September in India is the fag end of the monsoon weather in India. That means less rainfall in comparison to July and August, and also less heat and humidity.
While the three months preceding it are considered an off-season for travel in India, September is the intermission between the off-season (April-August) and the peak tourist season (October-March). It is therefore a good time to explore India without breaking the bank. Airfares and cost for hotels/resorts remain on the lower side.
The average temperature in the month hovers between a low of 24 °C and a high of 31 °C. On average there are 6-8 rainy days in the month—a far cry from 13 and 18 days during the previous two months, respectively.
It is also the month when Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated across India—a festival to pay homage to the Elephant god Ganesha. Kerala celebrates the Onam Festival (harvest festival), whereas the Himalayan State of Arunachal Pradesh holds the Ziro Festival where indigenous tribes come together to celebrate their culture. Rajasthan plays host to the Abhaneri Festival to celebrate rural cultures of the region.
Want to learn more about the varying weather patterns in India in September? Read on.
1. Regional Weather Breakdown
Before we get into the regional weather breakdown, here is a brief list of places that you can consider in September that are ideal for the month of September.
– Srinagar, Kashmir: Capital of the state of Kashmir known for its picturesque Dal Lake, Gangola (shikara) boats, and Mughal Gardens..
– Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh: Idyllic Himalayan region of indigenous tribal culture and otherworldly beauty.
– Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand: UNESCO Heritage Site where rare Himalayan flowers bloom in the month of September, making for a magical visual experience.
– Rishikesh, Uttarakhand: Holy town on the banks of Ganges, known as the Yoga Capital of the World.
– Kinnaur, Mcleod Ganj, (Himachal Pradesh): Pleasant weather, lovely hiking trails, Buddhist cultural immersion and ultimate serenity await you in these towns.
– Kalimpong, West Bengal: Lovely hill station in the north east, accessible from Kolkata.
North India: Rajasthan & Golden Triangle
While September is still technically monsoon season in the Golden Triangle, it is the fag end of it with the average rainfall dwindling to less than half of the average of the previous month, and the average number of rainy days fall to only 6 days (from a high of 15-18 days).
What to wear: Keep an umbrella hand. Wear lightweight and breathable fabrics. Pack a water-resistant jacket/coat.
Average Temperature in Delhi in September: 77°F- 93.2°F (25°C – 34°C) (Average rainfall 130mm/5 inches)
Average Temperature in Jaipur in September: 73 °F- 93.2°F (23°C – 34°C) (Average rainfall 58mm/2 inches)
Average Temperature in Agra in September: 75°F- 93.2°F (24°C – 34°C) (Average rainfall 130mm/5 inches)
North India: Kashmir & Himalayas
All throughout the summer and monsoon season, the Himalayan states of Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and autonomous regions of Ladakh, sees a peak tourist season with millions escape the heat, humidity and rains of the Indian plains to enjoy Himalayan beauty and serenity.
Note, however, that the national parks of the region are mostly closed due to the monsoon.
Average Temperature in Kashmir in September: 59°F- 66.2 °F (15 °C)- °F (19 °C)
Average Temperature in September in Himachal Pradesh: 62.6 °F- 78.8 °F (17°C – 26°C)
Average Temperature in September in Uttarakhand: 73.4°F- 89.6°F (23°C – 32°C)
South India: Kerala, Goa & the South
Due to their proximity to the Indian Ocean/Bay of Bengal, Southern Indian states (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Karnataka) are still in the eye of the monsoon.
But the hill stations nestled in the mountains of the region are ideal escapes from the rains and wet weather. We recommend: Munnar and Wayanad (Kerala), Coorg and Chikmagalur (Karnataka), and Ooty and Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu).
Activities: Nature hikes and trails, ancient temple tours, village walks, Tea/spine/plantation tours.
Average Temperature in Kerala in September: 75.2°F- 86°F (24°C – 30°C)
Average Temperature in Tamil Nadu in September: 66.2 °F- 80.6°F (19°C –27°C)
Average Temperature in Karnataka in September: 68°F- 82.4°F (20 °C – 28 °C)
Average Temperature in Goa in September 82.4°F- 86°F (28 °C – 30 °C)
West & Central India: Mumbai & Other Central Parts
Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Bhopal and other major cities of West and Central India receive quite a bit of rain during the month of September—a fair bit more than the plains of north India.
The national parks of Madhya Pradesh also shut down during the monsoon.
Average Temperature in Madhya Pradesh in September: 73.4°F- 89.6°F (23°C – 32°C)
Average Temperature in Maharashtra in September 73.4°F- 87.8°F (23°C – 31°C)
2. Weather Information on Popular Cities For Tourism
Agra, Jaipur, Delhi (Golden Triangle)
September is the shoulder season in the Golden Triangle region with thinner crowds, low airfares and low accommodation costs. A good time to travel in the region if you are cash-strapped.
But there is rain as well (2 to 5 inches of rain on average during the course of the month).
Average Temperature in Delhi in September: 77°F- 93.2°F (25°C – 34°C) (Average rainfall 130mm/5 inches)
Average Temperature in Jaipur in September: 73 °F- 93.2°F (23°C – 34°C) (Average rainfall 58mm/2 inches)
Average Temperature in Agra in September: 75°F- 93.2°F (24°C – 34°C) (Average rainfall 130mm/5 inches)
What to wear: Breathable (and preferably water-resistant) clothes, umbrella.
Mumbai
As per Times of India, Mumbai received 483 mm of rainfall in 2023, which is quite a lot. But the nearby hill stations of the Western Ghats are great alternative during September.
Average Temperature in Mumbai in September: °F- °F (25°C – 31°C)
What to wear: Keep an umbrella hand. Wear lightweight and breathable fabrics. Pack a water-resistant jacket/coat.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT INDIA IN SEPTEMBER
Is SEPTEMBER a good time to visit India?
September is traditionally considered a shoulder month on the tourist calendar in India. As the last month of the legendary Indian monsoon season (which begin in mid/late June), September is a sort of intermission between the low season (April-August) and high (peak) tourist season (November-March).
Temperature range between a low of 24 °C and a high of 31 °C, with fewer rainy days. Average number of rainy days fall to only 6 days (from a high of 15-18 days in the previous months).
It is cheaper to travel in India in September, and the crowds are thinner than peak season.
If you are looking for suggestions, check out our link for the BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN INDIA IN SEPTEMBER here [link].
How hot is it in SEPTEMBER in India?
In September, temperatures across Indian range between a low of 24 °C at night and a high of 31 °C during day time.
On average there are 6-8 rainy days in the month.
Is SEPTEMBER the rainy season in India?
September is the tail end of the monsoon season which begins in late June and end in September.
The good news is that it is not as wet as July or August, and the temperatures are cooler in comparison.