Things to do in Nuwara Eliya in September

When is your trip?

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Looking for a different month?

Overview

September is a good time to visit Nuwara Eliya. The weather is usually pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 69—81°F (21—27°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Nuwara Eliya during this time. Some of our top recommendations: participate in a traditional cooking class, go birdwatching in the Victoria Park, visit the Seetha Amman Temple, and more!

Nuwara Eliya 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 Nuwara Eliya. 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 Nuwara Eliya 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.

Visiting Nuwara Eliya? See our Nuwara Eliya Trip Planner.
I'll never travel to Nuwara Eliya without this trip planner again
Learn more
Don't take our word for it
Slide 1 of 6

Best events and things to do in Nuwara Eliya in September

Top experiences in September
Participate in a traditional cooking class
September is a great time to immerse yourself in Sri Lankan culture by participating in a traditional cooking class. You can learn how to prepare authentic Sri Lankan dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. The class typically starts with a visit to a local market to purchase the necessary ingredients, followed by hands-on instruction from a knowledgeable chef. You'll learn about the unique spices and flavors that make Sri Lankan cuisine so delicious, and you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of your labor at the end of the class.
Go birdwatching in the Victoria Park
September is a great time for birdwatching in the Victoria Park, as many migratory bird species begin to arrive in the area. The park is home to a diverse range of birdlife, including colorful species such as the Kashmir flycatcher and the Indian blue robin. The cool weather and peaceful surroundings make it an ideal setting for spotting and photographing these beautiful creatures. Whether you're an experienced birder or just a casual observer, the Victoria Park offers a rewarding and relaxing birdwatching experience.
Visit the Seetha Amman Temple
The Seetha Amman Temple is a unique and culturally significant site in Nuwara Eliya, and September is a great time to visit. According to Hindu mythology, this is the place where the demon king Ravana held Sita captive in the epic Ramayana. The temple is dedicated to Sita, and it is believed to be the spot where she prayed for her rescue. The temple is beautifully adorned with intricate carvings and colorful statues, and it offers a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere for visitors to explore and reflect.
Go on a waterfall trek
September is the tail end of the monsoon season in Sri Lanka, which means that the waterfalls in the Central Province are at their most impressive. There are several beautiful waterfalls near Nuwara Eliya, such as Ramboda Falls and Devon Falls, that are easily accessible by short treks. The cool September weather makes it a great time to hike through the lush greenery and be rewarded with the sight and sound of cascading water. It's a refreshing and invigorating experience that shouldn't be missed.
I'll never travel to Nuwara Eliya without this trip planner again
Learn more
Go on a horseback riding adventure
September is a great time to go on a horseback riding adventure in the picturesque countryside surrounding Nuwara Eliya. The cool weather and lush greenery make for a perfect setting to explore on horseback. You can choose from a variety of trails that take you through tea plantations, rolling hills, and charming villages. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, there are options for all skill levels, and the friendly and knowledgeable guides will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Visit a tea factory and learn about the tea-making process
Nuwara Eliya is known for its tea plantations, and September is the perfect time to visit a tea factory and learn about the tea-making process. You can take a guided tour of a working tea estate, where you'll see how tea leaves are harvested, processed, and packaged. You'll also have the opportunity to sample different varieties of tea and purchase some to take home as a souvenir. It's a fascinating and educational experience that offers insight into one of Sri Lanka's most important industries.
Explore the Horton Plains National Park
September is the perfect time to visit the Horton Plains National Park, as the weather is cool and pleasant. The park is home to stunning landscapes, including rolling hills, waterfalls, and misty forests. One of the park's most famous attractions is World's End, a sheer cliff with a drop of nearly 4,000 feet. The views from here are breathtaking, especially in the clear September air. It's also a great time to spot wildlife, such as sambar deer and purple-faced langur monkeys.
Take a scenic train ride to Ella
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Central Province in September is by taking a scenic train ride to Ella. The journey takes you through lush tea plantations, misty mountains, and charming villages. The cool September weather makes it an ideal time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning views from the train. Once in Ella, you can explore the town's vibrant markets, hike to the famous Ella Rock, or simply unwind in the peaceful surroundings.
I'll never travel to Nuwara Eliya without this trip planner again
Learn more
Holidays in Nuwara Eliya in September
September
  • Milad-Un-Nabi (September 16)
  • Binara Full Moon Poya Day (September 17)
Other notable holidays
I'll never travel to Nuwara Eliya without this trip planner again
Learn more

Weather in Nuwara Eliya in September

Temperatures on an average day in Nuwara Eliya in September

The average temperature in Nuwara Eliya in September for a typical day ranges from a high of 81°F (27°C) to a low of 69°F (21°C). Some would describe it as pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Nuwara Eliya, April, has days with highs of 85°F (29°C) and lows of 70°F (21°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 79°F (26°C) and lows of 64°F (18°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Nuwara Eliya in September based on historical data.

Visiting Nuwara Eliya? See our Nuwara Eliya Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in September
81°F
highs
69°F
lows

General weather summary

Pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze
Feels like
61%
Chance of rain
0.420 in
Amount
14.6 mph
Wind speed
91%
Humidity
12.2 hrs
Daylight length
5:57 AM
Sunrise
6:06 PM
Sunset
23%
Cloud cover
Sleeveless shirt, rain coat and rain boots
What to wear
What to wear in September
With an average high of 81°F (27°C) and a low of 69°F (21°C), it generally feels pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze. There might also be a moderate chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something very light like a sleeveless shirt and top it off with a rain coat and rain boots
I'll never travel to Nuwara Eliya without this trip planner again
Learn more

Best attractions for Nuwara Eliya in September

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Nuwara Eliya has to offer for travelers in September, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Nuwara Eliya 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 Nuwara Eliya for September.
Horton Plains National Park
1. Horton Plains National Park
4.6
(8318)
National park
Nature & Parks
Large preserve on a plateau featuring cloud forests & montane grasslands, plus rivers & waterfalls.
Lake Gregory
2. Lake Gregory
4.6
(1242)
Lake
Nature & Parks
In the hills of tea country, this artificial lake offers water sports, boating & cycling.
Blue Field Tea Center
3. Blue Field Tea Center
4.4
(416)
Restaurant
Sights & Landmarks
Queen Victoria Park
4. Queen Victoria Park
4.3
(8090)
Park
Nature & Parks
Green space with many species of plants & birds, plus a playground, kids’ train & pond.
Seetha Amman Kovil
5. Seetha Amman Kovil
4.6
(2725)
Hindu temple
Sights & Landmarks
Ornate temple known as the place where Sita was held prisoner in the Hindu epic "Ramayana."
Pedro Tea Center and Factory
6. Pedro Tea Center and Factory
3.9
(350)
Tea manufacturer
Sights & Landmarks
Hakgala Botanical Garden
7. Hakgala Botanical Garden
4.5
(6313)
Botanical garden
Nature & Parks
Serene botanical garden featuring lush plantings, including a wide variety of orchids & roses.
Lover's leap Waterfall
8. Lover's leap Waterfall
4.5
(1260)
Nature & Parks
Waterfalls
A hike to this small, scenic waterfall also offers sweeping views of tea plantations & the city.
Ambewela Farm
9. Ambewela Farm
4.4
(2051)
Sights & Landmarks
Farms
St. Clair Falls
10. St. Clair Falls
4.7
(287)
Nature & Parks
Waterfalls
Shri Bhakta Hanuman Kovil
11. Shri Bhakta Hanuman Kovil
4.6
(1045)
Hindu temple
Sights & Landmarks
Devon Falls
12. Devon Falls
4.6
(801)
Nature & Parks
Waterfalls
Striking, 97-m. waterfall on the Kotmale Oya River, viewable from a nearby observation point.
Moon Plains
13. Moon Plains
4.5
(2275)
Nature & Parks
Mountains
Attraction featuring sweeping views of the countryside, plus elk, leopards, birds & other wildlife.
Holy Trinity Church
14. Holy Trinity Church
4.6
(239)
Anglican church
Sights & Landmarks
Single Tree Hill
15. Single Tree Hill
4.4
(489)
Nature & Parks
Geologic Formations
A 6,890-foot hill with one tree at its peak with mountain & sunset panoramas.
Galway's Land National Park
16. Galway's Land National Park
4.2
(942)
National park
Nature & Parks
National park & wildlife refuge featuring local flora, migratory & native birds & walking trails.

Top searches in Nuwara Eliya

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Nuwara Eliya?

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

Planning a trip to Nuwara Eliya?
Save all the best places to visit with WanderlogDownload the travel planning app everyone's been raving about
  • Itinerary + map in one view
  • Live collaboration
  • Auto-import hotels and reservations
  • Optimize your route
  • Offline access on mobile
  • Optimize your route
  • See time and distance between all your places
Learn more
Get the iOS app from the App Store
Get the Android app from Google Play