What to know before you go to Bali in September

Traveloka Team

4 min read

September is a sweet spot for travellers to Bali. It’s still the dry season, but early in the month, you’ll find fewer crowds and slightly lower prices before Aussie school holidays kick in.

The beaches are golden, the surf’s still good, and the island’s steady stream of temple ceremonies and cultural festivals continues. Whether you're surfing in Uluwatu, temple-hopping in Ubud or chilling on a quiet beach in the north, Bali in September is full of those good-value days. So, it’s a great time for Aussie travellers chasing sun over the spring break without everyone else coming along for the spare pool cabanas.

Is September a good time to visit Bali?

September is at the tail end of Bali’s dry season. This makes it a perfect time for outdoor adventures before the wet season — or Christmas and New Year’s — kicks down the door to those bigger crowds. Warm days average around 27–30 °C, combo-d with reasonably low humidity. This hets lucky visitors the kind of clear and calm ocean that’s perfect for diving the coral-covered shipwrecks off the east coast and catching waves down on the Bukit Peninsula. And the happiest news for your wallet? It’s after the Australian winter holidays — but before the half-break ones in late September, so crowds are way down, and so are those resort rates.

Is September a cheap or expensive time to visit Bali?

Yes, September is a reasonably priced month, particularly in the early weeks before school holidays hit. Look for lower accommodation and flight prices, or shoulder-season promos on popular attractions and restaurants, as the July–August peak fizzles out. Just know that prices may creep up again later in the month as Aussie families start arriving for spring break. So, if you’re looking to splurge a little, be it on a villa with a private pool or some spenny beachfront dining, early September might be your best bet.

Weather in Bali in September

September serves up Bali at its most laid-back. Expect blue-sky mornings, warm-but-not-scorching days around 27–30 °C, and the kind of low-key humidity that won’t flatten you mid-rice terrace walk. Evenings stay balmy, making them perfect for beach bar dinners or scooter rides that don’t turn into steam baths. It’s dry, mostly, though a cheeky shower might roll in later in the month. (Pack a raincoat unless you want to rock the neon poncho look.) UV is still fierce, so slip, slop, slap, and maybe skip that midday volcano hike unless you’ve got SPF and serious snacks.

Where to go in Bali in September

Ubud: Cooler air, quieter trails and zero stress about dodging umbrellas in your temple pics. September’s the time to walk the Campuhan Ridge without breaking a sweat, snack your way through the art markets, or stretch it out in a jungle shala with the cicadas for company. Peak season’s over, so the crowds are mostly gone, but the gamelan still plays on.

Uluwatu: Uluwatu stays winning in September. Dry season swell means clean waves, good reef visibility and beach days that don’t end with debris at your ankles. Sunset’s a full-on clifftop show, with Kecak fire dance at the temple, cold beer at Single Fin, and a full camera roll by 7pm. It’s a neater bet than Kuta or Legian, which can get churned up at this time of year.

Sanur: Like Bali with the volume turned down. Sanur’s shallow water stays glassy through September, and the beachfront path is a dream for lazy pedalling between cafes and coconut stalls. No big surf here, which is exactly the point. Good for snorkelling, great for kids, and even better if you like your beach days worry-free.

Menjangan Island (Northwest Bali): September’s dry and clear conditions make this the best time for reef snorkelling and diving in Bali Barat National Park. It’s much quieter than the East Coast or Nusa Penida, and the visibility is often better too.

Amed and Sidemen (East Bali): Quieter than the south, and cooler than the lowland beach hubs. September’s dry mornings are ideal for trekking, snorkelling from black-sand beaches or learning local crafts, without the business of the ferry crowds on their way to nearby islands.

Festivals and events in Bali in September

Tumpek Wayang: Not your average arts fest. This traditional Balinese holy day honours puppetry and performance as sacred storytelling. You might not catch the full shadow puppet show unless you know a local, but temple ceremonies still bring the atmosphere. Expect incense, chanting and intricately carved puppets that have passed down through generations.

Bali International Film Festival (Balinale): Big screens, palm trees, and a crowd that swaps red carpets for sandals. Balinale rolls out a mix of indie sleepers and international flicks in spots like Denpasar and Canggu. Expect subtitles, sunset screenings of award-winning films and a few very cool people who definitely once worked at Sundance.

Lovina Beach Festival: Food stalls, parades, gamelan, and local bands bring this northern village to life. Held by the coast, the festival is a few days of performances, ceremonies and regional pride.

Ubud Village Jazz Festival: Low-key and laid-back, the Ubud Jazz Fest brings together local talent and a few saxophone-wielding guests from abroad. Gigs take place in gardens, art spaces and jungle hideouts.

Best things to do in Bali in September

Surf the dry-season swell: This is prime time for Bali’s surf crowd. Uluwatu serves up consistent waves, clean conditions and fewer boards in the line-up now that August’s peak is done. Whether you’re riding or just watching from the warung with a coconut, it’s worth the trip south.

Dive into visibility season: September’s calm seas and clear skies mean excellent underwater visibility. Head east for the Liberty shipwreck at Tulamben, or northwest for Menjangan’s reef walls. Bring your GoPro because this is when Bali’s dive sites show off.

Get amongst temple ceremonies: Temple festivals run year-round, but September’s dry days make it a great time to witness one. Dress respectfully, follow the locals’ lead, and expect flower offerings, chanting, and the occasional full-moon procession crossing your scooter path.

Climb a volcano before breakfast: Mount Batur’s sunrise hikes are a September rite of passage. Dry trails, cooler dawn temps and panoramic views from the top. You may even see a boiled egg cooked in volcanic steam if your guide’s got the hookup.

Flow into a wellness groove: With fresh mornings and low humidity, September is peak time for outdoor yoga, breathwork, or even that ice bath you swore you’d never do. Ubud and Seminyak studios spill out into gardens and rooftops. Perfect for some post-beach balance.

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