Melekeok in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Melekeok

30°C (86°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

401 mm (15.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Dramatic rain forest scenery at peak lushness - waterfalls like Ngardmau Falls flow at maximum capacity after months of wet season buildup, creating spectacular 30 m (98 ft) cascades
Excellent visibility for diving and snorkeling - September marks transition from wet to dry season with clearing waters, 20-25 m (65-82 ft) visibility at Micronesia and Palau
Lower accommodation rates - September sits in shoulder season with hotel prices 20-30% below December-April peak rates, plus easier booking availability
Optimal bird watching conditions - migratory species arrive while resident birds are most active, with over 140 species observable in Ngermeus Conservation Area during early morning hours

Considerations

Unpredictable afternoon thunderstorms - showers occur 60% of days lasting 45-90 minutes, typically between 2-5 PM, requiring flexible outdoor planning
High humidity levels make hiking more challenging - 70% humidity combined with 30°C (86°F) temperatures create exhausting conditions on trails like Mount Ngerchelchuus
Some outer reef dive sites occasionally cancelled due to choppy seas from lingering wet season weather patterns

Best Activities in September

Jellyfish Lake Snorkeling Tours

September offers ideal conditions for Palau with warm 28°C (82°F) water temperatures and golden jellies at peak population density. Morning tours (8-10 AM) avoid afternoon storms and provide calmest water conditions. The 200 m (656 ft) hike to the lake is manageable before midday heat builds.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed tour operators. Tours typically cost $85-120 USD including permits and equipment. Choose morning departures to avoid weather delays. All operators must be Palau-certified for marine sanctuary access.

Blue Corner Wall Diving

September delivers excellent diving conditions with clearing wet season waters providing 20-25 m (65-82 ft) visibility. Shark activity peaks during this transition period with grey reef sharks, whitetip sharks, and occasional hammerhead sightings. Water temperature averages 28°C (82°F) requiring only 3mm wetsuits.

Booking Tip: Advanced Open Water certification required. Book 10-14 days ahead as dive operators limit groups to 12 divers maximum. Two-tank dives typically cost $140-180 USD. Morning dives offer best visibility before afternoon weather develops.

Kayaking Through Rock Islands

Protected lagoons between Palau provide perfect paddling during September's variable weather. Mushroom-shaped limestone formations create natural windbreaks, while hidden lagoons like Hidden Beach remain accessible. Early morning sessions (7-11 AM) offer mirror-calm waters before sea breezes develop.

Booking Tip: Half-day guided tours cost $65-95 USD including equipment and permits. Book through operators with Palau permit access. Tours typically last 4-5 hours with snorkel stops included. See current options in booking section below.

Ngardmau Waterfall Hiking

September showcases Palau's waterfalls at maximum flow after wet season accumulation. The 2.4 km (1.5 mile) trail to Ngardmau Falls requires 90 minutes each way through dense rain forest. Start before 8 AM to complete hike before afternoon humidity peaks and storms develop.

Booking Tip: Independent hiking requires $15 USD conservation fee. Guided tours with transportation cost $45-65 USD per person. Bring insect repellent and quick-dry clothing. Trail conditions can be muddy - proper hiking shoes essential.

Cultural Village Tours

September coincides with traditional taro harvesting season, offering authentic glimpses of Palauan agriculture. Villages like Palau demonstrate traditional stone money practices and showcase local handicrafts. Indoor cultural centers provide excellent rainy day alternatives when weather turns.

Booking Tip: Village tours typically cost $35-50 USD including traditional lunch and demonstrations. Book through community-based operators to support local families. Tours run rain or shine with covered pavilions available during storms.

Sunset Dinner Cruises

September sunsets occur around 6:15 PM with spectacular cloud formations from afternoon weather patterns. Protected waters around Palau harbor provide calm sailing conditions even on windier days. Dinner cruises feature fresh local seafood including September's peak season grouper and snapper catches.

Booking Tip: Evening cruises cost $75-110 USD including dinner and transfers. Book 3-5 days ahead for weekend departures. Most operators include complimentary cocktails and feature live traditional music. Cruises operate unless severe weather warnings issued.

September Events & Festivals

Mid to Late September

Independence Day Celebrations

October 1st preparations begin in mid-September with traditional dance practice sessions, canoe racing training, and cultural exhibition setup. Local communities prepare traditional foods and handicraft displays visible throughout Palau during this period.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking pants and shorts - 70% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable, synthetic fabrics dry within 2 hours after afternoon showers

Lightweight rain jacket with pit zips - afternoon storms last 45-90 minutes with warm 24°C (75°F) rain requiring breathable coverage

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV index reaches 8 and zinc-oxide formulas required by law for marine sanctuary entry

Waterproof phone case and dry bag - essential for kayaking and boat transfers, protects electronics during unexpected downpours

Moisture-wicking hiking socks - prevents blisters during humid 90-minute waterfall hikes on muddy trails

Insect repellent with 30% DEET minimum - September marks peak mosquito season in rain forest areas and evening hours

Lightweight long-sleeve shirt for evenings - provides sun protection during 6:15 PM sunsets and mosquito protection after dark

Sturdy water shoes or hiking sandals - essential for rocky shorelines, coral walks, and slippery waterfall approaches

Portable umbrella for walking tours - more practical than rain jackets during brief but intense afternoon cloudbursts

Electrolyte tablets or powder - high humidity and 30°C (86°F) temperatures require constant hydration replacement during activities

Insider Knowledge

Morning activities (7-11 AM) offer the most reliable weather window - locals schedule all outdoor work before noon to avoid afternoon storms and peak heat

September's shoulder season allows walk-in dining at top restaurants like Elilai that require reservations during peak months - try traditional fruit bat soup and coconut crab when available

Many dive operators offer September-specific discounts for multiple-day packages as they transition equipment between seasons - negotiate 3-4 dive packages for best rates

Local fishing boats return with catches around 4 PM daily - visit Palau fish market between 4-6 PM for freshest seafood selections and cultural interaction with fishing families

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities after 2 PM when 60% of afternoon storms occur - morning tours have 90% better completion rates than afternoon departures

Packing only cotton clothing which stays damp for hours in 70% humidity - synthetic fabrics dry 3-4 times faster and prevent skin irritation

Expecting consistent weather patterns - September weather changes rapidly requiring flexible daily itineraries and indoor backup plans for every outdoor activity