Weather in India in September

This article will give you some insight into the weather in India in September. Accordingly, you can decide which places to visit as the weather in India is a bit confusing. September is a great month to visit India. It marks the last month of the monsoon that starts in mid-June.

You will usually experience light or heavy rains, but only in short spurts. Overall, India in September is drier and sunnier than the months of July and August and not quite as hot yet as in October as it’s often cloudy. North India is generally drier than South India, as Kerala can still receive persistent showers.

It’s also the last ‘off-season month’ for hotels in India. Hotels in India offer fabulous discounts during the off-season. You can stay at fantastic heritage hotels and resorts without breaking the bank. At the same time, you will enjoy privacy at monuments and museums as the main season hasn’t started yet.

Here is a detailed overview of what the weather would be like each month in India, in different regions of the country. Feel free to explore.

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

Regions like Leh and Ladakh in North India are drier than South India.

weather in North India in September

North India is a great region to visit in September. The rains are usually light and in short spells. The days are sunny, the temperature stays between pleasantly warm to hot, and it’s never too cold. Since it rains since June, the countryside is still a luscious green, the farmers are busy working the fields and the lakes, rivers and waterfalls are overflowing with water.

Off-season rates and a low number of tourists paired with sunny days make Rajasthan a great region to visit in September. It’s less rainy than in July and August and colder than in October, so it’s actually a fantastic time to visit. Overall, the rains are hardly an obstacle in Rajasthan anyway, and exceptionally in the month of September.

However, a lot of tourist activities are yet to begin in September. For instance, in Jaisalmer, you may not be able to do an overnight camel safari as it’s still off-season. All National Parks in India only open towards the start or the middle of October.

If you plan to visit North India minus the Himalayas then August is just as nice as September.

See Also: Navigating the Best of North India

Check out Henning’s two week trip in Rajasthan with homestays or Chiara’s Flashpacking Trip in Rajasthan. We have a few more route suggestions here.

Jodhpur, Rajasthan, in September, on a good day with clear skies.

weather in the mountains in September

September is considered to be the post-monsoon month for the Himalayas, especially in the foothills around Rishikesh, Shimla, Dharamshala or other hill stations. The main monsoon months of June, July and August bring dangers like landslides, cloud bursts, flooding and storms. September means clear weather with less chances of rain, and temperatures that are pleasant but not cold. Distant peaks are much more visible from September onwards and it’s a good time to relax or trek in the mountains.

Ladakh’s main tourist season lasts from June until early September but sometimes it starts to snow and gets very cold at the end of August. This is hard to predict and can change from year to year. You can fly to Leh and enjoy the views of the small town and some places close by. However, you might not be able to travel from Manali to Leh and to the beautiful Pangong Tso or Nubra Valley because of the snow.

In the Northeast, the rains get weaker and shorter and the weather becomes much clearer. Due to the fragile infrastructure and road conditions throughout the region, they require some time to prepare for the main season so it would be better to visit in October of November.

If the mountains are calling you, check out our tour ideas for the Himalayas here, and keep reading for more clarity on the weather in India in September.

Here is a detailed overview on what the weather would be like each month in India, in different regions of the country. Feel free to explore.

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

Related: Choosing the right time to visit India

Ladakh starts to get some snow during September, making it a great place for mountain views (Photo Credit – McKay Savage)

weather in south India in September

As you are aware of the general weather in India in September, how much rain you encounter in South India depends on which parts you visit. Expect a lot of rain in Kerala. It will be painted a beautiful green because of the rain, but heavy showers are common in September. Nevertheless, if one enjoys the tropical climate and trekking during lower temperatures without the strong sunshine, September is the perfect month to visit. National Parks like Periyar and Eravikulam remain open in the South.

Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are usually dry during the month of September. The days are sunny and hot, as the main monsoon starts in November. It’s a great time to visit Hampi, the popular backpacking destination in Karnataka. This place can get very hot and dry during the rest of the year, so if you want to experience a green and cool Hampi come in September. You can travel then to Mysore and Wayanad and eventually to Kerala. For some more travel routes down south, click here.

September is still relatively quiet in Goa. It’s a wet month but the showers are lighter – You can get a week of little or no rain and sunshine towards the end of the month. However, the waters are still rough and we advise caution if you plan on swimming. South Goa gets busy during October and November, staying peaceful in September. North Goa will slowly kick into action with shacks, restaurants and other activities. Apart from the beaches, Goa also has a great countryside with rain forests and impressive waterfalls. Not keen on beaches yourself? Visit Goa in September.

Interested in a trip like this? Here’s an incredible trip that passes through many South Indian destinations that you can read, or simply click on Plan Your Trip for help.

Discover: Best Time to Visit Kerala

Discover: The Best Places to Visit in Rajasthan

These lush green rice fields surround Hampi in September, offering spectacular views (Photo Credit – Manoj Vasanth)

India someday RECOMMENDs

The weather in India in September is a great time to visit, with better rates and a lower number of tourists. Rajasthan and the Himalayas are the best places to visit in India in September. But regardless, a route of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka is perfectly possible. Kerala’s and Goa’s beaches might be worth avoiding until the warmer months, but the countryside and hill stations are certainly worth visiting.

Discover India’s Finest: Luxury Hotels

Rajasthan is one of the best places to visit in September as the region does not receive heavy rainfall.

Further, there are some excellent festivals happening in September. Check some of them out here! For more detailed information about where is best to visit in India in September, or for any help planning your perfect trip to India, feel free to contact us!