Things to Do in Udon Thani in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in Udon Thani
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- Fewer tourists than peak season - major sites like Wat Pa Phu Kon and Ban Chiang Archaeological Site are noticeably quieter, making for better photos and more relaxed temple visits without tour bus crowds
- Lush green countryside at its peak - the rice paddies surrounding Udon Thani are brilliant emerald green in September after months of monsoon rains, creating stunning landscapes for countryside drives and photo opportunities along Route 2
- Lower accommodation prices - hotels typically drop rates 20-30% compared to November-February high season, with mid-range places in the ฿800-1,200 range instead of ฿1,200-1,800
- Authentic local experience - you'll see actual farming life in September as rice harvesting begins in some areas, plus seasonal fruits like longans and rambutans flooding the markets at Thung Si Mueang Night Market for ฿30-50 per kilogram
Considerations
- Afternoon rain is practically guaranteed - roughly 60% of days see thunderstorms between 2pm-5pm that last 20-45 minutes, which can disrupt outdoor plans if you're not flexible with timing
- High humidity makes outdoor activities exhausting - that 70% humidity combined with 32°C (90°F) temperatures means you'll be drenched in sweat within 15 minutes of walking outside during midday hours
- Some rural roads become challenging - if you're planning to explore remote areas like Phu Phra Bat Historical Park, unpaved access roads can get muddy and slippery after heavy rains, requiring extra caution or 4WD
Best Activities in September
Red Lotus Sea morning boat tours
September is actually ideal for visiting Nong Han Kumphawapi Lake because the lotus flowers are still blooming from the rainy season and morning mist over the water creates atmospheric conditions. The key is going at sunrise around 5:30-6:30am before the heat builds and before afternoon storms roll in. The lake is about 45 km (28 miles) southeast of the city center, and September's lower tourist numbers mean you'll have more space on the boats and better photo opportunities without crowds.
Ban Chiang Archaeological Site visits
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is perfect for September because it's entirely indoors with excellent air conditioning, making it ideal for those rainy afternoons when outdoor plans get disrupted. The museum showcases 5,000-year-old Bronze Age pottery and artifacts. September's low season means you can actually take your time examining the excavation pits without being rushed by tour groups. Located 50 km (31 miles) east of Udon Thani city.
Wat Pa Phu Kon temple complex exploration
September is tricky but rewarding for this mountain temple 80 km (50 miles) west of the city. The surrounding forests are incredibly lush and green, and the famous white marble Buddha looks stunning against misty mountain backdrops. The challenge is timing - go early morning between 7am-11am before afternoon storms. The 500 m (1,640 ft) elevation means it's slightly cooler than the city. Worth noting that the access road can get slippery after heavy rains.
Central Plaza and UD Town shopping mall exploration
Honestly, having quality air-conditioned backup plans is essential in September when afternoon storms hit. These modern malls offer genuine local shopping experiences, not tourist markets. Central Plaza has excellent food courts where full meals cost ฿60-120, plus cinemas showing Thai and international films with English subtitles. UD Town is newer and has better international brands. Both are popular with local families, especially on rainy afternoons and evenings.
Thung Si Mueang Night Market food tours
September evenings are actually perfect for night market exploration because temperatures drop to comfortable levels around 7pm and the earlier afternoon rains usually clear by evening. This market is where locals eat, not tourists, so you'll find authentic Isaan dishes like som tam, larb, and grilled fish for ฿40-80 per dish. The market runs along the lake in the city center and has a relaxed atmosphere with live music on weekends.
Nong Prajak Park morning exercise and lake walks
This large public park in the city center comes alive at dawn when locals do tai chi, jog, and exercise before the heat builds. September mornings around 6am-8am are pleasant at 24-26°C (75-79°F) with lower humidity than later in the day. The 3.2 km (2 mile) lake loop is perfect for walking or renting bikes available at the park entrance. You'll see authentic local life and can grab breakfast from vendors selling khanom krok and Thai coffee for ฿20-40.
September Events & Festivals
Thung Si Mueang Candle Festival preparations
While the main Candle Festival happens in July, September sees local temples preparing elaborate wax sculptures for smaller ceremonies throughout the rainy season. You might catch monks and community members crafting these intricate wax art pieces at larger temples like Wat Phothisomphon. It's not a tourist event but rather authentic cultural observation if you happen to visit temples during this period.