuan, Petang and Payangan. The other 85 percent of the island starts in December.
• Later than normal. Every one of the 20 zones is forecast to start later than the usual date, and for 70 percent of them the delay is three 10-day periods or more. In some places it’s six or seven.
• The peak. Most of Bali should have its heaviest rain in February 2027.
• The length. The west, north and east coasts are forecast to have rain for 10 to 15 ten-day periods, which is roughly 100 to 150 days. Eastern Bali out to Nusa Penida should have the shortest season, 10 to 12 periods, and central Bali the longest, 16 to 18.

BMKG’s national statement of 22 September 2026 said a “very strong” El Niño is in progress, with the rains delayed in about 61 percent of the country, and that a season shortened this way can bring the same amount of rain in less time. The Bali forecasters repeated the warning about more intense bursts.

What that means for a December trip

• Early December may be drier than usual, because the start is forecast late. It isn’t a guarantee, and the six districts above may see rain first.
• Rain tends to come in showers, so plan sightseeing in the morning and keep the afternoon flexible for a spa, a cooking class or a long lunch.
• The east may see the shortest wet season. That’s the forecast from east Bali to Nusa Penida. See our guide to where to stay in Bali.
• Allow slack. Don’t pack the day around one outdoor activity, such as a sunrise trek or a boat trip.

Christmas and New Year

The last week of December and the New Year are typically among the busiest times on the island, so book villas, drivers and any boat trips early. Foreign visitors pay a one-off levy of Rp150,000 for each visit to Bali, paid online. For a plan with the right bases, see our Bali itinerary for seven and ten days and our luxury Bali guide.

When to go instead

If you’d rather avoid the rain, the dry season, roughly April to October, is the usual choice. See our best time to visit Bali page.

Planning it with My Way Travel

We plan private trips in Bali with a driver and guide, villas and hotels in the right areas, and flexible days for the weather. My Way Travel is rated 4.8 to 5.0 on Tripadvisor across its listings in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Spain, Germany and the United States, with more than 3,000 reviews in total. Have a look at our Bali tours or tell us your dates.

Sources (read in Indonesian): BMKG’s press release of 22 September 2026; RRI’s report of 29 September 2026 on the Bali Climatology Station’s forecast. Last checked November 2026.

Bali in December: FAQ

Is December a good time to visit Bali?

It’s the start of the wet season, so expect showers, but it’s warm and busy at Christmas and New Year. In 2026 the rains are forecast to start later than usual.

When does the rainy season start in Bali in 2026?

At the end of November in parts of the hills and north, and in December for about 85 percent of the island, according to the Bali Climatology Station.

When is the heaviest rain in Bali?

Most of Bali is forecast to peak in February 2027.

Which part of Bali is driest in December?

No area is guaranteed dry, but eastern Bali out to Nusa Penida is forecast to have the shortest wet season.

Why is the 2026 rainy season late?

A very strong El Niño. BMKG says it delays the rains across most of Indonesia and can shorten the season.

Is Bali crowded in December?

Yes, especially from Christmas to New Year, so book accommodation and transport early.