Fair
Khajuraho in September
Madhya Pradesh, India
September sees the monsoon retreat from Khajuraho. The temples dry and lighten. The gardens retain monsoon lushness. Temperatures at 28-34°C are improving. Late September light on freshly-washed sandstone is warm and flattering. Tourist numbers begin climbing. The Eastern Group temples (Jain) are particularly beautiful in September â the carved detail on Parsvanath temple emerges as the stone dries.
The September story
September Khajuraho transitions from monsoon back to accessibility. The temples dry from dark brown-grey to warm golden as the sandstone releases moisture. Late September afternoon light on freshly-cleaned stone is exceptionally warm and flattering â the monsoon has washed away months of dust and the carvings look refreshed. The Eastern Group's Parsvanath temple, with its Jain celestial figures and ornate doorways, is particularly beautiful in September light. Tourist numbers tick up in the last week. Budget: Rs 800-2000. The Sound and Light show resumes reliable scheduling. For the best September experience, visit the last ten days: post-monsoon clarity, clean temples, few tourists, and late afternoon light that photographers call "golden hour extended." The Khajuraho airport restarts normal frequency. Panna National Park (30km) reopens in October â September is too early for tiger safaris but the river birds are excellent.
Why September scores 3/5
Weather
Rain receding, 25-33°C. Still warm. Temple grounds drying. Green surroundings contrast nicely with sandstone. Crowds thin. Decent shoulder-season visit.
Roads & Access
self drive: Easy roads but long stretches between towns. road condition: Good state highway from Jhansi. Single lane in parts. public transport: Daily flights from Delhi and Varanasi. Bus from Jhansi. Limited rail (Khajuraho station small). from nearest city: Jhansi â 175km, 4hr by road. Khajuraho Airport has flights from Delhi/Varanasi. last km difficulty: easy
Safety & Emergency
Safety: 4/5. rescue: District administration Chhatarpur. helpline: 100 (police), 108 (ambulance). ambulance: 108 ambulance available. police station: Khajuraho PS â near temple complex. nearest hospital: Khajuraho CHC â basic. District Hospital Chhatarpur â 45km
Network
VI: Yes, JIO: Yes, BSNL: Yes, NOTE: Yes, AIRTEL: Yes. Good 4G in town. Patchy signal on road to Panna NP
Kids
Kid-friendly (4/5) â Flat terrain easy to walk, UNESCO World Heritage temples, Light and sound show is engaging, Small town easy to navigate
Elevation
283m â Low altitude, no issues
Who should go
- âFirst-time travelers
- âSenior citizens
- âPhotographers wanting freshly-washed sandstone in golden light
- âPre-season visitors getting October conditions at monsoon prices
- âArt lovers wanting the Eastern Group in quiet, atmospheric conditions
- âTravellers avoiding peak-season crowds
Who should think twice
- âEarly September visitors expecting dry conditions â still monsoon
- âTiger safari seekers â Panna park closed until October
- âVisitors wanting peak-season buzz â it's quiet
- âAnyone expecting full tourist infrastructure â still rebuilding
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4/5 | Cool 8-22°C. Perfect for exploring temple complex all day. Erotic carvings best viewed in angled winter light. Sound-and-light show atmospheric. Few tourists. |
| February | 5/5 | Best month, 10-25°C. Khajuraho Dance Festival (Feb) â classical dance performances against temple backdrop. Pleasant weather, cultural highlight. Book hotels early. |
| March | 4/5 | Warming 15-30°C. Still comfortable mornings for temple exploration. Sculptures in spring light. Afternoons warming. Holi celebrations in town colourful. |
| April | 2/5 | Hot 22-40°C. Temple complex has no shade â sandstone platforms radiate heat. Sculptures hard to appreciate when drenched in sweat. Dawn visits only. |
| May | 1/5 | Extreme 28-46°C. Exposed temple platforms dangerous midday. Sandstone burns feet. ASI guards warn tourists about heatstroke. Monument virtually empty. Avoid. |
| June | 1/5 | Worst heat 30-45°C with early monsoon humidity. Temple viewing miserable. Sound-and-light show cancelled some nights. No relief outdoors. Do not visit. |
| July | 2/5 | Monsoon 27-36°C. Some rain cools temples. Sculptures dramatic in overcast light. Temple grounds slippery when wet. Few tourists â uncrowded darshan. |
| August | 2/5 | Full monsoon, 26-34°C. Intermittent heavy rain. Temple complex wet and slippery. Surrounding landscape green. Humidity high. Museums offer indoor alternative. |
| Septemberviewing | 3/5 | Rain receding, 25-33°C. Still warm. Temple grounds drying. Green surroundings contrast nicely with sandstone. Crowds thin. Decent shoulder-season visit. |
| October | 5/5 | Excellent 18-32°C. Post-monsoon clarity. Temples in golden autumn light â sculptures photographable all day. Sound-and-light show returns. Perfect conditions. |
| November | 5/5 | Ideal 12-28°C. Cool, dry, clear â best weather for temple exploration. Western group comfortable all day. Panna National Park nearby for combo trip. |
| December | 4/5 | Cool 7-22°C. Crisp mornings at temples. Low-angle winter sun reveals sculpture details beautifully. Fog possible at dawn. Sound-and-light show excellent. |
Practical Details
How to reach
Jhansi â 175km, 4hr by road. Khajuraho Airport has flights from Delhi/Varanasi. Roads: Good state highway from Jhansi. Single lane in parts. Self-drive: Easy roads but long stretches between towns. Public transport: Daily flights from Delhi and Varanasi. Bus from Jhansi. Limited rail (Khajuraho station small). Last stretch: easy
Elevation
283m
Difficulty
easy
Budget tier
mid-range
Nearby in Madhya Pradesh scoring high in September
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