Bali in September is one of the best months of the year: dry season (47 mm, 1.9 in of rain in Denpasar), 31 °C (88 °F) in the afternoon, and crowds that drop noticeably after the end of the summer holidays. You get the same weather as in August, with more reasonable prices and crowds.
This page covers September; to compare with the other months, see our page on the best time to visit Bali.
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Bali in September: key facts
- Verdict: ✅ excellent, one of the best compromises of the year
- Temperatures: 31.4 °C (89 °F) in the afternoon, 22.9 °C (73 °F) at night in Denpasar
- Rain: 47 mm (1.9 in) over 8 days on average, the second driest month after August
- Crowds: heavy at the start of September, then falling
- Ideal for: a first trip, hiking, diving, combined with Lombok and Nusa Penida
- Time difference: in September, Bali (UTC+8) is 7 hours ahead of London (BST) and 12 hours ahead of New York (EDT)
Weather in Bali in September
| Month | Max | Min | Rain | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August | 29.6 °C (85 °F) | 22.5 °C (73 °F) | 25 mm (1.0 in) | Dry |
| September | 31.4 °C (89 °F) | 22.9 °C (73 °F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | Dry |
| October | 33.6 °C (92 °F) | 23.7 °C (75 °F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | Dry, end of season |
September remains in the heart of the dry season, driven by the south-east monsoon. It rains a little more than in August, but still very little: about fifty millimetres (2 in) over the month, often in brief showers. Nights are among the coolest of the year on the coast (22.9 °C, 73 °F), and noticeably cooler at altitude.
By region
- The south (Canggu, Seminyak, Uluwatu, Sanur, Nusa Dua): dry and sunny. The west coast and the Bukit Peninsula get the regular waves of the dry season, sought after by experienced surfers.
- Ubud and the centre: slightly cooler, with a few showers possible even in the dry season.
- The mountains (Kintamani, Batur, Munduk): cold nights, good chances of clear skies at sunrise.
- The neighbouring islands: Nusa Penida, Lombok and the Gilis follow the same calendar; crossings are generally easier than in the rainy season.
Things to do in Bali in September
- Sunrise on Mount Batur, with good chances of clear skies. Hike with a guide: the U.S. Department of State describes one as a requirement on many Indonesian mountains (travel.state.gov, last updated July 9, 2026).
- Diving and snorkelling at Amed, Tulamben, Nusa Penida and Menjangan, in the good season (April to November). The U.S. Department of State notes that diving can be hazardous because of light regulation and that hyperbaric chambers are available only in Bali and Ambon.
- Surfing at Uluwatu, Padang Padang or Canggu for experienced surfers; beginners find schools on the gentler beaches.
- The rice terraces of Jatiluwih, Tegallalang and Sidemen, best visited early in the morning.
- An island-hopping trip: Bali, Nusa Penida and Lombok or the Gilis, taking advantage of the calm sea.
- Temples: Uluwatu, Tanah Lot, Besakih, Tirta Empul, in covering clothing.
What to avoid or plan for
- The first week of September if you dislike crowds: the end of the summer holidays is still felt.
- Traffic jams in the south: stay near what you want to see rather than crossing the island every day.
- The monkeys at Uluwatu and in the Ubud forest: rabies exists in animals in Bali, so do not touch them; seek immediate medical help if you are bitten or scratched (UK FCDO, GOV.UK, updated 18 September 2026).
Events in Bali in September
September has no major fixed event. Balinese festivals follow the 210-day Pawukon calendar: Galungan, then Kuningan ten days later, can fall at any time of year, with streets decorated with penjor. Check with the Bali tourist office whether they coincide with your stay.
Crowds and prices in September
Early in September, crowds remain heavy, then ease as the new school year begins in Europe and Australia. Prices follow the same curve: high at the start of the month, milder afterwards, without reaching the low rates of the rainy season. For September, booking flights and accommodation 2 to 3 months ahead is generally enough.
What to pack for Bali in September
- Light clothes, and a sarong for temples
- A fleece or warm jacket for Mount Batur and evenings at altitude
- Walking shoes and sandals
- Sunscreen, a hat, a water bottle
- Mosquito repellent: dengue is listed among the health risks (UK FCDO, GOV.UK, updated 18 September 2026)
- Passport and entry paperwork: rules differ for US and UK citizens, see our guide to entry requirements for Indonesia
Itinerary idea: 2 weeks in Bali and Lombok in September
The calm sea and dry weather of September are ideal for combining several islands. Example over 14 days:
- Days 1-4: Ubud, its temples and rice terraces, with the Mount Batur sunrise hike.
- Days 5-6: east Bali (Sidemen, Amed), for snorkelling.
- Days 7-9: crossing to the Gili Islands or Lombok, for beach and snorkelling.
- Days 10-11: return via Nusa Penida (Kelingking cliffs, boat trips depending on conditions).
- Days 12-14: south Bali (Uluwatu or Sanur), to finish near the airport.
With fewer days, concentrate on Bali alone: Ubud, the east of the island and Uluwatu are enough for a first introduction in 8 to 10 days. Book fast boats a day or two ahead and check the marine forecast before each crossing.
If September does not suit you
Bali in August is the driest month, but the most expensive. Bali in October stays dry (63 mm, 2.5 in) with average crowds. May and June offer the same balance of weather and prices, at the start of the dry season.
Other ideas for September: Lombok, Croatia or Greece in the shoulder season. All the destinations of the month are on our page where to go in September. To plan your stay, read our Bali travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Bali in September?
Dry and hot: about 31 °C (88 °F) in the afternoon, 22.9 °C (73 °F) at night and 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain over the month in Denpasar, according to the BMKG 1961-1990 normals.
Is September a good month for Bali?
Yes, it is one of the best: dry-season weather, with fewer people and milder prices than in July-August.
Does it rain in Bali in September?
Very little: about 47 mm (1.9 in) in Denpasar, often in short showers. Ubud and the mountains get a little more rain than the coast.
What budget should you plan for Bali in September?
Prices are higher than in the rainy season but milder than in July-August, especially after mid-September. The flight often represents the biggest expense.
What is the wettest month in Bali?
January, with 345 mm (13.6 in) in Denpasar. The rainy season runs from November to March.
Are there lots of people in Bali in September?
Many early in the month, still marked by the summer holidays, then noticeably fewer from mid-September.
Our sources
- Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics (BMKG), via the WMO World Weather Information Service: 1961-1990 normals for Denpasar
- Safety and health information read on 26 October 2026: UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Indonesia (GOV.UK, updated 18 September 2026), and U.S. Department of State, Indonesia country information (travel.state.gov, last updated July 9, 2026)
- Data taken from our page the best time to visit Bali
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.