Things to do in Pondicherry in September

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Overview

September is a good time to visit Pondicherry. The weather is usually hot with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 78—89°F (26—32°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Pondicherry during this time. Some of our top recommendations: attend the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, visit the Aurobindo Ashram and Matrimandir, visit the Pondicherry Museum and learn about local history and culture, and more!

Pondicherry has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your September trip to Pondicherry. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to September. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Pondicherry in September. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout September, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Pondicherry in September

Top experiences in September
Attend the Ganesh Chaturthi festival
In September, Pondicherry celebrates the Ganesh Chaturthi festival with great fervor and enthusiasm. The streets are adorned with colorful decorations, and people come together to worship Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god. The festival is marked by processions, music, dance, and the immersion of Ganesha idols in the sea. It's a unique cultural experience that allows you to witness the religious and spiritual traditions of the local community.
Visit the Aurobindo Ashram and Matrimandir
The Aurobindo Ashram and Matrimandir are iconic spiritual landmarks in Pondicherry, and September offers a great time to visit these serene and tranquil places. You can explore the ashram's peaceful gardens, meditation halls, and learn about the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. Additionally, you can visit the Matrimandir, a golden globe-shaped meditation center, and experience its serene ambiance and breathtaking architecture.
Visit the Pondicherry Museum and learn about local history and culture
The Pondicherry Museum is a treasure trove of artifacts, sculptures, and historical exhibits that showcase the rich heritage and culture of the region. In September, you can visit the museum to learn about the French colonial era, traditional art forms, archaeological findings, and the evolution of Pondicherry over the centuries. The museum also houses a collection of rare coins, pottery, and relics from the Chola and Pallava dynasties.
Explore the botanical gardens and enjoy the blooming flora
Pondicherry's botanical gardens are a lush oasis of greenery, exotic plants, and vibrant flowers that come to life in September. You can take a leisurely stroll through the well-maintained gardens, admire the colorful blooms, and relax amidst the serene natural surroundings. The gardens also feature a variety of rare and indigenous plant species, making it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts and photography enthusiasts.
Explore the Auroville International Township
Auroville, also known as the City of Dawn, is an experimental township where people from around the world come together to live in harmony and peace. In September, you can explore the lush greenery, unique architecture, and spiritual centers within Auroville. You can also participate in workshops, yoga classes, and meditation sessions to experience the community's focus on sustainable living and spiritual growth.
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Explore the beaches and enjoy water sports activities
Pondicherry is home to beautiful beaches like Paradise Beach, Auroville Beach, and Serenity Beach, where you can relax, sunbathe, and enjoy water sports activities in September. You can go surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply take a dip in the refreshing waters of the Bay of Bengal. The beaches also offer stunning sunset views and a peaceful atmosphere for leisurely walks along the shore.
Indulge in traditional South Indian cuisine at local eateries
Pondicherry is known for its delicious South Indian cuisine, and September is the perfect time to indulge in traditional dishes at local eateries. From crispy dosas and fluffy idlis to flavorful curries and seafood delicacies, you can savor the authentic flavors of South India. Don't miss the opportunity to try local specialties like Pongal, Chettinad cuisine, and refreshing coconut water.
Participate in a traditional Bharatanatyam dance performance
Bharatanatyam is a classical Indian dance form that originated in the temples of Tamil Nadu, and Pondicherry offers the opportunity to witness traditional performances in September. You can attend dance recitals at local cultural centers, temples, and auditoriums, and immerse yourself in the graceful movements, expressive storytelling, and rhythmic music of Bharatanatyam.
Take a boat ride in the Ousteri Lake
September is a great time to take a boat ride in the Ousteri Lake, a serene and picturesque spot located near Pondicherry. The lake is home to a variety of migratory birds during this time, making it a perfect opportunity for birdwatching. You can also enjoy the tranquil surroundings and spot local wildlife while cruising along the calm waters of the lake.
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Holidays in Pondicherry in September
September
  • Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad (September 16)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Pondicherry in September

Temperatures on an average day in Pondicherry in September

The average temperature in Pondicherry in September for a typical day ranges from a high of 89°F (32°C) to a low of 78°F (26°C). Some would describe it as hot with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Pondicherry, May, has days with highs of 94°F (35°C) and lows of 82°F (28°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 83°F (28°C) and lows of 71°F (22°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Pondicherry in September based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in September
89°F
highs
78°F
lows

General weather summary

Hot with a gentle breeze
Feels like
45%
Chance of rain
0.226 in
Amount
11.2 mph
Wind speed
72%
Humidity
12.2 hrs
Daylight length
5:59 AM
Sunrise
6:11 PM
Sunset
21%
Cloud cover
Sleeveless shirt
What to wear
What to wear in September
With an average high of 89°F (32°C) and a low of 78°F (26°C), it generally feels hot with a gentle breeze. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something very light like a sleeveless shirt and remember to bring an umbrella
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Best attractions for Pondicherry in September

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Pondicherry has to offer for travelers in September, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Pondicherry that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Pondicherry for September.
Promenade Beach
1. Promenade Beach
4.5
(8159)
Beach
Sights & Landmarks
Strip of rocky shoreline in a populous urban area with a promenade, a war memorial & a park.
Paradise Beach Puducherry
2. Paradise Beach Puducherry
4.3
(25695)
Beach pavillion
Outdoor Activities
Golden sandy backwater beach with a simple seafood restaurant, restrooms & rattan shaded areas.
Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam
3. Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam
4.7
(20733)
Hindu temple
Sights & Landmarks
Vibrant Hindu temple known for its elephant blessings, ornately carved stone walls & golden chariot.
The Sacred Heart Basilica
4. The Sacred Heart Basilica
4.5
(10847)
Basilica
Sights & Landmarks
Gothic-style Catholic church in a peaceful setting with stained-glass panels of Biblical scenes.
Serenity Beach Rd
5. Serenity Beach Rd
Outdoor Activities
Beaches
Chunnambar Boat House
6. Chunnambar Boat House
4.1
(5554)
Boat club
Sights & Landmarks
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
7. Sri Aurobindo Ashram
4.4
(11757)
Ashram
Sights & Landmarks
Large residential spiritual community with meditation & yoga practice, open to day visitors.
Rock Beach
8. Rock Beach
4.5
(29380)
Public beach
Outdoor Activities
Coastal stretch with a seawall & a palm tree-lined promenade, popular for watching the sunrise.
Notre Dame des Anges Church
9. Notre Dame des Anges Church
4.6
(783)
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
Catholic church built in 1855 with vaulted ceilings, colorful stained glass & a pink facade.
French War Memorial
10. French War Memorial
Monument
Sights & Landmarks
White seafront war memorial unveiled in 1938 that honors WWI soldiers, in a small square & gardens.
Bharathi Park Puducherry
11. Bharathi Park Puducherry
4.2
(7585)
Park
Nature & Parks
Landscaped park featuring a Greco-Roman arch structure, plus flowers, a play area & fountains.
Botanical Garden
12. Botanical Garden
3.9
(14604)
Botanical garden
Nature & Parks
Botanical garden built by French colonists on 22 acres with themed plots, an aquarium & train rides.
Immaculate Conception Cathedral
13. Immaculate Conception Cathedral
4.5
(3264)
Catholic cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Portuguese-style church with white & yellow columns & a gold statue, offering bilingual services.
Joseph François Dupleix statue
14. Joseph François Dupleix statue
Statue
Sights & Landmarks
Puducherry Museum
15. Puducherry Museum
4.1
(7395)
Museum
History Museums
Quaint museum known for its rare sculpture collection, including ancient bronze & stone artifacts.
Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple
16. Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple
4.7
(2256)
Hindu temple
Sights & Landmarks
Centuries-old, Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, with a colorful, multi-tier tower.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Pondicherry?

Get inspired for your trip to Pondicherry with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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