The wet season becomes established in parts of the country with humid conditions and regular heavy showers, though pockets of dry weather persist. Travel disruptions are more likely and some remote roads or ferries can be affected.
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Average temperature across Indonesia in December.
Northern and Western Sumatra
December returns to the full wet-monsoon rhythm: frequent storms, high humidity and occasional localized flooding in urban corridors like Medan. Lake Toba can be mist-shrouded and atmospheric but chilly at night. For travellers this is low season for many activities; pack for rain, accept possible itinerary changes, and enjoy quieter cultural sites if you don’t mind wet weather.
Central and Eastern Java, Bali, Lombok
December is wetter and stormier, with Jakarta especially prone to short but intense flooding events and Bali receiving steady tropical showers. Mountain sunrise treks can be socked in, but cultural sites are quieter and hotels can run holiday-season pricing spikes around Christmas and New Year. If traveling in December, expect intermittent downpours and plan buffer days for transfers and flights.
Indonesian Borneo
December returns to a wet, humid rhythm with regular cloudbursts and high river levels across Kalimantan. Urban areas are hot and muggy; long-river journeys are evocative but slower. For travellers this is off-peak for overland exploration; plan buffer days for any river or flight connections and accept that schedules may shift with the weather.
December returns to a wet and humid pattern across most of Sulawesi and the Malukus, with heavy afternoon storms and choppier seas. Many rural roads become harder to traverse and some ferry routes operate on reduced schedules. Cultural sites remain open and are less crowded, but plan extra time for connections and prepare for frequent showers and damp conditions.
Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, Sumba, Komodo National Park
December typically brings frequent tropical showers and rising humidity across the Lesser Sundas; Labuan Bajo and northern Flores experience heavier rainfall and rougher seas at times. Christmas and New Year bookings can still push up prices in limited resort areas, but general travel is slower and boat services can be affected by squalls. Pack for rain, and plan flexible onward connections.
Western New Guinea: Highlands and Coastal Papua, Raja Ampat area
December is often wet and humid across coastal and lowland Papua, with high river levels and unpredictable boat conditions; Raja Ampat receives frequent tropical showers and highland trails are again wet and slippery. Holidays and festival travel can still occur but logistics are weather-sensitive. If visiting in December, build buffer days into your itinerary, bring robust wet-weather gear, and expect occasional flight and ferry disruptions.
End-of-year holidays increase domestic and international travel, particularly to Bali and popular beach destinations.
See how December compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.