Things to Do in Surabaya in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
Shoulder Season · Good Value
December Weather in Surabaya
Long-run averages for December
90°F (32°C)
High Temp
77°F (25°C)
Low Temp
11.0 inches (279 mm)
Rainfall
83%
Humidity
11
Sunny-Day UV
⚠ Intense afternoon rainfall can cause sudden, severe flooding in low-lying urban areas, disrupting road transport for several hours.
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + Surabaya in December hits that perfect window between dry season's end and wet season's start. You'll catch dramatic afternoon downpours that slice through the sticky air. Then come the sunsets. Spectacular red-orange light bleeds across the Mas River. Pack a light jacket.
- + This is shoulder season for the highlands. The famous sunrise over Mount Bromo's caldera? You'll share it with a handful of photographers, not a jeep convoy. Descend into Ijen's crater for the blue fire. The quiet mist makes it feel otherworldly. Book now.
- + Street food shifts into high gear come December. Hunt down 'Rujak Cingur', a wild salad of tropical fruit, vegetables, and boiled cow snout cloaked in thick, tangy peanut-palm sugar sauce. Find hot 'Wedang Ronde', ginger tea with glutinous rice balls. Carts appear as evening cools. Follow the crowds.
- + Hotel rates in Surabaya itself soften compared to peak July-August. Negotiate. You can often land a room in one of the restored colonial-era hotels around Jembatan Merah without booking months ahead. Walk in. Ask for a discount. It works.
Considerations
- − That 11 inches of rain hits hard. Tropical bursts, usually late afternoon or evening. Low-lying streets like parts of Jalan Tunjungan flood in minutes. Traffic locks into gridlock for an hour or more. Plan around it. Stay flexible.
- − Humidity averages 83%. Your clothes stick the instant you leave air conditioning. Between 11 AM and 3 PM, it can crush you. Walking tours of the old Arab Quarter or Chinatown become endurance tests. Start early. Seek shade.
- − Mountain tours draw fewer crowds. But weather turns fickle. Bromo's sea of clouds might just be thick, cold fog. Ijen's blue fire hides behind volcanic steam and rain. You sacrifice certainty for solitude. Pack layers. Hope for clear skies.
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
Surabaya in December hits 90 degrees Fahrenheit and soaks up 11 inches of rain, a sharp jump from the dry months of August and September but still short of January's peak. The air turns heavy. Sudden, intense downpours cool the paved streets with a welcome rush of water. Locals adapt easily, letting daily life flow around these brief deluges. Visitors need to plan for both brilliant sunshine and intermittent, heavy rain. The city's green spaces look lush and refreshed. The following experiences show the variety available from Surabaya, from ancient empires to volcanic landscapes. While the city itself has much to examine, these curated tours answer common searches for things to do in East Java, providing structured ways to venture beyond the urban core.
Bromo Ijen 2 Days 1 Night Inclusive Tour from Surabaya or Malang
guided_experienceThis guided experience departs from Surabaya to spend time in two of East Java's most dramatic volcanic landscapes. You will stand on the rim of Mount Bromo at dawn, watching the sun ignite the sea of sand, then later peer into the turquoise acidic crater of Ijen, where miners haul heavy loads of sulfur. The journey connects you directly with the powerful geological forces that shape this island.
The compelling reason to visit is the chance to witness two well-known and contrasting volcanic phenomena in a single, easy itinerary.
Insider tip: An insider tip is to pack a warm layer for the pre-dawn chill on the Bromo jeep ride, as the high desert air feels surprisingly cool.
Full Day Private Sunrise Tour in Bromo
day_tripA private tour designed for the singular spectacle of a Bromo sunrise, this trip involves a pre-dawn drive across the Tengger caldera in a 4x4 vehicle. You will hear the rumble of engines echoing across the vast, ashy plain before climbing to a viewpoint where the first light reveals the steaming cone of Bromo set against the backdrop of Mount Semeru. It focuses entirely on the magic of daybreak in this extraordinary setting.
The compelling reason to visit is the outstanding privacy and flexibility of a dedicated excursion to experience this natural event at your own pace.
Insider tip: An insider tip is to confirm with your operator the specific viewpoint, as some less-crowded alternatives to the main Penanjakan area offer equally impressive vistas.
Bloo Lagoon Snorkeling East Bali Includes Transportation & Lunch
adventureThis adventure transports you from Surabaya across the Bali Strait to the island's eastern coast for a day of snorkeling. You will float above busy coral gardens, seeing flashes of angelfish and parrotfish, and feel the cool, clear water of the Bloo Lagoon area. A provided lunch often includes the fresh, tangy taste of local seafood.
The compelling reason to visit is the opportunity to access some of Bali's less-crowded marine environments with all logistics, including inter-island transport, handled for you.
Insider tip: An insider tip is to bring your own reef-safe sunscreen from Surabaya, as specific brands can be harder to find at the departure point.
From Surabaya 3 Days Private Tour Mt Bromo Ijen Bali
private_tourThis extensive private tour from Surabaya strings together the major highlights of East Java and Bali over three days. You will feel the fine volcanic sand of Bromo underfoot, smell the pungent sulfur at Ijen, and finally unwind on the southern beaches of Bali, hearing the crash of Indian Ocean waves. It is a condensed journey across two distinct islands.
The compelling reason to visit is the complete, door-to-door exploration of the region's most famous natural wonders, culminating in Bali's shoreline.
Insider tip: An insider tip is to discuss your preferred level of physical activity with your guide beforehand, as the Ijen climb can be demanding.
3D2N Mount Bromo Ijen Blue Fire with 4-Star Accommodation
otherThis tour package offers an upgraded approach to the classic Bromo and Ijen circuit, including stays in comfortable hotels. You will witness the blue flames flickering in Ijen's crater in the dead of night, a sight that feels otherworldly, and later savor a warm breakfast after the Bromo sunrise. The inclusion of quality accommodation provides a restful base between demanding early starts.
The compelling reason to visit is the combination of rugged adventure and reliable comfort, allowing you to focus entirely on the experiences.
Insider tip: An insider tip is to verify the exact pick-up time from your Surabaya hotel, as departures for Ijen are exceptionally early.
Trowulan Tour Ruin of Majapahit Kingdom from Surabaya
culturalA cultural excursion from Surabaya to the Trowulan archaeological site, this tour walks you through the scattered red-brick remnants of the Majapahit Empire. You will see intricate stone carvings of mythological scenes, hear the rustle of leaves in the quiet park surrounding the Bajang Ratu gate, and feel the weight of history in the quiet, large complex. It connects you to the sophisticated kingdom that once ruled much of the archipelago.
The compelling reason to visit is the chance to examine the physical heart of Indonesia's most influential historical empire at a relaxed, contemplative pace.
Insider tip: An insider tip is to visit the onsite museum first to provide context for the ruins you will see scattered across the nearby villages and rice fields.
Where to Stay in Surabaya in December
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for December travellers.
★★★★
Mid-Range
Crown Prince Hotel Surabaya Managed by Midtown Indonesia
From $25 / night
Check Prices on Trip.com →
Public Holidays in December
Dates that affect opening hours, transport and crowds
Hari Raya Natal
Known in English as Christmas Day. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Hari Raya Natal
Known in English as Christmas Day. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Hari Raya Natal
Known in English as Christmas Day. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
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View Surabaya Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
The best time to explore central Surabaya on foot is between 7 AM and 10:30 AM. The air still has a slight coolness, the streets are alive with morning activity, and you'll beat both the heat and the rain. Use this window for the Arab Quarter (Ampel) or the colonial buildings.
When the afternoon rain starts, don't retreat to your hotel. Head to a 'warung kopi' (coffee shop) like the legendary Toko Oen in the city center. Order a thick, sweet 'kopi tubruk' and a plate of 'pisang goreng' (fried bananas) and watch the world go by from under the awning. This is the local rhythm.
For a sunset drink with a view that most tourists miss, go to the rooftop of a hotel or restaurant in the West Surabaya area, like near the Graha Pena building. You'll look east over the city's sprawl as the storm clouds break, painting the sky in impossible colors behind the towering mosque minarets.
If you're doing a Bromo-Ijen tour, request a homestay in one of the villages like Cemoro Lawang or Bondowoso over a standard hotel. The experience is basic, but you'll wake up to the sound of roosters and smell of woodsmoke, and your money goes directly into the local community.
Avoid These Mistakes
Underestimating travel times within Surabaya. Google Maps is optimistic. A 10 km (6.2 mile) trip can easily take 90 minutes in December traffic, post-rainfall. Always add a 50% buffer to any estimated journey.
Packing only for tropical heat. The shock of the cold on Mount Bromo is real, and being miserably cold at sunrise can ruin the experience. That one warm layer is non-negotiable.
Trying to cram a Bromo sunrise tour as a day trip from Surabaya. It's technically possible but involves a punishing 1 AM departure and 16+ hours of travel. You'll be exhausted and see nothing else. Book the proper 2-day, 1-night tour for a meaningful experience.
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