India in September: All You Need to Know
Monsoon rains dry up and the shoulder season steps in with relatively calm weather in India in September. Go on an urban quest to Rajasthan and explore India’s famous Golden Triangle. Amble through the Old Delhi streets and explore the Thar Desert in a camel safari. Experience the harvest festival of Onam in Kerala while indulging in South Indian traditions. Do not forget to taste some authentic street food in the open-air market of Chandni Chowk. With fewer crowds, cheap prices, and excellent visibility, a trip to India makes an exquisite vacation.
India Weather in September
The average temperature of India in September is around 33°C and the rainfall is about 108 mm, making it an excellent season for those who love ecotourism. September is a great month to trek the Himalayas, as the peaks are much more visible when traveling through picturesque mountain valleys. However, being the shoulder season, the weather could also show dramatic variances in some parts of India. For example, the beach destinations in Kerala and Goa, as well as the northwest jungles and low-lying Bengal delta lands are best avoided. Still, the Indian countryside and hill stations are worth visiting during this time.
Read our travel guide on the best time to visit India to get a seasonal overview of the country.
Weather in India in September - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 18 | 23 | 18 | 36 | 39 | 37 | 34 | 33 | 33 | 31 | 27 | 21 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 7 | 11 | 15 | 22 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 24 | 19 | 13 | 8 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 64.4 | 73.4 | 64.4 | 96.8 | 102.2 | 98.6 | 93.2 | 91.4 | 91.4 | 87.8 | 80.6 | 69.8 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 44.6 | 51.8 | 59 | 71.6 | 78.8 | 80.6 | 80.6 | 78.8 | 75.2 | 66.2 | 55.4 | 46.4 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 23 | 18 | 13 | 8 | 13 | 74 | 180 | 173 | 117 | 10 | 3 | 10 |
Why Visit India in September
Take advantage of conducive weather conditions and attractive shoulder season deals by visiting India in September. There are plenty of places to see and things to do in India during this time of year. Here are some enticing reasons why an Indian holiday is an excellent idea.
- Fewer Crowds: As the peak tourist season has not started yet, tourist crowds will be low in September. This affords you both time and privacy to explore India’s multitude of attractions and its diverse culture.
- Cheap Prices: Airlines and hotels offer much cheaper rates as September falls in the shoulder season. So with a decent enough budget, you can pack in a lot of destinations and activities, otherwise unthinkable during high season.
- Festivals: Hindu community of India celebrates Navaratri honoring goddess Durga in September. They also commemorate the birth of Ganesh, the elephant-headed god, with pomp and circumstance. If you happen to be in Mumbai, the Ganesh idol immersion ceremony is something to behold.
- Harvest Season: September marks the beginning of one of the three main cropping seasons in India. Be a part of the Kharif harvest festival, where farmers in South India celebrate bountiful monsoon crops with boat races, floral displays and delicacies served on banana leaves. Make sure to check out the harvest festival of Onam happening in Kerala.
Where to Go and What to Do
Delhi, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala are some of the best places to visit in India in September. Kick-start your journey in the Golden Triangle of India: New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. These places become particularly photogenic during this time of year. See the Taj Mahal, a universally admired mausoleum and one of seven wonders of the world. Marvel at the spectacular Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and the Rambagh Palace in Jaipur.
While in Delhi, the bustling Indian capital city, tick off the must-visit historical and cultural sites including the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Lodhi Gardens, and Humayun's Tomb. Also, take a stroll through Old Delhi's streets and sample some street food at Chandni Chowk's open-air market.
In Tamil Nadu state of southern India, visit Trichy and Madurai temples and mingle with the spiritual community of Auroville, an experimental township. And if you find yourself in Rajasthan, do not miss a camelback ride through the Thar Desert from the town of Jaisalmer. For the adventurous souls, trekking the splendid Himalayas and boat tours in Kerala backwaters are among the many things to do in India in September. For more travel ideas, check out our article on how many days to spend in India.
As the monsoon ebbs, September’s weather in India is relatively calmer than in July and August. Between occasional downpours, there is plenty of sunshine for you to explore this beautiful country and learn more about its rich history and culture. Check out our India tours in September or get in touch with our travel experts to create a customized itinerary to India.
