Weather in India in September

September climate overview

Daytime highs across India in September run from 27.8°C (Kerala) to 27.9°C (Goa). In Goa about 99% of September days reach 25°C. Nights average 24.1°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Kerala fall to 24°C or below.

Rainfall in September

Expect around 25 rainy days (1 mm or more) in September, with Goa the driest (25 days) and Kerala the wettest (26 days). The wettest September at Goa between 1991 and 2020 was 2007 with 661 mm; the driest was 1997 with 70 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 27.3°C around India in September - warmest at Goa (27.4°C). That is comfortable for swimming.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 2.0 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 12.1 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

September against the rest of the year in India

September is the 10th warmest month of the twelve in India. It is 0.8°C warmer than August and 1.1°C warmer in October. The hottest month here is April (32°C) and the coolest July (27°C).

Which part of India in September?

• Most sunshine: Goa, 2.1 h a day.
• Driest: Goa, about 25 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Goa, 27°C.
• Hottest: Goa, 28°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Kerala, 28°C.

What to pack for India in September

Based on the averages: summer clothes for the day; a rain jacket - roughly 25 wet days; swimwear - the sea is 27°C.

Similar weather elsewhere in September

Within 1.5°C of India's September daytime average: Cancun (29°C, sea 29°C), Miami (29°C, sea 29°C), St Lucia (29°C, sea 29°C), Chiang Mai (29°C), Guanacaste (29°C, sea 29°C). See the full ranking for September.

Goa or Kerala: little difference in the weather

Between Goa and Kerala, the weather gives you little reason to favour either. Both average 28°C by day and 24°C at night, with sea temperatures of 27°C. Goa has 25 rainy days compared with Kerala's 26, but that small difference is not a convincing basis for choosing your destination. Neither is a strong September choice if your main aim is to spend long stretches outdoors without adjusting your plans. Both suit travellers who value warmth and can work around wet weather. Choose between them for the kind of trip you want, rather than expecting noticeably different temperatures or a reliably drier stay.

Plan for warm evenings and frequent rain

Pack for warmth, but give rain protection as much thought as summer clothing. Light clothes, a lightweight waterproof and footwear you do not mind getting wet are practical choices. Nights average 24°C, so evenings offer only a modest drop from daytime temperatures rather than a cool break. With frequent rainy days and limited sunshine, keep outdoor plans movable and leave room for sheltered breaks. The figures do not tell you when rain will arrive or how long each spell will last, so do not assume mornings or afternoons will be reliably dry. September suits a flexible itinerary better than a tightly scheduled outdoor holiday.