Lombok in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Lombok

31°C (88°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

180mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season transition brings excellent visibility for diving - 25-30m (82-98 ft) underwater visibility at Gili Islands compared to 15m (49 ft) in wet months
Tourist crowds drop 40% after August peak, meaning shorter queues at Mount Rinjani permits office and better accommodation rates
Perfect surfing conditions at southern beaches - consistent 4-6 ft swells with offshore morning winds at spots like Gerupuk and Mawi
September marks the start of traditional weaving season in Sasak villages - authentic cultural experiences without the tourist performance aspect

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms hit 60% of days between 2-4pm, disrupting outdoor plans for 30-45 minutes with little warning
High humidity makes trekking Mount Rinjani more challenging - you'll sweat through clothes within first hour of ascent
Some traditional boat services to smaller islands reduce frequency due to unpredictable afternoon weather patterns

Best Activities in September

Gili Islands Diving and Snorkeling

September offers peak underwater visibility as sediment from wet season settles. Water temperature holds steady at 27°C (81°F) with minimal current. Turtle encounters at Gili Meno reach seasonal highs as nesting season begins. Morning trips (8am-12pm) avoid afternoon weather uncertainty.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through PADI-certified operators. Expect to pay 500,000-750,000 IDR ($33-50) for snorkeling day trips, 850,000-1,200,000 IDR ($57-80) for two-tank dives. See current tour options in booking section below.

Mount Rinjani Trekking

September's drier conditions make the 3,726m (12,224 ft) summit more accessible, though prepare for high humidity on lower elevations. Clear morning views before cloud buildup around noon. Crater lake (Segara Anak) at 2,000m (6,562 ft) shows impressive blue clarity after rainy season runoff clears.

Booking Tip: Book permits 10-14 days ahead through Rinjani Trek Centre in Senaru. Two-day packages typically cost 1,800,000-2,500,000 IDR ($120-167) including guide, porter, and basic meals. See current trekking tours in booking section below.

Southern Peninsula Surfing

September delivers consistent south swells hitting Lombok's premier breaks. Gerupuk Bay offers protected waves for intermediates, while Mawi and Selong Belanak provide world-class barrels. Morning offshore winds (6-8am) create glassy conditions before afternoon sea breezes. Water temperature stays warm at 26°C (79°F).

Booking Tip: Rent boards for 150,000-250,000 IDR ($10-17) per day in Kuta Lombok. Surf lessons typically cost 400,000-600,000 IDR ($27-40) for 2-hour sessions. Book accommodations near breaks 2-3 weeks ahead as surf season peaks.

Traditional Sasak Village Experiences

September begins the traditional weaving season when women return to daily textile work after rice harvest. Villages like Sade and Rambitan offer authentic cultural immersion without staged performances. Witness ikat weaving techniques passed down through generations and participate in rice preparation processes.

Booking Tip: Independent visits cost 50,000-100,000 IDR ($3-7) village entry fee plus optional donations. Cultural tours with transport typically run 800,000-1,200,000 IDR ($53-80) for full day. Book through local guesthouses for most real feels.

Sekotong Peninsula Island Hopping

September's calmer morning seas make accessing Sekotong's pristine islands ideal before afternoon winds pick up. Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis offer uncrowded beaches and excellent snorkeling. Pink sand at Tangsi Beach shows its best color in September's clear morning light.

Booking Tip: Private boat charters cost 800,000-1,500,000 IDR ($53-100) for full day depending on boat size and islands visited. Shared tours run 350,000-500,000 IDR ($23-33) per person. Book departures before 8am to maximize calm water time.

Senggigi Sunset and Night Markets

September's clearer skies create spectacular sunsets from Senggigi's west-facing beaches. After dark, local night markets come alive with seasonal specialties like bebek betutu (slow-roasted duck) and fresh grilled fish. Lower humidity in evening hours makes walking between venues more comfortable.

Booking Tip: Beachfront dining ranges 200,000-500,000 IDR ($13-33) per person for dinner with sunset views. this destination street food costs 25,000-75,000 IDR ($2-5) per dish. No booking needed - arrive by 6pm for best sunset spots.

September Events & Festivals

Mid to Late September

Bau Nyale Festival

Annual sea worm harvest celebration where Sasak people gather at southern beaches to collect nyale worms that emerge during specific lunar cycles. Includes traditional music, poetry competitions, and legendary storytelling. One of Lombok's most authentic cultural experiences with minimal tourist influence.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic shirts - cotton stays damp in 70% humidity and takes hours to dry after afternoon showers

Waterproof phone case - essential for boat trips and sudden rain, plus protects against sand and salt spray

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index of 8 means burns in 15 minutes, and many areas require reef-safe formulas

Lightweight rain jacket with ventilation - afternoon storms last 30-45 minutes with heavy downpours and wind

Closed-toe water shoes - rocky coastlines and sea urchins around Gili Islands, plus protection during village walks

Moisture-wicking underwear and socks - regular cotton becomes uncomfortable within hours in humid conditions

Portable power bank - humidity affects battery life, and you'll use GPS/maps frequently for off-track locations

Anti-chafing balm - essential for any walking or hiking in humid conditions to prevent painful friction

Electrolyte supplements - sweating is constant and water alone won't replace what you lose trekking or surfing

Mesh laundry bag - for wet clothes and swimwear, as humidity means nothing air-dries quickly in rooms

Insider Knowledge

Book Rinjani permits directly at Rinjani Trek Centre in Senaru village - avoid inflated prices from Senggigi tour agents who add 40-50% markup for simple permit processing

September's afternoon storms follow predictable patterns - they build from inland mountains around 1pm, hit coast by 2-3pm, and clear by 4pm. Plan outdoor activities accordingly

Local fishermen in Senggigi offer informal boat trips for half the price of tourist operators - negotiate at the beach around 7am when they return from night fishing

Warung meals cost 25,000-50,000 IDR ($2-3) while tourist restaurants charge 150,000+ IDR ($10+) for the Easttimor dishes - eat where locals eat for authentic flavors and prices

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities between 2-4pm when afternoon thunderstorms are most likely - plan indoor activities or rest during this window

Bringing only flip-flops for footwear - rocky beaches, village walking, and potential hiking require closed shoes with grip

Expecting air conditioning everywhere - many local accommodations and traditional restaurants don't have AC, so pack for natural ventilation comfort