Surabaya in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Surabaya

32°C (90°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

279 mm (11.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak mango season - street vendors sell sweet harum manis mangoes for 15,000-20,000 IDR/kg, and local es campur (shaved ice desserts) feature fresh seasonal fruits unavailable other months
School holiday period means extended operating hours at major attractions - House of Sampoerna opens until 9 PM instead of 6 PM, and Tugu Pahlawan stays lit with evening cultural performances through December 31st
Northeast monsoon brings afternoon cooling showers that drop temperatures by 5-7°C (9-13°F) for 2-3 hours, making evening street food exploration incredibly comfortable around Jalan Raya Gubeng
December 10th Heroes' Day celebrations create unique cultural immersion opportunities with military parades, traditional Javanese ceremonies, and discounted museum entries throughout the month

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms hit 60% of days between 2-5 PM, often flooding narrow alleyways in Bratislava areas like Kampung Arab for 30-45 minutes
Humidity levels at 70% make air-conditioned mall time necessary - locals spend 2-3 hours daily in Pakuwon Mall or Ciputra World to escape the oppressive midday heat
Peak domestic tourism from Jakarta and Bali creates 40-50% higher accommodation prices, especially December 20-31st when Indonesian families vacation

Best Activities in December

Traditional Batik Workshop Tours in Kampung Batik Jetis

December's humidity actually helps the batik wax-dyeing process work better, and local artisans have more time to teach during school holidays. Morning workshops (8-11 AM) avoid afternoon rains and oppressive heat. You'll learn traditional Surabaya motifs like 'Suro' and 'Boyo' patterns while staying cool indoors.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through cultural centers or hotels. Workshops typically cost 150,000-250,000 IDR including materials. Look for UNESCO-certified instructors. See current workshop options in the booking section below.

Kalimas River Heritage Boat Tours

December's variable weather makes early morning river cruises (6-8 AM) perfect - you'll avoid both afternoon storms and the crushing midday heat. The northeast monsoon actually clears the air, offering better views of Dutch colonial warehouses and Chinese temples along the riverbank.

Booking Tip: Traditional wooden boats operate daily except during heavy rain periods. Tours cost 75,000-125,000 IDR per person. Book through riverside operators near Jembatan Merah. Current tour schedules available in booking section below.

Pasar Atom Night Market Food Adventures

December evenings cool to a comfortable 25-27°C (77-81°F) after afternoon rains, making this destination exploration ideal. Local specialties like lontong balap and rawon taste better when vendors can keep ingredients fresh in the cooler evening air. Markets buzz until 2 AM during school holidays.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration works best, but food tour guides help navigate 200+ stalls. Guided tours typically 200,000-350,000 IDR for 3-hour experiences. Look for guides who speak your language and know vendor stories. Check current food tour options below.

East Java Traditional Village Day Trips

December's rain pattern creates lush green landscapes perfect for photography in villages like Candirejo or Pentingsari. Morning departures (7 AM) return by early afternoon, avoiding the worst storms. Rice terraces look most busy after December rains, and harvest season provides cultural activities.

Booking Tip: Full-day village tours cost 400,000-650,000 IDR including transport and lunch. Book through licensed operators with insurance coverage. 4WD vehicles essential for muddy village roads during rainy season. See village tour options in booking section below.

Suramadu Bridge Sunset Photography Sessions

December's dramatic cloud formations from monsoon weather create spectacular sunset backdrops for Indonesia's longest bridge. The 5.4 km (3.4 mile) bridge looks most dramatic when framed by December storm clouds. Clear post-rain air offers visibility up to 15 km (9.3 miles).

Booking Tip: Photography tours include transport and professional guidance, typically 300,000-500,000 IDR for 3-hour sessions. Best timing is 4:30-6:30 PM before evening rains. Look for tours including both Surabaya and Madura viewpoints. Current photography tour options available below.

Indoor Cultural Center Workshops at Gedung Grahadi

December's unpredictable weather makes indoor cultural activities essential backup plans. Traditional Javanese dance workshops, gamelan music sessions, and puppet-making classes run extended hours during school holidays. Air-conditioned comfort while learning authentic Javanese arts.

Booking Tip: Cultural workshops cost 100,000-300,000 IDR depending on activity length. Book 3-5 days ahead during December peak period. Look for programs with English instruction and take-home crafts. Check current workshop schedules in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

December 10th (peak day), celebrations continue through mid-December

Heroes' Day (Hari Pahlawan) Commemorations

December 10th marks Indonesia's most important patriotic holiday with military parades, traditional ceremonies at Tugu Pahlawan monument, and cultural performances throughout the city. Free museum entries and extended evening hours at historical sites.

Early December through December 31st

Surabaya Shopping Festival

Major malls coordinate massive discounts and cultural performances throughout December. Pakuwon Mall, Ciputra World, and Tunjungan Plaza host traditional dance shows, local food festivals, and fashion events with 30-70% discounts on Indonesian brands.

Throughout December, intensifying late December

Chinese New Year Preparation Celebrations at Klenteng Hong Tiek Hian

December features traditional lion dance practices, temple blessing ceremonies, and elaborate decorations at Surabaya's oldest Chinese temple. Local Chinese-Indonesian community prepares for upcoming new year with cultural demonstrations and traditional food sales.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic clothing - 70% humidity means cotton takes 6-8 hours to dry indoors, synthetic fabrics dry in 2-3 hours

Waterproof phone case - afternoon storms are intense and sudden, locals always protect electronics when walking outside

Comfortable walking sandals with good grip - wet marble floors in temples and malls become dangerously slippery during rainy season

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 burns fair skin in 15 minutes even through clouds, reapply every 2 hours

Lightweight rain jacket (not umbrella) - sudden wind gusts during storms make umbrellas useless, locals wear rain jackets

Electrolyte packets or tablets - constant 32°C (90°F) heat plus high humidity causes rapid dehydration, especially for tourists

Small towel for constant perspiration - humidity means you'll sweat even in air conditioning, locals always carry hand towels

Cash in small denominations - street vendors and traditional markets don't accept cards, carry 50,000 IDR notes maximum

Antacid tablets - rich Javanese food plus heat stress commonly causes stomach issues for first-time visitors

Portable battery pack - high phone usage for translation apps and maps drains batteries faster in heat and humidity

Insider Knowledge

Most locals schedule outdoor activities for 6-9 AM or after 6 PM during December - follow their lead to avoid the crushing midday heat and afternoon storms that hit like clockwork

December is durian season in East Java - street vendors sell the pungent fruit for 25,000-40,000 IDR per piece, and trying it from a Surabaya vendor is considered a rite of passage by locals

Grab and Gojek motorcycle taxis charge 50% premium during afternoon rainstorms (2-5 PM) - walk to covered areas and wait 30 minutes for prices to return to normal

Local malls become community centers during December heat - Javanese families spend entire afternoons in air-conditioned Pakuwon or Ciputra, treating them like parks with food courts and entertainment

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor sightseeing between 11 AM and 4 PM - this is when 32°C (90°F) heat combines with 70% humidity to create dangerous heat index levels that even locals avoid

Bringing only cotton clothing - cotton becomes soggy and uncomfortable in 70% humidity, takes forever to dry, and starts smelling musty within hours

Underestimating December accommodation demand - Indonesian domestic tourists flood Surabaya during school holidays, book hotels at least 3 weeks ahead or pay 40-50% premium