Bali vs Maldives in December — Which to Pick?
The numbers, side by side
Every figure below is an average across 11 complete years (2015–2025) of daily Open-Meteo records. Not a forecast — a historical baseline you can plan against.
Bali vs Maldives in December
| Metric | Bali | Maldives | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average high | 20 °C (68°F) | 28 °C (83°F)Winner | Maldives is 8.3 °C warmer. |
| Average low | 15 °C (58°F) | 26 °C (79°F)Winner | Nights differ by ~12°C. |
| Rainfall | 338 mm | 206 mmWinner | Maldives is 132 mm drier. |
| Rainy days | 30 | 19Winner | Maldives is 11 days with fewer rainy days. |
| Sunshine | 8.9 h/day | 10.3 h/dayWinner | Maldives is 1.4 hours sunnier per day. |
Our honest take
In December, Maldives runs about 8°C warmer on average — a meaningful gap when you're deciding what to pack.
Maldives sees roughly 132mm less rainfall this month, so your afternoons are more likely to survive intact.
Maldives logs more sunshine hours per day — a small advantage for anyone shooting photos or chasing a tan.
Neither is objectively better: pick Bali for what Bali is famous for; pick Maldives for what Maldives does uniquely. The persona cards below break the choice down by traveller type.
Traveller verdict for December
Data-driven picks based on 11-year climate averages (2015–2025). Neither destination is objectively “better” — it depends on what you're after.
Maldives takes the beach-day advantage — warmer sea air, drier skies, and more useful sun.
Maldives leans into the after-dark scene — warm evenings and the higher-energy crowd.
Bali suits families better this month — gentler temperatures and fewer washouts.
Similar shooting conditions — atmosphere becomes the deciding factor.
Prices track closely — book early either way.
Bali has the edge for wandering food streets — walkable weather and a livelier scene.
Compare hotels in both
Booking.com deep links with December check-in dates pre-filled.
Bali vs Maldives in December — FAQ
Q01Is Bali warmer than Maldives in December?
Is Bali warmer than Maldives in December?
Yes — Maldives runs about 8°C warmer than Bali in December. Bali averages 20°C highs; Maldives averages 28°C. Based on 11-year climate averages (2015–2025).
Q02Which is drier — Bali or Maldives in December?
Which is drier — Bali or Maldives in December?
Maldives is drier in December. It averages 206mm of rainfall vs 338mm at Bali. That is a meaningful difference for outdoor plans.
Q03Which is better for outdoor activities in December?
Which is better for outdoor activities in December?
Maldives generally wins for outdoors in December — more sunshine hours per day and typically fewer washouts. Still, Bali offers plenty of viable outdoor time if the itinerary calls for it.
Q04Which is cheaper to visit in December — Bali or Maldives?
Which is cheaper to visit in December — Bali or Maldives?
Both destinations command similar peak pricing when the weather is at its best; visiting either in shoulder or off-season lowers hotel rates by 30–50%.
Q05Which is better for a beach trip in December?
Which is better for a beach trip in December?
Maldives is the stronger pick for beach days in December — warmer daytime highs, drier weather, and more useful sun per day.