Month guide · Yogyakarta · Indonesia
Yogyakarta in December
What December is really like in Yogyakarta: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Crisco 1492, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
December is a quieter month with trade-offs. Expect average highs of 30°C (86°F), lows of 23°C (73°F), about 19 rainy days and roughly 12.6 hours of daylight. Rainy, but the Christmas and New Year holidays bring domestic crowds to Malioboro and the temples.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 30°C (86°F) / 23°C (73°F)
- Rainy days
- About 19
- Daylight
- About 12.6 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in December
December is the coolest month in Yogyakarta: days average 30°C (86°F) against a yearly average high of 31°C (88°F), and nights fall to about 23°C (73°F). Rain falls on roughly 19 of its 31 days. Compared with November (31°C (88°F)), December is about as warm; by January highs stay near 30°C (86°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 05:17
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 17:51
- Daylight
- About 12.6 hours
Early wet season (October–December). Hot October, then afternoon storms from November; year-end holidays bring domestic visitors.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 4 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in July). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in December
- Year-end holiday crowds (late December)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Street · Malioboro
Malioboro Street
Yogyakarta's main street runs from Tugu station towards the Kraton, lined with batik and souvenir shops, Beringharjo Market and Fort Vredeburg.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Shopping
- After dark
- Food
Experience · Sleman (17 km east)
Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan
Book open-air seats on the side facing the temples, and bring a light layer and insect repellent.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- After dark
- Art
- Couples
- Iconic
Historic site · Kraton and Taman Sari
Taman Sari Water Castle
The 18th-century royal pleasure garden has restored bathing pools surrounded by ornate gateways, plus tunnels leading to Sumur Gumuling, a circular underground mosque with crossing staircases.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Architecture
- Photo spot
- Couples
- Kids
Historic site · Sleman (17 km east)
Ratu Boko
Time your visit for late afternoon and watch the sunset from the gateway before heading to the Ramayana Ballet.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Views
- History
- Couples
- Photo spot
What to pack
For highs near 30°C, lows near 23°C and 19 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Yogyakarta?
A quieter month with trade-offs, with a notable event on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, May–September are better overall. Compare every month.
Yogyakarta in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Yogyakarta?
It is a quieter month with trade-offs. Rainy, but the Christmas and New Year holidays bring domestic crowds to Malioboro and the temples.
+How warm is Yogyakarta in December?
Average highs are around 30°C (86°F) and lows around 23°C (73°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Yogyakarta in December?
Expect rain on about 19 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.