Surabaya Weather in December

December: wet-season days

December feels hot, sticky and very wet. The high is 30°C, with rain on 29 days and little sunshine. Showers can disrupt outdoor plans, and heavy rain may slow traffic or leave streets temporarily flooded. Keep sightseeing flexible rather than setting a packed schedule.

The House of Sampoerna works well when the skies open, while Tunjungan Plaza gives you plenty of indoor space for a meal or a break. If you're hoping to explore Surabaya's outdoor sights on foot, rain and cloud can make the day less comfortable.

Christmas and New Year

Christmas and New Year bring a festive feel, especially in the city's malls, where you'll often see seasonal displays. They're also part of the school-holiday period, so Surabaya can feel busier than in quieter months. Domestic visitors may add to the crowds around popular shopping areas and transport hubs.

If you hate crowds, avoid making Tunjungan Plaza your main stop around Christmas and New Year. Prices for rooms and travel can rise during the holiday rush compared with less popular months, though December's weather can make it a less appealing time for outdoor-focused trips.

Make room for rain

Travelling with kids? Plan a short indoor outing, then leave room to change course if a downpour hits. July and August are better choices for drier sightseeing, but December can still suit a city break built around food, malls and museums.

A useful local fallback is the House of Sampoerna in the old Ampel area. Check its opening hours before setting out, and use a ride-hailing car if rain makes the walk from nearby streets unpleasant. For dinner, try rawon, a rich beef soup coloured with keluak; it's a comforting choice after a wet afternoon.