Bali in September 2025: An Insider's Guide to the Golden Month

Why We Love Bali in September

If you ask anyone who lives here what their favorite month in Bali is, a lot of us will say September. The secret's getting out, but for good reason. The weather is still that perfect, sun-drenched dream, but the huge crowds of July and August have started to head home. The whole island just seems to take a collective, happy breath.

You get all the dry-season perks with a bit more space to actually enjoy it. September is when you can find a wild mix of things happening—one day you could be at a massive music festival, the next you could be watching a traditional buffalo race that’s been happening for generations. It’s that contrast that makes this month so special.

The Big Gigs: Festivals You Won't Want to Miss

The party doesn't stop after August. September brings some of the year's most unique and high-energy festivals.

WATERBOMB BALI (September 6–7)

Okay, get ready for this because it's absolutely wild. WATERBOMB is taking over the massive GWK Cultural Park for two days, and it's exactly what it sounds like: a huge music festival combined with an festival-wide water fight. We're talking top-tier K-Pop, hip-hop, and dance music acts performing while everyone is armed with water guns. And the big news this year is that the legendary K-Pop group 2NE1 is headlining, which is a huge deal for Bali. It’s pure, chaotic fun. You will get soaked. You will have the best time.

Axean Festival (September 13–14)

If you're the kind of person who loves discovering new music before anyone else, you need to get to Axean Festival. Happening at Jimbaran Hub, this isn't your typical festival lineup. It’s all about showcasing the coolest emerging artists from all over Southeast Asia. What’s really exciting this year is the new SEA Club Showcase, a stage dedicated to the amazing electronic music coming out of our corner of the world. You'll get to hear stuff like Indonesian funkot and the viral Filipino budots from DJ Love—sounds that are starting to blow up globally. It’s a chance to hear the future, today.

Bali Carnival (September 25–September 29)

This is something totally different for Bali. For six days, the Renaissance Resort in Nusa Dua transforms into a full-blown Caribbean party for the Bali Carnival. Think Trinidad and Tobago vibes, with colorful parades, masquerades, pool parties, and music everywhere. Best part? It’s free to get in, so you can just wander in and soak up the amazing energy.

Waterbom Weekender (September 21–22)

It’s a simple but brilliant idea: take Asia’s best waterpark and turn it into a music festival for a weekend. That’s the Waterbom Weekender. You spend the day on all the epic slides at Waterbom in Kuta, and then as the sun sets, the DJs and live bands come out. It’s pretty much guaranteed fun.

Beyond the Party: Getting into the Real Bali

September is also a perfect time to see the cultural side of the island that makes this place so special.

Mekepung Buffalo Races (Heats on September 14 & 28)

Seriously, make the trip out to Jembrana in West Bali for this. It’s one of the most incredible things you can see on the island. The Makepung Buffalo Races are exactly what they sound like: local farmers race pairs of decorated buffaloes down a dirt track, and it is fast and thrilling. It’s a huge deal for the local communities, all about pride, and the atmosphere is electric, with a special bamboo Gamelan orchestra called Jegog providing the soundtrack. It’s a real, raw piece of Balinese culture. You can catch the heats on September 14th and 28th.

Minikino Film Week (September 12–19)

If you're into film, you'll love this. Minikino Film Week is a cool, low-key international festival that focuses entirely on short films. They have pop-up screenings all over the island, making it super accessible. It’s a great way to see some amazing, creative stories from all over the world and connect with filmmakers in a really relaxed setting.

Keep an eye out for the Perang Tipat Bantal (Sept–Oct), a traditional 'rice cake war' in Kapal village that’s a blast to watch.

Where to Be After Dark: Our Party Picks

Even without a big festival, there's always something happening. Here's where you'll find us in September.

Our Final Tip

So, that's the scoop on September. It’s this amazing month where you can go hard at a festival one day and then see something deeply traditional the next. It’s the perfect time to be here, with great weather and a vibe that’s both exciting and relaxed.

And a little insider tip: after a long day exploring or a big night out, there’s nothing better than treating yourself. Imagine waking up in your villa to a beautiful floating breakfast waiting in your pool. It’s the ultimate Bali experience and the best way to recharge. We can bring that little piece of magic right to you.

Whatever you choose to do, have the best time. Hope to see you around the island!