Festivals of India Archives - India Someday Travels

Weather in India in September

Posted on December 3, 2016May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

The weather in India in September is different in different regions. Before you visit India, you will need to take into account the weather of the region you are visiting in this large country. In India, weather conditions change with season and region. The September weather and temperatures make it a great month to visit India. This article will give you an insight into the weather in India in September in various regions.

India Weather in September

Monsoon starts in India from mid-June and lasts till September. You will usually experience light or heavy rainfall, but only in short spurts. It is the end of the monsoon season in September in India. India in September is drier and sunnier than the months of July and August and not quite as hot yet as in October. North India does not see as much rainfall as southern India. The states of Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh often receive sporadic rainfall, with Kerala receiving persistent showers.

This is also a shoulder season in India, before tourism starts in full swing from October. Accommodations will offer good discounts during the off-season. You can even stay at heritage hotels and luxury resorts at a much lower price during the off-season. Plus, you will find fewer visitors at popular monuments, museums, and bustling cities. So if you are planning to visit India on a budget, September is one of the best months to plan a trip.

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.

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

Best places to visit in India in September

September is a shoulder season for tourism. Since the peak months for tourism in India are from October to March, September sees fewer crowds and better rates along with great weather in many parts of the country.

A trip to the Golden Triangle can be ideal during September. The Golden Triangle is perfect if you are visiting India for the first time, since it covers the major tourist monuments in the northern part of India, such as the Taj Mahal, India Gate, Red Fort, and Hawa Mahal. The route usually begins from Delhi, where you can explore monuments like the Red Fort and India Gate, and streets like Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi. From there, you can travel to Agra to see the majestic Taj Mahal and many other historic monuments in the city. The last spot of the Golden Triangle is Jaipur in Rajasthan, with architectural wonders like Hawa Mahal and City Palace.

The Himalayas in the far north, Rajasthan, Sikkim, and the west coast of India are some other places to visit in India in September. The temperatures in Tamil Nadu are also pleasant at this time. However, if you want to explore the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, the winter months from November to March might be a better option. Similarly, the beaches of Kerala and Goa are better avoided until the drier months, but the countryside and hill stations are certainly worth visiting.

Discover: The Best Places to Visit in Rajasthan

Taj Mahal, Agra

Discover India’s Finest: Luxury Hotels

North India in September

September is considered to be the post-monsoon period in the far North in the Himalayas, especially in the foothills around Rishikesh, Shimla, Dharamshala or other hill stations.
The main monsoon months of June, July and August often bring the risk of landslides, cloud bursts, flooding and storms. However, September comes with clear weather and fewer chances of rain. The temperatures are pleasant, and it is the perfect time to get a great view of the distant peaks of Himalayas. September is ideal for activities like hiking or trekking in the mountains, as well as for relaxing.
Ladakh’s peak season for tourism is from June to early September, but it can often get very cold towards the end of August. The climate in Ladakh is hard to predict, since it can change from one year to another. You can fly to Leh and enjoy the stunning landscapes it has to offer, or chat with the locals and explore the many monasteries in the region. If there is heavy snow, you may not be able to travel from Manali to Leh and the Pangong Tso or Nubra Valley.
The Valley of Flowers in Himachal Pradesh is in full bloom during September, making this the ideal month to visit. Check out our tour ideas for the Himalayas here.

Coming to the lower northern part of India, September is a great month to plan a trip here. The rains are usually light and in short spells. You will find sunny days and clear skies, with temperatures swinging between pleasantly warm and hot. Thanks to the monsoon season, the countryside is lush green. You will be able to see farmers working in the green fields, while the lakes, rivers, and waterfalls flow abundantly with water.

September is a fantastic time to visit Rajasthan. The climate is cool and pleasant, and rains are not an issue. Plus, since it is not peak season, you get better rates on accommodations and fewer crowds at popular places. On the other hand, there are some activities you may have to miss out on, such as an overnight camel safari in Jaisalmer, or exploring the national parks in the state, since these activities don’t reopen until early or mid-October.

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.

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.

South India in September

The weather in South India in September depends on the region. While it is the end of monsoon season, many areas of the south are still wet. The rains decrease gradually towards the end of September.
September is relatively quiet in Goa. It is a wet month but the showers are light and sporadic. 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 slowly kicks into action with shacks, restaurants and other activities. Apart from the beaches, Goa also has a great countryside with rain forests and impressive waterfalls. If you are not really keen on beaches and can do without them, Goa is a beautiful place to visit in September.

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.

You can expect rain in Kerala during September. Heavy showers are common during the month, but the landscape turns a stunning green. If you are a nature lover and don’t mind the humidity levels, the Kerala backwaters are the perfect escape for you. With a tropical climate, lower temperatures, and cloudy skies, the month is perfect for short treks and other outdoor activities amidst nature. It is the perfect time to explore the rural scenery and local life of the state. National Parks like Periyar National Park and Eravikulam National Park remain open in the South.

The festival of Onam takes place in September in Kerala. It is a harvest festival that is celebrated with flowers, boat races, singing, dancing, and feasts served on long banana leaves.

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

Onam in Kerala

East India and North East India in September

Kolkata and West Bengal in the east see monsoon in full swing during September. However, Kalimpong in the Eastern Himalayas offers a rejuvenating escape. With cool temperatures, lesser crowds, and a rich variety of flora, this tiny hill station should be on your list when in West Bengal. The nine-day festival of Durga Puja takes place in September or October in West Bengal. It is marked by beautifully carved idols of the Goddess, pandal hopping, and gorging on food, with traditional songs and dances.

In the Northeast, the monsoon season nears the end in September. The clear skies and pleasant weather make the northeast a great destination to relax or indulge in outdoor activities like trekking or nature walks. The Ziro Music Festival takes place in September. Music lovers from all over the world come to Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh for this one-of-a-kind music event.

Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

West India and Central India in September

September sees the tail end of monsoon, but often, Central India experiences a lot of rain during this month. Flash floods are also common. The national parks are closed until October.

The metropolitan city of Mumbai is worth visiting during September. The weather is cool, with medium showers throughout the day. The temperatures on the west coast of Arabian Sea range from 28 to 30 degrees Celsius (82.4 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit), which makes the weather warm and ideal for swimming and other water activities.

It is the perfect time to visit Marine Drive, Gateway of India, and Elephanta Caves, but more importantly, the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi takes place mostly in September. This 10-day festival dedicated to the elephant-headed Hindu God is celebrated with pomp and splendor, and it is an experience you should not miss. Larger than life idols of the Hindu God Ganpati are carried in vibrant processions on the streets and submerged in water on the last day.

Another festival that takes place during September or October is Navratri, a nine-day celebration of the Hindu Goddess Durga. It is celebrated almost all over the country in different ways. Gujarat celebrates Navratri like no other state, followed by Maharashtra. You can see people in colorful traditional attire, enthusiastically performing dance forms Garba and Dandiya.

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Mumbai (Pic courtesy: Times of India)

Islands in September

The climate is comparatively warm on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands located in the Bay of Bengal, with temperatures ranging from 27 to 32 degrees Celsius (80.6 to 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit). The warm ocean makes it a great time for underwater activities such as diving and snorkeling.

However, the islands may see high tidal waves, strong winds, and heavy rains at times, so make sure you check the weather forecast before planning a trip there.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Tips while visiting India in September

Dress appropriately according to the region you are visiting. The climate in September in most parts of India is warm and humid, so wear light and breathable clothing. Do carry an umbrella and mackintosh, since you will experience sporadic rainfall in many parts of the country.
Make sure to protect yourself by carrying sunglasses, a hat, cap, and sunscreen to prevent sunburns, and insect repellent to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other small insects.
The festivals in September such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, and Durga Puja mean large crowds on the streets during the festival days. Be careful with your belongings and stay alert.

We hope this guide was helpful to find out the weather in September in India. 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! At India Someday, we customize trips to India according to your requirements, so hit us up, and we will plan a trip to India for you.

Celebrating Baisakhi in Punjab

Posted on March 9, 2016May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

To be a part of a Sikh festival is an intoxicating experience. The sheer passion of the community lifts you out of this world. Farmers and warriors, considered as two sides of the same coin, lead the festivities. They dance the bhangra, inspired by the movements of the agricultural process.

Wonder at the thumping beats of the dholak for the Khalso are pioneers in the field of music and entertainment. Then learn about the rich history of the Baisakhi story and join along with the celebration.

Baisakhi is the lucky draw of festivals, pulling together the Hindu New Year, a harvest festival and the anniversary of the creation of the Khalsa community – the Sikhs. Different regions around the country celebrate the New Year under different names. For example, such as Vishu in the South and Rongali Bihu in Assam. Celebrating Baisakhi in Punjab is the most remarkable experience because it overlaps with the history of the Sikh religion.

Read more about another unique festival in North India.

A celebration of the harvest and the anniversary of the Khalsa community (Photo Credit – Mayank Gupta, Flickr)

Baisakhi Story

The story begins with the martyrdom of the nine Sikh Gurus and the ascension of Guru Gobind Singh. When the Muslim ruler Aurangzeb beheaded his father to still the growth of the religion, the tenth Guru decided to instill courage and passion into the peace-loving, agrarian community.

The Baisakhi story has a rich history that dates back to 1699. Here, Guru Gobind Singh gave a rousing speech and called upon volunteers from the crowd to give their lives for the cause. Five men stepped forward, one at a time, and followed him into his tent. Each time the Guru returned alone, fresh blood dripping from his sword. However, the five men were all alive, and a goat had been slaughtered in their place.

They became the ‘Panj Para’ (the beloved five), and the first members of the ‘Khalsa’ (Pure Ones). They had no caste or class demarcation but were a wholly equal community that lives on today and celebrates the founding day of their clan each year.

There are many festivals that take place all over India. If you love festivities read this blog to know more about the celebrations.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Baisakhi decoration (Photo Credit – Sushant Sharma)

Celebrating Baisakhi in Punjab

The festival calls for the celebration of life through singing, dancing, parades and wrestling matches. Each echoes the powerful force of life that resides within the Sikhs. They are loud and open-hearted people and they will drag you into the festivities. You will arrive home breathless from dancing and unable to see beyond your full belly.

Follow the march of the Nagar Kirtan through the streets as they sing out from the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book that is revered as the eleventh and final of the Sikh Gurus. Celebrate the Baisakhi story where it originated and get a true sense of Sikh hospitality.

If this community intrigues you, then you must visit the beautiful city of Amritsar.

People celebrating Baisakhi festival at Bangla Saheb Gurdwara (Photo Credit – Public.Resource.Org)

Festivals in India

Posted on January 8, 2016May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

India is bright and loud and wild and passionate, making it a master in the art of revelry. Did you think wild parties were all about tequila shots and glo-sticks? Try some bhaang and pichkaris or an all night dandiya session. Yes, these words may feel strange in your mouth right now but we’ll probably have you singing ganpati bappa in the streets before you’re done. Here’s the low-down on a veritable riot of Indian festivals, religious and otherwise. Structure a trip around your favourite choice for a madly immersive journey to the heart of the Indian community. Read all about the festivals in India.

Festival of lights_ sparklers: Credit- madhukar-kumar

Makar Sankranti – kite flying festival

For a country that’s careening into a future of BPOs and IT professionals, we fall back on our agricultural roots hard when it comes to harvest festivals. Celebrated in widely differing ways across the states, harvest festivals in India are worth witnessing. The heart of the season is born of plain and simple gratitude for a bountiful crop, and a welcome break after months of debilitating labour.

The Gujarati arm of this fiesta, celebrated most passionately in the state capital of Ahmedabad, is Makar Sankranti. It is more widely known as the kite flying festival of India. The name refers to a specific movement of the sun on the equinox, heralding the arrival of longer and warmer days. Whole families take to their rooftops to let loose clouds of brightly coloured paper kites held taut by strings laced with crushed glass and other abrasives.

Why so violent? The aim of the game isn’t just to brighten up the sky; with careful calculation and remarkable skill the kite flyers loop their own kites around those of their opponents (or annoying neighbours) and swiftly cut them down to be claimed as booty. Get ready for age-old rivalries and edge-of-your seat level excitement.

The colorful kite utsav in Gujarat (Credit_Kaushik Patel)

Holi – the famous festival of india

Possibly the most famous of festivals in India, Holi is all about having fun. We’d recommend finding a nice family-run homestay to celebrate with, as the crowd on the streets can get a bit rowdy. Fueled by the heady bhaang, a local concoction of milk and marijuana, people drop their responsibilities for a day. They look to bring a little colour into their lives, either by chasing each other around smearing powder on their faces or flat out dunking each other in buckets of coloured water. Water guns or pichkaris around, be prepared to have water balloons dropped on you by strangers as you pass innocently under their balconies. Any attempt at reproach will only earn you a shout of ‘bura na mano, holi hain’, that is, don’t get upset, it’s holi!

While the festivities often take a dark turn with several cases of molestation and driving under the influence filed each year, it’s important to also know the reasoning and religious significance behind it. The revelry is the second of a two-day celebration of the triumph of good over evil. According to Hindu legend, a young boy is saved by Lord Vishnu from his evil aunt’s murderous intent. This is celebrated by lighting bonfires, her weapon of choice, and dancing around them.

Festival of colours – Holi! – Photo Credit – Shekharchopra85.

Diwali – the bright festival of india

The most elegantly beautiful of them all, the festival in India known across the world, the festival of lights. Clay lamps, diyas, are set in doorways to welcome the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. Patterns of coloured powder and flower petals form rangolis on every doorstep. Of course, with indrustrialisation there’s also been a huge influx of firecrackers and curtains of fairy lights hanging down the sides of buildings, but the more the prettier, right?

Since it’s also the start of the Hindu New Year, it’s an excuse to buy new clothes, gorge yourself on sweets and meet long-lost aunts and cousins at the annual family bash. If you don’t have a party to go to, the streets will serve just as well for you to listen to the lilting strains of bhajans (devotional songs) drifting out of windows. Remember that Diwali isn’t a festival that involves intoxication and be respectful of that. If you can find a family to adopt you for the week you get to dress to the nines and run around with sparklers for the night.

Varanasi is a beautiful place to understand the religious side of things. Set a diya afloat on the river as devotees take a dip on this auspicious night. Hymns and chanting fill the air as the entire river lights up in a sea of flickering flames drifting gently along its surface, a picture that will move you regardless of your religious leanings or lack thereof.

Celebrating the festival of lights with sheer fervor

Janmashtami

Yet another Hindu festival of India, this one’s a feat of athletic prowess, celebrating the birth of the cheekiest of gods, Lord Krishna. As a child, he was said to have let nothing stop him in his eternal quest to steal and devour freshly churned butter. Local housewives took to hanging their pots of butter from the ceiling, out of the way of the toddler’s greedy hands, but he quickly got a few friends to form a human pyramid under him and nicked the lot anyhow. Thus began the tradition of ‘Dahi Handi’, stinging up earthen pots of buttermilk to be brought down by teams of devotees forming pyramids often over six stories high to break the pot and win cash prizes offered by local leaders. The most thrilling of these scenes is to be witnessed in Mumbai, where local governing bodies have been forced to put a cap on the height of these pyramids for fear of their safety. Another great option is Udaipur, tried and tested by one of our travellers.

The pyramid is made by climbing on top of the teammate

Onam

The staple representative of South India in these lists, Onam is also a harvest festival in India, namely the harvest of rice. It is the most famous of the festivals in Kerala. It also celebrates the annual return of the demon King Mahabali to his beloved land of Kerala. Legend tells that the king was so fair and just that the people lived in a golden age under his reign, prompting the jealous gods to trick him into the underworld and away from his people. His return is celebrated with great pomp and splendor, notably the Aranmula boat festival that sees vast crews race Snake Boats down the Pampa river to the sound of traditional songs. The thrill of the race is heightened by the coloured flags and umbrellas on the shore

The most exciting aspect of Onam is the fact that the oldest river boat fiesta in Kerala takes place during this festival. The Aranmula boat festival also involves Snake Boats, which are occupied by a group of people, each racing against others while some oarsmen indulge in singing traditional boat songs. Contact us to help you get there!