Bolivia in September: Weather, Tips and More
September is a great time to visit Bolivia as the peak season rush ends with the onset of spring. The weather is warm with mostly dry days and you will encounter fewer crowds throughout the country. This offers you the perfect opportunity to go on a pleasant expedition through the Amazon and explore the surreal mirror-like effect on the Uyuni salt flats. On top of that, you can also get some good deals on tours and accommodation. Outdoor lovers will love that it's not as humid and hot as it is in the summer, making it the perfect weather for activities, especially in the lowlands.
- Mrs. G
Bolivia Weather in September
If you are planning to visit Bolivia in September, you will get mostly sunny and dry weather with some rain here and there. But note that the temperatures will vary depending on where you go due to the different elevations and landscapes.
In La Paz, temperatures will be around 14°C (57°F) during the day and 0°C (32°F) at night. Santa Cruz's lowlands see more comfortable conditions, with the mercury reaching up to 27°C (81°F) during the day and 19°C (66°F) at night.
If you are visiting the Uyuni salt flats in the high plateaus of the Andes Mountains, expect highs of 16°C (60°F) and lows of -3°C (27°F).
Rainfall won't be a significant issue if you are traveling in Bolivia in September, with 10–20 millimeters of rain spread across the month. For more weather details, read our article on the best time to visit Bolivia.
Weather in Bolivia in September - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | -1 | -3 | -3 | -2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 56 | 58 | 56 | 58 | 58 | 56 | 56 | 58 | 58 | 59 | 59 | 59 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 40 | 38 | 38 | 36 | 31 | 27 | 27 | 29 | 32 | 34 | 38 | 38 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 130 | 90 | 80 | 40 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 30 | 40 | 50 | 70 |
| Aug | Sep | Oct | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 14 | 14 | 15 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | -2 | 0 | 1 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 58 | 58 | 59 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 29 | 32 | 34 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 10 | 30 | 40 |
Why Visit Bolivia in September
- Explore the Bolivian lowlands: For a unique adventure, consider exploring Bolivia's less popular savanna region, which is especially enjoyable in September due to the wonderful weather. Although often overlooked by tourists, Santa Cruz boasts colonial architecture and rich history, making it a must-visit destination.
- See the mirror effects at Uyuni: In September, occasional rainfall causes the Uyuni salt flats to glisten. A thin layer of water forms on the flats, creating a stunning scenery that is perfect for taking pictures. You can let your creativity flow and experiment with the mirror effects that form on the surface of the salt flats.
- Visit Lake Titicaca: September is one of the best times to visit Lake Titicaca. The weather is fairly warm and dry during this time, making activities like kayaking and hiking all the more enjoyable. The floating villages of Uro people and the Incan ruins of Isla del Sol are the other highlights of the place.
- Check out the Amazon: If you want to go on a pleasant expedition through the Amazon, September might be your last chance before it gets uncomfortably hot and muggy. While there are chances of rain showers and storms, they are rarely intense. Head to Madidi National Park for rare wildlife encounters and nature walks.
- Participate in a wine festival: Tarija should definitely be on your list of destinations to visit in Bolivia in September. On the first Sunday of September, Fiesta de San Roque takes place in the main wine-growing area of Tarija, where you can enjoy some of Bolivia’s finest vino and local dishes. If you’re looking to take a stroll around the Bolivian cities and explore it’s natural wonders with the help and guidance of a guide, you can try one of our Bolivia city sightseeing tours.
Where to Go and What to Do
If you are looking for outdoor activities with warm and pleasant temperatures, add Santa Cruz to your destination list during your trip to Bolivia in September. Take full advantage of the pleasant weather to go on hikes and sightseeing tours around Cerro El Calvario in Lake Titicaca and Chacaltaya.
Visit Parque Regional Lomas de Arena to see a variety of wildlife and go sandboarding, or explore Parque National Amboró, a nature reserve that is home to almost a thousand bird species, hundreds of mammals, and three thousand plant species.
La Paz is a great place and the perfect base to explore the Bolivian highlands. From here, you can take day trips and visit exotic places like Uyuni salt flats, take a thrilling cycle ride down the Yungas Road (considered the world's most dangerous road), or climb the mountains of Huayna Potosi. The city of La Paz itself has a lot to offer too. Visit its markets, shop around, and treat yourself to traditional food like Anticucho, a dish based on thin beef or chicken heart filets marinated in spices; or Queso Humacha, a thick creamy soup made with corn, green beans, potatoes, milk, cheese, and an Andean spice called Wacatya.
If you are wondering how many days to spend in Bolivia, check out these Bolivia itineraries. You can also go through our Bolivia travel guide for ideas and inspiration.
What to Bring
When taking a trip to Bolivia in September, it is important to consider the region you are visiting. While temperatures during the day in the Andes and highlands may be comfortable, they can drop to 0°C at night. In these areas, it is recommended that you pack layers and warm clothing items. If you intend to explore the Amazon rainforest or savanna, bring light and comfortable outfits, as well as rain gear. Also, do not forget to bring insect repellent when venturing deep into the jungle.
September is a great time to visit Bolivia, especially for those looking for outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife viewing. With the shoulder season comes lower prices and fewer crowds, making it easier to explore the country's popular destinations, as well as hidden gems.
Reach out to our local travel experts to create a customized itinerary for your trip to Bolivia.
