Port of Spain in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Port of Spain

32°C (91°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

180 mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Shoulder season pricing - accommodation rates drop 25-35% compared to peak carnival season, with hotel rooms averaging TT$400-600 per night instead of TT$800+
Fewer cruise ship crowds - only 2-3 ships dock weekly versus 8-10 in winter months, making downtown attractions like Accra and the this destination significantly less congested
Perfect timing for cultural immersion - September marks the start of the academic year when local universities resume and the city buzzes with authentic energy rather than tourist-focused activities
Optimal festival preparation season - witness behind-the-scenes carnival preparations at mas camps in Woodbrook and Belmont, with artisans working on next year's costumes

Considerations

Peak wet season with afternoon thunderstorms lasting 30-45 minutes occurring 60% of days, typically between 2-5 PM, which can disrupt outdoor touring plans
High humidity levels at 70% make walking tours feel more strenuous, especially in downtown's concrete areas where temperatures feel 3-4°C (5-7°F) higher than actual
Some beach day trips to Maracas Bay become less appealing due to choppy seas and overcast skies during storm systems moving through the Caribbean

Best Activities in September

Queen's Park Savannah Heritage Walking Tours

September's cooler early mornings (7-9 AM) create ideal conditions for exploring the 2.6 km (1.6 mile) circumference of Port of Spain's largest park. The reduced tourist crowds mean unobstructed photos of the Magnificent Seven colonial mansions, and local joggers and vendors provide authentic cultural interactions. Rain typically holds off until afternoon, giving you 4-5 hours of clear exploration time.

Booking Tip: Book through certified heritage guides 5-7 days ahead for TT$150-250 per person. Look for guides certified by the Tourism Development Company. Tours typically last 2.5 hours and include stops at all seven mansions plus the Emperor Valley Zoo entrance. Reference booking widget below for current guided tour options.

Downtown Food Market Tours

September brings the best selection of local produce to the this destination on Charlotte Street, with mango season overlapping with early breadfruit harvests. The 70% humidity actually enhances the aromatic experience of local spices and fresh herbs. Morning tours (8-11 AM) avoid both crowds and afternoon rains while catching vendors at their most talkative.

Booking Tip: Join guided food tours for TT$200-350 per person, typically running 3 hours with 8-10 tastings included. Look for tours that include both the this destination and surrounding street food vendors on Accra. Book 3-5 days ahead through local cultural organizations.

Northern Range Rainforest Hikes

September's frequent rains keep the Maracas Valley and Asa Wright Nature Centre trails lush and bird activity high. The 180 mm (7.1 inches) of monthly rainfall creates spectacular waterfalls along the 5-8 km (3-5 mile) hiking routes. Cloud cover reduces UV exposure, making longer hikes more comfortable despite the humidity.

Booking Tip: Book eco-tours 7-10 days ahead for TT$300-500 per person including transport from Port of Spain. Choose morning departures (6:30 AM pickup) to complete hikes before afternoon storms. Look for operators with 4WD vehicles and waterproof gear included.

Panoramic Steel Pan Yard Sessions

September marks the beginning of serious practice season for steel pan orchestras preparing for next year's competitions. Bands like Desperadoes, Renegades, and Phase II Pan Groove welcome visitors to their Monday and Wednesday evening rehearsals (7-9 PM). The covered pavilions provide perfect shelter from September's evening showers.

Booking Tip: Most pan yards welcome visitors for TT$25-50 donations, but organized cultural tours cost TT$100-180 per person with transport included. Book through cultural centers or hotels 2-3 days ahead. Evening sessions avoid the day's heat and humidity while providing authentic local experiences.

Caroni Swamp Sunset Birding Tours

September's variable weather creates dramatic sky conditions perfect for photography as thousands of Scarlet Ibis return to roost. The 90-minute boat tours through the 15 km² (5.8 sq mile) mangrove swamp are enhanced by September's higher water levels from recent rains, allowing access to more remote channels.

Booking Tip: Book sunset tours (4:30 PM departure) for TT$200-300 per person including boat transport and guide. Reserve 5-7 days ahead as tours are weather-dependent and may be postponed during thunderstorms. Operators provide rain ponchos but bring waterproof camera protection.

Indoor Cultural Center Workshops

September's rainy afternoons make it perfect for hands-on workshops at the Banjul, Central Bank Money Museum, and local art galleries in Woodbrook. Learn traditional crafts like basket weaving or participate in cooking classes featuring September's seasonal ingredients like breadfruit and callaloo.

Booking Tip: Workshop fees range TT$150-400 per person for 2-4 hour sessions. Book directly through cultural centers 3-5 days ahead. Many offer afternoon sessions (2-6 PM) specifically designed as rain-day alternatives. Materials typically included in pricing.

September Events & Festivals

May 30th - but September features related cultural programming and exhibitions

Indian Arrival Day Commemoration

Memorial events and cultural performances honoring the arrival of Indian indentured laborers to Trinidad. Features traditional Indian dance, music, and food festivals primarily at the Indian Cultural Centre and various temples throughout the city.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket or compact umbrella - afternoon storms arrive suddenly and last 30-45 minutes with heavy downpours

Quick-dry clothing in breathable fabrics - cotton and linen work better than polyester in 70% humidity conditions

Waterproof phone case or dry bag - essential for outdoor activities and sudden weather changes

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 requires reapplication every 2 hours, even on cloudy days

Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip - wet pavements in downtown areas become slippery during and after rains

Insect repellent with DEET - increased rainfall creates more mosquito breeding areas, especially near Caroni Swamp

Light sweater for air-conditioned spaces - shopping malls and restaurants keep temperatures at 18-20°C (64-68°F)

Waterproof daypack - protects electronics and documents during unexpected showers while exploring

Extra pairs of socks - feet stay wet longer in humid conditions, especially after walking through puddles

Portable phone charger - high humidity can affect battery performance and you'll use GPS more in variable weather

Insider Knowledge

Time outdoor activities for 7 AM-1 PM window - 80% of September's rainfall occurs between 2-6 PM, giving you consistent morning weather for sightseeing

Use the afternoon rain breaks for indoor cultural sites - locals treat 2-5 PM as natural museum and gallery time, so you'll get better guided attention and fewer crowds

Book accommodation in St. Clair or Woodbrook neighborhoods - these areas have better drainage systems and covered walkways compared to downtown during heavy rains

Take advantage of September's lower hotel occupancy rates for last-minute upgrades - many properties offer complimentary room upgrades for stays of 3+ nights

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning beach days at Maracas Bay without checking surf conditions - September's weather systems create rougher seas and stronger currents that make swimming less enjoyable

Booking outdoor tours for afternoon departure times - 60% of tours get delayed or cancelled due to weather, while morning departures have 90% success rates

Underestimating how quickly afternoon storms develop - tourists often get caught without rain protection when skies change from sunny to stormy in 15-20 minutes