Bali in September: what to expect from your holiday

September in Bali is one of those periods when you do not have to choose between good weather and peace. August with its peak crowds is already behind, the rainy season has not started yet, and the island seems to take a pause, as there are fewer tourists. It becomes a little quieter and freer, and at the same time no less beautiful and interesting for travel and activities. So what should you expect from Bali in September?

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Weather in Bali in September

September is the final note of the dry season. The days are warm and sunny, rains are rare and short, and humidity is noticeably lower than in October and November. Temperatures stay within 27-31°C, warm enough for the beach, but without exhausting stuffiness.

Closer to the end of the month, the weather starts to change a little: humidity grows slightly, and short tropical showers may appear from time to time, especially in the second half of the day. But this is exactly the kind of rain that ends before you manage to find shelter. It does not ruin your plans.

The ultraviolet level is worth mentioning separately. Bali is close to the equator, and the UV index here stays high all year round. September is no exception. Sunscreen and a hat are simply necessary. If you are going to the central parts of the island, for example to Ubud, rather than to the coast, it will be a little cooler and more humid there. In the morning and evening, it is genuinely fresh there, perfect for walks through rice terraces or breakfast on an open terrace.

Briefly about Bali in September:

• Day temperature: 27-31°C.
• Night temperature: 22-25°C.
• Rainfall: minimal, on average 3-8 rainy days.
• Ocean temperature: around 27°C.
• UV index: very high.
• Sunset: around 18:15.

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Shoulder season in Bali in September

August in Bali is the peak of the high season. Crowded beaches, queues at popular temples, inflated prices. In September, the situation changes, because the standard European holidays are over. There are noticeably fewer tourists, you can book a restaurant table on the day of your visit instead of a week in advance, and at many popular places you can finally take a photo without strangers in the frame.

Prices for air tickets and accommodation may drop a little, especially in the second half of the month. This is not the low season with its maximum discounts, but compared to August the savings are quite noticeable. Villas, boutique hotels, excursions, all of this becomes more accessible.

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What to do in Bali in September

The weather this month allows almost everything, from active holidays to the laziest possible rest.

Beach holidays in Bali in September: where it is better to swim

In September the ocean in Bali can be different, much depends on the coast and the winds. Consider holidays in the following areas:

• Nusa Dua and Sanur, calm sea, suitable for swimming and holidays with children
• Jimbaran, soft waves and beautiful sunsets
• Uluwatu, Balian, Canggu, better suited to surfing than swimming.

If your goal is specifically swimming, it is better to choose beaches with protected lagoons or the eastern coast of the island.

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Surfing in Bali in September

The west coast in September still offers good stable waves, the east coast too under certain conditions. It is the end of the main surfing season, but the waves are there, and there are noticeably fewer people in the water. September is an excellent time for intermediate and advanced surfers. The main season of south-eastern winds is still in full swing.

Where to catch a wave:

• Uluwatu, a legendary reef break. In September several peaks work here: The Peak, Racetracks, Outside Corner. After midday the wind may rise.
• Padang Padang, a famous powerful left reef break. The waves are usually smaller than at Uluwatu, but tubular.
• Bingin/Impossibles, a difficult but high quality reef break between Uluwatu and Padang Padang. It requires a confident level.
• Canggu/Seminyak, for all levels.
• Berawa: sandy bottom, suitable for beginners. There are many surf schools here.
• Batu Bolong/Old Man's, a popular spot for longboarding and beginners. Crowded, but in September it is already freer.

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Diving and snorkelling in Bali in September

At the end of summer the water is warm, +27...+29°C, and clear, visibility is up to 25 m, and the sea is calm. This is an excellent month for underwater trips. Among the places worth visiting in September:

• Crystal Bay on Nusa Penida, one of the best places for diving. From late September to November, it is the peak season for encounters with the mola mola.
• Manta Point, an almost guaranteed meeting with giant manta rays.
• Gamat Bay, an excellent spot for snorkelling with colourful corals and fish.
• USAT Liberty Wreck in the Amed/Tulamben area: a military cargo ship sunk near the shore. A dive for all levels, depth from 5 to 30 m.
• Coral Garden: a shallow reef, ideal for snorkelling in Bali and night dives.
• The underwater statue in Pemuteran: an artificial reef with statues and abundant marine life.

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Spa and retreat in Bali

September is the ideal time for recovery and slowing down. Humidity is lower than in the rainy season, and spending time in nature is much more comfortable.

The main centre for this type of holiday in Bali is Ubud. This is where yoga classes with a view of the jungle, meditations and breathing practices, Balinese massages and spa rituals, and more take place. Among the notable places are Fivelements Retreat Bali, Karsa Spa, COMO Shambhala Estate.

Even if you are not planning a retreat, it is worth going to a spa or yoga centre for at least a day.

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Climbing Mount Batur

The ascent starts closer to dawn, takes about two hours and brings you to the top of an active volcano for sunrise. In September, the sky is usually clear, and views of Lake Batur and Mount Agung open up in full. The ascent is possible only with a certified guide.

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Rice terraces and trekking

• Jatiluwih, a UNESCO site and one of the largest rice terraces in Bali. September is the ideal time to visit: after the dry season the fields take on golden shades. Walking routes of different difficulty levels are laid out here, from 30 minute walks to 3-4 hour hikes through villages.
• Tegallalang, the most photogenic terraces near Ubud. In September there are significantly fewer tourists here than in the high season. The best time to visit is early morning, when the light is soft and the locals are still working in the fields.

The trails through the jungle are not washed out by rain in September, and hikes to full flowing waterfalls become more popular during this period. Visit, for example, Sekumpul, a complex of seven waterfalls in the northern part of the island, one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Bali.

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Volcanic lakes and hot springs

Lake Batur is the caldera of an ancient volcano. In addition to climbing Batur, it is worth walking along the shore of the lake and visiting the village of Toya Bungkah with hot springs, where the water is rich in sulphur and minerals.

Lake Bratan is a mountain lake with the Ulun Danu temple, one of the most recognisable temples in Bali. In September it is fresh here (18-22°C) and often foggy, which creates a mystical atmosphere. You can rent a kayak or a traditional boat.

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Festivals and holidays in Bali in September

The dates of many Balinese festivals are determined by local calendars and lunar cycles. However, major festivals are usually tied to specific months.

• Odalan: temple birthdays. They take place every 210 days according to the Balinese calendar. On any day in September, you are almost guaranteed to come across one of them in some village. Ask your guide or hotel, you may be invited.
• Cultural ceremonies at Taman Ayun temple. From the beginning of September. Barong dances on the territory of the royal Taman Ayun temple in Mengwi, included on the UNESCO list. It is located about 18 kilometres north-west of Ubud
• National Maritime Day (Hari Maritim Nasional). It is celebrated in the third ten days of September. In coastal areas, ceremonies by the water take place with offerings to the ocean, and fishing villages organise small celebrations. In Sanur and Benoa, you can observe traditional Balinese boats decorated with flowers and flags.
• Bali International Airshow. One of the largest aviation events in South-East Asia, which takes place at Ngurah Rai Airport at the beginning of autumn. It may not be held every year, so it is worth checking. Several days of air shows, aviation equipment exhibitions and demonstration flights. It can be watched from the beaches of Kuta, Seminyak and Jimbaran.

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Is it worth going to Bali in September: pros and cons

September is one of the most comfortable months for a trip to Bali, but it has its own features.

Pros:

• Excellent weather: dry season, sunny and not too stuffy.
• Fewer tourists than in August.
• Good conditions for surfing and diving.
• Pleasant prices compared to the peak season.
• Comfortable for travelling around the island and going on excursions.

Cons:

• It is still the high season, popular places can be crowded.
• Waves on the west coast can be strong (not always suitable for beginners).
• Prices are not the lowest (lower than in August, but not by much).
• At the end of the month, short downpours are possible.

Overall, September can be considered one of the most successful months for Bali. Choose your dates and book your stay on the island in advance!

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