Nusa Lembongan in December: Weather, Things to Do & What to Expect
Nusa Lembongan in December: Weather, Things to Do & What to Expect
Thinking about visiting Nusa Lembongan in December? 🌴
December marks the beginning of the wetter months in Bali, bringing warm temperatures, tropical showers and a little more unpredictability to island life. But that doesn’t mean your Lembongan holiday needs to be put on hold.
In fact, December can be a lovely time to experience a slower side of the island.
Instead of trying to squeeze every beach, viewpoint and activity into your itinerary, December is a good excuse to slow down, follow the weather and enjoy the simple things — a long breakfast, a spa treatment, a workout, a good book or an afternoon playing board games while the rain comes down outside.
Here’s what to know about visiting Nusa Lembongan in December.
What is the weather like in Nusa Lembongan in December?
December is part of Bali’s wet season, so you can expect warm, humid days with tropical showers. Rain can be unpredictable — you might have sunshine for most of the day before a heavy shower rolls through in the afternoon.
The good news? Rain doesn’t necessarily mean rain all day.
There can still be plenty of sunshine between showers, and the island is at its lushest during the wet season.
One thing to keep in mind is that sea conditions can be more important than rainfall when travelling to Nusa Lembongan. Wind, waves and swell can affect fast boat services between Sanur and the island, so it’s worth keeping a little flexibility around your travel plans.
Is December a good time to visit Nusa Lembongan?
If you’re after guaranteed blue skies from morning until sunset, December might not be your safest bet.
But if you’re happy to embrace a slower pace, December can be a really lovely time to be on the island.
Rather than planning your holiday around ticking off every attraction, think of December as an invitation to settle into island life.
Have a slow morning. Take your time over breakfast. Book a massage. Get active when the weather allows. Find a café and read for a few hours.
And when the sun comes out? Head to the beach.
Slow down and enjoy island life
December doesn’t have to be about finding things to do despite the rain. Sometimes, the rain is the perfect reason to do less.
💆♀️ Make time for a spa day
If you’re staying somewhere with a rainy afternoon, take it as your sign to book a treatment. Spend a few hours at Spring Spa or head to Aquam Spa & Seaweed Bath for a relaxing treatment and a little island self-care. There’s something particularly nice about having nowhere you need to be, especially when the rain is falling outside.
🎾 Stay active, even when it’s raining
Rain doesn’t have to mean spending the whole day curled up indoors.
For something a little more active, head to Jungle Padel Lembongan or Lembongan Padel Club for an indoor game of padel. You can also get your workout in at FIRM by Lago, with Pilates sessions and Jiu-Jitsu classes available when you want to keep moving without worrying about the weather. It’s a great way to make the most of a rainy day while doing something a little different from the usual island activities.
☕ Take your time over breakfast
One of the best ways to spend a rainy morning? Don’t rush it.
Head to Tales Book Café, order a good breakfast and coffee, pick up a book and settle in for a few hours. There’s no need to check the time or wonder whether you’re missing out on something. Sometimes a long breakfast with a book is exactly what a holiday is supposed to feel like.
🎲 Play a few games
Travelling with friends or family?
Make your way to Milo & Oliver for a relaxed afternoon of board games, food and drinks. It’s the kind of plan that’s easy to forget about when you’re busy building a packed itinerary — but often ends up being one of those unexpectedly fun holiday memories.
And when the sun comes out…
That’s when you head outside.
December can still bring beautiful sunny stretches, so don’t write off your beach plans just because the forecast shows rain. Go swimming, explore the island, take a boat trip, visit your favourite beach or simply find somewhere with a good view and enjoy the sunshine while it lasts. The key is to stay flexible.
Instead of planning every day from breakfast to bedtime, leave a little room to decide what feels right when you wake up.
What about snorkelling and diving in December?
Yes, you can still snorkel and dive in December.
The Nusa Islands offer excellent marine experiences throughout the year, but wet-season conditions can be less predictable than during the dry season. Wind, swell and visibility can affect where boats can safely go, so your operator may change the itinerary depending on conditions.
The important thing is to choose a reputable operator and listen to their advice. If conditions aren’t suitable, it’s better to reschedule than risk getting out on the water.
What should you pack for Nusa Lembongan in December?
You don’t need to completely rethink your island wardrobe — just add a few wet-season essentials.
We recommend packing:
- Lightweight, breathable clothes
- Swimwear
- A light rain jacket or poncho
- A waterproof bag or phone pouch
- Sandals that can handle getting wet
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- A small umbrella
- A dry bag if you’re planning water activities
- Something comfortable for slower café and spa days
And, of course, bring a little patience for tropical weather.
A few December travel tips
☔ Keep your plans flexible
Don’t panic when you see rain in the forecast. Tropical showers can pass quickly, so look at the weather on the day and adjust your plans accordingly.
🚤 Give yourself some buffer for boat travel
Sea conditions can affect fast boat services between Bali and Nusa Lembongan. If you’re flying out of Bali after your island stay, give yourself plenty of time between your boat and flight.
🎄 Book early for Christmas and New Year
The island becomes busier around the Christmas and New Year period, so if you’re travelling during the holidays, it’s worth booking your accommodation and popular activities ahead of time.
🌴 Don’t over-plan
This might be the most important December tip of all.
You don’t need to see everything. December is a great time to experience Lembongan at a slower pace — to have a long breakfast, spend an afternoon at the spa, play a few games, get a workout in, read a book or simply sit somewhere and watch the rain.
And when the sun comes out, you can always head to the beach.
So, should you visit Nusa Lembongan in December?
Absolutely — if you’re willing to embrace a little unpredictability.
December isn’t necessarily about chasing perfect weather or ticking every box on your itinerary. It’s about slowing down and enjoying the island differently. Some days might be all about sunshine and the ocean. Others might be a long breakfast, a spa treatment, Pilates, padel or a good book while the rain falls outside. And honestly, that’s part of the beauty of island life.
Come for the beaches. Stay for the slower pace.
Whether you’re planning a relaxing December escape, a Christmas getaway or a New Year break, The Lembongan Traveller can help you find the right place to stay.
Get in touch with our team and let us help you find your perfect island stay.
Email: holiday@thelembongantraveller.com
WhatsApp: +61 478 928 925.