Lombok in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Lombok

31°C (88°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

85mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season weather - only 85mm (3.3 inches) of rainfall across 10 days, making it ideal for Gili Islands hopping and this destination trekking
Consistent 31°C (88°F) highs with cooling trade winds from the southeast, perfect for all-day outdoor activities without extreme heat
Crystal clear waters with 20-30m (65-98 ft) visibility for diving and snorkeling - best underwater conditions of the year
Local harvest season means fresh tropical fruits at rock-bottom prices and traditional Sasak celebration foods available at village markets

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to shoulder months and popular beaches get crowded between 10am-3pm
Strong Angin Timur (easterly winds) can make boat transfers to Gili Islands choppy - expect 45-60 minute rides instead of the usual 30 minutes
this destination summit permits book out 4-6 weeks in advance during December, limiting spontaneous trekking plans

Best Activities in December

Gili Islands Multi-Island Snorkeling Tours

December offers the calmest seas and clearest water visibility of the year around the Gili Islands. Morning tours (8am-1pm) avoid afternoon wind pickup and tourist crowds. The coral gardens at Gili Meno's northwest point are pristine, and you'll spot green turtles feeding in the shallow turtle grass beds. Water temperature sits at a comfortable 27°C (81°F) requiring only a thin wetsuit.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through operators with safety certifications. Expect to pay 400,000-600,000 IDR ($25-38 USD) for full-day tours including equipment and lunch. Morning departure tours offer better conditions and smaller groups.

Mount Rinjani Base Camp Trekking

December's dry conditions make the trek to Senaru Crater Rim (2,641m/8,665ft) ideal with minimal mud and clear mountain views. Temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F) at night, providing relief from coastal humidity. The traditional December timing coincides with local Sasak harvest ceremonies at base villages, offering cultural immersion opportunities.

Booking Tip: Book permits minimum 3-4 weeks ahead as December slots fill quickly. Two-day treks typically cost 1,800,000-2,500,000 IDR ($115-160 USD) including guides, porter, camping equipment, and meals. Choose operators that include proper cold-weather sleeping bags.

Traditional Sasak Village Cultural Tours

December coincides with rice harvest season in central Lombok, making village tours particularly authentic. You'll witness traditional harvesting techniques, participate in rice winnowing, and taste fresh palm sugar production. The cooler morning temperatures (24-26°C/75-79°F) make cycling between villages comfortable, and afternoon activities can focus on indoor traditional weaving demonstrations.

Booking Tip: Half-day village tours cost 300,000-500,000 IDR ($19-32 USD) including traditional lunch and weaving workshops. Book through community-based tourism operators to ensure profits reach local families. Morning departures at 8am avoid midday heat.

South Coast Surfing Expeditions

December brings consistent 4-6 foot swells to southern breaks like Desert Point and Gerupuk Bay. Offshore morning winds create clean conditions until 11am, while afternoon onshores make it perfect for beginners at Kuta Beach. Water temperature peaks at 28°C (82°F), eliminating wetsuit needs entirely.

Booking Tip: Surf guide services cost 400,000-700,000 IDR ($25-45 USD) for full-day packages including transport to remote breaks and local knowledge of tide timing. Book local guides who know seasonal sand bar changes and crowd patterns.

Pink Beach Island Hopping

December's calm conditions make accessing remote Pink Beach (Pantai Merah) by traditional outrigger boat both safe and comfortable. The unique coral sand appears most busy during December's intense sunlight, and the protected bay offers perfect swimming conditions. Combine with nearby uninhabited islands for Robinson Crusoe-style picnicking.

Booking Tip: Full-day private boat charters cost 1,200,000-1,800,000 IDR ($75-115 USD) for groups up to 8 people, including snorkel gear and traditional lunch. Shared tours available for 350,000-450,000 IDR ($22-29 USD) per person with fixed departure schedules.

Sekotong Peninsula Sunset Cruises

December's clear skies create spectacular sunset viewing from traditional outrigger boats around Sekotong's small islands. Late afternoon temperatures drop to comfortable 28°C (82°F) with cooling sea breezes. The calm waters reflect dramatic colors, and you can combine sunset viewing with snorkeling at Gili Nanggu or Gili Sudak during golden hour.

Booking Tip: Sunset cruise packages typically cost 250,000-400,000 IDR ($16-25 USD) including hotel pickup from Senggigi area and basic refreshments. Private charters for 2-4 people range 800,000-1,200,000 IDR ($50-75 USD) with customizable island stops.

December Events & Festivals

Throughout December

Bau Nyale Festival Preparation

While the main Nyale (sea worm) festival occurs in February/March, December marks the traditional preparation period when Sasak communities begin ceremonial preparations. You can witness early ritual preparations in southern coastal villages and learn about this unique cultural celebration from local elders.

Mid to Late December

Rice Harvest Celebrations

Central and northern Lombok villages celebrate successful harvests with traditional Sasak ceremonies including communal feasts, traditional music performances, and thanksgiving rituals. These authentic celebrations offer genuine cultural immersion without tourist commercialization.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight quick-dry clothing in light colors - avoid dark fabrics that absorb heat in 31°C (88°F) temperatures and 70% humidity

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and reflection off water intensifies exposure during boat trips

Thin rain jacket or packable poncho - December showers are brief but intense, lasting 15-20 minutes

Water shoes with good grip - essential for rocky coastlines, coral beaches, and wet boat decks during island hopping

Insect repellent with 20-30% DEET - evening mosquitoes are active around sunset (6:30pm) especially near rice fields

Light cotton sarong - required for temple visits and useful as towel, blanket, or beach cover-up

Waterproof phone case and dry bag - protect electronics during boat transfers and sudden afternoon showers

Comfortable hiking boots if planning Rinjani trek - temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F) at 2,600m (8,530ft) elevation

Electrolyte tablets or powder - important for staying hydrated during physical activities in humid conditions

Cash in small denominations (Indonesian Rupiah) - many local operators, markets, and village tours only accept cash payments

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations before November 15th to avoid December price surges - popular areas like Senggigi and Gili Trawangan can see 50-60% price increases during peak season

Visit local markets early morning (6-8am) for best fruit selection and prices - December harvest season offers rambutan, mangosteen, and dragon fruit at 30-40% lower prices than other months

Take advantage of 'jam karet' (rubber time) - many boat schedules run 15-30 minutes late, so plan buffer time between connections but don't stress about exact timing

Learn basic Sasak greetings beyond Bahasa Indonesia - 'Selamat pagi' becomes 'Sugeng enjing' in local Sasak language, showing respect for indigenous culture and often resulting in warmer interactions and better local pricing

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking Gili Islands accommodation only - staying on Lombok mainland offers better value, authentic local experiences, and easier access to cultural sites while still allowing day trips to the islands

Planning only beach activities - December's perfect weather conditions are ideal for mountain trekking and cultural village visits that become difficult during rainy season

Underestimating boat transfer times - December winds can extend Gili Islands transfers from 30 to 60 minutes, affecting tight itinerary schedules and connecting flights