September is by far one of the best times of the year to visit Indonesia. The weather is warm and beautiful with sunny skies and an almost complete lack of rain anywhere; yet the crowds thin out as kids go back to school (read: there are fewer travelers than in July and August). The result is an idyllic destination with beautiful beaches, impressive volcanoes, and reasonable crowd sizes.

Weather

The weather is great in Indonesia in September. In Bali and Sumatra, for instance, the temperatures are warm and sunny but not sweltering. Bali is cooler, averaging about 82°F to 86°F (23°C-30°C), while Sumatra creeps up to around 86°F to 93°F (30°C-34°C). Java is considerably hotter than both, with daytime highs around 91°F to 97°F (33°C-36°C) throughout the month. In the evenings, most of the islands cool off to about 71°F to 77°F (22°C-25°C)—a refreshing change but still pretty warm.

Rain-wise, there's essentially no precipitation except for a few isolated places such as the northern part of Sulawesi and around the Raja Ampat islands. 

Crowds & Costs

The best part of September is that the crowds begin tapering off ever so slightly. It's still high season—make no mistake—but compared to the previous months, they're better, and the numbers of people at the beaches and temples are starting to wane. You'll still contend with big crowds, especially in Bali and the more popular islands, but generally speaking, it won't be as intense.

Unfortunately, the costs don't follow the same pattern. September is still considered peak season, and hotels will charge maximum rates. Airfare will be expensive, too. If you're considering a trip during this time, book everything in advance to get the best rates. 

Where to Go

The beautiful thing about visiting Indonesia in September is that it's virtually an open map in terms of which islands to go to. Except for some lesser-visited destinations like Northern Sulawesi or the Raja Ampat islands, they're all great this time of year. Bali makes a fantastic starting point. The southern part of the island is full of beaches that offer warm, salty water and gentle ocean breezes. The weather is great, and the resorts won't be quite as packed as earlier in the summer. It's also a good time to go to Ubud and other more central parts of the island, where you can explore rice paddies or take a yoga retreat. 

If that island isn't of interest, head to Java, another great option that also has stunning beaches, spectacular volcanoes, and numerous trekking opportunities. It's the perfect time of year to hike Mount Bromo or Mount Ijen when the ground is dry and you don't have to worry about rain. Java also has tons of picturesque temple complexes that make perfect September destinations. 

Sumatra is another good September choice. Its location right on the equator divides the north and south parts of the island into different weather patterns. The latter gets washed out with rain during the offseason, but places like Palembang (the "Venice of the East") and other southern destinations are idyllic in September. Other traveler-friendly islands nearby include Nusa Tenggara, Sumba, and Flores.

Plan your trip to Indonesia
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Get Started

What to Do

Head to Bali and visit Kuta beach, a laid-back surf town with stunning white sand and crystal blue water. You can surf, snorkel, sunbathe, or sea kayak. There are even opportunities to ride jetpacks on the water in the nearby Tanjung Benoa. In addition to beach activities and watersports, Kuta is famous for its wild nightlife. Check out places like Paddy's Pub or head to the Hard Rock Café Bali for music and entertainment. 

In Java, book a tour to climb to the top of one of its famous volcanoes, such as Mount Bromo or Mount Ijen. Or, if you're not into trekking, check out the sacred Candi Prambanan temple complex near Borobudur or the Borobudur Temple by Yogyakarta. If you're hankering for some city life, explore Surabaya, which offers excellent food, shopping, and nightlife. 

If Sumatra is on your list, September is a wonderful time to soak up some of that island's rich culture. In Medan, for example, visit the Mesjid Raya Al-Mashun mosque or stop by the Istana Maimun, a stunningly built royal palace once home to the Sultanate of Deli. Drop by the Tjong A Fie Mansion or stroll through Merdeka Walk. Down south, check out Palembang, which is home to sites like the Kuto Besak Fort palace and the Great Mosque of Palembang.

Events in September

Muharram (Islamic New Year), Nationwide. This major pubic holiday, during which schools, businesses, and government institutions typically close down, occurs in July, August, or September every year. The large-scale celebration marks the time when the Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina and the subsequent founding of Islam. There are huge festivals and celebrations on nearly every island that involve food, music, parades, and dancing.

Hari Olahraga Nasional, Nationwide. This yearly holiday typically falls in the first week of September. During the National Sports Day state event, Indonesians host traditional sporting tournaments that involve a lot of food and celebration. 

Traveling to Indonesia in September? Check out this great itinerary

Sumatra & Java : Orangutans, Volcanoes & Indonesian Culture - 14 Days. Uncover the highlights of Sumatra and Java as you go deep into the rainforest in search of wild orangutans, high up to the summits of ancient volcanoes, and deep into the history and culture of two of Indonesia's most fascinating islands. Start in Bukit Lawang before making your way to Lake Toba and Samosir Island. From there, head over to Java to marvel at the views from the top of Mount Bromo and explore the countryside and temples around the royal cities of Solo and Yogyakarta.

More Helpful Information

Indonesia in August
Indonesia in October
Best Time of Year to Visit Indonesia
How Many Days to Spend in Indonesia