Spending September in Bali is a great idea, especially if you love nature and prefer fewer crowds.
Days in September are generally warm, dry, sunny, and rain is light and very rare. That means one thing – the weather in September is perfect for any type of outdoor or spiritual activities!
September is also the best month for first-time visitors, as you don’t get so many tourists, traffic, heat, or rain, but get to enjoy the Island of Gods in its full prime.
In this guide, we will go into a September weather overview in more detail to help you plan your dream trip to Bali.
Summary: Bali Weather In September
- In September, Bali sees sunny days, minimal rainfall, with average daily temperatures around 24-31°C.
- Great time for a vacation with the peak season ending and prices being more reasonable. You will see fewer crowds at major tourist attractions.
- September weather conditions are ideal for outdoor activities, surfing, beach vacation, cultural day trips, and extending your Bali trip to the Eastern Islands (Nusa or Gilis).
September Weather Like In Bali
Bali’s climate has two distinct seasons typical of a tropical climate: wet season, which begins in November and ends in March, and dry season, stretching from April to October.
September is the tail end of the dry season, so we still get high temperatures, but humidity and rainy days start to build up (slowly).
Average Temperatures
Daytime temperatures range from 24°C to 31°C (75-88°F, while nights can still be chilly, especially up in the North, where temperatures can reach 20-23°C (68-73°F).
End of September brings more cloudy days and, combined with high winds, the weather can feel slightly cooler, especially if you’re in a mountain or dense jungle areas like North Tabanan, Sidemen, parts of Ubud, Munduk, and North, in general.
Humidity Levels
Low humidity of 75-79% is normal for September.
You can still expect the dry weather, but it starts to get more and more humid as we get closer to the rainy season, especially on the days without strong winds.
On the days with maximum temperatures and higher humidity, it does feel muggy, so we would not plan outdoor activities and hiking on those days.
Monthly Rainfall
Although in September you get a slight increase in rainfall, you will still experience barely any rain on your trip – on average, it is just 3-4 rainy days in September, that’s it.
In September, Bali experiences only about 45 mm of rainfall, on average. We still have less rainfall than in the rainy season, when January brings about 450 mm, so ten times more rain!
In September, you get 9-10 hours of sunshine and blue skies, just as much as in August, which is the most sunshine in the whole year.
The closer we get to October, the higher the chances are of occasional intense downpours, but they mostly happen at night, so your travel plans will be fine.
Even though there isn’t much rain in September, and dengue cases are low, when you go into the rainforest (waterfalls, hiking, remote accommodations), you will get lots of mozzies, so bring mosquito repellent.
Average Sea Temperature
In Bali, you can enjoy warm water year-round.
In September, ocean water is about 27°C (81°F), which is slightly cooler than during the high season, but still very warm and relaxing.
As it is the dry season, beaches and water will be cleaner than during some months in the rainy season, so swimming, snorkelling, surfing, or any form of water sports will be much more enjoyable.
What To Wear In Bali In September
As it is a shoulder season, you should be prepared for a bit of everything in terms of weather; however, we rarely see a lot of rainy days in September.
Make sure to pack:
- Sneakers or comfortable shoes for riding a bike, hiking, going on day trips – temples and rice terraces mean lots of walking!
- Your trusted sandals for beach clubs and day-to-day runs around the area you stay in. You can always buy a pair of thongs in Bali; they are literally on every corner.
- Breathable, cotton or linen tops and short-sleeved shirts. The same fabric recommendation goes for underwear.
- Shorts
- Summer dresses, for girls. Don’t overpack, as you 100% will see something cute on the market that you will want to buy. Don’t bring anything that requires delicate washing.
- Hat – UV index is very high in Bali, and there is very little shade.
- Couples: one nicer outfit if you want to have a date at one of the fine-dining restaurants in Bali.
We see guides online recommending bringing a sarong, but why would you? You can buy a cheap, beautiful sarong made in Indonesia on the beach or at the market, which you can bring home as a souvenir and use as a cover on the beach and temple visits.
Besides, remember to bring a power adapter, sun protection, mosquito spray, waterproof cases or pouches, sunglasses, and your basic set of medication + something for diarrhea, as Bali Belly happens even to the best of us.
Where To Go On A Bali Trip In September
Ubud
With rare light showers, Ubud, surrounded by rice terraces and lush forest, feels like a scene from a fairy tale.
Royal palaces, streets lined with crafts and monkeys peeking from the trees, it truly feels like you’re in an exotic destination!
Not to mention a fantastic dining scene, from cheap eats where you must try Babi Guling (suckling pig) to Michelin-worthy restaurants like Apetitif, and all sorts of spiritual events happening, from yoga to special workshops.
Ubud is also quite big, there are many waterfalls, nature spots, and retreats around it that will be perfect for solo travellers and couples on honeymoon or romantic getaway.
Uluwatu
A dream come true for surfers, Uluwatu is buzzing even in September when most of the crowds have left.
Around the Bukit Peninsula and Uluwatu in particular, you get powerful, consistent swells, but not as high as during June, July, or August.
If you’re a beginner and are intimidated by Uluwatu waves, September is a better time to try and tame them, especially with a local instructor.
Besides surfing, Uluwatu in September is a cool spot, with hot, dry weather, minimal rainfall, and lots of beaches to explore, cafes, and yoga studios to try.
Canggu
If you want that perfect picture of a sunset from the beach, you need to stay around Canggu.
It is also the hub for all the meetups for freelancers and digital nomads, events (from SOMA fight nights to comedy shows at Deus), and world-class nightlife with international DJs, karaoke, and pool parties.
Canggu also has a dining scene with the most diversity and some of the best coffee shops and restaurants are here.
Nusa Dua & Sanur
In September, there are still families coming to Bali, and both Nusa Dua and Sanur will be great places to stay for a couple of weeks.
Quite a convenient location with plenty of shops and cafes to explore, amazing, clean white sand beaches with walking paths and shallow waters by the shore.
If there are a few days with strong winds, you may even be lucky to try kite surfing in Sanur!
Nusa Dua specifically is one of the top destinations in Bali for all things luxury, so it can also be a great option for an all-inclusive style vacation in one of the beachfront resorts.
Nusa & Gili Islands
With the rainy season right up ahead of us, September and the beginning of October are probably the last “ideal” months to travel by sea.
And there is much to do and see, so a quick boat ride to Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida is totally worth it and can take just a day or two! These small islands are very green, moderately developed, and offer breathtaking views and some of the best snorkelling and diving.
If you have more time, go to three Gili islands: busy Gili Trawangan, or two serene and romantic Gili Meno and Gili T. They are all super close to each other, so you will most likely be able to visit all in one go.
Plan to lie on the beach, walk, snorkel, and enjoy the views with a coconut (or beer).
What To Do In Bali In September
Climb Mount Agung and Mount Batur
There are two active volcanoes in Bali: Mount Batur and Mount Agung (Bali’s highest peak, 3,100+ m), and both offer incredible hikes.
Batur sunrise hikes are more beginner-friendly, and there is even an option to take a Jeep to the viewpoint, while Agung remains a challenging trail and is often closed due to the ceremonies.
You will need a light jacket for volcano hikes, proper boots, and a local guide. The latter is a non-negotiable since both summits are sacred for Balinese people.
Spend A Day At FINNS Beach Club
If you are in Canngu, spend at least half a day at FINNS Beach Club. It is the world’s best beach club for a reason!
It is a great spot to relax after a long flight, to party at night, or to simply be lazy and get all the best food, drinks, views, and entertainment in one place.
You’re two steps away from the surf break and a clean beach, surrounded by refreshing pools, and you can order food from 7 kitchens or a glass of bubbles right from your daybed.
Scuba Diving & Snorkelling
There are a few sweet spots for exploring marine life in Bali and around: Pemuteran (Northern coast), Amed, Tulamben, Candidasa (East coastal regions), as well as Nusa Penida for diving to see manta rays and Mola Mola or Gili islands to swim with turtles.
If you have a few days to spare, you can even go through a proper certification and be able to dive on your own! That makes beach hopping even more fun.
You don’t have to bring your snorkel gear; in Amed or Candidasa, you can rent it for about 50,000 IDR (5 AUD).
Visit Balinese Temples
Every region in Bali has beautiful ancient temples, some dating back to the 10th century!
These temples are, no doubt, masterpieces of Balinese traditional architecture and the worship places of Balinese Hindus, but they are also usually located in incredible locations.
In our opinion, the temples in Bali with the best views are:
- Tanah Lot temple – an oceanside temple perched on a volcanic rock.
- Uluwatu Temple – a sea temple towering 70 meters above the sea level on a limestone cliff. Every night, there is a dance show at sunset.
- Lempuyang Temple. Although crowded, this temple still has the most iconic views of Mount Agung.
- Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur is a beautiful lakeside temple with a park in North Bali.
- Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring and Goa Gajah are two incredible ancient temples with unique stone carvings.
- Tirta Empul is the pilgrimage site for many foreigners to do a melukat – water purification ceremony to restart their life with a clean slate.
White Water Rafting
Ayung or Telaga Waja rivers in Bali are well-known for their fast rapids and scenic rides, mostly available for any level, even for beginners.
Some parts of the rivers are even good for leisure tubing with kids!
Rafting tours are often paired with a lunch, visit to a secret waterfall, or even an ATV adventure – it is worth it if you love adrenaline.
Explore Lush Rice Terraces
While you will see endless rice fields everywhere in Bali, there are a few locations with the best views and the best walking routes.
From small treks in Ubud like Campuhan Ridge Walk or crowd-favourite Tegalalang Rice Terraces to scenic cycling or walking trails through Jatiluwih UNESCO-protected rice terraces, and even lesser-known spots in Belimbing or Munduk.
Visit Bali Carnival
This is a very unique celebration in Bali with lots of music and dancing – a true Caribbean-style carnival spanning 4 days!
Expect parades, feathers, colours, and a good party.
The event is paid, and you can buy tickets in advance. In 2026, the Carnibal will be end of September, around 25-28th.
Explore The West Coast
Offshore winds during the dry season make the West Coast the prime destination for surfing.
All the way from Jimbaran to Balian, you can find dozens of epic surf breaks, all suitable (more or less) for beginners. Bring your friends and your board, and make it a surfing road trip, stopping for a day or two at every break.
Beyond surfing, the West Coast also has plenty of attractions, from popular Tanah Lot to hidden gems like Tabanan Royal Palace, Bunut Bolong Tree, Juwuk Manis waterfalls, deserted beaches, and more!
Chase Waterfalls
Dry season, including September, is the best time to visit Bali’s best waterfalls. There are too many to be able to visit all at once, but most are concentrated around Gianyar and Munduk.
We recommend getting a tour that combines a few in a day but solves the transportation problem for you, as getting a taxi to each will not be possible.
Heading North, bring a light rain jacket, just in case.
Best waterfalls to visit in Bali:
- Sekumpul
- Banyumala
- Tukad Cepung
- Tibumana
- Aling-Aling
- Gembleng
And there are dozens of secret ones that locals can show you, too!
Minikino Film Week (Bali International Short Film Festival)
With the main Balinale happening in June, you get to attend the festival of Indonesian and international short films in September.
It is usually a few-day event in the middle of the month. In 2026, it will be from 11 to 18th September, and you will need to keep an eye on pop-ups, as they happen all over the island.
Lots of community screenings, awards, and networking.
Mas Village Music Festival
While dates are TBD, most likely, another edition of the Mas Village Festival will happen at the end of September every year.
It is a celebration of one of the most prominent craft villages in Bali, Mas village, located close to Ubud. You can attend dance performances, try local food, and discover lots of local bands!
Attend Balinese Ceremonies
If you are lucky enough to make meaningful connections with locals, you will be invited to the most important events of their lives. Ceremonies within the family, birthdays, funerals or village festivals.
As these ceremonies are tied to the Balinese Saka calendar, which only has 210 days, the same event doesn’t always happen in the same month, but in September, you may witness a few, for instance:
- Tumpek Kandang – a ceremony dedicated to all the livestock and pets, with offerings and prayers
- Kajeng Kliwon, an auspicious day for cleansing rituals, every 15 days, usually, so you will get one in September, too. It will be a great day to participate in water or fire purification rituals at Tirta Empul or elsewhere.
Travel Tips For Visiting Bali In September For First Timers
- Bring insect repellent and sun protection (min SPF 50 if it is your first time in Bali).
- If you want to avoid families coming to spend school holidays in Bali, come mid to end of September and head inland, as most visitors stay around the coastal regions.
- Don’t overpack. Bali has lots of markets with affordable clothing, home decor, and souvenirs you’d want to buy. Plus, a lighter bag will make it easier for you to get between areas by bike instead of wasting time in traffic jams in a car.
- Book in advance. Rain is unlikely to ruin your plans, so make sure to get the best early bird deals and arrange pick-ups and day trips early in the mornings to avoid crowds at tourist sites.
- Only rent a bike if you have experience driving in Asian countries, a valid international driver’s license issued in your home country, and good travel health insurance. Although the dry season is not as dangerous for driving as the wet season, traffic in Bali is still quite tricky, even for pros.
FAQs
Is September A Good Time For Bali?
September is an amazing time to come to Bali.
You get warm temperatures, barely any rain, lush rice fields, plenty of cultural and outdoor activities, and perfect beach days to enjoy. Prices will also be better in September than in the summer months.
Why Is Bali Expensive In September?
Beginning of September, prices on accommodation and flights can still be high since people are still coming back home from school holidays.
However, in the middle of September and closer to the end of the month, prices will drop up to 30% so September is actually a shoulder season, with better prices for travellers on a budget.
What Are The Best Months To Visit Bali?
April, May, September, and October are the best months to visit Bali if you want to take advantage of the best weather and fewer crowds.
Those low, aka shoulder seasons, bring less rain, warm days, clear skies, and lower prices on everything.
What Are The Most Rainy Months In Bali?
In Bali, the wet season begins in November, and the wettest months are usually December and January, with about 450 mm of rainfall and 27 rainy days in a month.
Final Thoughts On Bali Weather In September
September weather in Bali is equally perfect for sightseeing, surfing, or being lazy on the beach. The days are warm, sunny, with little to no rain and cool breeze every once in a while.
It is that tropical climate we all hope for when going on vacation to an island. And you get it cheaper than in peak season, too!
So, whether you want to try surfing, join a yoga retreat, or see as many temples and palaces as you can in a week, September is a great month to plan a trip to Bali!
